Human α-Defensin 51-9 and Human β-Defensin 2 Improve Metabolic Parameters and Gut Barrier Function in Mice Fed a Western-Style Diet

Obesity and metabolic comorbidities are associated with gut permeability. While high-fructose and Western-style diet (WSD) disrupt intestinal barrier function, oral administration of human α-defensin 5 (HD5) and β-defensin 2 (hBD2) is believed to improve intestinal integrity and metabolic disorders. Eighty-four male C57BL/6J mice were fed a WSD or a control diet (CD) ± fructose (F) for 18 weeks. In week 13, mice were randomly divided into three intervention groups, receiving defensin fragment HD51-9, full-length hBD2, or bovine serum albumin (BSA)-control for six weeks. Subsequently, parameters of hepatic steatosis, glucose metabolism, and gut barrier function were assessed. WSDF increased body weight and hepatic steatosis (p < 0.01) compared to CD-fed mice, whereas peptide intervention decreased liver fat (p < 0.05) and number of hepatic lipid droplets (p < 0.01) compared to BSA-control. In addition, both peptides attenuated glucose intolerance by reducing blood glucose curves in WSDF-fed mice. Evaluation of gut barrier function revealed that HD51-9 and hBD2 improve intestinal integrity by upregulating tight junction and mucin expression. Moreover, peptide treatment restored ileal host defense peptides (HDP) expression, likely by modulating the Wnt, Myd88, p38, and Jak/STAT pathways. These findings strongly suggest that α- and β-defensin treatment improve hepatic steatosis, glucose metabolism, and gut barrier function.

Prefrontal allopregnanolone mediates the adverse effects of acute stress in a mouse model of tic pathophysiology

Ample evidence suggests that acute stress can worsen symptom severity in Tourette syndrome (TS); however, the neurobiological underpinnings of this phenomenon remain poorly understood. We previously showed that acute stress exacerbates tic-like and other TS-associated responses via the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP) in an animal model of repetitive behavioral pathology. To verify the relevance of this mechanism to tic pathophysiology, here we tested the effects of AP in a mouse model recapitulating the partial depletion of dorsolateral cholinergic interneurons (CINs) seen in post-mortem studies of TS. Mice underwent targeted depletion of striatal CINs during adolescence and were tested in young adulthood. Compared with controls, partially CIN-depleted male mice exhibited several TS-relevant abnormalities, including deficient prepulse inhibition (PPI) and increased grooming stereotypies after a 30-min session of spatial confinement - a mild acute stressor that increases AP levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). These effects were not seen in females. Systemic and intra-PFC AP administration dose-dependently worsened grooming stereotypies and PPI deficits in partially CIN-depleted males. Conversely, both AP synthesis inhibition and pharmacological antagonism reduced the effects of stress. These results further suggest that AP in the PFC mediates the adverse effects of stress on the severity of tics and other TS-related manifestations. Future studies will be necessary to confirm these mechanisms in patients and define the circuitry responsible for the effects of AP on tics.

Prefrontal allopregnanolone synergizes with D1 receptor activation to disrupt sensorimotor gating in male Sprague-Dawley rats

RATIONALE

The prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex is the best-established index of sensorimotor gating. We documented that the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP) is necessary to reduce PPI in response to D₁ dopamine receptor agonists. Since Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats are poorly sensitive to the PPI-disrupting effects of these drugs, we hypothesized that AP might increase this susceptibility.

OBJECTIVES

We tested whether AP is sufficient to increase the vulnerability of SD rats to PPI deficits in response to the D₁ receptor full agonist SKF82958.

METHODS

SD rats were tested for PPI after treatment with SKF82958 (0.05-0.3 mg/kg, SC) in combination with either intraperitoneal (1-10 mg/kg) or intracerebral (0.5 μg/μl/side) AP administration into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) or nucleus accumbens shell. To rule out potential confounds, we measured whether SKF82958 affected the endogenous mPFC levels of AP.

