Osteoblastic Bone Research Articles

Caveolin-1 is critical in the proliferative effect of leptin on osteoblasts through the activation of Akt.

Osteoblasts are critical in bone remodeling and the repair of bone fractures. Leptin is involved in bone metabolism and osteoblast survival through the downstream signaling pathway, however, the exact mechanism of the effect of leptin on osteoblasts remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, hFOB 1.19 cells were used to observe the effects of leptin on cell proliferation and apoptosis, and to investigate the underlying mechanism. The results confirmed that treatment of hFOB 1.19 cells with leptin significantly induced cell proliferation. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of caveolin-1 and the activation of Akt in the cells treated with leptin were significantly increased, compared with the control cells. Additionally, inhibiting Akt activation eliminated the effects on cell proliferation induced by leptin. The rates of cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were examined using flow cytometry, which revealed a decrease in the apoptotic rate and an increase in the proportion of cells in the S phase. This indicated that leptin was capable of inducing cell proliferation by inhibiting apoptosis and stimulating cell progression to the S phase. Transfection of the cells with caveolin-1 small interfering RNA showed that the activation of Akt induced by leptin was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, caveolin-1 knockdown and inhibiting Akt activation eliminated the increased proliferation, increased proportion of cells in the S phase and increased anti-apoptotic effects induced by leptin. Taken together, the data obtained in the present study demonstrated that caveolin-1 was critical in the proliferative effect of leptin on osteoblasts via the activation of Akt.

Cell autonomous and microenvironmental regulation of tumor progression in precursor states of multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy evolving in the bone marrow and leading to end organ damage such as bone lesions, cytopenias, and kidney failure. This review delineates recent advances in the molecular mechanisms leading to tumor progression in multiple myeloma. Two different aspects enable tumor expansion: cell autonomous through genomic alterations in the tumor clone and noncell autonomous deregulations in the bone marrow tumor microenvironment. These alterations provide the framework for the continuous progression of multiple myeloma from early precursor conditions such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smoldering multiple myeloma to overt multiple myeloma. In this review, we discuss recent findings in the genomic alterations that occur in the tumor clone such as somatic genomic mutations, copy number variation and chromosomal translocation, and delineate noncell autonomous deregulations in which tumor cells take advantage of a permissive microenvironment to further proliferate. The latter compartment includes interaction with bone marrow stromal cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and immune escape. Understanding the mechanisms that lead tumor progression from early stages to overt multiple myeloma could guide to more effective therapies and therefore prevent disease progression.

Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Promotes Osteoblastogenesis and Prevents Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

: Gene-modified mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like cells with enhanced bone marrow homing and osteogenesis have been used in treating glucocorticoid-induced murine osteoporosis (GIOP). Recent preclinical studies have further demonstrated the immunomodulatory and anticatabolic potential of allogeneic MSCs in treating osteoporosis under inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. In this study, we investigated whether systemic infusion of allogeneic MSCs without genetic manipulation could prevent GIOP, whether anabolic and anticatabolic effects existed, and whether homing or immunomodulation underlay the putative therapeutic effects. Allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs) were isolated, identified, and systemically infused into mice treated with excessive dexamethasone. We revealed that allogeneic MSC transplantation prevented the reduction of bone mass and strength in GIOP. Bone histomorphometric analyses of bone remodeling demonstrated the maintenance of bone formation and osteoblast survival after MSC therapy. Using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled BMMSCs, we showed that donor BMMSCs(GFP) homed and inhabited recipient bone marrow for at least 4 weeks and prevented recipient bone marrow cell apoptosis, as shown by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling. Furthermore, donor BMMSCs(GFP) committed to Osterix (Osx)(+) osteoblast progenitors and induced recipient osteoblastogenesis, as exhibited by GFP-Osx double-labeling immunofluorescence analysis. No anticatabolic effects or systemic immunomodulatory effects of infused BMMSCs were detected. These findings demonstrated that allogeneic MSC therapy prevented GIOP by inhabiting and functioning in recipient bone marrow, which promoted osteoblastogenesis, which in turn maintained bone formation. Our findings provide important information regarding cell-based anabolic therapy for GIOP and uncover MSC behaviors following the homing event. This study revealed the therapeutic potential of systemically infused, genetically unmodified allogeneic MSCs in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. The donor MSCs inhabited recipient bone marrow and promoted osteoblastogenesis. The therapeutic effects were based on maintenance of bone formation. These results provide important information regarding cell-based anabolic therapy for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and uncover previously unrecognized mesenchymal stem cell behaviors following a homing event. The current study also indicates that minimizing the time of cell culture confers an advantage for increasing transplanted mesenchymal stem cells to the targeted organ to promote therapeutic effects.

