Human MG-63 Research Articles

Development of HAp/GO/Ag coating on 316 LVM implant for medical applications

In this study, antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance of 316 LVM implants were improved using the development of HAp/GO/Ag nanocomposite coatings by the dip-coating method. The XRD and FTIR results confirmed the synthesis of HAp/GO/Ag nanocomposites. HAp/Ag nanoparticles (68 nm) bound to epoxy, hydroxyl, and carboxyl functional groups on GO sheets (size of GO sheets varies from 255 to 1480 nm) by electrostatic interaction. FESEM images showed that HAp/GO/Ag coatings had higher density and fewer micro-cracks than pure HAp coatings. In addition, HAp/GO/Ag coatings showed optimized nano-hardness (4.5 GPa) and elasticity modulus (123 GPa). The results of potentiodynamic polarization demonstrated that HAp/GO/Ag coating has the lowest corrosion current density (0.31 μA/cm2), maximum protection efficiency (90.0%), and lowest release of Fe, Cr, and Ni ions (31, 24, and 15 ppb). In addition, EIS results showed that HAp/GO/Ag coatings could prevent electrolyte access to the substrate and provide high bio-corrosion resistance. A bone-like layer is formed on nanocomposite coatings after 28 days in SBF, proving that Ag and GO's addition does not interfere with the mineralization process. After 28 days of immersion in SBF, the lowest release of Fe, Cr, and Ni ions is related to nanocomposite coatings. Also, the release of Ag+ ions from the coatings is between 0.13 and 1.41, providing antibacterial activity without cytotoxicity. HAp/GO, HAp/Ag, and HAp/GO/Ag nanocomposites kill 47%, 92%, and 98% of E. coli bacteria, respectively. HAp/GO, HAp/Ag, and HAp/GO/Ag nanocomposites kill 47%, 92%, and 98% of E. coli bacteria, respectively. The cell culture results showed that human MG-63 osteoblast-like cells in contact with HAp/GO/Ag coating had the highest biocompatibility (98% of cells survived). Therefore, the development of HAp/GO/Ag nanocomposite coating on 316 LVM implant shows improved properties of nano hardness, corrosion resistance, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility properties, which is a new turning point for nanocomposite coatings for medical applications.

Synthesis and biological impacts of pollen shells/Fe3O4 nanoparticles composites on human MG-63 osteosarcoma cells

IntroductionCell-adhesive surfaces play a pivotal role in biomedical engineering, as most biological reactions take place on surfaces. Pollen shell (PSh) ofPistacia vera L., as a new medical device, has previously been reported to cause cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MG-63 bone cancer cells. MethodsIron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) were synthesized and their reaction to PShs was gauged at different concentrations, and then characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersion X-ray spectrometer, X-ray diffraction spectra, dynamic light scattering, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Then, the biological impacts of PShs/Fe3O4NPs composites on MG-63 cells were investigated in-vitro using MTT assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Annexin V/propidium iodide, FESEM, and DAPI staining. ResultsFe3O4NPs with a size range of 24−40 nm and a zeta potential value of -37.4 mV were successfully assembled on the PShs. The viability of MG-63 cells was significantly decreased when cultured on the magnetic PShs as compared to non-magnetic PShs, in Fe3O4 concentration and time-dependent manner. In contrast, magnetic PShs had a positive effect on the viability of normal human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). The analysis of apoptosis-related genes in cancer cells revealed that loading Fe3O4NPs on PShs increased expression of BAX/BCL2 and caspase-3 genes. The increased apoptotic activity of combined PShs/Fe3O4NPs was further confirmed by flow cytometric measurement, morphological analysis, and DAPI staining. ConclusionThe incorporation of Fe3O4NPs into PShs could effectively increase anticancer effects on MG-63 cells via the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway, evident by upregulation of BAX/BCL2 ratio and caspase-3.

