Phalloidin affects the myosin-dependent sliding velocities of actin filaments in a bound-divalent cation dependent manner

We examined sliding velocities in vitro of four types of actin filaments, that is, filaments with Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺ bound at the high affinity metal binding site, each with rhodamine phalloidin bound with a high or low stoichiometry. When surfaces coated with a high density of heavy meromyosin (HMM) were used, high stoichiometric concentrations of rhodamine phalloidin reduced sliding velocities of only Ca²⁺-actin filaments, by 40%. As the HMM density on surfaces was reduced, continuous movement of actin filaments became dependent on the presence of methylcellulose and sliding velocities of all four types became progressively slower. Interestingly, Ca²⁺-actin filaments with a high stoichiometric concentration of rhodamine phalloidin were the fastest among the four types of filaments on sparse HMM surfaces. In contrast, phalloidin did not affect steady state ATPase activities of HMM in the presence of Ca²⁺- or Mg²⁺-actin filaments. We speculate that the reversal of the order of sliding velocities among the four types of actin filaments between high and low densities of HMM relates with different axial elasticity of the actin filaments, so that stiffer filaments move slower on dense HMM surfaces, but faster on sparse surfaces, than elastic ones.This revised version was published online in September 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of porcine fetal enamel matrix derivative on chondrocyte proliferation,differentiation, and local factor production is dependent on cell maturation state

Recent studies have shown that porcine fetal enamel matrix derivative (EMD) can enhance the osteoinductive ability of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in a nude mouse muscle implantation model. This suggests that one or more components of EMD can regulate the process of endochondral ossification initiated by DFDBA. To substantiate this hypothesis, in the current study, chondrocytes in the endochondral pathway at two stages of maturation were tested for their response to EMD. Chondrocytes were isolated from the resting zone and growth zone (prehypertrophic and upper hypertrophic cell zones) of the costochondral growth plate cartilage of adolescent rats. The results showed that the relatively immature resting zone cells responded to EMD with an increase in proliferation and a decrease in differentiation as measured by alkaline-phosphatase-specific activity. In addition, EMD stimulated a fivefold increase in PGE(2) production, but was without effect on collagen synthesis, proteoglycan sulfation, and TGF-beta(1) production. The more mature growth zone cells also responded to EMD with increased proliferation, but alkaline-phosphatase-specific activity was unchanged, and there was only a modest increase in PGE(2) production. In contrast to resting zone cells, growth zone cells exhibited a decrease in collagen synthesis, proteoglycan sulfation, and TGF-beta(1) production. These observations indicate that EMD has prominent effects on cells in the endochondral pathway. In particular, EMD stimulates the production of more cells, but inhibits their maturation. This would increase the pool of cells available for subsequent differentiation in response to other factors.     

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene wear debris inhibits osteoprogenitor proliferation and differentiation in vitro

Polyethylene wear debris induces progressive osteolysis by increasing bone degradation and suppressing bone formation. Polyethylene particles inhibit the function of mature osteoblasts, but whether polyethylene particles also interfere with the proliferation and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles on the osteogenic activity of primary murine bone marrow osteoprogenitors and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cells in vitro. Submicron-sized UHMWPE particles generated from wear simulator tests were isolated from serum-containing solution by density gradient centrifugation. The particles were coated onto the surface of culture wells at concentrations of 0.038, 0.075, 0.150, 0.300, and 0.600% v/v in a layer of type I collagen matrix. Primary murine bone marrow cells and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts were seeded onto the particle-collagen matrix and induced to differentiate in osteogenic medium for 20 days. Exposure of both cell populations to UHMWPE particles resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in mineralization, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteocalcin production when compared with control cells cultured on collagen matrix without particles. Complete suppression of osteogenesis was observed at particle concentrations > or =0.150% v/v. This study demonstrated that UHMWPE particles inhibit the osteogenic activity of osteoprogenitor cells, which may result in reduced periprosthetic bone regeneration and repair.     

