The Journal of Bucharest College of Physicians and the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences

Laura Dumitrescu

Laura Dumitrescu

Evaluation of the Effect of Phytocomplex on Chondroprotective Biomarkers in an Experimental Model of Osteoarthritis in Rats

Osteoarthritis (OA) is most prevalent joint disease and major contributor to non-fatal burden in India, with prevalence rates of 22% - 39%. The use of conventional medication can be associated with insufficient clinical management and serious side effects. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity and chondrocytes protection and regeneration potential of Joint Support Product (JSP) in monosodium Iodoacetate induced Osteoarthritis rat model. Pain threshold, knee joint swelling, Blood inflammatory parameters like Tissue necrosis factor, Interlukin-6, Leukotriene B 4, C- reactive protein and arthritic biomarkers Matrix metalloproteinase-13 and Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein, were estimated. Also Radiographic and histopathological evaluation were done to estimate the severity of OA. Treatment of JSP demonstrated significant increase in pain threshold by 68 % and decrease in knee joint swelling by 92 %. The inflammatory markers decreased significantly (p< .00001) after treatment with JSP. The Tissue necrosis factor decreased by 55 %, Interlukin-6 by 61%, Leukotriene B 4 by 57%, C- reactive protein by 69 % and arthritic biomarkers - Matrix metalloproteinase by 88% and Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein by 37% as compared to disease control rats. Also the radiological evaluation and gross histopathology of rats showed improved chondrocytes structure. Thus JSP’s analgesic, anti-inflammatory, chondrocyte regeneration, and chondroprotective properties have therefore demonstrated an anti-arthritic impact.

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Primary versus Secondary Central Nervous System Melanoma: a Diagnostic Dilemma and Report of a Case

Malignant melanoma is a cancer of melanocytic origin, typically cutaneous. Despite recent advances, the prognosis is poor. Brain metastases occur in approximately 7-16% of cases and leptomeningeal metastases in 5-7%. Primary central nervous system (CNS) melanoma is rare, accounting for 1% of all melanoma cases and 0.07% of brain tumors. Methods: A 65-year old man presented with haemorrhagic venous infarction of the left temporal lobe, leading to reversible motor aphasia and right-sided hemiparesis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging also revealed peculiar supratentorial cerebral and meningeal lesions suggesting neoplasia or vasculitis. Ancillary tests were unremarkable, a brain biopsy was proposed, but the patient declined. After 1.5 years symptoms recurred and imaging studies found progression of lesions, with necrosis and surrounding vasogenic oedema. The patient finally agreed to a brain biopsy for conclusive diagnosis. Results: Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment was consistent with malignant pigmented melanoma. There were no suspicious primary lesions, but the patient recounted having had a thoracic skin lump excised some years prior, allegedly benign, yet unavailable for second opinion. Conclusion: In suspicious CNS presentations, histopathological reevaluation of previously excised skin lesions is advised, especially if brain biopsy cannot be performed. Albeit rare, primary CNS melanoma should also be considered.

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Non-dominant Primary Motor Cortex Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Moderate to Severe Chronic Pain Caused by...

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a relatively new therapeutic and diagnostic technique that uses non-invasive neuromodulation and has an excellent safety profile[1]. According to recent EAN guidelines on central neurostimulation in chronic pain conditions there is only week evidence for primary motor cortex rTMS in neuropathic pain[2], while other guidelines on rTMS state a defi nite analgesic effect of high frequency rTMS of the primary motor cortex contra-lateral to pain site in neuropathic pain[3]

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