Growth Of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Research Articles

Intraperitoneal injection of Desferal\xae alleviated the age-related bone loss and senescence of bone marrow stromal cells in rats

BackgroundAge-related bone loss plays a vital role in the development of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture. Bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) senescence is highly associated with osteoporosis and limits the application of BMSCs in regenerative medicine. Hypoxia is an essential component for maintaining the normal physiology of BMSCs. We have reported that activation of hypoxia-induced factor by deletion of von Hippel-Lindau gene in osteochondral progenitor cells protected mice from aging-induced bone loss. However, whether pharmacologically manipulation of hypoxic niche would attenuate age-related bone loss and dysfunction of BMSCs is not well understood.MethodsTwelve-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used as an aged model and were intraperitoneally injected with Desferal® (20, 60 mg/kg weight or vehicle), three times a week for a continuous 8-week period. Two-month-old young rats were set as a reference. After 8 weeks, micro-CT and HE staining were performed to determine the effect of Desferal® on bone loss. In order to investigate the effects of Desferal® on BMSC senescence, 12-month-old rats were treated with high-dose Desferal® (60 mg/kg weight) daily for 10 days. BMSCs were isolated and evaluated using CCK-8 assay, colony-forming cell assay, cell differentiation assay, laser confocal for reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, and molecular expression test for stemness/senescence-associated genes.ResultsMicro-CT and HE staining showed that high-dose Desferal® significantly prevented bone loss in aged rats. Compared with vehicle group, the ex vivo experiments showed that short-term Desferal® administration could promote the potential of BMSC growth (proliferation and colony formation ability) and improve the rebalance of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, as well as rejuvenate senescent BMSCs (ROS level and SA-β-gal staining) and revise the expression of stemness/senescence-associated genes. The potential of BMSCs from 12M-H-Desferal® group at least partly revised to the level close to 2-month-old group.ConclusionsThe current study suggested that Desferal®, an iron-chelating agent, could alleviate age-related bone loss in middle-aged rats. Meanwhile, we found that short-term intraperitoneal injection of Desferal® partly rejuvenate BMSCs from aged rats. Overall, we demonstrated a novel role of Desferal® in rejuvenating aged BMSCs and preventing age-related bone loss.

Detecting oxygen in growing tissues

Biomaterials Cells require sufficient oxygen for survival and differentiation, for example, during bone tissue regeneration. With the aid of probe molecules, two-photon phosphorescence lifetime microscopy (2PLM) can image oxygen distributions, although not in tissues lacking vasculature. Schilling et al. use electrospin polymer meshes by employing a coaxial approach to embed 2PLM probes into the cores of fibers. The fibers support bone marrow stromal cell growth and differentiation, while enabling real-time high-resolution probing of partial pressures of oxygen during the early stages of tissue repair both in vitro and in vivo. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 10.1021/acsami.9b08341 (2019).

Electrospun Fiber Mesh for High-Resolution Measurements of Oxygen Tension in Cranial Bone Defect Repair.

Tissue oxygenation is one of the key determining factors in bone repair and bone tissue engineering. Adequate tissue oxygenation is essential for survival and differentiation of the bone-forming cells and ultimately the success of bone tissue regeneration. Two-photon phosphorescence lifetime microscopy (2PLM) has been successfully applied in the past to image oxygen distributions in tissue with high spatial resolution. However, delivery of phosphorescent probes into avascular compartments, such as those formed during early bone defect healing, poses significant problems. Here, we report a multifunctional oxygen-reporting fibrous matrix fabricated through encapsulation of a hydrophilic oxygen-sensitive, two-photon excitable phosphorescent probe, PtP-C343, in the core of fibers during coaxial electrospinning. The oxygen-sensitive fibers support bone marrow stromal cell growth and differentiation and at the same time enable real-time high-resolution probing of partial pressures of oxygen via 2PLM. The hydrophilicity of the probe facilitates its gradual release into the nearby microenvironment, allowing fibers to act as a vehicle for probe delivery into the healing tissue. In conjunction with a cranial defect window chamber model, which permits simultaneous imaging of the bone and neovasculature in vivo via two-photon laser scanning microscopy, the oxygen-reporting fibers provide a useful tool for minimally invasive, high-resolution, real-time 3D mapping of tissue oxygenation during bone defect healing, facilitating studies aimed at understanding the healing process and advancing design of tissue-engineered constructs for enhanced bone repair and regeneration.

