Nong-Shan Zhang

Objective The aim of this meta-analysis was to clarify the role of Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) -1607 1G/2G (rs1799750) polymorphism on the osteoarthritis (OA) risk. Methods Articles were selected by retrieving the Web of Science, Embase and Pubmed. The strength of the association between -1607 1G/2G polymorphism and OA risk was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for each study. Results No significant association between -1607 1G/2G polymorphism and OA risk was found in all the models overall (2G2G vs 1G1G, OR (95%CI) = 0.69 (0.36–1.32), P = 0.54; 2G2G + 2G1G vs 1G1G, OR (95%CI) = 0.88 (0.47–1.63), P = 0.69; 2G2G vs 2G1G + 1G1G, OR (95%CI) = 1.30 (0.68–2.47), P = 0.41; 2 G vs 1G, OR (95%CI) = 0.90 (0.86–1.54), P = 0.66). By subgroup analysis, significant association was found in the “< 60 years” group (2G2G vs 1G1G, OR (95%CI) = 3.46 (2.13–5.62), P = 0.00; 2G2G + 2G1G vs 1G1G, OR (95%CI) = 0.49 (0.31–0.79), P = 0.00; 2G2G vs 2G1G + 1G1G, OR (95%CI) = 2.74 (1.80–4.16, P = 0.00; 2 G vs 1G, OR (95%CI) = 0.56 (0.35–0.89), P = 0.01). Conclusions This meta-analysis showed that -1607 1G/2G polymorphism may increase the susceptibility to OA among the younger populations (<60 years). More studies with detailed information are needed to validate our conclusion. Level of Evidence Level I Diagnostic Study. ER -

Brucine is the active component in traditional Chinese medicine “Ma-Qian-Zi” (Strychnos nux-vomica Linn), with capabilities of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and so on. It is crucial how to break through the impact of cuticle skin which reduces the penetration of drugs to improve drug transmission rate. The aim of this study is to improve the local drug concentration by using ultrasound. We used fresh porcine skin to study the effects of ultrasound on the transdermal absorption of brucine under the influence of various acoustic parameters, including frequency, amplitude and irradiation time. The transdermal conditions of yellow-green fluorescent nanoparticles and brucine in skin samples were observed by laser confocal microscopy and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The results show that under ultrasonic conditions, the permeability of the skin to the fluorescent label and brucine (e.g., the depth and concentration of penetration) is increased compared to its passive diffusion permeability. The best ultrasound penetration can make the penetration depth of more than 110 microns, fluorescent nanoparticles and brucine concentration increased to 2-3 times. This work will provide supportive data on how the brucine is better used for transdermal drug delivery (TDD).