GKK1032B from endophytic Penicillium citrinum induces the apoptosis of human osteosarcoma MG63 cells through caspase pathway activation.

Chemical investigation of the culture extract of an endophytic Penicillium citrinum from Dendrobium officinale, afforded nine citrinin derivatives (1-9) and one peptide-polyketide hybrid GKK1032B (10). The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined for the first time by calculation of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Among them, GKK1032B (10) showed significant cytotoxicity against human osteosarcoma cell line MG63 with an IC50 value of 3.49 μmol·L-1, and a primary mechanistic study revealed that it induced the apoptosis of MG63 cellsvia caspase pathway activation.

PEG-grafted liposomes for enhanced antibacterial and antibiotic activities: An in vivo study

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilm-associated infections are a primary concern for public health worldwide. Current therapeutics cannot penetrate the biofilms efficiently, resulting in low drug concentrations at the infected sites and increasing the frequency of drug usage. To solve this issue, nanotechnology platforms seem to be a promising approach. In this study, the potential therapeutic effects of (PEG)ylated liposome (PEG-Lip) for the delivery of nafcillin (NF) antibiotic were assessed. The results demonstrated that NF-loaded liposome (Lip-NF) and NF-loaded PEG-Lip (PEG-Lip-NF) released 76.4 and 62% of the loaded NF, respectively, in a controlled manner after 50 h. Also, it was found that PEG-Lip-NF, compared to Lip-NF and NF, was more effective against a methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA; minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): 1.0 ± 0.03, 0.5 ± 0.02, and 0.25 ± 0.01 μg/mL; and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC50): 4.0 ± 0.18, 1.0 ± 0.04, and 0.5 ± 0.02 μg/mL for NF, Lip-NF, and PEG-Lip-NF, respectively). PEG-Lip-NF, compared to NF and Lip-NF, could also more efficiently decrease the side effects of NF through improving human MG-63 osteoblast cell viability (cell viability at 100 μM of NF: 76, 68, and 38% for PEG-Lip-NF, Lip-NF, and NF, respectively). PEG-Lip-NF, compared to control, NF, and Lip-NF groups, was more efficacious by 45, 25, and 10%, respectively, to decrease the virulence of MSSA bacteremia through inhibiting the weight loss of the infected mice. Also, PEG-Lip-NF and Lip-NF, compared to control and NF groups, caused a considerable decrease in the mortality rate in a murine model of bacteremia (number of dead mice: 0, 0, 2, and 8 out of 15 for PEG-Lip-NF, Lip-NF, NF, and control groups, respectively). Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that the loading of NF into PEG-Lip is a promising strategy to decrease the side effects of NF with improved antibacterial effects for the treatment of MSSA biofilm-associated infections.

The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 triggers release of apoptosis-inducing factor and shows direct effects on mitochondria

The human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 permeabilizes the plasma membrane of host cells, but LL-37-induced direct effects on mitochondrial membrane permeability and function has not been reported. Here, we demonstrate that LL-37 is rapidly (within 20 min) internalized by human osteoblast-like MG63 cells, and that the peptide co-localizes with MitoTracker arguing for accumulation in mitochondria. Subcellular fractionation and Western blot disclose that stimulation with LL-37 (8 μM) for 2 h triggers release of the mitochondrial protein apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) to the cytosol, whereas LL-37 causes no release of cytochrome C oxidase subunit IV of the inner mitochondrial membrane, suggesting that LL-37 affects mitochondrial membrane permeability in a specific manner. Next, we investigated release of AIF and cytochrome C from isolated mitochondria by measuring immunoreactivity by dot blot. The media of mitochondria treated with LL-37 (8 μM) for 2 h contained 50% more AIF and three times more cytochrome C than that of control mitochondria, showing that LL-37 promotes release of both AIF and cytochrome C. Moreover, in vesicles reflecting mitochondrial membrane lipid composition, LL-37 stimulates membrane permeabilization and release of tracer molecules. We conclude that LL-37 is rapidly internalized by MG63 cells and accumulates in mitochondria, and that the peptide triggers release of pro-apoptotic AIF and directly affects mitochondrial membrane structural properties.

