An oligodeoxynucleotide with promising modulation activity for the proliferation and activation of osteoblast

The paper explored the regulatory role of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) with specific sequences in the proliferation and activation of osteoblast, using human osteoblast-like cell line MG 63 as the model. Through the administration of ODNs to MG 63 cells at a concentration of 1.0 μg/mL, ODN MT01 with positive effects on proliferation and activation of osteoblast was selected from 11 different ODNs by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measurement. To get a deeper insight into the molecular mechanism, effects of ODN MT01 treatment on the expression level of Sp7, runx-2, collagen-I, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANK ligand (RANKL) were determined using quantitative real time PCR and Western blotting. Remarkably, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Sp7, runx-2, collagen-I and OPG were improved after ODN MT01 treatment. Meanwhile, the protein expression level of RANKL was dramatically decreased. These results suggested that ODN MT01 had a significant impact in facilitating osteogenic proliferation and activation, and provided a direct evidence for the notion that single strand ODN could regulate the balance of bone formation and resorption, and thus was of great potential in the rebuilding of alveolar bone.     

骨髓间充质干细胞向视网膜神经节样细胞的分化

目的探讨乳鼠视网膜细胞条件分化液诱导骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)的神经分化情况,以期为视网膜退行性疾病提供治疗方案。方法体外分离培养Wistar大鼠乳鼠BMSCs,观察BMSCs的增殖情况并进行鉴定;制备乳鼠视网膜细胞条件分化液,以其诱导BMSCs,观察BMSCs的神经分化情况,并行免疫组化鉴定。结果体外培养获得了较纯的BMSCs;在乳鼠视网膜细胞条件分化液的环境中,诱导后72h,BMSCs胞体收缩成锥形或球形,细胞突起变细、变长,呈神经细胞的典型形态;免疫组化结果显示,部分细胞呈神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)、巢蛋白(nestin)和Thy1.1阳性反应。结论乳鼠视网膜细胞条件分化液可诱导BMSCs分化成视网膜神经节样细胞。     

The effect of curvature on chondrocytes migration and bone mesenchymal stem cells differentiation

Numerous cells grow in columnar tissues and organs with different curvatures and curvature gradients. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effect of curvature on cell behavior to control and promote cell development. Herein, we prepared polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with different micro-nano patterns using ultraviolet soft lithography. Hydrophilic polydopamine (PDA) was modified on the PDMS surface to prepare PDMS/PDA to improve its biocompatibility. The PDMS/PDA was characterized by contact angle tester and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of curvature on bone cell migration and differentiation was studied through SEM, inverted phase contrast microscope and fluorescence microscopy. We found that different curvatures had different effects on the bone cell migration and differentiation. Chondrocytes migrated rapidly in grooves with a curvature range of 1/575–1/875 μm⁻¹. Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) had high efficiency of differentiation into chondrocytes in the grooves with a curvature range of 1/775–1/1375 μm⁻¹. Furthermore, BMSCs showed high efficiency of differentiation into chondrocytes at the edges of micro-nano patterns with different perimeter curvatures, and the differentiation efficiency was the highest at 120° convex curvature. This work shows that curvature is a principle to be considered in bone tissue regeneration engineering and provides inspiration for future biomaterials design.     

A Specific Oligodeoxynucleotide Promotes the Differentiation of Osteoblasts via ERK and p38 MAPK Pathways

A specific oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), ODN MT01, was found to have positive effects on the proliferation and activation of the osteoblast-like cell line MG 63. In this study, the detailed signaling pathways in which ODN MT01 promoted the differentiation of osteoblasts were systematically examined. ODN MT01 enhanced the expression of osteogenic marker genes, such as osteocalcin and type I collagen. Furthermore, ODN MT01 activated Runx2 phosphorylation via ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p38 MAPK. Consistently, ODN MT01 induced up-regulation of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and type I collagen, which was inhibited by pre-treatment with the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 and the p38 inhibitor SB203580. These results suggest that the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways, as well as Runx2 activation, are involved in ODN MT01-induced up-regulation of osteocalcin, type I collagen and the activity of ALP in MG 63 cells.     

Bisphosphonates Reduce Smoking-Induced Osteoporotic-Like Alterations by Regulating RANKL/OPG in an Osteoblast and Osteoclast Co-Culture Model

Co-culture models have become mandatory for obtaining better insights into bone homeostasis, which relies on the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Cigarette smoking (CS) has been proven to increase the risk of osteoporosis; however, there is currently no proven treatment for osteoporosis in smokers excluding cessation. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are classical anti-osteoclastic drugs that are commonly used in examining the suitability of bone co-culture systems in vitro as well as to verify the response to osteoporotic stimuli. In the present study, we tested the effects of BPs on cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-affected cells in the co-culture of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Our results showed that BPs were able to reduce CSE-induced osteoporotic alterations in the co-culture of osteoblasts and osteoclasts such as decreased matrix remodeling, enhanced osteoclast activation, and an up-regulated receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-kB-ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio. In summary, BPs may be an effective alternative therapy for reversing osteoporotic alterations in smokers, and the potential mechanism is through modulation of the RANKL/OPG ratio.     

