Recent experimental researches supports the hypothesis that mechanical stimuli play a role in regulating specialized molecules expression in articular cartilage in vitro and in vivo. Therefore we are studying bioreactor to provide a stimulus of mimicked real knee environment. Our bioreactor system consists of a joint motion stimulation device and culture chamber. We fabricated a stimulation system similar to movement of the CPM(Continuous Passive Motion) device for human joint motion. This system is composed of a linear stage, ball spline and links. Also we fabricated a culture system for media and circulation and mimicked knee environment. However, Previous culture system has some problems that media leakage and interference of joint model. In this study, we improved a new-chamber system for non-interference of joint model and medium sealing. Then, this system could be used to investigate the effect of dynamic culture.

Both synovial cysts and synovial chondromatoses originate from synovial tissue, and only one case has been reported to occur simultaneously in a patient. Our patient presented with a swelling of the right preauricular area and pain on opening the mouth. Magnetic resonance images demonstrated two cystic structures in the superficial lobe of right parotid gland. Under the clinical impression of a cyst in the salivary gland, an enucleation was performed. However, the final diagnosis based on microscopic examination was a synovial cyst associated with the right temporomandibular joint and a synovial chondromatosis arising within the cystic wall. Awareness of this combined lesion will help make a diagnosis and establish a proper treatment plan.

This study investigates the effect of supercritical fluid extract (CMPB803-C) of Lithospermum erythrorhizon,shikonin and acetylshikonin isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon on IL-1β-induced chondrocytes and monosodiumiodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis in rat. Shikonin (50μM) and acetylshikonin (3μM) treatment reduced signifi-cantly the mRNA expression and enzyme activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, −3 and −13 in IL-1β-inducedSW1353 chondrosarcoma cells. The chondro-protective effects of CMPB803-C and acetylshikonin were than analyzed in arat OA model using a single intra-articular injection of MIA (1㎎) in the right knee joint. CMPB803-C (200㎎/㎏) or ace-tylshikonin (5㎎/㎏) was orally administered daily for two weeks starting after 1 week of MIA injection. In the histologicalobservation, CMPB803-C and acetylshikonin clearly improved OA lesions being comparable to or better that control group.Our results demonstrated that CMPB803-C and acetylshikonin as active compound of Lithospermum erythrorhizon have astrong chondro-protective effect in OA rats, which likely attributes to its anti-inflammatory activity and inhibition ofMMPs production.