Nanoparticle delivery of stable miR-199a-5p agomir improves the osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells via the HIF1a pathway

Elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) is important for the development of cell therapies for bone loss and regeneration. Here we showed that hsa-miR-199a-5p modulated osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs at both early and late stages through HIF1a pathway. hsa-miR-199a expression was up-regulated during osteogenesis for both of two mature forms, miR-199a-5p and -3p. Over-expression of miR-199a-5p but not -3p enhanced differentiation of hMSCs in vitro, whereas inhibition of miR-199a-5p reduced the expression of osteoblast-specific genes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralization. Furthermore, over-expression of miR-199a enhanced ectopic bone formation in vivo. Chitosan nanoparticles were used for delivery of stable modified hsa-miR-199a-5p (agomir) both in vitro and in vivo, as a proof-of-concept for stable agomir delivery on bone regeneration. The hsa-mir199a-5p agomir were mixed with Chitosan nanoparticles to form nanoparticle/hsa-mir199a-5p agomir plasmid (nanoparticle/agomir) complexes, and nanoparticle/agomir complexes could improve the in vivo regeneration of bone. Further mechanism studies revealed that hypoxia enhanced osteogenesis at early stage and inhibited osteogenesis maturation at late stage through HIF1a-Twist1 pathway. At early stage of differentiation, hypoxia induced HIF1a-Twist1 pathway to enhance osteogenesis by up-regulating miR-199a-5p, while at late stage of differentiation, miR-199a-5p enhanced osteogenesis maturation by inhibiting HIF1α-Twist1 pathway.     

The enhancement of bone regeneration by gene activated matrix encoding for platelet derived growth factor

Gene therapy using non-viral vectors that are safe and efficient in transfecting target cells is an effective approach to overcome the shortcomings of protein delivery of growth factors. The objective of this study was to develop and test a non-viral gene delivery system for bone regeneration utilizing a collagen scaffold to deliver polyethylenimine (PEI)-plasmid DNA (pDNA) [encoding platelet derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B)] complexes. The PEI-pPDGF-B complexes were fabricated at amine (N) to phosphate (P) ratio of 10 and characterized for size, surface charge, and in vitro cytotoxicity and transfection efficacy in human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). The influence of the complex-loaded collagen scaffold on cellular attachment and recruitment was evaluated in vitro using microscopy techniques. The in vivo regenerative capacity of the gene delivery system was assessed in 5 mm diameter critical-sized calvarial defects in Fisher 344 rats. The complexes were ∼100 nm in size with a positive surface charge. Complexes prepared at an N/P ratio of 10 displayed low cytotoxicity as assessed by a cell viability assay. Confocal microscopy revealed significant proliferation of BMSCs on complex-loaded collagen scaffolds compared to empty scaffolds. In vivo studies showed significantly higher new bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) % in calvarial defects treated with the complex-activated scaffolds following 4 weeks of implantation (14- and 44-fold higher) when compared to empty defects or empty scaffolds, respectively. Together, these findings suggest that non-viral PDGF-B gene-activated scaffolds are effective for bone regeneration and are an attractive gene delivery system with significant potential for clinical translation.     

Bone regeneration using an alpha 2 beta 1 integrin-specific hydrogel as a BMP-2 delivery vehicle

Non-healing bone defects present tremendous socioeconomic costs. Although successful in some clinical settings, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) therapies require supraphysiological dose delivery for bone repair, raising treatment costs and risks of complications. We engineered a protease-degradable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) synthetic hydrogel functionalized with a triple helical, α2β1 integrin-specific peptide (GFOGER) as a BMP-2 delivery vehicle. GFOGER-functionalized hydrogels lacking BMP-2 directed human stem cell differentiation and produced significant enhancements in bone repair within a critical-sized bone defect compared to RGD hydrogels or empty defects. GFOGER functionalization was crucial to the BMP-2-dependent healing response. Importantly, these engineered hydrogels outperformed the current clinical carrier in repairing non-healing bone defects at low BMP-2 doses. GFOGER hydrogels provided sustained in vivo release of encapsulated BMP-2, increased osteoprogenitor localization in the defect site, enhanced bone formation and induced defect bridging and mechanically robust healing at low BMP-2 doses which stimulated almost no bone regeneration when delivered from collagen sponges. These findings demonstrate that GFOGER hydrogels promote bone regeneration in challenging defects with low delivered BMP-2 doses and represent an effective delivery vehicle for protein therapeutics with translational potential.     