Bone marrow stromal cells interaction with titanium; Effects of composition and surface modification.

Inflammation and implant loosening are major concerns when using titanium implants for hard tissue engineering applications. Surface modification is one of the promising tools to enhance tissue-material integration in metallic implants. Here, we used anodization technique to modify the surface of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) and titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) samples. Our results show that electrolyte composition, anodization time and voltage dictated the formation of well-organized nanotubes. Although electrolyte containing HF in water resulted in nanotube formation on Ti, the presence of NH4F and ethylene glycol was necessary for successful nanotube formation on Ti-6Al-4V. Upon examination of the interaction of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) with the modified samples, we found that Ti-6Al-4V without nanotubes induced cell proliferation and cluster of differentiation 40 ligand (CD40L) expression which facilitates B-cell activation to promote early bone healing. However, the expression of glioma associated protein 2 (GLI2), which regulates CD40L, was reduced in Ti-6Al-4V and the presence of nanotubes further reduced its expression. The inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression was reduced by nanotube presence on Ti. These results suggest that Ti-6Al-4V with nanotubes may be suitable implants because they have no effect on BMSC growth and inflammation.

Cellular interactions regulate stem cell differentiation in tri-culture

ABSTRACTCurrently, the mechanism governing the regeneration of the soft tissue-to-bone interface, such as the transition between the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and bone, is not known. Focusing on the ACL-to-bone insertion, this study tests the novel hypothesis that interactions between cells from the ligament (fibroblasts) and bone (osteoblasts) initiate interface regeneration. Specifically, these heterotypic cell interactions direct the fibrochondrogenic differentiation of interface-relevant cell populations, defined here as ligament fibroblasts and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC). The objective of this study is to examine the effects of heterotypic cellular interactions on BMSC or fibroblast growth and biosynthesis, as well as expression of fibrocartilage-relevant markers in tri-culture. The effects of cell–cell physical contact and paracrine interactions between fibroblasts and osteoblasts were also determined. It was found that, in tri-culture with fibroblasts and osteoblasts, BMSC exhibited greater fibrochondrogenic potential than ligament fibroblasts. The growth of BMSC decreased while proteoglycan production and TGF-β3 expression increased. Moreover, tri-culture regulated BMSC response via paracrine factors, and interestingly, fibroblast–osteoblast contact further promoted proteoglycan and TGF-β1 synthesis as well as induced SOX9 expression in BMSC. Collectively, the findings of this study suggest that fibroblast–osteoblast interactions play an important role in regulating the stem cell niche for fibrocartilage regeneration, and the mechanisms of these interactions are directed by paracrine factors and augmented with direct cell–cell contact.

New Bone Formation in Tuberculous-Infected Vertebral Body Defect after Administration of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in Rabbit Model.

Study DesignPreliminary experimental study using a rabbit spondylitis model.PurposeTo observe the ossification in a micro-environment containing live Mycobacterium tuberculosis transplanted with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in rabbits.Overview of LiteratureBMSCs differentiate to osteoblasts and then osteocytes during ossification. Mycobacterium tuberculosis does not affect BMSC growth in vitro.MethodsSix rabbits were divided into two groups of three rabbits. One group was positive for spondylitis tuberculosis by culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and histopathologically. The other group was positive by PCR and histopathologically. Both groups were treated using BMSC transplantation and anti-tuberculosis drugs. After 6 weeks, ossification was evaluated by enumerating the number of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and lesion level of calcium.ResultsMean number of osteoblasts was 207.00±31.00 in the first group and 220.33±73.46 in the second group. Mean number of intra-lesions osteocytes was in the first and second group was 18.33±30.04 and 31.00±26.87, respectively. Mean calcium level in the first group and second group was 2.94%±0.89% and 2.51%±0.13%, respectively. Total ossification score in the first and second group was 31.00 and 25.67, respectively.ConclusionsMycobacterium tuberculosis provides support for new bone formation by stimulating intra-lesion calcium metabolism. The microscopic environment containing live Mycobacterium tuberculosis enhances ossification.