RESULTS

SD rats exhibited marked PPI deficits in response to the combination of systemic and intra-mPFC AP with SKF82958 but not with the D₂ receptor agonist quinpirole (0.3-0.6 mg/kg, SC). SKF82958 did not elevate mPFC levels of AP but enhanced the content of its precursor progesterone. The PPI deficits caused by SKF82958 in combination with AP were opposed by the AP antagonist isoallopregnanolone (10 mg/kg, IP) and the glutamate NMDA receptor positive modulator CIQ (5 mg/kg, IP).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that AP enables the detrimental effects of D₁ receptor activation on sensorimotor gating. AP antagonism or glutamatergic modulation counters these effects and may have therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by gating deficits.

Human β-defensin 2 ameliorates acute GVHD by limiting ileal neutrophil infiltration and restraining T cell receptor signaling

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), which is driven by allogeneic T cells, has a high mortality rate and limited treatment options. Human β-defensin 2 (hBD-2) is an endogenous epithelial cell-derived host-defense peptide. In addition to its antimicrobial effects, hBD-2 has immunomodulatory functions thought to be mediated by CCR2 and CCR6 in myeloid cells. In this study, we analyzed the effect of recombinant hBD-2 on aGVHD development. We found that intestinal β-defensin expression was inadequately induced in response to inflammation in two independent cohorts of patients with aGVHD and in a murine aGVHD model. Treatment of mice with hBD-2 reduced GVHD severity and mortality and modulated the intestinal microbiota composition, resulting in reduced neutrophil infiltration in the ileum. Furthermore, hBD-2 treatment decreased proliferation and proinflammatory cytokine production by allogeneic T cells in vivo while preserving the beneficial graft-versus-leukemia effect. Using transcriptome and kinome profiling, we found that hBD-2 directly dampened primary murine and human allogeneic T cell proliferation, activation, and metabolism in a CCR2- and CCR6-independent manner by reducing proximal T cell receptor signaling. Furthermore, hBD-2 treatment diminished alloreactive T cell infiltration and the expression of genes involved in T cell receptor signaling in the ilea of mice with aGVHD. Together, we found that both human and murine aGVHD were characterized by a lack of intestinal β-defensin induction and that recombinant hBD-2 represents a potential therapeutic strategy to counterbalance endogenous hBD-2 deficiency.

Human β-Defensin 2 Mutations Are Associated With Asthma and Atopy in Children and Its Application Prevents Atopic Asthma in a Mouse Model

Asthma and allergies are complex, chronic inflammatory diseases in which genetic and environmental factors are crucial. Protection against asthma and allergy development in the context of farming environment is established by early animal contact, unpasteurized milk consumption and gut microbiota maturation. The human β-defensin 2 (hBD-2) is a host defense peptide present almost exclusively in epithelial tissues, with pronounced immunomodulatory properties, which has recently been shown to ameliorate asthma and IBD in animal models. We hypothesized that adequate hBD-2 secretion plays a role in the protection against asthma and allergy development and that genetic variations in the complex gene locus coding for hBD-2 may be a risk factor for developing these diseases, if as a consequence, hBD-2 is insufficiently produced. We used MALDI-TOF MS genotyping, sequencing and a RFLP assay to study the genetic variation including mutations, polymorphisms and copy number variations in the locus harboring both genes coding for hBD-2 (DEFB4A and DEFB4B). We administered hBD-2 orally in a mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)-asthma before allergy challenge to explore its prophylactic potential, thereby mimicking a protective farm effect. Despite the high complexity of the region harboring DEFB4A and DEFB4B we identified numerous genetic variants to be associated with asthma and allergy in the GABRIELA Ulm population of 1,238 children living in rural areas, including rare mutations, polymorphisms and a lack of the DEFB4A. Furthermore, we found that prophylactic oral administration of hBD-2 significantly curbed lung resistance and pulmonary inflammation in our HDM mouse model. These data indicate that inadequate genetic capacity for hBD-2 is associated with increased asthma and allergy risk while adequate and early hBD-2 administration (in a mouse model) prevents atopic asthma. This suggests that hBD-2 could be involved in the protective farm effect and may be an excellent candidate to confer protection against asthma development.

Human β-defensin-2 suppresses key features of asthma in murine models of allergic airways disease

BACKGROUND

Asthma is an airway inflammatory disease and a major health problem worldwide. Anti-inflammatory steroids and bronchodilators are the gold-standard therapy for asthma. However, they do not prevent the development of the disease, and critically, a subset of asthmatics are resistant to steroid therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the therapeutic potential of human β-defensins (hBD), such as hBD2 mild to moderate and severe asthma.