The effect of type II collagen on MSC osteogenic differentiation and bone defect repair

The function of type II collagen in cartilage is well documented and its importance for long bone development has been implicated. However, the involvement of type II collagen in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) osteogenesis has not been well investigated. This study elucidated the pivotal role of type II collagen in BMSC osteogenesis and its potential application to bone healing. Type II collagen-coated surface was found to accelerate calcium deposition, and the interaction of osteogenic medium-induced BMSCs with type II collagen-coated surface was mainly mediated through integrin α2β1. Exogenous type II collagen directly activated FAK-JNK signaling and resulted in the phosphorylation of RUNX2. In a segmental defect model in rats, type II collagen-HA/TCP-implanted rats showed significant callus formation at the reunion site, and a higher SFI (sciatic function index) scoring as comparing to other groups were also observed at 7, 14, and 21 day post-surgery. Collectively, type II collagen serves as a better modulator during early osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by facilitating RUNX2 activation through integrin α2β1-FAK-JNK signaling axis, and enhance bone defect repair through an endochondral ossification-like process. These results advance our understanding about the cartilaginous ECM-BMSC interaction, and provide perspective for bone defect repair strategies.     

Multifunctional and stable bone mimic proteinaceous matrix for bone tissue engineering

Biomaterial surface design with biomimetic proteins holds great promise for successful regeneration of tissues including bone. Here we report a novel proteinaceous hybrid matrix mimicking bone extracellular matrix that has multifunctional capacity to promote stem cell adhesion and osteogenesis with excellent stability. Osteocalcin-fibronectin fusion protein holding collagen binding domain was networked with fibrillar collagen, featuring bone extracellular matrix mimic, to provide multifunctional and structurally-stable biomatrices. The hybrid protein, integrated homogeneously with collagen fibrillar networks, preserved structural stability over a month. Biological efficacy of the hybrid matrix was proven onto tethered surface of biopolymer porous scaffolds. Mesenchymal stem cells quickly anchored to the hybrid matrix, forming focal adhesions, and substantially conformed to cytoskeletal extensions, benefited from the fibronectin adhesive domains. Cells achieved high proliferative capacity to reach confluence rapidly and switched to a mature and osteogenic phenotype more effectively, resulting in greater osteogenic matrix syntheses and mineralization, driven by the engineered osteocalcin. The hybrid biomimetic matrix significantly improved in vivo bone formation in calvarial defects over 6 weeks. Based on the series of stimulated biological responses in vitro and in vivo the novel hybrid proteinaceous composition will be potentially useful as stem cell interfacing matrices for osteogenesis and bone regeneration.     

In vitro and in vivo studies on the degradation of high-purity Mg (99.99wt.%) screw with femoral intracondylar fractured rabbit model

High-purity magnesium (HP Mg) takes advantage in no alloying toxic elements and slower degradation rate in lack of second phases and micro-galvanic corrosion. In this study, as rolled HP Mg was fabricated into screws and went through in vitro immersion tests, cytotoxicity test and bioactive analysis. The HP Mg screws performed uniform corrosion behavior in vitro, and its extraction promoted cell viability, bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mRNA expression of osteogenic differentiation related gene, i.e. ALP, osteopontin (OPN) and RUNX2 of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).Then HP Mg screws were implanted in vivo as load-bearing implant to fix bone fracture and subsequently gross observation, range of motion (ROM), X-ray scanning, qualitative micro-computed tomography (μCT) analysis, histological analysis, bending-force test and SEM morphology of retrieved screws were performed respectively at 4, 8, 16 and 24 weeks. As a result, the retrieved HP Mg screws in fixation of rabbit femoral intracondylar fracture showed uniform degradation morphology and enough bending force. However, part of PLLA screws was broken in bolt, although its screw thread was still intact. Good osseointegration was revealed surrounding HP Mg screws and increased bone volume and bone mineral density were detected at fracture gap, indicating the rigid fixation and enhanced fracture healing process provided by HP Mg screws. Consequently, the HP Mg showed great potential as internal fixation devices in intra-articular fracture operation.     