Locally Secreted Semaphorin 4D Is Engaged in Both Pathogenic Bone Resorption and Retarded Bone Regeneration in a Ligature-Induced Mouse Model of Periodontitis

It is well known that Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) inhibits IGF-1-mediated osteogenesis by binding with PlexinB1 expressed on osteoblasts. However, its elevated level in the gingival crevice fluid of periodontitis patients and the broader scope of its activities in the context of potential upregulation of osteoclast-mediated periodontal bone-resorption suggest the need for further investigation of this multifaceted molecule. In short, the pathophysiological role of Sema4D in periodontitis requires further study. Accordingly, attachment of the ligature to the maxillary molar of mice for 7 days induced alveolar bone-resorption accompanied by locally elevated, soluble Sema4D (sSema4D), TNF-α and RANKL. Removal of the ligature induced spontaneous bone regeneration during the following 14 days, which was significantly promoted by anti-Sema4D-mAb administration. Anti-Sema4D-mAb was also suppressed in vitro osteoclastogenesis and pit formation by RANKL-stimulated BMMCs. While anti-Sema4D-mAb downmodulated the bone-resorption induced in mouse periodontitis, it neither affected local production of TNF-α and RANKL nor systemic skeletal bone remodeling. RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and resorptive activity were also suppressed by blocking of CD72, but not Plexin B2, suggesting that sSema4D released by osteoclasts promotes osteoclastogenesis via ligation to CD72 receptor. Overall, our data indicated that ssSema4D released by osteoclasts may play a dual function by decreasing bone formation, while upregulating bone-resorption.     

Modified calcium magnesium phosphate bone cement with improved microenvironment

Calcium magnesium phosphate bone cement (MCPC) has been widely used in bone defects restoration and attracted much attention due to excellent mechanical properties and biodegradability. However, excessive MgO tends to cause a local alkaline microenvironment which is adverse for cell growth and differentiation. In this work, we constructed the MCPC composites with improved microenvironment, enhanced osteogenic differentiation and biomineralization by introducing various concentrations of gelatin solutions. Gelatin played important roles in the improvement of physicochemical property, biodegradability, biocompatibility, osteogenic differentiation activity and biomineralization of MCPC. When incorporated with 1% and 5% of gelatin, the MCPC composites exhibited higher compressive strength and osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs in vitro. In conclusion, the modified MCPC composite is a potential candidate for bone defects repair and regenerate.     

Multiwalled carbon nanotube-coating of 3D collagen scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Surface coating treatment with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was applied to 3D collagen scaffold for bone tissue engineering. Rat primary osteoblasts (ROBs) were cultured on an MWCNT-coated collagen sponge (MWCNT-coated sponge) in a 3D dynamic flow cell culture system and differentiation markers were measured. Alkaline phosphatase activity at 1 day, and calcium and osteopontin contents of the MWCNT-coated sponges at 7 days were significantly higher than those of uncoated sponges. ROBs on the MWCNT-coated sponge differentiated earlier than on the uncoated sponge. In addition, the tissue response to the MWCNT-coated sponge was evaluated. Slight inflammation was observed around MWCNTs at 7 and 28 days after implantation in subcutaneous tissue. Significantly more bone formation was observed around the MWCNT-coated sponges than around the uncoated sponges and new bone attached to MWCNTs directly at 28 and 56 days after implantation in the femur. Moreover, at 28 days after implantation of the MWCNT-coated sponge with osteoblasts cultured for 1 day, bone tissues were successfully formed in the pores according to its honeycomb structure. Therefore, MWCNT coating appears to be effective for bone tissue engineering.     

转化生长因子-β在骨髓间充质干细胞治疗实验性自身免疫性重症肌无力机制中的作用

目的探讨转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)在骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)治疗实验性自身免疫性重症肌无力(EAMG)机制中的作用。方法分离培养健康Lewis大鼠BMSCs,并进行大量体外扩增;以大鼠来源的乙酰胆碱受体(R-AChR)2次免疫Lewis大鼠,建立EAMG模型;第2次免疫的同时,经尾静脉移植BMSCs,1×107个/只,依据Lennon评分标准,进行体重测量和临床体征评定。并通过体外实验进一步探讨TGF-β在治疗EAMG过程中的具体机制。结果BMSCs移植明显缓解了EAMG的临床症状,临床评分及体重变化差异均有统计学意义,表明治疗有效;体外实验结果显示,BMSCs能通过TGF-β的分泌影响AChR特异性Th17/Treg细胞亚群的分布及其相关因子的分泌,以anti-TGF-β抗体封闭后,这种调节作用在一定程度上被抑制。结论BMSCs通过细胞因子TGF-β,能在一定程度上调节AChR特异性Th17/Treg细胞亚群的平衡,从而起到治疗EAMG的作用。     

