Abstract
Magnesium, a promising biodegradable metal, has been reported in several studies to increase bone formation. Although there is some information regarding the concentrations of magnesium ions that affect bone remodeling at a cellular level, little is known about the effect of magnesium ions on cell gap junctions. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically investigate the effects of different concentrations of magnesium on bone cells, and further evaluate its effect on gap junctions of osteoblasts. Cultures of normal human osteoblasts were treated with magnesium ions at concentrations of 1, 2 and 3 mM, for 24, 48 and 72 h. The effects of magnesium ions on viability and function of normal human osteoblasts and on gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in osteoblasts were investigated. Magnesium ions induced significant (P<0.05) increases in cell viability, alkaline phosphate activity and osteocalcin levels of human osteoblasts. These stimulatory actions were positively associated with the concentration of magnesium and the time of exposure. Furthermore, the GJIC of osteoblasts was significantly promoted by magnesium ions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that magnesium ions induced the activity of osteoblasts by enhancing GJIC between cells, and influenced bone formation. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the influence of magnesium on bone remodeling and to the advance of its application in clinical practice.
Highlights
Over recent years, there has been a growing interest in magnesium and its alloys as novel internal fixation materials for bone fracture healing due to its biodegradability and mechanical properties [1,2,3]
alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity and osteocalcin level The ALP activity and osteocalcin levels of osteoblasts exposed to the magnesium ions at the three concentrations were evaluated (Figures 2 and 3, respectively)
The ALP activity and osteocalcin levels of osteoblasts treated with magnesium ions increased with higher concentrations of magnesium ions and longer exposure time
Summary
There has been a growing interest in magnesium and its alloys as novel internal fixation materials for bone fracture healing due to its biodegradability and mechanical properties [1,2,3]. Repeated observations have shown enhanced bone growth around various degradable magnesium alloys in vivo. A clear stimulation of cell proliferation and an enhancement of the mitochondrial respiratory activity were observed when mouse osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) were cultured with a fluoride surface-modified AZ31 magnesium alloy (AZ31HF), compared to bare-coated ones [6]. Current studies have reported on the relationship between magnesium material and bone formation, there is still no clear understanding regarding the effects of different concentrations of magnesium ions on bone cells
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