Synthesis, Molecular Docking Analysis, and Biological Evaluations of Saccharide-Modified Sulfonamides as Carbonic Anhydrase IX Inhibitors.

Based on the strategy of the “tail approach”, 15 novel saccharide-modified sulfonamides were designed and synthesised. The novel compounds were evaluated as inhibitors of three human carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms, namely cytoplasmic CA II, transmembrane CA IX, and XII. Most of these compounds showed good activity against CAs and high topological polar surface area (TPSA) values, which had a positive effect on the selective inhibition of transmembrane isoforms CA IX and XII. In the in vitro activity studies, compounds 16a, 16b, and 16e reduced the viability of HT-29 and MDA-MB-231 cells with a high expression of CA IX under hypoxia. The inhibitory activity of compound 16e on the human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 with a high expression of CA IX and XII was better than that of AZM. Moreover, high concentrations of compounds 16a and 16b reversed the acidification of the tumour microenvironment. In addition, compound 16a had a certain inhibitory effect on the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. All the above results indicate that the saccharide-modified sulfonamide has further research value for the development of CA IX inhibitors.

Fluorophosphate bio-glass for bone tissue engineering: in vitro and in vivo study

The objective of the work is to investigate the influence of fluoride in the bioactivity of phosphate bio-glass to utilise in bone tissue engineering. The fluorophosphate bio-glass system was formulated by varying fluoride content in phosphate-based glass 45P2O5-(30-X)-CaO-25Na2O-XCaF2 (X = 0, 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5.0) using melt quenching technique. The elemental composition and fluoride retention in the prepared material was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The bioactivity test in simulated body-fluid (SBF) exhibited apatite layer and its bone bonding ability which was characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer spectra. The viability of human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) and MG-63 cells of the bio-glass confirmed the nontoxic nature. In vivo studies demonstrated the conversion of the fluorophosphate glass to bone in the femoral condyle of the rabbit. After ten weeks, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectrograph (SEM_EDAX) and confocal laser scanning microscopy examinations revealed the resorption rate and bone-glass interface qualitatively and quantitatively. Consequently, the biocompatible and bioresorbable nature of the fluorophosphate bioglass can be exploited as a potential bone graft substitute in the near future.

Additives Imparting Antimicrobial Properties to Acrylic Bone Cements.

PMMA bone cements are mainly used to fix implanted prostheses and are introduced as a fluid mixture, which hardens over time. The problem of infected prosthesis could be solved due to the development of some new antibacterial bone cements. In this paper, we show the results obtained to develop four different modified PMMA bone cements by using antimicrobial additives, such as gentamicin, peppermint oil incorporated in hydroxyapatite, and silver nanoparticles incorporated in a ceramic glass matrix (2 and 4%). The structure and morphology of the modified bone cements were investigated by SEM and EDS. We perform experimental measurements on wettability, hydration degree, and degradation degree after immersion in simulated body fluid. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay using the human MG-63 cell line. Antimicrobial properties were checked against standard strains Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The addition of antimicrobial agents did not significantly affect the hydration and degradation degree. In terms of biocompatibility assessed by the MTT test, all experimental PMMA bone cements are biocompatible. The performance of bone cements with peppermint essential oil and silver nanoparticles against these two pathogens suggests that these antibacterial additives look promising to be used in clinical practice against bacterial infection.