Blocking the ZZ domain of sequestosome1/p62 suppresses myeloma growth and osteoclast formation in vitro and induces dramatic bone formation in myeloma-bearing bones in vivo.

We reported that p62 (sequestosome 1) serves as a signaling hub in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) for the formation of signaling complexes, including NFκB, p38MAPK, and JNK, that are involved in the increased osteoclastogenesis and multiple myeloma (MM) cell growth induced by BMSC that are key contributors to myeloma bone disease (MMBD), and demonstrated that the ZZ-domain of p62 (p62-ZZ) is required for BMSC enhancement of MMBD. We recently identified a novel p62-ZZ inhibitor, XRK3F2, that inhibits MM cell growth and BMSC growth enhancement of human MM cells. In the current study we evaluate the relative specificity of XRK3F2 for p62-ZZ, characterize XRK3F2’s capacity to inhibit growth of primary MM cells and human MM cell lines, and test the in vivo effects of XRK3F2 in the immunocompetent 5TGM1 MM model. We found that XRK3F2 induces dramatic cortical bone formation that is restricted to MM containing bones and blocked the effects and upregulation of TNFα, an OBL differentiation inhibitor that is increased in the MM bone marrow microenvironment and utilizes signaling complexes formed on p62-ZZ, in BMSC. Interestingly, XRK3F2 had no effect on non-MM bearing bone. These results demonstrate that targeting p62 in MM models has profound effects on MMBD.

Juxtacrine interaction of macrophages and bone marrow stromal cells induce interleukin-6 signals and promote cell migration.

The bone marrow contains a heterogeneous milieu of cells, including macrophages, which are key cellular mediators for resolving infection and inflammation. Macrophages are most well known for their ability to phagocytose foreign bodies or apoptotic cells to maintain homeostasis; however, little is known about their function in the bone microenvironment. In the current study, we investigated the in vitro interaction of murine macrophages and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), with focus on the juxtacrine induction of IL-6 signaling and the resultant effect on BMSC migration and growth. The juxtacrine interaction of primary mouse macrophages and BMSCs activated IL-6 signaling in the co-cultures, which subsequently enhanced BMSC migration and increased BMSC numbers. BMSCs and macrophages harvested from IL-6 knockout mice revealed that IL-6 signaling was essential for enhancement of BMSC migration and increased BMSC numbers via juxtacrine interactions. BMSCs were the main contributor of IL-6 signaling, and hence activation of the IL-6/gp130/STAT3 pathway. Meanwhile, macrophage derived IL-6 remained important for the overall production of IL-6 protein in the co-cultures. Taken together, these findings show the function of macrophages as co-inducers of migration and growth of BMSCs, which could directly influence bone formation and turnover.

Bortezomib inhibits the survival and proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells.