METHODS

We investigated the role of hBD2 in a steroid-sensitive, house dust mite-induced allergic airways disease (AAD) model and a steroid-insensitive model combining ovalbumin-induced AAD with C muridarum (Cmu) respiratory infection.

RESULTS

In both models, we demonstrated that therapeutic intranasal application of hBD2 significantly reduced the influx of inflammatory cells into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Furthermore, key type 2 asthma-related cytokines IL-9 and IL-13, as well as additional immunomodulating cytokines, were significantly decreased after administration of hBD2 in the steroid-sensitive model. The suppression of inflammation was associated with improvements in airway physiology and treatment also suppressed airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) in terms of airway resistance and compliance to methacholine challenge.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These data indicate that hBD2 reduces the hallmark features and has potential as a new therapeutic agent in allergic and especially steroid-resistant asthma.

Human β-Defensin 2 Mediated Immune Modulation as Treatment for Experimental Colitis

Defensins represents an integral part of the innate immune system serving to ward off potential pathogens and to protect the intestinal barrier from microbial encroachment. In addition to their antimicrobial activities, defensins in general, and human β-defensin 2 (hBD2) in particular, also exhibit immunomodulatory capabilities. In this report, we assessed the therapeutic efficacy of systemically administered recombinant hBD2 to ameliorate intestinal inflammation in three distinct animal models of inflammatory bowel disease; i.e., chemically induced mucosal injury (DSS), loss of mucosal tolerance (TNBS), and T-cell transfer into immunodeficient recipient mice. Treatment efficacy was confirmed in all tested models, where systemically administered hBD2 mitigated inflammation, improved disease activity index, and hindered colitis-induced body weight loss on par with anti-TNF-α and steroids. Treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with rhBD2 confirmed the immunomodulatory capacity in the circulatory compartment. Subsequent analyzes revealed dendritic cells (DCs) as the main target population. Suppression of LPS-induced inflammation was dependent on chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) expression. Mechanistically, hBD2 engaged with CCR2 on its DC target cell to decrease NF-κB, and increase CREB phosphorylation, hence curbing inflammation. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing in vivo efficacy of a systemically administered defensin in experimental disease.

Isoallopregnanolone reduces tic-like behaviours in the D1CT-7 mouse model of Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by multiple, persistent tics. These semi-voluntary motor and phonic manifestations are typically aggravated by exposure to acute stress, yet the mechanisms underlying this exacerbation remain unclear. Using a well-characterised animal model of TS, the D1CT-7 mouse, we recently showed that acute stress increases tic-like responses and causes sensorimotor gating deficits, as measured by the prepulse inhibition of the startle. We showed that these effects are promoted by the brain synthesis of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP). In line with this idea, inhibition of AP synthesis by finasteride was found to suppress the tic-exacerbating effects of stress; conversely, AP administration resulted in a marked enhancement of the number of tic-like motor bursts. Given that the primary mechanism of AP is based on the positive allosteric modulation of GABA_A receptors, in the present study, we hypothesised that the enhancement in tic-like behaviours induced by either stress or AP may be countered by isoallopregnanolone (isoAP), the natural 3β-epimer of AP that acts as an antagonist to the AP-binding site within GABA_A receptors. In agreement with our hypothesis, isoAP (5-10 mg kg^-1 , s.c.) dose-dependently reduced the number of tic-like behaviours induced by stress in D1CT-7 mice. These effects were comparable to those elicited by both the benchmark TS therapy haloperidol (0.3 mg kg^-1 , i.p.), as well as finasteride (25 mg kg^-1 , i.p.). IsoAP also countered the prepulse inhibition deficits secondary to stress in D1CT-7 mice. Finally, isoAP opposed the enhancement of tic-like behaviours induced by AP (15 mg kg^-1 , i.p.). Given that isoAP is well-tolerated and has an optimal safety profile, these data suggest that this steroid may have therapeutic properties in TS.