The effect of a bioactive collagen membrane releasing PDGF or GDF-5 on bone regeneration

Regenerative procedures using barrier membrane technology are presently well established in periodontal/endodontic surgery. The objective of this study was to compare the subsequent effects of the released platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF-5) from collagen membranes (CMs) on bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies were conducted using MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts cultured with or without factors. Cell viability, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and bone marker gene expression were then measured. In vivo studies were conducted by placing CMs with low or high dose PDGF or GDF-5 in rat mandibular defects. At 4 weeks after surgery new bone formation was measured using μCT and histological analysis. The results of in vitro studies showed that CM/GDF-5 significantly increased ALP and cell proliferation activities without cytotoxicity in MC3T3-E1 cells when compared to CM/PDGF or CM alone. Gene expression analysis revealed that Runx2 and Osteocalcin were significantly increased in CM/GDF-5 compared to CM/PDGF or control. Quantitative and qualitative μCT and histological analysis for new bone formation revealed that although CM/PDGF significantly enhanced bone regeneration compared to CM alone or control, CM/GDF-5 significantly accelerated bone regeneration to an even greater extent than CM/PDGF. The results also showed that GDF-5 induced new bone formation in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that this strategy, using a CM carrying GDF-5, might lead to an improvement in the current clinical treatment of bone defects for periodontal and implant therapy.     

Vascularization and bone regeneration in a critical sized defect using 2-N,6-O-sulfated chitosan nanoparticles incorporating BMP-2

An ideal bone tissue engineering graft should have both excellent pro-osteogenesis and pro-angiogenesis to rapidly realize the bone regeneration in vivo. To meet this goal, 2-N,6-O-sulfated chitosan (26SCS) based nanoparticle (S-NP) was successfully developed and showed a dose-dependent enhancement on angiogenesis in vitro. For the repair of a critical sized defect in rabbit radius, we developed BMP-2 loaded S-NP (BMP-2/S-NP) with protein loading efficiency of 1.4 ± 0.2% and fabricated a gelatin sponge (G) based implant loaded with BMP-2/S-NP (BMP-2/S-NP/G). This implant exerted a delivery of BMP-2 with an initial burst release of 15.3 ± 4.1% in first 24 h and a gradual release for 21 days to 77.8 ± 3.6%. The in vitro ALP assay revealed that the activity of released BMP-2 from BMP-2/S-NP/G was maintained after 3-d and 7-d delivery and further enhanced after 14-d delivery compared with the original BMP-2. Furthermore, the in vivo effects of BMP-2/S-NP/G on the bone regeneration and vessel formation in the critical sized defect (18 mm) of rabbit radius were investigated by synchrotron radiation-based micro-computed tomography (SRμCT) imaging, three dimensional micro-computed tomographic (μCT) imaging, histological analysis, immunohistochemistry and biomechanical measurement. Based on the results, both peripheral vessel and new vessel formation were significantly increased by the BMP-2/S-NP/G treatment, along with the bridged defects at as early as 2 weeks, the healed defects at 8 weeks and the reunion of bone marrow cavity at 12 weeks. The results indicated that both controlled release of active BMP-2 and favorable vascularization at the defect site contributed by BMP-2/S-NP/G played a crucial role in accelerating and promoting bone augmentation. This study suggests that BMP-2/S-NP/G demonstrates promise for vascularization and bone regeneration in clinical case of large defect.     

Functionalization of scaffolds with chimeric anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies for osseous regeneration

Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of murine anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) immobilized on an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) to mediate de novo bone formation, a process termed antibody-mediated osseous regeneration (AMOR). The objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy of a newly generated chimeric anti-BMP-2 mAb in mediating AMOR, as well as to evaluate the suitability of different biomaterials as scaffolds to participate in AMOR. Chimeric anti-BMP-2 mAb was immobilized on 4 biomaterials, namely, titanium microbeads (Ti), alginate hydrogel, macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate (MBCP) and ACS, followed by surgical implantation into rat critical-size calvarial defects. Animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks and the degree of bone fill was assessed using micro-CT and histomorphometry. Results demonstrated local persistence of chimeric anti-BMP-2 mAb up to 8 weeks, as well as significant de novo bone regeneration in sites implanted with chimeric anti-BMP-2 antibody immobilized on each of the 4 scaffolds. Ti and MBCP showed the highest volume of bone regeneration, presumably due to their resistance to compression. Alginate and ACS also mediated de novo bone formation, though significant volumetric shrinkage was noted. In vitro assays demonstrated cross-reactivity of chimeric anti-BMP-2 mAb with BMP-4 and BMP-7. Immune complex of anti-BMP-2 mAb with BMP-2 induced osteogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells in vitro, involving expression of RUNX2 and phosphorylation of Smad1. The present data demonstrated the ability of chimeric anti-BMP-2 mAb to functionalize different biomaterial with varying characteristics to mediate osteogenesis.     

Silicate bioceramics enhanced vascularization and osteogenesis through stimulating interactions between endothelia cells and bone marrow stromal cells

The facts that biomaterials affect the behavior of single type of cells have been widely accepted. However, the effects of biomaterials on cell–cell interactions have rarely been reported. Bone tissue engineering involves osteoblastic cells (OCs), endothelial cells (ECs) and the interactions between OCs and ECs. It has been reported that silicate biomaterials can stimulate osteogenic differentiation of OCs and vascularization of ECs. However, the effects of silicate biomaterials on the interactions between ECs and OCs during vascularization and osteogenesis have not been reported, which are critical for bone tissue regeneration in vivo. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of calcium silicate (CS) bioceramics on interactions between human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human bone marrow stromal cells (HBMSCs) and on stimulation of vascularization and osteogenesis in vivo through combining co-cultures with CS containing scaffolds. Specifically, the effects of CS on the angiogenic growth factor VEGF, osteogenic growth factor BMP-2 and the cross-talks between VEGF and BMP-2 in the co-culture system were elucidated. Results showed that CS stimulated co-cultured HBMSCs (co-HBMSCs) to express VEGF and the VEGF activated its receptor KDR on co-cultured HUVECs (co-HUVECs), which was also up-regulated by CS. Then, BMP-2 and nitric oxide expression from the co-HUVECs were stimulated by CS and the former stimulated osteogenic differentiation of co-HBMSCs while the latter stimulated vascularization of co-HVUECs. Finally, the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/CS composite scaffolds with the co-cultured HBMSCs and HUVECs significantly enhanced vascularization and osteogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo, which indicates that it is a promising way to enhance bone regeneration by combining scaffolds containing silicate bioceramics and co-cultures of ECs and OCs.     

The effect of licochalcone A on cell-aggregates ECM secretion and osteogenic differentiation during bone formation in metaphyseal defects in ovariectomized rats

Treatment of weight-bearing bones fractures with defects is critical for patients with osteoporosis's rehabilitation. Although various tissue engineering methods were reported, the best treating strategy for tissue engineering remains to be identified as the limitation of enhancing the ability of the osteogenetic differentiation potential of seed cell is one of the cardinal issues to be solved. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of applying licochalcone-A (L-A) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC)-aggregate in bone repairing tissue engineering and further study the biological effects of L-A on the cell aggregate formation and osteogenic properties. 80 female Sprague Dawley rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy were made with a 3.5 mm femurs bone defects without any fixation. These rats were then randomly assigned to five different treatment groups: (1) empty defect (n = 16), (2) CA-LA (n = 16), (3) CA-N (n = 16), (4) CA-L (n = 16), (5) CA-S (n = 16) and 16 female SD rats were treated as a control. Data showed that L-A administrated cell aggregate had a stronger osteogenic differentiation and mineralized formation potential than non-administrated group both in vitro and in vivo. For in vitro study, L-A administrated group had a more significant expression of ECM, osteogenic associated maker in addition with more mineralized area and higher ALP activity compared with the control group. For in vivo study, 3D reconstruction of micro-CT, HE staining and bone strength results showed that newly formed bone in groups administrated by L-A was significant higher than that in Sham group at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after transplantation, especially for groups which was systematically injected with L-A at 8 weeks. Results of our study demonstrated that LA could positively affect cell behavior in cell-aggregate engineering and could be a promising strategy in treating osteoporotic weight-bearing bones fractures with defects.     