Influence of stability and mechanical properties of a spinal fixation device on production of wear debris particles in vivo

A prospective and quantitative animal study was performed to evaluate the production of wear particles from a spinal fixation device, and to test the hypothesis that the concentration of wear debris particles adjacent to spinal fixation hardware is correlated with the stiffness of the spinal fusion construct and local bone formation at the fusion site. An established canine segmental spinal fusion model with three interfacet fusions was used in this study. Several bone substitute materials were grafted to the area of the interfacet fusion. Internal fixation was performed on both sides of the spinous processes at each site using a stainless steel plate system in 19 dogs. After 12 weeks, spinal segments were excised, then 3-dimensional computerized tomography was used to measure bone volume and bone area of the individual fusion sites. The stiffness of each segment was tested using a servohydraulic materials testing machine. Biopsies were obtained from the soft tissues immediately around the plate system, and wear particles were collected and characterized using an electrical resistance particle analyzer, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Biopsies from para-spinal tissue from adjacent, unoperated spinal levels served as negative controls. Histologically, 24 of 57 specimens (42.1%) showed only fibrous tissue with no recognizable macrophages, inflammation, or debris. Fourteen of 57 specimens (24.6%), however, contained many particles that were composed of Fe, Cr, and Ni, corresponding to elements found in the fixation hardware. Another 19 specimens showed only occasional particles. The mean concentration of particles from the tissue around the plate system was 2.8 x 10(9) per gram dry tissue weight, compared to 0.5 x 10(9) particles per gram for controls (p < 0.05). Statistical analyses showed significant inverse correlation between the log particle number and stiffness (r = -0.41, p < 0.01), bone volume (r = -0.28, p < 0.05), and bone area (r = -0.34, p < 0. 05) of the corresponding segments. The concentration of particles in the tissue showed a significant inverse correlation with stiffness, bone volume, and bone area of the fusion constructs.     

In vitro studies on the effect of particle size on macrophage responses to nanodiamond wear debris

Nanostructured diamond coatings improve the smoothness and wear characteristics of the metallic component of total hip replacements and increase the longevity of these implants, but the effect of nanodiamond wear debris on macrophages needs to be determined to estimate the long-term inflammatory effects of wear debris. The objective was to investigate the effect of the size of synthetic nanodiamond particles on macrophage proliferation (BrdU incorporation), apoptosis (Annexin-V flow cytometry), metabolic activity (WST-1 assay) and inflammatory cytokine production (qPCR). RAW 264.7 macrophages were exposed to varying sizes (6, 60, 100, 250 and 500 nm) and concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100 and 200 μg ml(-1)) of synthetic nanodiamonds. We observed that cell proliferation but not metabolic activity was decreased with nanoparticle sizes of 6-100 nm at lower concentrations (50 μg ml(-1)), and both cell proliferation and metabolic activity were significantly reduced with nanodiamond concentrations of 200 μg ml(-1). Flow cytometry indicated a significant reduction in cell viability due to necrosis irrespective of particle size. Nanodiamond exposure significantly reduced gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, chemokine Ccl2 and platelet-derived growth factor compared to serum-only controls or titanium oxide (anatase 8 nm) nanoparticles, with variable effects on chemokine Cxcl2 and vascular endothelial growth factor. In general, our study demonstrates a size and concentration dependence of macrophage responses in vitro to nanodiamond particles as possible wear debris from diamond-coated orthopedic joint implants.     

Dectin-1内在化表达介导氧依赖性方式杀伤白色念珠菌

目的 探讨Dectin-1介导人嗜中性粒细胞以氧依赖性方式杀伤调理吞噬后白色念珠菌孢子的机制.方法 在白色念珠菌孢子作用前后,流式细胞术和激光共聚焦显微镜检测人嗜中性粒细胞中Dectin-1的表达率及表达部位;并通过Dectin-1阻断试验分析嗜中性粒细胞中Dectin-1的表达与胞内活性氧簇(reactive oxygen species,ROS)的产生及对白色念珠菌孢子杀伤的相关性.结果 在白色念珠菌孢子刺激30或60 min后,细胞内Dectin-1的表达率明显上调(0min,8.32％;30 min,16.82％;60 min,23.88％.与0min相比,P均＜0.01),且Dectin-1与ROS在胞内的表达均被募集到吞噬的白色念珠菌孢子表面.Dectin-1的阻断分别与ROS峰值的抑制(R2=0.306,P＜0.01)及白色念珠菌杀伤率的降低(R2=0.251,P＜0.01)呈剂量依存关系.结论 Dectin-1可通过内在化的表达模式介导人嗜中性粒细胞以ROS依赖性方式杀伤调理吞噬的白色念珠菌孢子.     