BackgroundBortezomib is widely used for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) endow myeloma cells with survival and growth advantages. However, the influence of bortezomib on BMSCs is not well elucidated. We examined the effects of bortezomib on the survival and growth of BMSCs in vitro.MethodsThe effects of bortezomib on the survival and proliferation of the BMSC MS-5 cell line and on BMSCs obtained from healthy individuals (N=4) and newly diagnosed myeloma patients (N=5) were investigated in vitro. Transmembrane cell migration was evaluated using the Transwell system. A short interfering RNA strategy was used to knock down the expression of chemokine (CXC motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) mRNA. To examine the effects of bortezomib-exposed BMSCs on the migration and localization of myeloma cells, MS-5 monolayers were treated with bortezomib for 24 hr, washed, and then overlaid with human RPMI8226 myeloma cells.ResultsBortezomib inhibited BMSC proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, and induced cellular apoptosis. Bortezomib decreased CXCL12 production by BMSCs. Knockdown of CXCL12 mRNA in BMSCs revealed that CXCL12 served as an autocrine growth factor. Short-term bortezomib treatment of BMSC monolayers reduced the tendency of myeloma cells to locate to positions under the monolayers.ConclusionBortezomib inhibits the survival and growth of BMSCs via downregulation of CXCL12, which may contribute to the clinical effects of this agent.

Inhibitory effect of Ecliptae herba extract and its component wedelolactone on pre-osteoclastic proliferation and differentiation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEcliptae herba, also known as “Mo-Han-Lian”, has long been used in China to nourish Kidney and thereafter strengthen bones. Accumulating evidence indicates that extracts of Ecliptae herba have antiosteoporotic effect. However, the effective compounds and cellular mode of action are still unclear. To investigate the effect of ethyl acetate extract of Ecliptae herba (EAE) and its component wedelolactone on proliferation and differentiation of preosteoclastic RAW264.7 cells as well as proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC). Materials and methodsRAW264.7 and BMSC were examined for proliferation by a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity of RAW264.7 was measured by using p-nitrophenyl sodium phosphate (pNPP) assay after the cells were treated with 30ng/ml receptor activator for nuclear factor-κ B ligand (RANKL) plus various concentrations of EAE, wedelolactone or alendronate. The formation of multinucleated TRAP-positive RAW264.7 cells was observed by using a TRAP-staining kit. ResultsTreatment of RAW264.7 cells with EAE at high doses (20µg/ml and 40µg/ml) or wedelolactone at 10µg/ml resulted in a decrease in proliferation of RAW264.7 cells. Low doses of EAE (5, 10µg/ml) and wedelolactone (2.5µg/ml) inhibited RANKL-induced TRAP activity by 20.3%, 37.9%, and 48.3%. The inhibitory effect of wedelolactone is more potent than that of alendronate, an anti-resorptive drug. Morphological changes revealed that 5µg/ml EAE and 2.5µg/ml wedelolactone reduced the number of multinucleated osteoclast-like cells. At the high doses, EAE (20µg/ml) and wedelolactone (10µg/ml) inhibited the growth of BMSC. ConclusionsEAE and its component wedelolactone inhibited osteoclast RAW264.7 proliferation and differentiation at the low doses, but at the high doses, showed cytotoxic effect on BMSC. These results indicated that EAE and wedelolatone might be potential alternative therapy for osteoporosis.

Bortezomib Inhibits the Survival and Proliferation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Via Downregulation of the Chemokine CXCL12