Design of the double-layer biocompatible coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy for highly effective corrosion resistance

A double-layer phytic acid@cerium/polycaprolactone@cerium substituted hydroxyapatite (PA@Ce/PCL@Ce-HA) composite coating was prepared on the AZ31 Mg alloys combining the cyclic assembly and electrospinning techniques. SEM images showed that the out layer of PA@Ce/PCL@Ce-HA coating displayed a typical disorderly distributed nanofiber structure, and the average diameter of the PCL@Ce-HA fibers was 680 ± 45 nm. ATR-FTIR and XPS analysis demonstrated the existence of typical characteristic peaks of PO43− groups in the composite coating, indicating PA molecular and Ce-HA nanoparticles were successfully anchored to the alkaline pretreated Mg substrate. The results showed that this composite coating was composed of an inner PA@Ce complex and an outer PCL@Ce-HA nanofiber coating. The cross-section images verified that the thickness of the composite coating was 74.94 ± 2.14 μm. The coating adhesion tests indicated that the bonding strength between outer fibrous PCL@Ce-HA and substrates were improved, owning to the mechanical interaction and entanglement between fibrous coatings and the rough PA@Ce coating. Electrochemical tests showed the corrosion current density of PA@Ce/PCL@Ce-HA coated sample significantly dropped by two orders of magnitude compared to uncoated sample, indicating this coating significantly reduced the corrosion rate of the substrates. In addition, the lowest amount of hydrogen evolution and the minimal variation of pH value in the in-vitro immersion tests further confirmed that the PA@Ce/PCL@Ce-HA coating had a long-term stable corrosion protection for the substrates. Furthermore, the cell experiments showed that the double-layer coating provided an interface similar to the extracellular matrix (ECM), which was conducive to the attachment and proliferation of human osteoblast MG-63 cells. The hemolysis rate (HR) of PA@Ce/PCL@Ce-HA coated sample was 1.69%, which met the requirements of biomedical material applications. Thus, the outcomes of this work provided a new sight for corrosion protection of the Mg alloys and this coating has great potential in orthopedic applications.

Effects of strontium-containing fluorophosphate glasses for enhancing bioactivity and enamel remineralization

The effect of strontium on the structure, apatite-forming ability, bioactivity, and enamel remineralization capability of 48P2O5-29CaO-3CaF2-(20-x)Na2O-xSrO fluorophosphate glasses (FPGs) was investigated. The apatite-forming ability of the SrFP samples was assessed by immersing them in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 21 days. X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, X-ray photon spectrometer, and scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer were used to analyze the structural variation and apatite-forming capability of all the SrFP samples before and after being soaked in SBF solution. Cytotoxicity studies of the prepared samples were conducted by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay using human osteoblast-like MG-63 cell lines. It was found that 6 mol% Sr-doped FPGs has the better apatite-forming ability, increased cell viability, and enhanced bioactivity out of all the prepared glass samples. The remineralization efficacy of 6 mol% Sr-doped FPGs was evident from greater mineral deposits and increased microhardness values on teeth surface while compared to those of commercially available silica-based glass gel. The results obtained from the investigation showed that the glass sample containing 6 mol% of SrO content could be beneficial in therapeutic applications of teeth and bone tissue regeneration.

Mechanically Stable β-TCP Structural Hybrid Scaffolds for Potential Bone Replacement

The authors report on the manufacturing of mechanically stable β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) structural hybrid scaffolds via the combination of additive manufacturing (CerAM VPP) and Freeze Foaming for engineering a potential bone replacement. In the first step, load bearing support structures were designed via FE simulation and 3D printed by CerAM VPP. In the second step, structures were foamed-in with a porous and degradable calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic that mimics porous spongiosa. For this purpose, Fraunhofer IKTS used a process known as Freeze Foaming, which allows the foaming of any powdery material and the foaming-in into near-net-shape structures. Using a joint heat treatment, both structural components fused to form a structural hybrid. This bone construct had a 25-fold increased compressive strength compared to the pure CaP Freeze Foam and excellent biocompatibility with human osteoblastic MG-63 cells when compared to a bone grafting Curasan material for benchmark.