人肝细胞生长因子基因真核表达质粒的构建及其在人骨髓间充质干细胞中的表达

目的构建人肝细胞生长因子(Human hepatocyte growth factor,hHGF)真核表达质粒,并检测其在人骨髓间充质干细胞(Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,BMSCs)中的表达及其对细胞生长的影响。方法采用密度梯度法从人骨髓中分离BMSCs,流式细胞术检测细胞表型,成脂及成骨诱导其分化。PCR扩增hHGF基因,定向克隆至pEGFP-N1载体中,构建重组表达质粒pEGFP-N1-hHGF,通过电穿孔法转染BMSCs,荧光显微镜下观察增强型绿色荧光蛋白的表达,RT-PCR及Western blot法检测hHGF基因mRNA的转录及蛋白的表达,MTT法检测hHGF对BMSCs增殖活力的影响。结果 BMSCs高表达CD29和CD44,不表达CD34和CD45;BMSCs在体外有向成脂及成骨细胞诱导分化的能力。酶切及基因测序证实,重组表达质粒pEGFP-N1-hHGF构建正确;转染后48 h观察到转染细胞中有绿色荧光蛋白表达;RT-PCR法和Western blot检测到hHGF基因在BMSCs中表达;转染hHGF基因的BMSCs增殖活力明显高于空白对照组和空载体转染组(P<0.05)。结论成功构建了hHGF基因真核表达质粒,转染人BMSCs后获得表达,表达的hHGF可促进BMSCs增殖。     

PF-3845, a Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitor,Directly Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis through ERK and NF-κB Pathways In Vitro and Alveolar Bone Loss In Vivo

Alveolar bone loss, the major feature of periodontitis, results from the activation of osteoclasts, which can consequently cause teeth to become loose and fall out; the development of drugs capable of suppressing excessive osteoclast differentiation and function is beneficial for periodontal disease patients. Given the difficulties associated with drug discovery, drug repurposing is an efficient approach for identifying alternative uses of commercially available compounds. Here, we examined the effects of PF-3845, a selective fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclastogenesis, its function, and the therapeutic potential for the treatment of alveolar bone destruction in experimental periodontitis. PF-3845 significantly suppressed osteoclast differentiation and decreased the induction of nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and the expression of osteoclast-specific markers. Actin ring formation and osteoclastic bone resorption were also reduced by PF-3845, and the anti-osteoclastogenic and anti-resorptive activities were mediated by the suppression of phosphorylation of rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase, (ERK) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) inhibitor (IκBα). Furthermore, the administration of PF-3845 decreased the number of osteoclasts and the amount of alveolar bone destruction caused by ligature placement in experimental periodontitis in vivo. The present study provides evidence that PF-3845 is able to suppress osteoclastogenesis and prevent alveolar bone loss, and may give new insights into its role as a treatment for osteoclast-related diseases.     

Chitosan-gelatin/hydroxyapatite-based scaffold associated with mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into osteoblasts improves the surface of the bone lesion in mice C57BL/6J

Extensive injuries to bone tissue are still considered a significant clinical challenge; therefore, developing new bone tissue engineering (BTE) strategies is still necessary. This work aims to construct and characterize a chitosan-gelatin/hydroxyapatite-based (CG/H) scaffold to provide well-design support for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) growth and differentiation to osteoblasts. First, the CG/H scaffolds are construct by freeze-drying. Then, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, water uptake, and degradation profiles evaluate the material's surface. In addition, the CG/H morphological, biochemical, and MSC adhesion processes and growth behavior are also assess, indicating reasonable adhesion rates to the surface, low material cytotoxicity, and excellent alkaline phosphatase activity compared to control on the cellular framework. Based on these results, we obtain a highly biocompatible scaffold and that can support osteoblast differentiation. Finally, the in vivo studies demonstrate the CG/H scaffold with MSC adhere is capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, and the application of this scaffold is able to significantly enhance the closure of the bone lesion. Therefore, the CG/H scaffold has potential clinical application for bone regeneration.     

