A role for GH and IGF-I in the modulation of the immune system has been under discussion for decades. Generally, GH is considered a stimulator of innate immune parameters in mammals and teleost fish. The stimulatory effects in humans as well as in bony fish often appear to be correlated with elevated endocrine IGF-I (liver-derived), which has also been shown to be suppressed during infection in some studies. Nevertheless, data are still fragmentary. Some studies point to an important role of GH and IGF-I particularly during immune organ development and constitution. Even less is known about the potential relevance of local (autocrine/paracrine) IGF-I within adult and developing immune organs, and the distinct localization of IGF-I in immune cells and tissues of mammals and fish has not been systematically defined. Thus far, IGF-I has been localized in different mammalian immune cell types, particularly macrophages and granulocytes, and in supporting cells, but not in T-lymphocytes. In the present study, we detected IGF-I in phagocytic cells isolated from rainbow trout head kidney and, in contrast to some findings in mammals, in T-cells of a channel catfish cell line. Thus, although numerous analogies among mammals and teleosts exist not only for the GH/IGF-system, but also for the immune system, there are differences that should be further investigated. For instance, it is unclear whether the primarily reported role of GH/IGF-I in the innate immune response is due to the lack of studies focusing on the adaptive immune system, or whether it truly preferentially concerns innate immune parameters. Infectious challenges in combination with GH/IGF-I manipulations are another important topic that has not been sufficiently addressed to date, particularly with respect to developmental and environmental influences on fish growth and health.

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Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: A key for success in total ankle replacement (TAR) is a balanced ankle joint with a physiological loading of the implant, minimizing the wear of the polyethylene insert. Theoretically, in ankles with distal tibial deformities, this can be achieved with a correcting tibial resection cut. As an alternative, supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT) can be used for balancing the ankle during TAR surgery. To date, however, no data exist whether a SMOT in addition to TAR results in better outcome over time, and which are the additional risks with such extensive surgery. The aim of the study was therefore 1) to determine the risk of a simultaneously performed SMOT in comparison to TAR only, and 2) to compare the postoperative clinical outcomes. Methods: Between 2002 and 2014, 23 patients (male, 12; female, 11; mean age 60 [22-72] years) underwent simultaneously a SMOT and a TAR for treatment of a severe misaligned osteoarthritic ankle (tibial anterior surface angle [TAS] <84° [n=9] or >96° [n=1], or tibial lateral surface angle [TLS] <70° [n=13]) (SMOT&TAR group). Statistical matching was applied to extract a subgroup out of 510 TAR patients from our prospectively collected database with the same baseline characteristics, including similar preoperative alignments (control group). The matched 23 TAR patients (male, 16; female, 7; mean age 58 [35 - 79] years) were compared regarding additional procedures, complications and reoperations. Pre- and postoperative alignment measured on radiographs and clinical outcome (range of motion [ROM], pain on the visual analogue scale [VAS] and AOFAS hindfoot score) were compared. Results: While more additional osteotomies were done in the SMOT&TAR group (calcaneus, 5:1; fibula, 7:1), more ligament reconstructions and tendon transfers were done in control group (ligament reconstruction, 0:6; tendon transfer, 0:6). There was no difference, neither in the complication rate nor in the reoperation rate between both groups. However, there was a tendency of instability, subsequent polyethylene wear and cyst formation in the TAR group. The postoperative TAS was closer to neutral in the SMOT&TAR (pre- to postoperatively: 82.9° to 90.4° vs. 82.6° to 87.8°). While ROM was lower in the SMOT&TAR (30°) than in the TAR group (39°) (p=0.01), there was no difference in the clinical outcome (VAS pain 1.2 vs. 1.5 [p=0.58], AOFAS score 82 vs. 82 [p=0.99]). Conclusion: A SMOT performed simultaneously with TAR for the treatment of a severely deformed ankle resulted in a more neutral and better balanced ankle, and it was not associated with a greater risk of complications or reoperations. The only disadvantage was a slightly smaller ROM. Thus, SMOT should be considered in TAR with greater hindfoot deformities at the distal tibia as it is more powerful to address deforming forces. As shown, SMOT and TAR can be done simultaneously without taking greater risks.