Bone tissue, the second most transplanted tissue after blood, is utilized in over 2.2 million bone grafts annually to address various bone-related conditions including fractures, tumors, bone infections, scoliosis, congenital defects, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and osteogenesis imperfecta. According to incomplete statistics, $4.3 billion was spent on bone graft materials in 2015 alone, with projections suggesting this figure may reach $66 billion by 2026. The limited availability of autogenous bone graft considered the gold standard due to their three critical biological properties: osteoconduction, osteoinduction, and osteogenesis-alongside the increasing global aging population, may be contributing to this rising expenditure. Furthermore, advancements in biomaterials and engineering technologies have created opportunities for the exploration of new bone graft substitutes. In this review, we will examine the fundamental structure of natural bone and the characteristics of ideal bone graft, highlighting common bone graft materials currently available, such as true bone ceramics, decalcified bone matrix, freeze-dried bone and demineralized freeze-dried bone, bioactive glasses, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, polymer nanocomposites, which have different characteristics in osteogenic, osteoconductivity, osteoinductivity, biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and resorption. How to utilize its advantages to maximize the osteogenic effect will be the focus of this review, and some of the current challenges in the field of bone grafting will be identified, outlining potential directions for future development. In conclusion, the choice of bone graft is critical to bone repair and regeneration, and a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of bone graft materials can improve the effectiveness of related surgical interventions.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disease, is the leading cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis and has consistently been implicated in related metabolic disorders, such as dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the pathogenesis of NAFLD remains to be elucidated, and no established therapeutic regimens for treating NAFLD exist. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the main cellular energy sensor, has been implicated as a key regulator of hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. Recently, emerging evidence indicates that many plant-derived natural products are capable of ameliorating NAFLD by targeting AMPK. Methods: The published literature in PubMed relating to this topic was searched through June 2016. Results: Significant advances have been made with respect to understanding the protective effects of plant-derived natural products against NAFLD. A variety of natural products, including alkaloids (berberine, demethyleneberberine, nicotine, caffeine, etc.), polyphenols (resveratrol, puerarin, curcumin, caffeic acid, etc.) and other compounds (β- caryophyllene, gastrodin, compound K, betulinic acid, etc.), have demonstrated promising results in preclinical studies. Mechanistic studies of these compounds have focused on their activation of AMPK and its downstream effectors involved in lipid metabolism. Conclusion: The findings of this review confirm that plant-derived natural products capable of activating the AMPK signaling pathway are potential therapeutic agents for NAFLD.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a globally occurring disease that represents a significant cause of socioeconomic problems. Currently, the main method for treating IDD is surgery, including discectomy and vertebral fusion. Several in vitro experiments demonstrated that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could stimulate cell proliferation and extracellular matrix regeneration. Additionally, in vivo experiments have proven that PRP injection could restore intervertebral disc height. Clinical studies demonstrated that PRP injection could significantly relieve patient pain. However, further studies are still required to clarify the roles of PRP in IDD prevention and treatment. This review is aimed at summarizing and critically analyzing the current evidence regarding IDD treatment with PRP.

Serum urate (SU) levels are significantly elevated in conditions such as gout, type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity, and other metabolic syndromes. Recently, due to the high prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA), numerous clinical connections between SU and musculoskeletal disorders like sarcopenia, osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), and osteoporosis (OP) have been identified. This review discusses the mechanisms linking SU to musculoskeletal disorders, as well as the clinical associations of SU with conditions such as sarcopenia, T2D with sarcopenia, McArdle disease, heart failure, gout, OA, IDD, OP and exercise-induced acute kidney injury (EIAKI), offering valuable insights for improved prevention and treatment strategies. Mechanisms linking SU to musculoskeletal disorders include oxidative stress, MSU (monosodium urate) crystal deposition, inflammation, and other factors. In adults, both age and SU levels should be considered for preventing sarcopenia, while gender and SU may directly impact muscle mass in children and adolescents. HUA and gout may be risk factors for OA progression, although some reports suggest otherwise. A U-shaped relationship between SU and IDD has been reported, particularly in Chinese men, indicating lower or higher SU level may be risk factors for IDD. Maintaining SU levels within a certain range may help prevent OP and fractures. Future research, including epidemiological studies and new pathogenesis findings, will further clarify the relationship between musculoskeletal diseases and SU.