Alginate-gelatin based core-shell capsule enhances the osteogenic potential of human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture enhanced cells-cells communication, promoting developmental processes and influencing cell performance. In this study, 3D alginate-gelatin core–shell capsules (AGC) were fabricated by using a microfluidic device. Human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells were encapsulated within the 3D model. The morphology and physicochemical properties of the AGC were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Flourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FTIR), Gravimetric thermal analyzer (TGA). The mRNA levels of osteogenetic gene markers were measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The result of a 9.6% weight loss after a 7-day soaking indicates that the AGC exhibited excellent stability. The encapsulated MG-63 cells formed clusters alongside the core of AGC and obtained 200% cell viability after 21-day long-term cultivation. Compared to traditional 2D cell culture, the 3D cultured MG-63 cells performed higher alkaline phosphatase(ALP), a 9.3-fold increase of calcium mineralization activity, and enhanced osteogenic gene expression of BGLAP, COL1A1, and Runx2. These observations suggested that AGC obtains the potential as an ideal 3D microenvironmental cell culture system for biomedical application.

Anti-Osteoporotic Activity of Pueraria lobata Fermented with Lactobacillus paracasei JS1 by Regulation of Osteoblast Differentiation and Protection against Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Mice

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease associated with low bone mineral density. It is the process of bone loss and is most commonly caused by decreased estrogen production in women, particularly after menopause. Pueraria lobata, which contains various metabolites, especially isoflavone, is widely known as regulator for bone mineral contents. In this study, the effects of the P. lobata extract (PE) with or without fermentation with Lactobacillus paracasei JS1 (FPE) on osteoporosis were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The effects of PE and FPE on human osteoblastic MG63 cells, RAW 264.7 cells, and ovariectomized (OVX)-induced model mice were analyzed at various ratios. We found that FPE increased calcium deposition and inhibited bone resorption by in vitro assay. Furthermore, treatment with PE and FPE has significantly restored destroyed trabecular bone in the OVX-induced bone loss mouse model. Overall, FPE demonstrated bioactivity to prevent bone loss by decreasing bone turnover.

Analysis of microRNA expression in CD133 positive cancer stem‑like cells of human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant tumor of bone occurring in young adults. OS stem cells (OSCs) play an important role in the occurrence, growth, metastasis, drug resistance and recurrence of OS. CD133 is an integral membrane glycoprotein, which has been identified as an OSC marker. However, the mechanisms of metastasis, chemoresistance, and progression in CD133(+) OSCs need to be further explored. In this study, we aim to explore differences in miRNA levels between CD133(+) and CD133(−) cells from the MG-63 cell line. We found 20 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) (16 upregulated and 4 downregulated) in CD133(+) cells compared with CD133(−) cells. Hsa-miR-4485-3p, hsa-miR-4284 and hsa-miR-3656 were the top three upregulated DEmiRNAs, while hsa-miR-487b-3p, hsa-miR-493-5p and hsa-miR-431-5p were the top three downregulated DEmiRNAs. In addition, RT-PCR analysis confirmed that the expression levels of hsa-miR-4284, hsa-miR-4485-3p and hsa-miR-3656 were significantly increased, while the expression levels of hsa-miR-487b-3p, hsa-miR-493-5p, and hsa-miR-431-5p were significantly decreased in CD133(+) cells compared with CD133(−) cells. Moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that predicted or validated target genes for all 20 DEmiRNAs or the selected 6 DEmiRNAs participated in the “PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,” “Wnt signaling pathway,” “Rap1 signaling pathway,” “Cell cycle” and “MAPK signaling pathway”. Among the selected six DEmiRNAs, miR-4284 was especially interesting. MiR-4284 knockdown significantly reduced the sphere forming capacity of CD133(+) OS cells. The number of invasive CD133(+) OS cells was markedly decreased after miR-4284 knockdown. In addition, miR-4284 knockdown increased the p-β-catenin levels in CD133(+) OS cells. In conclusion, RNA-seq analysis revealed DEmiRNAs between CD133(+) and CD133(−) cells. MiRNAs might play significant roles in the function of OSCs and could serve as targets for OS treatment. MiR-4284 prompted the self-renewal and invasion of OSCs. The function of miR-4284 might be associated with the Wnt signaling pathway.