Human Paneth cell α-defensin-5 treatment reverses dyslipidemia and improves glucoregulatory capacity in diet-induced obese mice

Overnutrition is the principal cause of insulin resistance (IR) and dyslipidemia, which drive nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Overnutrition is further linked to disrupted bowel function, microbiota alterations, and change of function in gut-lining cell populations, including Paneth cells of the small intestine. Paneth cells regulate microbial diversity through expression of antimicrobial peptides, particularly human α-defensin-5 (HD-5), and have shown repressed secretory capacity in human obesity. Mice were fed a 60% high-fat diet for 13 wk and subsequently treated with physiologically relevant amounts of HD-5 (0.001%) or vehicle for 10 wk. The glucoregulatory capacity was determined by glucose tolerance tests and measurements of corresponding insulin concentrations both before and during intervention. Gut microbiome composition was examined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. HD-5-treated mice exhibited improved glucoregulatory capacity along with an ameliorated plasma and liver lipid profile. This was accompanied by specific decrease in jejunal inflammation and gut microbiota alterations including increased Bifidobacterium abundances, which correlated inversely with metabolic dysfunctions. This study provides proof of concept for the use of human defensins to improve host metabolism by mitigating the triad cluster of dyslipidemia, IR, and NAFLD.

Yellow nail syndrome--the triad of yellow nails, lymphedema and pleural effusions. A review of the literature and a case report

The yellow nail syndrome, combination of yellow discoloured nails, lymphedema and pleural effusions, is a rare clinical condition. A review of the literature, including 97 patients, is presented. Most patients developed yellow nail syndrome in early middle age, and the overall male:female ratio was 1.1.6. The etiology of the syndrome is obscure, while the pathogenesis seems to involve impaired lymphatic drainage. A patient, whose recurrent pleural effusions were effectively controlled by chemical pleurodesis, is also presented.

Healing of the fibrin adhesive anastomosis in the small intestine of pigs

The healing of the fibrin adhesive small intestinal anastomosis from 1/2 to 168 hours postoperatively was evaluated by the bursting strength method in 28 pigs. There were no clinical leaks. After an initial increase in strength, from 1/2 to 48 hours postoperatively, the strength of the anastomosis dropped to a low at 96 hours postoperatively. From then on, a steady increase in strength was observed. A similar pattern of healing has been observed for the sutured intestinal anastomosis.

Rectal anastomosis with application of luminal fibrin adhesive in the rectum of dogs. An experimental study

By performing a colorectal anastomosis, the risk of a serious clinical leakage is about 10 percent. On the basis of this, the current study described a combined fibrin adhesive-sutured anastomosis in the rectum performed with interrupted seromuscular sutures externally and fibrin adhesive in the mucosa-mucosa cleft internally. Ten dogs having combined anastomosis were compared with ten dogs having a two-layer sutured anastomosis in the rectum as a control. The median bursting strength in the rectum seven days after the operation was 280 mm Hg (range, 180 to 340 mm Hg) for the combined anastomosis and 260 mm Hg (range, 170 to 405 mm Hg) for the sutured anastomosis in the control group. Two anastomoses with two-layer sutured anastomosis had a leak demonstrated radiographically, while no leakage was demonstrated in the ten dogs with combined anastomosis. In conclusion, intraluminal applied fibrin adhesive may contribute to the security of the sutured rectum-anastomosis.

Non-sutured fibrin adhesive vs. sutured anastomosis. A comparative intra-individual study in dog colon

In each of ten dogs the colon was subjected to a two-layered sutured anastomosis and a non-sutured fibrin adhesive anastomosis. Intra-individual comparisons showed no significant difference of in vivo bursting strength after 7 days between the colon segments with sutured and those with non-sutured anastomoses. Under experimental conditions it was thus possible to achieve a safe, sutureless anastomosis in the colon using only fibrin adhesive.

The predictive value of bone scintigraphy after internal fixation of femoral neck fractures

Persisting pain of the hip following internal fixation of fracture of the neck of the femur is often caused by capital necrosis or non-union. In a randomized trial 35 patients had 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy performed 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months after internal fixation of their subcapital fractures with a sliding screw-plate or a sliding nail-plate. The purpose was to find out whether bone scintigraphy could predict capital necrosis or non-union before it shows up on plain radiographs, which happens later. The patients were followed up for an average of 44 months (range 12-64). Radiologically, capital necrosis occurred in five patients and non-union in six. Bone scintigraphy showed decreasing activity in the 1st year after operation in uncomplicated cases (P less than 0.03). However, it was impossible to distinguish patients with capital necrosis or non union from those with uneventful healing. There were no significant differences in the scintigraphic appearance between groups at most risk, e.g. Garden stage 3 and 4 fractures versus Garden stage 1 and 2, and fixation by sliding nail versus fixation by sliding screw-plate. In conclusion, bone scintigrams during the first 6 months after operation do not reliably predict failure of internal fixation of fractures of the neck of the femur.

Hexcelite versus plaster of Paris: a controlled trial of the below-knee walking cast

Hexcelite and plaster of Paris below-knee walking casts were compared in a controlled clinical trial, involving 82 patients. Fewer bandage complications, problems and better comfort was found with Hexcelite compared to plaster of Paris (P less than 0.05). If all costs relating to materials, transportation, complications and extra visits due to these, were taken into account, plaster of Paris was found more expensive than Hexcelite. Based on the above an increased use of Hexcelite is recommended.

Fibrin adhesive versus sutured anastomosis: a comparative intraindividual study in the small intestine of pigs

The small intestine in each of ten pigs was subjected to three anastomoses: one sutured anastomosis and two non-suture fibrin adhesive anastomoses in an intra-individual controlled comparison. There was no significant difference in the in vivo bursting strength after 7 days. Thus, the two types of anastomoses were of equal strength. It is concluded that it appears possible to achieve a safe sutureless anastomosis in the small intestine, with fibrin adhesive alone.

Necrosis of the femoral head following fracture of the femoral neck

One hundred and thirty fractures of the femoral neck treated with sliding screw-plate or sliding nail-plate were followed for up to 65 months postoperatively. Throughout the observation period the yearly incidence of necrosis of the femoral head was between 5 and 10 per cent, as estimated by the life table method, and after 5 years 37 per cent of the patients with united fractures had developed necrosis of the femoral head. The cases of necrosis were all characterized radiographically by one or more areas of subchondral cortical depression, generalized subchondral fragmentation or isolated patches of sclerosis. It is concluded that estimation of the frequency of femoral head necrosis after fracture of the femoral neck requires long-term follow-up and reliable, reproducible radiographical criteria for necrosis of the head. Because of the high mortality of patients sustaining these fractures, statistical methods employing censored data should be used.

Radiation dose in investigations of the large bowel. Comparison of radiation doses in examinations of the colon with double-contrast barium enema with the Welin modification and colonoscopy

Because of the increasing and repeated application of colonoscopy and double-contrast barium enema with the Welin modification in connection with the checking of patients who have been treated for neoplastic polyps, we have found it valuable to examine the amount of radiation that the patients are exposed to in the two kinds of examinations. The radiation dose in the examination of the colon with the Welin modification (35 examinations) and at colonoscopy (114 examinations) was, on an average, 387 and 10 mSv, respectively. Since colonoscopy gives a possibility not only of diagnosis but also of treatment and also exposes the patients to 40 times less radiation than X-ray examination with the Welin modification, we recommend colonoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic colonic polyps.

Follow-up study after colorectal polypectomy. The predictive value of a negative double-contrast barium enema

In this study the predictive value of a negative double-contrast barium enema for colonic polyps has been calculated as the ratio of the number of true negative radiologic examinations to the total number of negative radiologic examinations. The total number of negative double-contrast barium enemas for polyps of the colon was 357 in 228 consecutive patients with previous or suspected neoplastic colonic polyps examined in the period 1977-84. The predictive value of a negative double-contrast barium enema for all colonic polyps regardless of size was 87% (95% confidence interval, 84-91%). The corresponding predictive value of a negative result for polyps larger than 10 mm in diameter was 98% (95% confidence interval, 97-100%). Polyps that had not been detected by radiography were removed by colonoscopy, and 85% of them were available for histological examination. No cancers were found. The polyps were primarily neoplastic, but metaplastic and juvenile polyps were also ascertained.

