Objective
To evaluate the efficacy of light-emitting diode (LED) and their dual-wavelengths as a treatment strategy for osteoarthritis.
Methods
We induced osteoarthritis in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate into the right rear knee joint. The animals with lesions were divided into an untreated group and an LED-treated group (n=7 each). In the LED-treated group, the lesioned knee was irradiated with lasers (850 and 940 nm) and dose (3.15 J/cm²) for 20 minutes per session, twice a week for 4 weeks. Knee joint tissues were stained and scanned using an in vivo micro-computed tomography (CT) scanner. Serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-18 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. Several functional tests (lines crossed, rotational movement, rearing, and latency to remain rotating rod) were performed 24 hours before LED treatment and at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after treatment.
Results
LED-treated rats showed improved locomotor function and suppressed matrix-degrading cytokines. Micro-CT images indicated that LED therapy had a preserving effect on cartilage and cortical bone.
Conclusion
LED treatment using wavelengths of 850 and 940 nm resulted in significant functional, anatomical, and histologic improvements without adverse events in a rat model. Further research is required to determine the optimal wavelength, duration, and combination method, which will maximize treatment effectiveness.

Citations

• Photobiomodulation Literature Watch December 2023
  James D. Carroll
  Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery.2024; 42(10): 660.     CrossRef

Objective
To investigate the glial cell and AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor activity after surgery for disc herniation pain model.
Methods
In total, 83 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: control (n=16), sham-operated (n=4), rats for pain behavior evaluation (n=3), nucleus pulposus-exposed groups for AMPA receptors (n=30), and glial cell (n=30). The rats were tested for mechanical allodynia; immunohistochemical staining for AMPA receptors (GluA1 and GluA2) and glial cells (OX-42 and glial fibrillary acid protein [GFAP]) in the spinal dorsal horn was performed on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14.
Results
Mechanical withdrawal thresholds decreased after surgery, and this effect was maintained for up to 14 days. Immunohistochemical expression of GluA1 and GluA2 in the spinal dorsal horn had increased quantitatively on postoperative days 3 and 7 (p<0.05) to levels similar to that of the controls on postoperative day 14. Moreover, immunohistochemical expression of OX-42 and GFAP showed similar changes to AMPA receptors after surgery. Although the activity of AMPA receptors and glial cells achieved normalcy, the mechanical withdrawal threshold of the hind paw remained decreased 38 days after surgery.
Conclusion
The rat model of lumbar disc herniation showed increased expression of AMPA receptor and glial cell activity in the spinal dorsal horn 3 and 7 days after surgery, which deceased to control levels at 14 days. The AMPA receptors and glial cell activations showed similar patterns after disc herniation surgery.

Citations

• Regulating AMPA Receptors with Isoxazole-4-Carboxamide Derivatives: An Electrophysiological Study
  Mohammad Qneibi, Mohammed Hawash, Sosana Bdir, Mohammad Bdair, Tala Idais, Iyas Sarhan, Joud Touqan
  Journal of Xenobiotics.2025; 15(2): 40.     CrossRef
• Predictive value of S100B and brain derived neurotrophic factor for radiofrequency treatment of lumbar disc prolapse
  Wael Fathy, Mona Hussein, Rehab Magdy, Hatem Elmoutaz, Neveen A Youssef, Marwa F Abd Alla, Ahmed M El Shaarawy, Mohamed Abdelbadie
  BMC Anesthesiology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Animal Models of Intervertebral Disc Diseases: Advantages, Limitations, and Future Directions
  Jin Young Hong, Hyunseong Kim, Wan-Jin Jeon, Changhwan Yeo, Hyun Kim, Junseon Lee, Yoon Jae Lee, In-Hyuk Ha
  Neurology International.2024; 16(6): 1788.     CrossRef

We report a patient with ankylosing spondylitis presenting dysphagia as a chief complaint. A 43-year-old man complained of swallowing difficulty persisted for a year. Laryngoscopy revealed bilateral arytenoid swelling. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) revealed penetration and aspiration of liquid, food residue in pyriform sinuses, multiple swallowing and passage disturbance of food. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were elevated. On physical examination, neck stiffness and limitation of motion of whole spine were shown. Simple radiography of spine and sacroiliac joints displayed cervical osteophyte, bamboo spine and bilateral sacroilitis. Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index was 6.3 points. He was diagnosed as severe active ankylosing spondylitis. After the conservative treatment, range of motion of whole spine increased and dysphagia improved on follow-up VFSS. Dysphagia in ankylosing spondylitis may be attributed to postural changes due to limitation of cervical motion and inflammation of soft tissue. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2009; 33: 489-492)

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common cause of disability in the aging population. Traditional nonoperative treatment options include exercise, physical therapy, weight reduction, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, analgesics and corticosteroid injection. In recent years, intra-articular injection of hyaluronate-derived products has gained popularity as a palliative modality for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. The common adverse reaction are mild pain or swelling at the site of injection that may occur up to 20% of patients. Severe local inflammation, warmth and joint effusion are rare and no systemic complication have been reported, to our knowledge. We presented one case in which synovial inflammation was observed following intra- articular injection of the knee. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2004; 28: 109-112)