Application of ossein-hydroxyapatite complex for osteoporosis and fracture treatment (literature review)

Based on scientific information and the results of our studies suggest the influence of ossein-hydroхyapatite complex in treating patients with osteoporosis, fractures, and pseudarthrosis after arthroplasty. The drug contains growth factors (insulin-like growth factor-1 and 2, transforming growth factor-beta), which stimulates the proliferation and differentiation preosteogenic forming cells and regenerate specific tissue structures. Osteocalcin and collagen type I as components of ossein regulate osteoblast activity and bone remodeling and is the basis for the formation of matrix and for its mineralization. Mineral component of the drug, hydroxyapatite, contains calcium and phosphorus (2:1), and promotes osteoid mineralization, a full-fledged bone regenerate formation, maintaining the stability of bone matrix. As a result of experimental and clinical studies conducted in Ukraine and abroad, effectiveness of ossein-hydroxyapatite complex in patients with primary and secondary osteoporosis is proved. It is proved its positive impact for pain reducing in patients with degenerative diseases of the spine and knee joint arthritis. Established optimization impact of ossein-hydroxyapatite complex at all stages of reparative osteogenesis in various clinical situations of fracture regeneration, as well as in osteosynthesis. It was successfully used in patients with delayed union of long bone fractures. Presented evidence that the use of ossein-hydroxyapatite o complex helps to reduce the incidence of pseudarthrosis. The drug is effective in children with traumatic injuries and violation of long bones. Proven effectiveness of its use in the treatment of patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis after cementless-total hip arthroplasty.

Acute Phosphate Restriction Impairs Bone Formation and Increases Marrow Adipose Tissue in Growing Mice.

Phosphate plays a critical role in chondrocyte maturation and skeletal mineralization. Studies examining the consequences of dietary phosphate restriction in growing mice demonstrated not only the development of rickets, but also a dramatic decrease in bone accompanied by increased marrow adipose tissue (MAT). Thus studies were undertaken to determine the effects of dietary phosphate restriction on bone formation and bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) differentiation. Acute phosphate restriction of 28-day-old mice profoundly inhibited bone formation within 48 hours. It also resulted in increased mRNA expression of the early osteolineage markers Sox9 and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), accompanied by decreased expression of the late osteolineage markers Osterix and Osteocalcin in BMSCs and osteoblasts, suggesting that phosphate restriction arrests osteoblast differentiation between Runx2 and Osterix. Increased expression of PPARγ and CEBPα, key regulators of adipogenic differentiation, was observed within 1 week of dietary phosphate restriction and was followed by a 13-fold increase in MAT at 3 weeks of phosphate restriction. In vitro phosphate restriction did not alter BMSC osteogenic or adipogenic colony formation, implicating aberrant paracrine or endocrine signaling in the in vivo phenotype. Because BMP signaling regulates the transition between Runx2 and Osterix, this pathway was interrogated. A dramatic decrease in pSmad1/5/9 immunoreactivity was observed in the osteoblasts of phosphate-restricted mice on day 31 (d31) and d35. This was accompanied by attenuated expression of the BMP target genes Id1, KLF10, and Foxc2, the latter of which promotes osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation while impairing adipogenesis. A decrease in expression of the Notch target gene Hey1, a BMP-regulated gene that governs angiogenesis, was also observed in phosphate-restricted mice, in association with decreased metaphyseal marrow vasculature. Whereas circulating phosphate levels are known to control growth plate maturation and skeletal mineralization, these studies reveal novel consequences of phosphate restriction in the regulation of bone formation and osteoblast differentiation. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

BK Knockout by TALEN-Mediated Gene Targeting in Osteoblasts: KCNMA1 Determines the Proliferation and Differentiation of Osteoblasts.