The Emerging Regulatory Role of Circular RNAs in Periodontal Tissues and Cells

Periodontitis is a chronic complex inflammatory disease associated with a destructive host immune response to microbial dysbiosis, leading to irreversible loss of tooth-supporting tissues. Regeneration of functional periodontal soft (periodontal ligament and gingiva) and hard tissue components (cementum and alveolar bone) to replace lost tissues is the ultimate goal of periodontal treatment, but clinically predictable treatments are lacking. Similarly, the identification of biomarkers that can be used to accurately diagnose periodontitis activity is lacking. A relatively novel category of molecules found in oral tissue, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded endogenous, long, non-coding RNA molecules, with covalently circular-closed structures without a 5’ cap and a 3’ tail via non-classic backsplicing. Emerging research indicates that circRNAs are tissue and disease-specific expressed and have crucial regulatory functions in various diseases. CircRNAs can function as microRNA or RNA binding sites or can regulate mRNA. In this review, we explore the biogenesis and function of circRNAs in the context of the emerging role of circRNAs in periodontitis pathogenesis and the differentiation of periodontal cells. CircMAP3K11, circCDK8, circCDR1as, circ_0062491, and circ_0095812 are associated with pathological periodontitis tissues. Furthermore, circRNAs are expressed in periodontal cells in a cell-specific manner. They can function as microRNA sponges and can form circRNA–miRNA–mRNA networks during osteogenic differentiation for periodontal-tissue (or dental pulp)-derived progenitor cells.     

去上皮羊膜及其浸提液体外诱导骨髓间充质干细胞的分化

目的观察去上皮羊膜及其浸提液体外诱导骨髓间充质干细胞(Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,BMSCs)向上皮细胞的分化,并探讨其机制。方法从胎儿四肢长骨分离BMSCs,扩增后采用流式细胞术分析第3代(P3)细胞表面抗原(CD29、CD34、CD71和HLA-DR)的表达,并用4,6-乙酰基-2-苯基吲哚(DAPI)标记第4代BMSCs(P4-BMSCs)。机械法去除正常胎盘羊膜上皮,制成去上皮羊膜,并制备去上皮羊膜浸提液。将DAPI标记的BMSCs接种于羊膜上,设加或不加表皮细胞生长因子(Epidermal growth factor,EGF)、类胰岛素1号生长因子(Insulin-like growth factor 1,IGF-1)、羊膜浸提液诱导组及细胞爬片对照组,体外诱导培养后,采用免疫荧光组织(细胞)化学染色学法检测各组细胞角蛋白(Cytokeratin,CK)、EGF-R和IGF-1-R的表达,并于诱导后第10天计算CK阳性细胞率。结果原代BMSCs呈典型旋涡状生长,P3细胞表达CD29和CD71,不表达CD34和HLA-DR。羊膜组和细胞爬片组BMSCs在加入EGF或IGF-1诱导后,表达EGF-R和IGF-1-R的时间较未加生长因子的对照组提前2～4 d,表达CK的时间提前2～6 d,单用羊膜组或羊膜浸提液组的表达时间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);诱导第10天,单用羊膜或羊膜浸提液诱导组的CK阳性细胞表达率明显高于细胞爬片对照组(P<0.05);羊膜与EGF、IGF-1联合诱导组高于单用羊膜组(P<0.05);EGF诱导组高于IGF-1诱导组(P<0.05)。结论羊膜及羊膜浸提液、外源性EGF和IGF-1在体外均可诱导BMSCs向上皮细胞分化,羊膜可能主要通过其所含的细胞因子诱导BMSCs向上皮分化。     

Gremlin-1 and BMP-4 Overexpressed in Osteoarthritis Drive an Osteochondral-Remodeling Program in Osteoblasts and Hypertrophic Chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a whole joint disease characterized by an important remodeling of the osteochondral junction. It includes cartilage mineralization due to chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation and bone sclerosis. Here, we investigated whether gremlin-1 (Grem-1) and its BMP partners could be involved in the remodeling events of the osteochondral junction in OA. We found that Grem-1, BMP-2, and BMP-4 immunostaining was detected in chondrocytes from the deep layer of cartilage and in subchondral bone of knee OA patients, and was positively correlated with cartilage damage. ELISA assays showed that bone released more Grem-1 and BMP-4 than cartilage, which released more BMP-2. In vitro experiments evidenced that compression stimulated the expression and the release of Grem-1 and BMP-4 by osteoblasts. Grem-1 was also overexpressed during the prehypertrophic to hypertrophic differentiation of murine articular chondrocytes. Recombinant Grem-1 stimulated Mmp-3 and Mmp-13 expression in murine chondrocytes and osteoblasts, whereas recombinant BMP-4 stimulated the expression of genes associated with angiogenesis (Angptl4 and osteoclastogenesis (Rankl and Ccl2). In conclusion, Grem-1 and BMP-4, whose expression at the osteochondral junction increased with OA progression, may favor the pathological remodeling of the osteochondral junction by inducing a catabolic and tissue remodeling program in hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteoblasts.