Curcumin Inhibits Polyethylene-Induced Osteolysis via Repressing NF-κB Signaling Pathway Activation

Background/Aims: Aseptic loosening is a common reason for failed artificial hip replacement after total hip arthroplasty. Aseptic loosening is mostly the result of wear debris that causes osteolysis and weakens the structures that support the prosthesis. Wear debris plays a crucial role in osteolysis during the loosening process, and polyethylene (PE) particles are found as wear debris more frequently than any other type of particle. In the absence of effective therapeutic agents, osteolysis has been hard to treat. Previous studies have demonstrated that curcumin influences signalosome-associated kinases and the proteasome-ubiquitin system during osteoclastogenesis. The aims of this study were to explore the anti-osteolysis effect of curcumin and if possible to identify the signaling pathway involved in a model of PE-induced osteolysis. Methods: Differentiation of osteoclasts was induced in vitro by PE particles in RAW264.7 (monocyte/macrophage) cells and in vivo by calvarial and air pouch models of osteolysis established by PE stimulation in mice. We performed a set of TRAP staining, realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blot experiments to evaluate the anti-osteolytic effect of curcumin by comparing specimens that were exposed and not exposed to curcumin. Results: Curcumin had a promising inhibitory effect on osteolysis induced by wear debris and suppressed the RANK/c-Fos/NFATc1 signaling pathway. Conclusion: Curcumin can prevent PE-induced osteolysis and bone loss. An inhibitory effect on the RANK/c-Fos/NFATc1 signaling pathway may explain the anti-osteolysis activity of curcumin

A systematic review and meta-analysis of Internet-based self-help interventions for mental health among adolescents and college students

Purpose: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of Internet-based self-help interventions on the mental health of adolescents and college students. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated Internet-based self-help interventions aiming to mitigate mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression, as well as managing high levels of stress, among adolescents and college students. Our search spanned databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase, up until November 1st, 2022. It is essential to emphasize that our focus was the evaluation of symptoms (continuous outcomes), rather than the diagnosis of specific mental disorders. The meta-analysis was performed using the R version 4.3.1. The effect size measure was the standardized mean difference (SMD), and random-effects models were used to pool data from eligible RCTs. Subgroup analyses were carried out to examine variations in intervention effects based on factors such as sample type, intervention modality, guidance type, and intervention duration. Results: The meta-analysis was based on 25 comparisons involving a total of 4480 participants. In comparison to the control group (n = 2125), participants receiving interventions (n = 2355) reported significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, along with a significant improvement in quality of life. Specifically, for depression, we observed moderate intervention effects (SMD = −0.42, 95 % CI: −0.56, −0.27), and a similar pattern was seen for quality of life (SMD = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.22, 0.49). Small intervention effects were found for anxiety (SMD = −0.35, 95 % CI [−0.48, −0.22]) and stress (SMD = −0.35, 95 % CI [−0.51, −0.20]). Given significant heterogeneity, subgroup analyses were conducted for anxiety and depression, considering factors such as sample type, intervention method, and intervention duration. Notably, college students experienced more significant benefits in both anxiety and depression alleviation compared to adolescents. Longer interventions (>8 weeks) were particularly effective in reducing anxiety and depression. Additionally, third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) showed pronounced intervention effects in both outcome measures, while the presence of guidance did not notably influence results. Conclusion: This meta-analysis underscores the positive impact of Internet-based self-help programs in alleviating the symptoms of psychological disorders among adolescents and college students. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the available evidence exhibits inconsistencies and limitations. Therefore, further research utilizing rigorous methodologies is necessary to verify and broaden the findings of this meta-analysis

HYBID in osteoarthritis: Potential target for disease progression

HYBID is a new hyaluronan-degrading enzyme and exists in various cells of the human body. Recently, HYBID was found to over-express in the osteoarthritic chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes. According to these researches, high level of HYBID is significantly correlated with cartilage degeneration in joints and hyaluronic acid degradation in synovial fluid. In addition, HYBID can affect inflammatory cytokine secretion, cartilage and synovium fibrosis, synovial hyperplasia via multiple signaling pathways, thereby exacerbating osteoarthritis. Based on the existing research of HYBID in osteoarthritis, HYBID can break the metabolic balance of HA in joints through the degradation ability independent of HYALs/CD44 system and furthermore affect cartilage structure and mechanotransduction of chondrocytes. In particular, in addition to HYBID itself being able to trigger some signaling pathways, we believe that low-molecular-weight hyaluronan produced by excess degradation can also stimulate some disease-promoting signaling pathways by replacing high-molecular-weight hyaluronan in joints. The specific role of HYBID in osteoarthritis is gradually revealed, and the discovery of HYBID raises the new way to treat osteoarthritis. In this review, the expression and basic functions of HYBID in joints were summarized, and reveal potential role of HYBID as a key target in treatment for osteoarthritis