Large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels participate in many important physiological functions in excitable tissues such as neurons, cardiac and smooth muscles, whereas the knowledge of BK channels in bone tissues and osteoblasts remains elusive. To investigate the role of BK channels in osteoblasts, we used transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) to establish a BK knockout cell line on rat ROS17/2.8 osteoblast, and detected the proliferation and mineralization of the BK-knockout cells. Our study found that the BK-knockout cells significantly decreased the ability of proliferation and mineralization as osteoblasts, compared to the wild type cells. The overall expression of osteoblast differentiation marker genes in the BK-knockout cells was significantly lower than that in wild type osteoblast cells. The BK-knockout osteoblast cell line in our study displays a phenotype decrease in osteoblast function which can mimic the pathological state of osteoblast and thus provide a working cell line as a tool for study of osteoblast function and bone related diseases.

MiR-145 promotes osteosarcoma growth by reducing expression of the transcription factor friend leukemia virus integration 1.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and young adults. miR-145 is a microRNA highly expressed in vascularized tissues and has been widely studied in cancers. In this study, we explored the expression and function of miR-145 in OS. We found that miR-145 was consistently under-expressed in OS tissues and cell lines as compared to normal bone tissues and osteoblast cells. Ectopic expression of miR-145 in OS cells inhibited their proliferation and migration and induced apoptosis. miR-145 targets a putative microRNA regulatory element (MRE) in the 3′-UTR of friend leukemia virus integration 1 gene (FLI-1), and its abundance was inversely related to FLI-1 expression in OS tissues and cell lines. miR-145 decreased expression FLI-1 protein and mRNA, but mutation of the miR-145 MRE sequence in the FLI-1 3′-UTR abolished the activity of miR-145 in a reporter assay. Restored expression of FLI-1 diminished miR-145-mediated suppression of tumor progression. These results suggest that miR-145 acts as a tumor suppressor by directly reducing expression of FLI-1, and that the miR-145/FLI-1 pathway is important for tumor progression in OS.

Histochemical examination of the effects of high-dose 1,25(OH)2D3 on bone remodeling in young growing rats.

Vitamin D has an anabolic effect on bone developmental processes and is involved in maintaining skeletal integrity. In recent years, pediatric cases of vitamin D intoxication have attracted attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of long-term administration of physiologically-high-dose calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D3) on bone remodeling in young developing rats. Neonatal rats received once-daily subcutaneous injection of calcitriol (250ng/kg body weight), or PBS only as a control, for 3weeks. At 1, 2 and 4weeks' post-administration, rats were sacrificed and fixed by transcardial perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde, following which tibiae were extracted for histochemical analysis. Compared with the control group, the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase- and Cathepsin K-positive osteoclasts were significantly increased, and the expression of alkaline phosphatase in osteoblasts was decreased in trabecular bone of rats administered high-dose 1,25(OH)2D3, leading to decreased trabecular bone volume. In addition, the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) was increased, while that of osteoprotegerin was weaker in osteoblasts in the experimental group compared with the control group. Moreover, there was weaker immunoreactivity for EphrinB2 in osteoclasts and EphB4 in osteoblasts of trabecular bone in the experimental group compared with the control group. These findings suggest that long-term use of physiologically-high dose calcitriol may result in bone loss through RANKL/RANK/osteoprotegerin and EphrinB2-EphB4 signaling pathways, and that these negative effects could continue afterdrug withdrawal. Therefore, optimal limits for vitamin D administration need to be established for children and adolescents.