Phagocytosis of mycobacteria by zebrafish macrophages is dependent on the scavenger receptor Marco,a key control factor of pro-inflammatory signalling

Scavenger receptors on the cell surface of macrophages play an important role in host defence through their ability to bind microbial ligands and induce phagocytosis. Concurrently, signal transduction pathways are initiated that aid in defence mechanisms against the invading microbe. Here we report on the function of scavenger receptor Marco (Macrophage receptor with collagenous structure) during infection of zebrafish embryos with Mycobacterium marinum, a close relative of M. tuberculosis. Morpholino knockdown demonstrates that Marco is required for the rapid phagocytosis of M. marinum following intravenous infection. Furthermore, gene expression analysis shows that Marco controls the initial transient pro-inflammatory response to M. marinum and remains a determining factor for the immune response signature at later stages of infection. Increased bacterial burden following marco knockdown indicates that this scavenger receptor is important for control of M. marinum growth, likely due to delayed phagocytosis and reduced pro-inflammatory signalling observed under conditions of Marco deficiency.     

Enriched environment influences hormonal status and hippocampal brain derived neurotrophic factor in a sex dependent manner

The present study is aimed at testing the hypothesis that an enriched environment (EE) induces sex-dependent changes in stress hormone release and in markers of increased brain plasticity. The focus was on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity, plasma levels of stress hormones, gene expression of glutamate receptor subunits and concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in selected brain regions. Rats exposed to EE were housed in groups of 12 in large cages with various objects, which were frequently changed, for 6 weeks. Control animals were housed four per cage under standard conditions. In females the EE-induced rise in hippocampal BDNF, a neurotrophic factor associated with increased neural plasticity, was more pronounced than in males. Similar sex-specific changes were observed in BDNF concentrations in the hypothalamus. EE also significantly attenuated oxytocin and aldosterone levels only in female but not male rats. Plasma testosterone positively correlated with hippocampal BDNF in female but not male rats housed in EE. In male rats housing in EE led to enhanced levels of testosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), this was not seen in females. Hippocampal glucocorticoid but not mineralocorticoid receptor levels decreased in rats housed in EE irrespective of sex. Housing conditions failed to modify mRNA levels of glutamate receptor type 1 (Glur1) and metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlur5) subunits of glutamate receptors in the forebrain. Moreover, a negative association between corticosterone and BDNF was observed in both sexes. The results demonstrate that the association between hormones and changes in brain plasticity is sex related. In particular, testosterone seems to be involved in the regulatory processes related to neuroplasticity in females.     

The effect of particle wear debris on NFkappaB activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release in differentiated THP-1 cells.

Orthopedic wear debris has been thought to be an important factor associated with osteolysis and loosening of total joint arthroplasties. Previous in vitro studies have reported that particles of wear debris induce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators from macrophages and other cells. Several recent investigations, however, have suggested that the wear particles themselves may not be primarily responsible for the inflammatory cellular responses, but that the observed cytokine release in vitro may be caused by endotoxin adsorbed to commercially available particle preparations. The intracellular pathways involved in macrophage signal transduction also are poorly understood. The purposes of this study are to use isolated orthopedic wear debris particles to evaluate pro-inflammatory cytokine release and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB) activation from macrophages. Cells from human monocyte/macrophage cell line (THP-1) were differentiated and incubated with particles of debris that had been isolated from a failed human total hip arthroplasty. The titanium-alloy particles did not evoke release of TNF-alpha or IL-1beta whereas lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS-treated debris particles induced both TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. LPS-treated particles, but not particles alone, stimulated NFkappaB activation. Our results suggest that at the concentrations tested in this study, endotoxin-free wear debris particles may not themselves initiate inflammatory cellular responses in differentiated THP-1 cells. It is unclear whether adsorbed endotoxin is clinically associated with osteolysis and/or loosening in total joint arthroplasties, but several factors, including adsorbed endotoxin, need to be investigated to explore the cellular responses responsible for osteolysis and/or loosening.     

视黄酸依赖反义cyclin D1对HL-60细胞分化效应研究

目的 检测视黄酸(Retinoic acid，RA)依赖反义cyclin D1表达载体转染HL-60细胞后启动的诱导分化效应，并探讨其分子机制。方法 成功构建视黄酸依赖反义cyclin D1表达载体，以脂质体转染HL-60白血病细胞，经NBT还原实验、免疫荧光检测CD14表面抗原表达、RT-PCR以及Western blot等方法观测视黄酸处理后细胞分化效应的发生以及Rb基因的mRNA和蛋白表达水平的改变。结果 反义eyelin D1转染和未转染的HL-60细胞经RA处理后，NBT还原能力明显增强、CD14表面抗原表达显著增加，Rb基因的mRNA和蛋白表达水平均有所降低，其中，以反义cyclin D1转染细胞经RA处理后变化更为明显。结论 RA及其诱导的反义cyclin D1可协同诱导HL-60细胞分化成熟，下调Rb基因表达可能是其分子机制之一。     

Quantitative analysis of wear and wear debris from metal-on-metal hip prostheses tested in a physiological hip joint simulator