Bioactive cell-derived matrices combined with polymer mesh scaffold for osteogenesis and bone healing

Successful bone tissue engineering generally requires an osteoconductive scaffold that consists of extracellular matrix (ECM) to mimic the natural environment. In this study, we developed a PLGA/PLA-based mesh scaffold coated with cell-derived extracellular matrix (CDM) for the delivery of bone morphogenic protein (BMP-2), and assessed the capacity of this system to provide an osteogenic microenvironment. Decellularized ECM from human lung fibroblasts (hFDM) was coated onto the surface of the polymer mesh scaffolds, upon which heparin was then conjugated onto hFDM via EDC chemistry. BMP-2 was subsequently immobilized onto the mesh scaffolds via heparin, and released at a controlled rate. Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) were cultured in such scaffolds and subjected to osteogenic differentiation for 28 days in vitro. The results showed that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and osteogenic marker expression were significantly improved with hPMSCs cultured in the hFDM-coated mesh scaffolds compared to the control and fibronectin-coated ones. In addition, a mouse ectopic and rat calvarial bone defect model was used to examine the feasibility of current platform to induce osteogenesis as well as bone regeneration. All hFDM-coated mesh groups exhibited a significant increase of newly formed bone and in particular, hFDM-coated mesh scaffold loaded with a high dose of BMP-2 exhibited a nearly complete bone defect healing as confirmed via micro-CT and histological observation. This work proposes a great potency of using hFDM (biophysical) coupled with BMP-2 (biochemical) as a promising osteogenic microenvironment for bone tissue engineering applications.     

The effect of osteoimmunomodulation on the osteogenic effects of cobalt incorporated β-tricalcium phosphate

Osteoblast lineage cells are direct effectors of osteogenesis and are, therefore, commonly used to evaluate the in vitro osteogenic capacity of bone substitute materials. This method has served its purposes when testing novel bone biomaterials; however, inconsistent results between in vitro and in vivo studies suggest the mechanisms that govern a material's capacity to mediate osteogenesis are not well understood. The emerging field of osteoimmunology and immunomodulation has informed a paradigm shift in our view of bone biomaterials–from one of an inert to an osteoimmunomodulatory material–highlighting the importance of immune cells in materials-mediated osteogenesis. Neglecting the importance of the immune response during this process is a major shortcoming of the current evaluation protocol. In this study we evaluated a potential angiogenic bone substitute material cobalt incorporated with β-tricalcium phosphate (CCP), comparing the traditional “one cell type” approach with a “multiple cell types” approach to assess osteogenesis, the latter including the use of immune cells. We found that CCP extract by itself was sufficient to enhance osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), whereas this effect was cancelled out when macrophages were involved. In response to CCP, the macrophage phenotype switched to the M1 extreme, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and bone catabolic factors. When the CCP materials were implanted into a rat femur condyle defect model, there was a significant increase of inflammatory markers and bone destruction, coupled with fibrous encapsulation rather than new bone formation. These findings demonstrated that the inclusion of immune cells (macrophages) in the in vitro assessment matched the in vivo tissue response, and that this method provides a more accurate indication of the essential role of immune cells when assessing materials-stimulated osteogenesis in vitro.     

Expression of SP7/osterix and alkaline phosphatase in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with Cbfal/RUNX2 gene silencing regulated by the water extracts from Bushen huoxue decoction北大核心

BACKGROUND: Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BSHXD) can promote osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro. Exploring the molecular mechanisms involved is of clinical benefits. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the changes in the expression of SP7/Osterix and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in BMSCs with Cbfal/RUNX2 gene silencing regulated by the water extracts from BSHXD. METHODS: BMSCs were isolated and cultured by the bone marrow adherent method, and BMSCs at passage 3 were used in the assay. BMSCs were transfected with nothing (blank control group), Cbfal/RUNX2 gene silencing lentivirus (silencing group), and negative viral vector (negative control group), respectively. Then, the cells were cultured in 100 mg/L BSHXD water extract, and 3 days later, the protein and mRNA expression of RUNX2 and Osterix was detected by western blot and qPCR, respectively. Activity of ALP in the BMSCs was also detected in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The transfection efficiency of Cbfal/RUNX2 gene silencing lentivirus was about 90%. The protein and mRNA expressions of RUNX2 and Osterix were significantly decreased in the BMSCs transfected with Cbfal/RUNX2 gene silencing lentivirus as compared with the other two groups, and so was the ALP activity (P < 0.01). After treated with the water extracts from BSHXD, the expression of RUNX2 and Osterix as well as the ALP activity in the BMSCs transfected with Cbfal/RUNX2 gene silencing lentivirus increased significantly (P < 0.01). To conclude, the water extract from the BXHXD can up-regulate the expression of RUNX2 and Osterix and the activity of ALP, thus promoting BMSCs osteogenic differentiation. © 2018, Journal of Clinical Rehabilitative Tissue Engineering Research. All rights reserved.     