Spaceflight-induced vertebral bone loss in ovariectomized rats is associated with increased bone marrow adiposity and no change in bone formation.

There is often a reciprocal relationship between bone marrow adipocytes and osteoblasts, suggesting that marrow adipose tissue (MAT) antagonizes osteoblast differentiation. MAT is increased in rodents during spaceflight but a causal relationship between MAT and bone loss remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of a 14-day spaceflight on bone mass, bone resorption, bone formation, and MAT in lumbar vertebrae of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Twelve-week-old OVX Fischer 344 rats were randomly assigned to a ground control or flight group. Following flight, histological sections of the second lumbar vertebrae (n=11/group) were stained using a technique that allowed simultaneous quantification of cells and preflight fluorochrome label. Compared with ground controls, rats flown in space had 32% lower cancellous bone area and 306% higher MAT. The increased adiposity was due to an increase in adipocyte number (224%) and size (26%). Mineral apposition rate and osteoblast turnover were unchanged during spaceflight. In contrast, resorption of a preflight fluorochrome and osteoclast-lined bone perimeter were increased (16% and 229%, respectively). The present findings indicate that cancellous bone loss in rat lumbar vertebrae during spaceflight is accompanied by increased bone resorption and MAT but no change in bone formation. These findings do not support the hypothesis that increased MAT during spaceflight reduces osteoblast activity or lifespan. However, in the context of ovarian hormone deficiency, bone formation during spaceflight was insufficient to balance increased resorption, indicating defective coupling. The results are therefore consistent with the hypothesis that during spaceflight mesenchymal stem cells are diverted to adipocytes at the expense of forming osteoblasts.

Vertebral Implantation of NELL-1 Enhances Bone Formation in an Osteoporotic Sheep Model.

Vertebral compression fractures related to osteoporosis greatly afflict the aging population. One of the most commonly used therapy today is balloon kyphoplasty. However, this treatment is far from ideal and is associated with significant side effects. NELL-1, an osteoinductive factor that possesses both pro-osteogenic and anti-osteoclastic properties, is a promising candidate for an alternative to current treatment modalities. This study utilizes the pro-osteogenic properties of recombinant human NELL-1 (rhNELL-1) in lumbar spine vertebral defect model in osteoporotic sheep. Osteoporosis was induced through ovariectomy, dietary depletion of calcium and vitamin D, and steroid administration. After osteoporotic induction, lumbar vertebral body defect creation was performed. Sheep were randomly implanted with the control vehicle, comprised of hyaluronic acid (HA) with hydroxyapatite-coated β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), or the treatment material of rhNELL-1 protein lyophilized onto β-TCP mixed with HA. Analysis of lumbar spine defect healing was performed by radiographic, histologic, and computer-simulated biomechanical testing. rhNELL-1 treatment significantly increased lumbar spine bone formation, as determined by bone mineral density, % bone volume, and mean cortical width as assessed by micro-computed tomography. Histological analysis revealed a significant increase in bone area and osteoblast number and decrease in osteoclast number around the implant site. Computer-simulated biomechanical analysis of trabecular bone demonstrated that rhNELL-1-treatment resulted in a significantly more stress-resistant composition. Our findings suggest rhNELL-1-based vertebral implantation successfully improved cortical and cancellous bone regeneration in the lumbar spine of osteoporotic sheep. rhNELL-1-based bone graft substitutes represent a potential new local therapy.

GPR39 is negatively regulating osteoblast differentiation and bone formation during aging

GPR39 is negatively regulating osteoblast differentiation and bone formation during aging

A 3D vascularized bone remodeling model combining osteoblasts and osteoclasts in a CaP nanoparticle-enriched matrix.