In Situ Hydroxyapatite Synthesis Enhances Biocompatibility of PVA/HA Hydrogels.

Bone tissue engineering tries to simulate natural behavior of hard tissues. This study aimed to produce scaffolds based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) with hydroxyapatite (HAp) incorporated in two different ways, by in situ synthesis and physical mixing of pre-prepared HAp. In situ synthesis resulted in calcium deficient form of HAp with lower crystallinity. The proliferation of human osteoblast-like cells MG-63 proved to be better in the scaffolds with in situ synthesized HAp compared to those with physically mixed pre-prepared HAp. For scaffolds with PVA/HA/HAp ratio 3:1:2, there was significantly higher initial adhesion (p = 0.0440), as well as the proliferation in the following days (p < 0.001). It seemed to be advantageous improve the properties of the scaffold by in situ synthesizing of HAp directly in the organic matrix.

Aminated Graphene-Graft-Oligo(Glutamic Acid) /Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Composites: Preparation, Characterization and Biological Evaluation.

Biodegradable and biocompatible composites are of great interest as biomedical materials for various regeneration processes such as the regeneration of bones, cartilage and soft tissues. Modification of the filler surface can improve its compatibility with the polymer matrix, and, as a result, the characteristics and properties of composite materials. This work is devoted to the synthesis and modification of aminated graphene with oligomers of glutamic acid and their use for the preparation of composite materials based on poly(ε-caprolactone). Ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydride of glutamic acid γ-benzyl ester was used to graft oligomers of glutamic acid from the surface of aminated graphene. The success of the modification was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, the dispersions of neat and modified aminated graphene were analyzed by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering to monitor changes in the characteristics due to modification. The poly(ε-caprolactone) films filled with neat and modified aminated graphene were manufactured and carefully characterized for their mechanical and biological properties. Grafting of glutamic acid oligomers from the surface of aminated graphene improved the distribution of the filler in the polymer matrix that, in turn, positively affected the mechanical properties of composite materials in comparison to ones containing the unmodified filler. Moreover, the modification improved the biocompatibility of the filler with human MG-63 osteoblast-like cells.

Effect of Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Radiation and EUV Induced, N2 and O2 Based Plasmas on a PEEK Surface's Physico-Chemical Properties and MG63 Cell Adhesion.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), due to its excellent mechanical and physico-chemical parameters, is an attractive substitute for hard tissues in orthopedic applications. However, PEEK is hydrophobic and lacks surface-active functional groups promoting cell adhesion. Therefore, the PEEK surface must be modified in order to improve its cytocompatibility. In this work, extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation and two low-temperature, EUV induced, oxygen and nitrogen plasmas were used for surface modification of polyetheretherketone. Polymer samples were irradiated with 100, 150, and 200 pulses at a 10 Hz repetition rate. The physical and chemical properties of EUV and plasma modified PEEK surfaces, such as changes of the surface topography, chemical composition, and wettability, were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and goniometry. The human osteoblast-like MG63 cells were used for the analysis of cell viability and cell adhesion on all modified PEEK surfaces. EUV radiation and two types of plasma treatment led to significant changes in surface topography of PEEK, increasing surface roughness and formation of conical structures. Additionally, significant changes in the chemical composition were found and were manifested with the appearance of new functional groups, incorporation of nitrogen atoms up to ~12.3 at.% (when modified in the presence of nitrogen), and doubling the oxygen content up to ~25.7 at.% (when modified in the presence of oxygen), compared to non-modified PEEK. All chemically and physically changed surfaces demonstrated cyto-compatible and non-cytotoxic properties, an enhancement of MG63 cell adhesion was also observed.