Evaluation of the osteoinductive potential of a bio-inspired scaffold mimicking the osteogenic niche for bone augmentation

Augmentation of regenerative osteogenesis represents a premier clinical need, as hundreds of thousands of patients are left with insufficient healing of bony defects related to a host of insults ranging from congenital abnormalities to traumatic injury to surgically-induced deficits. A synthetic material that closely mimics the composition and structure of the human osteogenic niche represents great potential to successfully address this high demand. In this study, a magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite/type I collagen scaffold was fabricated through a biologically-inspired mineralization process and designed to mimic human trabecular bone. The composition of the scaffold was fully characterized by XRD, FTIR, ICP and TGA, and compared to human bone. Also, the scaffold microstructure was evaluated by SEM, while its nano-structure and nano-mechanical properties were evaluated by AFM. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were used to test the in vitro capability of the scaffold to promote osteogenic differentiation. The cell/scaffold constructs were cultured up to 7 days and the adhesion, organization and proliferation of the cells were evaluated. The ability of the scaffold to induce osteogenic differentiation of the cells was assessed over 3 weeks and the correlate gene expression for classic genes of osteogenesis was assessed. Finally, when tested in an ectopic model in rabbit, the scaffold produced a large volume of trabecular bone in only two weeks, that subsequently underwent maturation over time as expected, with increased mature cortical bone formation, supporting its ability to promote bone regeneration in clinically-relevant scenarios. Altogether, these results confirm a high level of structural mimicry by the scaffold to the composition and structure of human osteogenic niche that translated to faster and more efficient osteoinduction in vivo – features that suggest such a biomaterial may have great utility in future clinical applications where bone regeneration is required.     

Local suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the effects in BMP-2-induced bone regeneration

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of local inflammation suppression on the bone regeneration. Gelatin hydrogels incorporating mixed immunosuppressive triptolide-micelles and bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) were prepared. The controlled release of both the triptolide and BMP-2 from the hydrogels was observed under in vitro and in vivo conditions. When either J774.1 macrophage-like or MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells were cultured in the hydrogels incorporating mixed 2.5, 5 or 10 mg of triptolide-micelles and BMP-2, the expression level of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 was down-regulated, but the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was promoted compared with those of hydrogels incorporating BMP-2 without triptolide-micelles. When implanted into a critical-sized bone defect of rats, the hydrogels incorporating mixed 2.5 or 5 mg of triptolide-micelles and BMP-2 showed significantly lower number of neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages or dendritic and mast cells infiltrated into the defect, and lower expression level of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 than those incorporating BMP-2 without triptolide-micelles. The reduced local inflammation responses at the defects implanted with the hydrogels incorporating mixed 2.5 or 5 mg of triptolide-micelles and BMP-2 subsequently enhanced the bone regeneration thereat. It is concluded that the proper local modulation of inflammation responses is a promising way to achieve the enhanced bone regeneration.     