We aimed to establish a 3D vascularized in vitro bone remodeling model. Human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and osteoblast (OBs) and osteoclast (OCs) precursors were embedded in collagen/fibrin hydrogels enriched with calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaPn). We assessed vasculogenesis in HUVEC-BMSC coculture, osteogenesis with OBs, osteoclastogenesis with OCs, and, ultimately, cell interplay in tetraculture. HUVECs developed a robust microvascular network and BMSCs differentiated into mural cells. Noteworthy, OB and OC differentiation was increased by their reciprocal coculture and by CaPn, and even more by the combination of the tetraculture and CaPn. We successfully developed a vascularized 3D bone remodeling model, whereby cells interacted and exerted their specific function.

Effect of Riluzole on Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells and Osteoblasts

Introduction Acute spinal cord injuries (SCIs) cause significant worldwide morbidity and mortality, with an overall prevalence of ~750 injuries per 1,000,000 people. Currently no pharmacologic adjuvant has been repeatedly demonstrated to lead to improved neurologic outcomes after these injuries, however preliminary studies suggest that Riluzole, a sodium channel-blocking medication, may be neuroprotective in patients with an acute SCI. Because long-term outcomes after an SCI may be compromised if a solid fusion is not achieved, it is critical to determine the effect of riluzole on bone formation. This study investigated the effects of riluzole on human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and human primary osteoblasts (OBs). Material and Methods For cell viability testing MSCs and OBs were seeded in 96-well plates at 7,500 cells/cm2. After 24 hour, the cells were treated with osteogenic medium containing different concentrations of riluzole (50 ng/mL; 150 ng/mL; 450 ng/mL). Control groups of MSCs and OBs were cultured without riluzole. After two and seven days, cell viability was determined using the Cell Titer Blue assay (Promega). For quantification of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity, MSCs and OBs were plated in 24-well plates (10,000 cells/cm2) and cultured for 2 days in basal medium. Then they were treated with standard osteogenic differentiation medium. Control groups and experimental groups that were exposed to different concentrations of riluzole (50 ng/mL; 150 ng/mL; 450 ng/mL) were cultured. After 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, the cell layers were extracted with 0.1%Triton-X in 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4), and ALP activity was measured using the Sigma Kit (No.104) according to the technical protocol. ALP activity was normalized to the DNA content of the respective sample (CyQuant, Invitrogen). All experiments were performed in triplicate for two MSC donors and two OB donors. Results The applied concentrations of riluzole had no influence on the cell viability of MSCs or osteoblasts after seven days. There was also no clear effect of riluzole supplementation on the proliferation of the MSCs or OBs. In MSCs, the ALP activity per DNA appeared to peak one week earlier with lower doses of riluzole compared with the highest dose of riluzole used in the study; while this trend was not observed in the case of OBs. For MSC donor 1, highest levels of ALP/DNA were noticed at day 7 (70.2 ± 30.4 and 60.8 ± 11.9 mmol/g*min for 50 and 150 ng/mL riluzole, respectively); for MSC donor 2, ALP/DNA levels peaked at day 21 (43.0 ± 8.6 and 80.6 ± 26.5 mmol/g*min) for 50 and 150 ng/mL riluzole groups, while in the 450 ng/mL group highest levels were observed at day 28. Conclusion Early clinical trials suggest that riluzole may lead to improved neurologic function in patients who sustain an acute SCI, and the results of the current study suggest that low dose riluzole has no effect on the viability or function of either MSCs or OBs; however, the delayed peak of ALP in MSCs exposed to a high dose of riluzole may indicate that high doses of riluzole may slow osteogenic differentiation.