Traumatic fixation of the hip by a bolt fired from a bolt gun

A 25-year-old building worker was struck in the left hip by a 12.7-cm long bolt fired from a bolt gun. The bolt penetrated deeply into the pelvis, through the acetabulum, the joint cavity and the head of the femur leading to fixation of the hip. In spite of immediate extraction of the nail, cleansing, immobilization, antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis, the wound became infected. The tips of the modern types of nails used in nail guns may be coated with a plastic material which can constitute a troublesome foreign body if left behind, because the nail is merely extracted without opening and exploring the track.

Anaesthesia for colonoscopy. An examination of the anaesthesia as an element of risk at colonoscopy

The importance of anaesthesia as an element of risk at colonoscopy has been examined retrospectively over a 10-year period from 1975 to 1984. The colonoscopic examinations were made by surgical gastroenterologists and anaesthesiologists working in cooperation. In 1242 cases the patients received diazepam/fentanyl anaesthesia during the colonoscopy (Group I) and in 126 cases they received general anaesthesia (Group II). The incidence of perforations of the large bowel in Group I was 0.8% (95% confidence limits: 0.4-1.5%) and in Group II 0.0% (95% confidence limits: 0.0-2.9%). Statistically the difference is not significant (P = 0.38). The groups were comparable with a view to the patients' age, weight, the duration of the colonoscopy and the number of times that polypectomy had been performed. All anaesthesia was administered by staff qualified by training and experience to administer anaesthesia, and did not cause any complications. However, four patients had vasovagal reflexes due to manipulation of the colonoscope. The dosing in the patients in Group I averaged: diazepam as premedication 9.2 mg, intravenous diazepam 12.4 mg, intravenous fentanyl 0.14 mg, and the duration of the colonoscopy was 36.5 min. The medication and the duration of the colonoscopy did not vary significantly in the patients with perforation of the large bowel. Our conclusion is that diazepam/fentanyl anaesthesia, administered by experienced staff, is harmless, and that general anaesthesia for colonoscopy did not involve an increased risk of perforation of the large bowel.

Femoral neck fracture: sliding screw plate versus sliding nail plate--a randomized trial

In a randomized trial 49 patients with fracture of the neck of the femur and an age of less than 70 years or a high level of physical activity were allocated to treatment with a sliding screw plate or a sliding nail plate fixation. The patients were followed for 2-5 years. At follow-up the union rate was found to be 86.2 per cent of the fractures in the screw plate group and 73.7 per cent in the nail plate group (P less than 0.3). Necrosis of the femoral head was encountered in respectively 10 and 21 per cent. Hip replacement was necessary in respectively 23.3 and 31.6 per cent. The nail slid out of the femoral head, resulting in recurrence of the fracture's displacement in three fractures with a sliding nail plate, and in none with a sliding screw plate (P = 0.053). Secondary loss of the femoral neck's angle was more frequently seen in the sliding nail plate group (P less than 0.01). In conclusion, the sliding screw plate gives better fixation of fractures of the neck of the femur and was followed by a lower frequency of reoperation than after an unthreaded device.

Adenocarcinoma in the defunctionalized bladder

A case of adenocarcinoma appearing in the bladder six years after supravesical urinary diversion is reported. The reason for the diversion was chronic bladder inflammation, as in all but one of the 11 earlier reported cases of carcinoma in defunctionalized bladder. The theory that chronic bladder inflammation favors the development of, or possibly leads to malignancy is reviewed,. The conclusion is a recommendation for periodic cystoscopy of the bladder "left behind", and possibly for cystectomy at the time of urinary diversion in patients with a long history of bladder inflammation.

Sliding screw-plate for fixation of femoral neck fracture

Ninety-eight fractures of the femoral neck treated with a sliding screw-plate system were followed from 6 to 65 months. Two cases developing deep infection and four cases of primary technical failure were reoperated. Union was encountered in 80/92 of the fractures; 13/80 of the united fractures developed necrosis of the femoral head. Serious complications were thus encountered in 31/98 of the fractures, and 27 of these were reoperated. On the basis of comparison with reports on other methods for internal fixation, the sliding screw-plate method is recommended for fixation of femoral neck fractures.