AbstractAbstract 3951Bortezomib is widely used for the treatment of multiple myeloma, based on findings that it induces apoptosis and strongly inhibits proliferation of myeloma cells. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) endow myeloma cells with survival and growth advantages. However, the influence of bortezomib on BMSCs is not well elucidated. In the present study, we examined the role of bortezomib in the survival and growth of BMSCs and its implications in myeloma cell biology.First, the effects of bortezomib on the proliferation and survival of the BMSCs were investigated. In a 3-day incubation of MS-5 murine BMSCs, the addition of 5 nM bortezomib significantly decreased cell proliferation as compared with controls (relative proliferation index, 2.1 ± 0.5 vs.1.6 ± 0.3 at 48 h; 3.5 ± 0.6 vs. 1.5 ± 0.2 at 72 h; both P < 0.05) and ≥ 50 nM bortezomib abolished cell proliferation. Consistent with these findings, bortezomib diminished the percentages of cells in S phase in a dose-dependent manner. Bortezomib (up to 500 nM) did not affect the survival of MS-5 cells for initial 24 h of incubation, whereas it markedly increased the percentages of annexin V-positive apoptotic cells after 72 h (54.7 ± 7.2% for 50 nM; 73.0 ± 10.4% for 500 nM; both P < 0.05 as compared with controls). Similar results were obtained with BMSCs from both healthy individuals (n = 4) and myeloma patients (n = 5). Next, we tested our hypothesis that downregulation of the chemokine CXCL12 may be involved in these phenomena. Knock-down of CXCL12 mRNA, using a short interfering RNA strategy, in BMSCs from both healthy individuals and myeloma patients resulted in a significant decrease in the survival and spontaneous proliferation of cells, indicating that CLCX12 is an autocrine survival and growth factor. Treating BMSCs with bortezomib at concentrations of 5, 50, and 500 nM for 24 h reduced CXCL12 mRNA expression to 50%, 20%, and < 10% of the control, respectively. In parallel, bortezomib decreased CXCL12 production in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced in Western blotting and ELISA analysis. Additionally, CXCL12 serum levels in myeloma patients (n = 5) placed on bortezomib treatment were significantly decreased after 3 days of administration (2,256 ± 664 pg/mL vs. 1,283 ± 482 pg/mL; P < 0.05). The inhibition of BMSC survival and proliferation induced by 5 nM bortezomib was partially reversed by the addition of CXCL12. Finally, we tested whether bortezomib-induced alterations in BMSCs affect myeloma cell biology. Supernatants from 5 nM bortezomib-treated MS-5 cells induced chemotaxis of RPMI8226 myeloma cells to a much lower extent as compared with supernatants from non-treated cells (migration index, 7.3 ± 1.5 vs. 3.4 ± 1.1; P < 0.05). Additionally, short-term bortezomib treatment of MS-5 monolayers resulted in decreased localization of RPMI8226 cells under the monolayers as compared with non-treated ones.These results indicate that bortezomib inhibits the survival and growth of BMSCs via downregulation of CXCL12. The anti-myeloma effects of bortezomib may be exerted at least in part via modulation of BMSCs. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

IGFBP7 Gene Promoting Cell Proliferation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Through Activation of AKT3 and CCND1