Fibroblast growth factor-21 restores insulin sensitivity but induces aberrant bone microstructure in obese insulin-resistant rats.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 is a potent endocrine factor that improves insulin resistance and obesity-associated metabolic disorders. However, concomitant activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ by FGF-21 makes bone susceptible to osteopenia and fragility fracture. Since an increase in body weight often induced adaptive change in bone by making it resistant to fracture, it was unclear whether FGF-21 would still induce bone defects in overweight rats. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate bone microstructure and its mechanical properties in high fat diet (HF)-fed rats treated with 0.1mg/kg/day FGF-21. Eighteen male rats were divided into two groups to receive either a normal diet or HF for 12weeks. HF rats were then divided into two subgroups to receive either vehicle or FGF-21 for 4weeks. The results showed that HF led to obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, as indicated by hyperinsulinemia with euglycemia. In HF rats, there was an increase in tibial yield displacement (an indicator of ability to be deformed without losing toughness, as determined by 3-point bending) without changes in tibial trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) or cortical bone parameters, e.g., cortical thickness and bone area. FGF-21 treatment strongly improved the metabolic parameters and increased insulin sensitivity in HF rats. However, FGF-21-treated HF rats showed lower yield displacement, trabecular vBMD, trabecular bone volume, trabecular thickness, and osteoblast surface compared with vehicle-treated HF rats. These findings suggest that, despite being a potent antagonist of insulin resistance and visceral fat accumulation, FGF-21 is associated with bone defects in HF rats.

Role of PHOSPHO1 in Periodontal Development and Function

The tooth root and periodontal apparatus, including the acellular and cellular cementum, periodontal ligament (PDL), and alveolar bone, are critical for tooth function. Cementum and bone mineralization is regulated by factors including enzymes and extracellular matrix proteins that promote or inhibit hydroxyapatite crystal growth. Orphan Phosphatase 1 (Phospho1, PHOSPHO1) is a phosphatase expressed by chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and odontoblasts that functions in skeletal and dentin mineralization by initiating deposition of hydroxyapatite inside membrane-limited matrix vesicles. The role of PHOSPHO1 in periodontal formation remains unknown and we aimed to determine its functional importance in these tissues. We hypothesized that the enzyme would regulate proper mineralization of the periodontal apparatus. Spatiotemporal expression of PHOSPHO1 was mapped during periodontal development, and Phospho1-/- mice were analyzed using histology, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, radiography, and micro–computed tomography. The Phospho1 gene and PHOSPHO1 protein were expressed by active alveolar bone osteoblasts and cementoblasts during cellular cementum formation. In Phospho1-/- mice, acellular cementum formation and mineralization were unaffected, whereas cellular cementum deposition increased although it displayed delayed mineralization and cementoid. Phospho1-/- mice featured disturbances in alveolar bone mineralization, shown by accumulation of unmineralized osteoid matrix and interglobular patterns of protein deposition. Parallel to other skeletal sites, deposition of mineral-regulating protein osteopontin (OPN) was increased in alveolar bone in Phospho1-/- mice. In contrast to the skeleton, genetic ablation of Spp1, the gene encoding OPN, did not ameliorate dentoalveolar defects in Phospho1-/- mice. Despite alveolar bone mineralization defects, periodontal attachment and function appeared undisturbed in Phospho1-/- mice, with normal PDL architecture and no evidence of bone loss over time. This study highlights the role of PHOSPHO1 in mineralization of alveolar bone and cellular cementum, further revealing that acellular cementum formation is not substantially regulated by PHOSPHO1 and likely does not rely on matrix vesicle–mediated initiation of mineralization.

BCL6 modulation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia response to chemotherapy.

The bone marrow niche has a significant impact on acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell phenotype. Of clinical relevance is the frequency with which quiescent leukemic cells, in this niche, survive treatment and contribute to relapse. This study suggests that marrow microenvironment regulation of BCL6 in ALL is one factor that may be involved in the transition between proliferative and quiescent states of ALL cells. Utilizing ALL cell lines, and primary patient tumor cells we observed that tumor cell BCL6 protein abundance is decreased in the presence of primary human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) and osteoblasts (HOB). Chemical inhibition, or shRNA knockdown, of BCL6 in ALL cells resulted in diminished ALL proliferation. As many chemotherapy regimens require tumor cell proliferation for optimal efficacy, we investigated the consequences of constitutive BCL6 expression in leukemic cells during co-culture with BMSC or HOB. Forced chronic expression of BCL6 during co-culture with BMSC or HOB sensitized the tumor to chemotherapy induced cell death. Combination treatment of caffeine, which increases BCL6 expression in ALL cells, with chemotherapy extended the event free survival of mice. These data suggest that BCL6 is one factor, modulated by microenvironment derived cues that may contribute to regulation of ALL therapeutic response.