Osteolysis and loosening of artificial joints caused by UHMWPE wear debris has prompted renewed interest in metal-on-metal (MOM) hip prostheses. This study investigated the wear and wear debris morphology generated by MOM prostheses in a physiological anatomical hip simulator for different carbon content cobalt chrome alloys. The low carbon pairings demonstrated significantly higher "bedding in" and steady state wear rates than the mixed and high carbon pairings. The in vitro wear rates reported here were up to one or two orders of magnitude lower than the clinical wear rates for first-generation MOM hip prostheses. Two methods for characterising the metal wear debris were developed, involving digestion, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The metal wear particles characterised by the two methods were similar in size, 25-36 nm, and comparable to particles isolated from periprosthetic tissues from first and second-generation MOM hip prostheses. Due to the small size of the metal particles, the number of particles generated per year for MOM prostheses in vitro was estimated to be up to 100 times higher than the number of polyethylene particles generated per year in vivo. The volumetric wear rates were affected by the carbon content of the cobalt chrome alloy and the material combinations used. However, particle size and morphology was not affected by method of particle characterisation, the carbon content of the alloy or material combination.     

重组人骨形成蛋白-2对细胞成骨分化的作用

目的 进一步探讨rhBMP-2的促细胞成骨分化作用，以期找到合适的成骨分化标志作为rhBMP-2的定量活性测定指标。方法 首先表达制备rhBMP-2，用小鼠股部肌袋包埋法进行诱骨活性实验，然后检测rhBMP-2作用后的骨髓基质细胞（MSC）、NIH3T3和C2C12等3种细胞的碱性磷酸酶（ALP）和骨钙素（OC）、细胞总蛋白合成量以及细胞增殖的变化。结果 rhBMP-2具有良好的诱导骨形成的活性，可增加3种细胞的OC含量和蛋白合成量，对MSC的ALP活性变化影响明显，且可促进MSC的增殖，抑制NIH3T3细胞的生长。结论 rhBMP-2具有促进上述细胞向成骨细胞分化的作用；在一定剂量范围内，rhBMP-2的作用与细胞骨钙素合成量的增加呈线性正相关，故定量测定OC的含量基本可反映rhBMP-2的活性。     

Expression of stem cell factor by osteoblasts in normal and hyperparathyroid bone: relation to ectopic mast cell differentiation

Mast cells accumulate in hyperparathyroid bone, but the reason is not clear. We compared the distribution of mast cells and related growth factors in normal and hyperparathyroid bone. Mast cell formation was strongly affected by proximity to bone-forming surfaces of hyperparathyroid bone. Hyperparathyroidism greatly increased the production by active, bone-synthesizing osteoblasts of stem cell factor (SCF) but not of IL-3. Osteoblast SCF was distributed to the basolateral cell membranes, and its cDNA sequence (GenBank AF119835) is homologous to the murine membrane-bound SCF. Quiescent osteoblasts did not produce detectable SCF. Synthetic osteoblasts in normal bone were SCF positive, but comprised a much smaller population of cells, in keeping with the slow turnover of normal bone. Major SCF isoforms on immunoblot analysis of osteoblast-fraction proteins from high-turnover bone had M(r)s of about 48 and 40 kDa. Similar SCF isoforms were produced by MG63 osteoblast-derived cells and were identified by several anti-SCF antibodies. SCF is expressed in several mesenchymal cell types in a complementary fashion with cells bearing its receptor. SCF potently facilitates differentiation of mast cells, so the increase in paratrabecular mast cells in hyperparathyroid bone is probably driven by osteoblastic SCF. However, since mast cells are not normal components of bone, osteoblastic SCF probably regulates other cells, with mast cell differentiation occurring as a side effect greatly increased osteoblastic activity.     

The influence of wear particles in the expression of osteoclastogenesis factors by osteoblasts

Orthopedic implant failures are often associated with peri-implant osteolysis. Particles generated from the wear process have been suspected to play an important role in this situation. Indeed, the peri-implant osteolysis could be due to the presence of particles stimulating the osteoclastogenesis process. We hypothesize then that the presence of a low particle concentration positively influences osteoblasts to produce osteoclastogenesis factors. If true, this hypothesis would then support the idea that the particles could be at the origin of the process leading to implant loosening. To check the validity of this hypothesis, we quantified in vitro the production of different genes involved in the osteoclastogenesis process using primary isolated human osteoblasts treated or not with particles. Results showed that low concentrations of particles might have a stimulating effect on osteoblasts to produce osteoclastogenesis factors as demonstrated by the increase of RANKL and CSF-1 gene expression in the particle group.     