Magnetic 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering applications: bioactive glass (45S5) coated with iron-loaded hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

Magnetic 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) based scaffolds covered with iron-loaded hydroxyapatite (Fe-HA-BG) nanoparticles were obtained and its cytotoxicity investigated. Fe-HA nanoparticles were synthesized by a wet chemical method involving the simultaneous addition of Fe2+/Fe3+ ions. BG based scaffolds were prepared by the foam replica procedure and covered with Fe-HA by dip-coating. Fe-HA-BG magnetic saturation values of 0.049 emu g−1 and a very low remanent magnetization of 0.01 emu g−1 were observed. The mineralization assay in simulated body fluid following Kokubo’s protocol indicated that Fe-HA-BG scaffolds exhibited improved hydroxyapatite formation in comparison to uncoated scaffolds at shorter immersion times. The biocompatibility of the material in vitro was assessed using human osteoblast-like MG-63 cell cultures and mouse bone marrow-derived stroma cell line ST-2. Overall, the results herein discussed suggest that magnetic Fe-HA coatings seem to enhance the biological performance of 45S5 BG based scaffolds. Thus, this magnetic Fe-HA coated scaffold is an interesting system for bone tissue engineering applications and warrant further investigation.

Analysis and Construction of a Competitive Endogenous RNA Regulatory Network of Baicalin-Induced Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma Cells.

Background Baicalin is an extract from the traditional Chinese herb Scutellaria baicalensis and has the potential to treat osteosarcoma (OS). However, the transcriptome-level mechanism of baicalin-mediated antitumor effects in OS has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network involved in baicalin-induced apoptosis of OS cells. Methods In this study, CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the antitumor effects of baicalin on human OS MG63 cells. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing was employed to establish the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and mRNA profiles. Results Baicalin inhibited MG63 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Totals of 58 lncRNAs, 31 miRNAs, and 2136 mRNAs in the baicalin-treated MG63 cells were identified as differentially expressed RNAs compared to those in control cells. Of these, 2 lncRNAs, 3 miRNAs, and 18 mRNAs were included in the ceRNA regulatory network. The differentially expressed RNAs were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Conclusions By identifying the ceRNA network, our results provide new information about the possible molecular basis of baicalin, which has potential applications in OS treatment.

Tanshinol Alleviates Microcirculation Disturbance and Impaired Bone Formation by Attenuating TXNIP Signaling in GIO Rats.

Impaired bone formation is the main characteristics of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis (GIO), which can be ameliorated by tanshinol, an aqueous polyphenol isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. However, the underlying mechanism is still not entirely clear. In the present study, we determined the parameters related to microstructure and function of bone tissue, bone microcirculation, and TXNIP signaling to investigate the beneficial effects of tanshinol on skeleton and its molecular mechanism in GIO rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 4 months were administrated orally with distilled water (Con), tanshinol (Tan, 25 mg kg−1 d−1), prednisone (GC, 5 mg kg−1 d−1) and GC plus tanshinol (GC + Tan) for 14 weeks. The results demonstrated that tanshinol played a significant preventive role in bone loss, impaired microstructure, dysfunction of bone metabolism and poor bone quality, based on analysis of correlative parameters acquired from the measurement by using Micro-CT, histomorphometry, ELISA and biomechanical assay. Tanshinol also showed a significant protective effect in bone microcirculation according to the evidence of microvascular perfusion imaging of cancellous bone in GIO rats, as well as the migration ability of human endothelial cells (EA.hy926, EA cells). Moreover, tanshinol also attenuated GC-elicited the activation of TXNIP signaling pathway, and simultaneously reversed the down-regulation of Wnt and VEGF pathway as manifested by using Western-blot method in GIO rats, EA cells, and human osteoblast-like MG63 cells (MG cells). Collectively, our data highlighted that tanshinol ameliorated poor bone health mediated by activation of TXNIP signaling via inhibiting microcirculation disturbance and the following impaired bone formation in GIO rats.