Effect of nano-structured bioceramic surface on osteogenic differentiation of adipose derived stem cells

Tissue engineering strategies to construct vascularized bone grafts potentially revolutionize the treatment of massive bone loss. The surface topography of the grafts plays critical roles on bone regeneration, while adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) are known for their capability to promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis when applied to bone defects. In the present study, the effects of hydroxyapatite (HAp) bioceramic scaffolds with nanosheet, nanorod, and micro-nano-hybrid (the hybrid of nanorod and microrod) surface topographies on attachment, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, as well as the expression of angiogenic factors of rat ASCs were systematically investigated. The results showed that the HAp bioceramic scaffolds with the micro-/nano-topography surfaces significantly enhanced cell attachment and viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mRNA expression levels of osteogenic markers and angiogenic factors of ASCs. More importantly, the biomimetic feature of the hierarchical micro-nano-hybrid surface topography showed the highest stimulatory effect. The activation in Akt signaling pathway was observed in ASCs cultured on HAp bioceramics with nanorod, and micro-nano-hybrid surface topographies. Moreover, these induction effects could be repressed by Akt signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002. Finally, the in vivo bone regeneration results of rat critical-sized calvarial defect models confirmed that the combination of the micro-nano-hybrid surface and ASCs could significantly enhance both osteogenesis and angiogenesis as compared with the control HAp bioceramic scaffold with traditional smooth surface. Our results suggest that HAp bioceramic scaffolds with micro-nano-hybrid surface can act as cell carrier for ASCs, and consequently combine with ASCs to construct vascularized tissue-engineered bone.     

Integration of a calcined bovine bone and BMSC-sheet 3D scaffold and the promotion of bone regeneration in large defects

Reconstruction of large area bone defect with mechanical integrity to the skeleton is important for patient's rehabilitation. However with the limitation of scaffold material and suitable seed cell sources, the best treating strategy remains to be identified though various tissue engineering methods were reported. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of applying calcined bovine bone (CBB) which was coated by allograft bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC)-sheet as a 3D scaffold material in bone repairing tissue engineering. The new scaffold material was implanted into osteoporosis rat cranial bone defects and repairing critical size bone defects (8 mm diameter). Data showed that CBB-BMSC-sheet combination had a stronger potential in osteogenic differentiation and mineralized formation both in vitro and in vivo than CBB-BMSC combination. In in vitro study BMSC-sheet had a more feasible characteristic upon bone repairing including richer ECM, larger mineralized area and stronger ALP activity in addition with a significant higher mRNA expression of osteogenic maker such as BMP-2, b-FGF, Col 1a1, OSX and Runx-2 than the control group. In in vivo study 3D reconstruction of micro CT, HE staining and bone strength results showed that newly formed bone in CBB-BMSC-sheet group was significant higher than that in CBB-BMSC group at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after transplantation in the aspect of area and volume. What was more, results indicated that allograft BMSC-sheet had survivaled in the scaffold material and participated in the newly formed bone which had the same thickness with surrounding autologous bone tissues after transplantation. Results of our study demonstrated that CBB-BMSC-sheet combination was a promising strategy in healing of large area bone defect in osteoporosis.     

3种组织来源的间充质干细胞体外成骨能力的比较

目的比较成人骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)、人脐带间充质干细胞(UC-MSCs)和人胎盘间充质干细胞(P-MSCs)的成骨能力。方法用含10%胎牛血清的DMEM/Ham's F-12培养液培养3种MSCs,CCK8法检测增殖能力,流式细胞仪鉴定3种细胞。碱性磷酸酶(ALP)和茜素红染色观察细胞经成骨诱导后成骨分化蛋白-ALP的分泌和矿化钙结节的沉积。实时荧光定量PCR(RT-q PCR)法检测MSCs骨再生相关基因的表达。Western blot方法检测MSCs成骨再生相关基因的蛋白表达。结果 MSCs在第3天进入对数增殖期。3种细胞的表面标志物阳性率:CD44、CD90和CD105均高于98%。3种MSCs成骨诱导9 d时,3种MSCs的实验组均表达大量成骨分化蛋白-ALP,成骨诱导18 d时3种MSCs均呈现较好的矿化能力;3种MSCs成骨诱导9 d时,实验组RUNX2和ALP基因显著性高表达(P0.05),成骨诱导18 d时,实验组RUNX2和骨钙素(OCN)亦显著性高表达(P0.05);3种MSCs成骨诱导9 d时,实验组均检测到RUNX2和ALP的蛋白表达;成骨诱导18 d时,实验组细胞亦检测到RUNX2和OCN的蛋白表达。结论 UC-MSCs和P-MSCs具有良好的成骨分化能力,有望作为骨组织工程的种子细胞用于治疗骨缺损。