Early experience affects the traits of monogamy in a sexually dimorphic manner

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of early life experiences on the subsequent expression of traits characteristic of social monogamy in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). During cage changes parents and their offspring were either transferred between cages in a cup (zero manipulation, MAN0) or with a gloved hand (one manipulation, MAN1). Following weaning the offspring were tested for alloparental behavior. In adulthood they were tested for the capacity to form partner preferences, behavior in an elevated plus-maze (EPM), and corticosterone levels. MAN0 males (but not females) showed lower levels of alloparental behavior than MAN1 males. MAN0 females (but not males) were less likely to form pair bonds than MAN1 females. MAN0 animals of both sexes were less exploratory in the EPM than MAN1 counterparts. These experiments support the hypothesis that behaviors used to characterize monogamy are vulnerable in a sex-specific manner to early experience.     

葛根素在体外对成骨细胞增殖和分化的影响

背景：成骨细胞是骨代谢平衡过程中的关键功能细胞,植物雌激素对成骨细胞的增殖和分化有重要影响,葛根素作为植物雌激素的一种,在体外以较大范围浓度对成骨细胞功能的影响仍少见报道。 目的：观察葛根素在体外对大鼠成骨细胞增殖和分化功能的影响。 方法：取新生Wistar大鼠的颅盖骨,对成骨细胞进行分离、培养、纯化及鉴定。将培养的成骨细胞随机分为对照组、10-3~10-10 mol/L不同浓度葛根素组,观察不同浓度葛根素对体外培养的成骨细胞增殖和碱性磷酸酶活性表达的影响。 结果与结论：细胞经葛根素处理后10-5~10-9 mol/L组成骨细胞增殖活性较对照组明显增加(P < 0.05),第3天增殖最快(P < 0.01),第4天开始下降;诱导第4天,各组碱性磷酸酶活性与对照组相比,差异均有显著性意义(P < 0.01),其中以10-6 mol/L组最显著(P < 0.01)。然而葛根素10-3 mol/L组成骨细胞增殖活性、碱性磷酸酶活性表达较对照组均减少(P < 0.05)。提示葛根素对成骨细胞的影响存在剂量依赖性,并且具有双向性,即在低浓度(10-5~10-8 mol/L)下刺激骨形成;在高浓度(10-3~10-4 mol/L)下抑制骨形成。     

Rheumatoid factor in synovial effusions: local production and consumption

The ratio of synovial fluid γM-type rheumatoid factor (RF) to serum RF was compared with the ratio for two other γM-antibodies (trypsin- and periodate agglutinin) and total γM-globulin content in thirteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis.     

Uptake of calcium phosphate nanoshells by osteoblasts and their effect on growth and differentiation

The influence of calcium phosphate nanoshell materials on the uptake, viability, and mineralization of human fetal osteoblast cultures was evaluated. Proliferation rates and alkaline phosphatase activity of the cultures were unaffected by the addition of nanoshells to the growth media, but mineralization levels were enhanced by nearly 40%, in contrast to media prepared without nanoshells, or with other calcium phosphate nanomaterials. Nanoshells were internalized by macropinocytosis, and migrated toward the cell nucleus at a rate of 0.34 microm hr(-1). Dye-loaded nanoshells maintained high light emission intensity for over five days while inside the cells, where they could be used as intracellular markers for in vitro microscopic imaging. From these results, it appears that the CaP nanoshells could be developed into a safe sensor and delivery vehicle for osteoblast cell culture studies, whereas the carrier itself has intrinsic bioactivity and may itself upregulate the formation of new bone.     

Isolation and morphological characterisation of UHMWPE wear debris generated in vitro

Wear tests are generally carried out on materials used in prosthetic hip implants, in order to obtain a better understanding of the tribological processes involved and improve the quality control of joint prostheses, directed towards reducing the risk of implant failure of innovative prostheses. Ceramic femoral heads of mixed alumina-zirconia oxides as well as zirconia and alumina single oxide heads were tested against UHMWPE acetabular cups in a hip joint simulator. Polyethylene cups and ceramic femoral heads were mounted in a simulator apparatus moving according to a sinusoidal function, under load and in the presence of bovine calf serum as lubricant. Wear particles were isolated from the bovine calf serum collected during the wear tests. An easy to follow method was used to separate the wear particles from the lubricant. Chemical digestive methods were used to separate the wear particles from the lubricant and the isolated particles were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The morphologies of the polyethylene debris showed considerable differences, both in size and shape of the particles, as a function of the coupled head material.