AbstractAbstract 1447Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) has been ascribed properties of both tumor suppressor and enhancer of cell proliferation. In solid tumors the important role of IGFBP7 as a tumor suppressor was revealed in several studies.In acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), high IGFBP7 expression is associated with a more immature phenotype of early T-ALL, inferior survival, and predicts primary chemotherapy resistance. In a separate study, IGFBP7 acts as a positive regulator of ALL and bone marrow stromal cells growth, and significantly enhances in-vitro resistance to asparaginase. Higher IGFBP7 mRNA levels were associated with lower leukemia-free survival (P=0.003) in precursor B-cell Ph negative ALL patients (n=147) treated with a contemporary polychemotherapy protocol.In acute myeloid leukemia, the role of IGFBP7 is largely unknown. In our previous published study [Hu et al, 2011], we demonstrated that IGFBP7 overexpressed in majority of childhood AML (n=66) at diagnosis and upon relapsed, but not at remission stage. We now further explore its mechanism in promoting AML cells proliferation. Compared with control, transfection of full length IGFBP7 in K562 cells [V-BP7] resulted in 23% increased of proliferation in 48 hours. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry showed decreased G0/G1 phase and increased S phase in V-BP7 comparing with control, suggesting enhanced cell cycle progression. While transfection of IGFPB7 siRNA produced an opposite effect of reducing the cell growth in K562 cells.In consistent with the nature of a secretory protein, the extracellular IGFBP7 level in the condition media from v-BP7 was significantly higher than that from vector control or parental K562 cells measured by ELISA. Incubation parental K562 cells in V-BP7 derived conditioned medium resulted in significant growth enhancement.Gene expression profiling (GEP) was performed on V-BP7 in contrast to parental K562 cells. Genes which were up-regulated or down-regulated more than 2 folds were regarded as significant difference. Among 10 verified genes, AKT3 showed the highest extent of up-regulation and IGFBP7 siRNA transfection reduced its expression. Cyclin D1 (CCND1) expression was also significantly up-regulated and validated by RT-PCR and Western blot.V-BP7 treated with an AKT inhibitor (Triciribine) at 2.5μM for 72 hours showed 50% reduction of cell viability. The cell cycle analysis indicated that triciribine reversed cell cycle progression in V-BP7, by increasing cells in G0/G1 phase and reducing cells in S phase. Western blot demonstrated that both phospho-AKT3 and CCND1 were down regulated after treatment with triciribine.Using real time RT-PCR, we further identified that IGFBP7 and AKT3 expression were significantly correlated (p=0.001; r=0.255) in 39 newly diagnosed childhood AML. ConclusionsIGFBP7 aberrantly overexpressed in majority of childhood AML. IGFBP7 promotes proliferation of K562 cells and AML via overexpression/activation of AKT3 and CCND1. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Critical Role of Filamin-binding LIM Protein 1 (FBLP-1)/Migfilin in Regulation of Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling is a complex process that must be precisely controlled to maintain a healthy life. We show here that filamin-binding LIM protein 1 (FBLP-1, also known as migfilin), a kindlin- and filamin-binding focal adhesion protein, is essential for proper control of bone remodeling. Genetic inactivation of FBLIM1 (the gene encoding FBLP-1) in mice resulted in a severe osteopenic phenotype. Primary FBLP-1 null bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) exhibited significantly reduced extracellular matrix adhesion and migration compared with wild type BMSCs. Loss of FBLP-1 significantly impaired the growth and survival of BMSCs in vitro and decreased the number of osteoblast (OB) progenitors in bone marrow and OB differentiation in vivo. Furthermore, the loss of FBLP-1 caused a dramatic increase of osteoclast (OCL) differentiation in vivo. The level of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), a key regulator of OCL differentiation, was markedly increased in FBLP-1 null BMSCs. The capacity of FBLP-1 null bone marrow monocytes (BMMs) to differentiate into multinucleated OCLs in response to exogenously supplied RANKL, however, was not different from that of WT BMMs. Finally, we show that a loss of FBLP-1 promotes activating phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation substantially suppressed the increase of RANKL induced by the loss of FBLP-1. Our results identify FBLP-1 as a key regulator of bone homeostasis and suggest that FBLP-1 functions in this process through modulating both the intrinsic properties of OB/BMSCs (i.e., BMSC-extracellular matrix adhesion and migration, cell growth, survival, and differentiation) and the communication between OB/BMSCs and BMMs (i.e., RANKL expression) that controls osteoclastogenesis.

Influence of an Autologous Serum-Supplemented Medium on the Proliferation and Differentiation into Neurons of Canine Bone Marrow Stromal Cells

We investigated the influence of autologous serum (AS)-supplemented medium on the proliferation and differentiation into neurons of canine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Canine BMSCs were cultured using α-MEM only, α-MEM with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and 5, 10 and 20% AS-supplemented α-MEM. Growth of canine BMSCs was observed in all AS groups. The proliferation capacity of canine BMSCs in the AS groups was similar to that in the FBS group. No significant differences between the FBS and AS groups were observed in the percentage of the cells that changed to the neuron-like morphology and neuron-specific enolase-positive ratio after neuronal differentiation. Canine BMSCs cultured using AS-supplemented medium were able to proliferate and showed neuronal differentiation potency.

Biocompatibility of Acellular Nerves of Different Mammalian Species for Nerve Tissue Engineering

To explore the biocompatibility of acellular nerves of different mammalian species, for the acellular nerves derived from rats and rabbits, the morphology, immunocompatibility, and cytocompatibility with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were evaluated. The results indicated that the tridimensional architecture and main proteins of endoneurial tubes in both biomaterials were well retained. The nerve scaffolds did not show immunogenicity or cytotoxicity, but facilitated growth of BMSCs and secretion of neurotrophic factors in vitro. In conclusion, acellular nerves of different species possess favorable biocompatibility, and xenogenic acellular nerves combined with BMSCs have potential to replace allografts for peripheral nerve reconstruction.

Growth and differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells on biodegradable polymer scaffolds: An in vitro study

A fundamental component of bone tissue engineering is an appropriate scaffold as a carrier for osteogenic cells. The aim of the study was to evaluate the response of human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) to scaffolds made of three biodegradable polymers: poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (poly(LLA-co-CL)), poly(L-lactide-co-1,5dioxepan-2-one) (poly(LLA-co-DXO)), and poly(L-lactide) (poly(LLA)). Cellular response was evaluated in terms of attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. SEM disclosed earlier cell attachment and better spreading on poly(LLA-co-CL) and poly(LLA-co-DXO) scaffolds than on poly(LLA) after 1 h. At 24 h and 14 days postseeding, BMSCs had spread well, forming multiple cellular layers on the scaffolds. Cell proliferation was higher on poly(LLA-co-CL) and on poly(LLA-co-DXO) than on poly(LLA) after 1 and 7 days. Cell growth cycles of BMSC were longer on the scaffolds than on coverslips. After 7 and 14 days cultivation on scaffolds, the expression of osteogenic markers such as ALP, Col I, OPN, and Runx2 were stimulated by BMSC, which indicating that poly(LLA-co-DXO), poly(LLA-co-CL), and poly(LLA) could support the osteogenic differentiation of BMSC in vitro. Poly(LLA-co-CL) and poly(LLA-co-DXO) promoted better attachment and growth of BMSC than poly(LLA). BMSC also retained their osteogenic differentiation potential, indicating biological activity of BMSC on the scaffolds. The promising results of this in vitro study indicate that these copolymers warrant further evaluation for potential application in bone tissue engineering.

Denuded human amniotic membrane seeding bone marrow stromal cells as an effective composite matrix stimulates axonal outgrowth of rat neural cortical cells in vitro

Previous studies have shown that axonal outgrowth in the damaged central nervous system is closely related to the local microenvironment. Transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) or BMSC with some biomaterials has been used to treat various central nervous system diseases with some success. In the current study, we investigated if BMSC on denuded human amniotic membrane (DhAM) as a composite matrix could stimulate axonal outgrowth or not. After completely removing the cells on the amniotic membrane with a tryptic and mechanical approach, we seeded BMSC on it. The MTS was applied to test the cytotoxicity of DhAM compared with PLGA and PLL. The morphology of the BMSC was observed by light, electronic and laser confocal microscopy. We also used four kinds of substance (PLL, DhAM, BMSC + PLL, BMSC + DhAM) to coculturing with the cortical neurons. Finally, the lengths of axons in each group were studied using the positive axon-specific marker NF-H. The DhAM was devoid of cellular components and only its intact basement membrane was left. BMSC grew on the substrate and proliferated with a flat to fusiform morphology. In the MTS test, the results indicated that BMSC cultured in DhAM extract had a high survival rate (> 80%). Moreover, the cortical neural axons in the experimental group (BMSC + DhAM) were longer (287.37 +/- 12.72 microm) than in the other groups (P < 0.01). This study demonstrates that the DhAM was a good carrier to support growth of BMSC and BMSC on DhAM was an effective composite matrix to support the outgrowth of the axons of rat cortical neurons in vitro. Future studies of the use of the composite matrix in disorders are planned.

