No abstract

The Long Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a multifunctional glycoprotein released by peripheral blood leukocytes and myeloid dendritic cells in response to primary pro-inflammatory stimuli, that acts as a non-redundant component of the humoral arm of innate immunity. In addition to the primary role in the acute inflammatory response, PTX3 seems to be involved in other physiological and pathological processes. Indeed, PTX3 seems to play a pivotal role in the deposition and remodeling of bone matrix during the mineralization process, promoting osteoblasts differentiation and activity. Recently, PTX3 was seen to be involved in the ectopic calcifications’ formation in breast cancer disease. In this regard, it has been observed that breast cancer tumors characterized by high expression of PTX3 and high amount of Breast Osteoblast Like Cells (BOLCs) showed several Hydroxyapatite (HA) microcalcifications, suggesting a likely role for PTX3 in differentiation and osteoblastic activity in both bone and extra-bone sites. Furthermore, given its involvement in bone metabolism, several studies agree with the definition of PTX3 as a molecule significantly involved in the pathogenesis of age-related bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, both in mice and humans. Recent results suggest that genetic and epigenetic mechanisms acting on PTX3 gene are also involved in the progression of these diseases. Based on these evidences, the aim of our systemic review was to offer an overview of the variety of biological processes in which PTX3 is involved, focusing on bone mineralization, both in a physiological and pathological context.

Background. The evidences suggest that the risk of orthopaedic injury is the highest in the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle. The change on mechanical properties of muscle and/or tendon related the higher estrogen concentration in the ovulation phase may be related to the highest risk of orthopaedic injury in ovulation phase. The purpose of the study was to investigate the menstrual cycle effect on the stiffness, elasticity and/or tone of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, Achilles and patellar tendons. Methods. The study was carried out in 30 healthy sedentary young females. The stiffness, elasticity and/or tone of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, Achilles and patellar tendons were measured using a MyotonPRO device. The stiffness, elasticity and/or tone of selected muscle and tendons were measured in the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases to determine the menstrual cycle variation. Results. There was no significant difference in stiffness, elasticity and tone of the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon and medial gastrocnemius muscle among phases (p > .05). Conclusions. The results suggest that the menstrual cycle do not affect the stiffness, elasticity and/or tone of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, Achilles and patellar tendons.

Background. Chronic and neglected ruptures of distal triceps brachii tendon (TBT), for different reasons, are rarer than acute ruptures. We aimed to review the literature about their surgical treatment and outcome to better understand how to address this kind of rare tendon injuries. Sources of data. Published articles in English in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar up to December 2019 about chronic ruptures of distal TBT. Twenty-one papers were included following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Areas of agreement. In cases of neglected rupture or re-rupture of the distal TBT surgical treatment is required. The macroscopic quality of the residual stump rather than the timing of intervention is the key point in the choice of a specific surgical procedure, included autograft or allograft. Areas of controversy. Several surgical procedures are described to restore the tendon anatomy and function. The quality of the current literature could not afford definitive conclusions on which procedure guarantee the best results. Growing points. Studies comparing different surgical treatments need to be further investigated. If found to be significant, preventive and therapeutic strategies should subsequently be developed.