Curcumin in combination with bortezomib synergistically induced apoptosis in human multiple myeloma U266 cells

Growth of multiple myeloma cells is controlled by various factors derived from host bone marrow microenvironments. Interaction between multiple myeloma cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) plays an important role in the expression of adhesive molecules and secretion of growth factors involved in multiple myeloma (MM) cell growth, survival, and resistance to anticancer drugs. Recently, the possibility of developing novel anti-cancer therapeutic strategies targeting both MM cells and MM cell–BMSC interactions has been discussed. Here we present data showing that curcumin, a major constituent of turmeric compounds extracted from the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa, effectively reduced the growth of MM cells and BMSCs. Upon treatment with curcumin, IL-6/sIL-6R-induced STAT3 and Erk phosphorylation was dramatically reduced in the co-cultured cells. In addition, curcumin inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and VEGF, factors that are associated with the progression of multiple myeloma, from both MM cells and BMSCs. In a combination treatment with curcumin and bortezomib, IL-6/sIL-6R-induced STAT3 and Erk phosphorylation was effectively inhibited. Moreover, this combination treatment synergistically inhibited the growth of MM cells co-cultured with BMSCs as compared to controls. Taken together, these results indicate that curcumin potentiates the therapeutic efficacy of bortezomib in MM suggesting this combination therapy to be of value in the clinical management of MM.

Influence of calcium phosphate crystal morphology on the adhesion, spreading, and growth of bone derived cells

In this study, rat periosteal cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) were examined when cultured on octacalcium phosphate (OCP) crystals to determine the effects of crystal morphology on their adhesion, spreading, and growth. Three type of OCP crystals with different morphology were prepared by different precipitation methods. OCPI was prepared by homogeneous precipitation; while OCPII and III were prepared by heterogeneous precipitation dripping a calcium ion containing solution into a phosphate ion solution or vice versa, respectively. The effects of crystal morphology on the attachment and spreading of cultured cells on OCP crystals were observed using SEM. The effects of crystal morphology on the growth of periosteal cell or BMSC were evaluated using the MTT assay, while OCP crystal cytotoxicity was determined by measuring lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) released from 2.12 x 10(5) cells incubated with 60 mg of the different OCPs. BMSCs and periosteal cells attached to or between the crystals of OCPI and the cell number increased over the 17 days of culture. In contrast, cell numbers could not be measured for either periosteal cells or BMSC on OCPII and III. BMSC incubated with OCPII and III showed a higher rate of LDH release, compared with the cells incubated with OCPI. This study demonstrated that the morphology of OCP crystals influenced the attachment, spreading and growth of periosteal cells and BMSC.

The promotion of osteoblastic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells by a polyvalent plant mosaic virus

To investigate the role that the micro/nano-environment plays on the differentiation pathway of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) into osteoblasts, we employed a 2D substrate coated with turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) particles. TYMV is a non-enveloped icosahedral plant virus which has an average diameter 28 nm and the protein cage structure consists of 180 identical subunits. The temporal effect of TYMV coated substrate on the adhesion and differentiation capacity of the BMSCs was monitored for selected time periods of 7, 14 and 21 days. We examined the gene expression profile of BMSCs cultured in primary media (undifferentiated cells) and cells induced to osteoblast lineage by real time PCR analysis. To further corroborate our findings, we investigated the expression of osteogenic markers using immunohistochemistry and cytochemical staining. As expected, the genes involved in the process of osteogenic differentiation were activated more during the growth of cells under osteogenic media. In addition, we found that the BMSCs induced to undergo osteogenic differentiation on TYMV coated substrates formed fully mineralized nodules comprising of osteoblast-like cells around day 14. Comparing the gene expression pattern of BMSCs induced to osteogenic differentiation under standard culture conditions with the cells induced on TYMV substrates, we found significant differences in the temporal expression and level of expression of several key genes. Our findings indicate that TYMV, as a biogenic nanoparticle, can be employed as a model to modulate the nano-environment of the substrates in order to gain an insight into the role that the micro/nano-environment has in regulating adhesion, growth and differentiation of BMSCs towards osteogenic lineage, which will be vital for designing compatible biomaterials for tissue engineering purposes.