Comparison of the Influence of Phospholipid-Coated Porous Ti-6Al-4V Material on the Osteosarcoma Cell Line Saos-2 and Primary Human Bone Derived Cells

Biomaterial surface functionalization remains of great interest in the promotion of cell osteogenic induction. Previous studies highlighted the positive effects of porous Ti-6Al-4V and phospholipid coating on osteoblast differentiation and bone remodeling. Therefore, the first objective of this study was to evaluate the potential synergistic effects of material porosity and phospholipid coating. Primary human osteoblasts and Saos-2 cells were cultured on different Ti-6Al-4V specimens (mirror-like polished or porous specimens) and were coated or not with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE) for three weeks or five weeks. Selected gene expressions (e.g., classical bone markers: alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL) and runt-related transcription factor 2) were estimated in vitro. Furthermore, the expressions of osteocalcin and osteopontin were examined via fluorescent microscopy at five weeks (immunocytochemistry). Consequently, it was observed that phospholipid coating potentiates preferences for low and high porosities in Saos-2 and primary cells, respectively, at the gene and protein levels. Additionally, RANKL and OPG exhibited different gene expression patterns; primary cells showed dramatically increased RANKL expression, whereas OPG expression was decreased in the presence of POPE. A synergistic effect of increased porosity and phospholipid coating was observed in primary osteoblasts in bone remodeling. This study showed the advantage of primary cells over the standard bone cell model.

Systematic Identification, Characterization and Target Gene Analysis of microRNAs Involved in Osteoarthritis Subchondral Bone Pathogenesis.

This study aimed to identify the microRNAs associated with sclerotic status of subchondral bone in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Total RNA was extracted from non-sclerotic and sclerotic OA subchondral bone from patients undergoing knee replacement surgeries. miRCURY™ LNA miRNA chip and qRT-PCR were used to profile and validate differential microRNA expression. In addition, we further confirmed profiles of altered miRNAs in an OA rat meniscectomy animal model and their putative targets of the miRNAs were predicted using ingenuity (IPA) software. Finally, five short-listed miRNAs were reactivated by transient in vitro overexpression (miRNA mimics) in subchondral bone osteoblasts and their phenotypes were assessed. Functional screening identified 30 differentiated miRNAs in sclerotic subchondral bone compared to non-sclerotic bone of OA patients. Data integration resulted in confirmation of the eight miRNAs, with aberrant expression in independent human OA bone sample set. In silico analysis (IPA) identified 732 mRNA transcripts as putative targets of the eight altered miRNAs, of which twenty genes were validated to be differentially expressed in sclerotic compared to non-sclerotic bone samples. Out of eight dysregulated miRNA's, five of them showed consistent time-dependent downregulation in a rat OA model. Furthermore, synthetic miR-199a-3p, miR-199a-5p, miR-590-5p, and miR-211-5p mimics rescued the abnormal osteoarthritic subchondral bone osteoblast gene expression and mineralization. We have identified four novel miRNAs that play important roles in subchondral bone pathogenesis in OA. Additional studies are required to develop these miRNAs into therapeutic modalities for OA.

The Effect of Pores in Dual Nano Hydroxyapatite Coating on Thermally Oxidized Commercial Pure Titanium : Mechanical and Histological Evaluation

Background:In this study,TiO2 layer was thermally grown as a diffusion barrier on CP Ti substrate prior to electrophoretic deposition of HA coatings, to improve the coating’s compatibility also macro and micro pores in nano Hydroxyapatite dual coatings were created and their effect on the bond strength between the bone and implant was evaluated. Materials and methods: Electrophoretic Deposition technique (EPD) was used to obtain coatings for each one of four types of Hydroxyapatite(HA)on CP Ti screws (micro HA, nano HA, dual nano HA with micro pores, dual nano HA with macro pores) where carbon particles used as fugitive material to be removed by thermal treatment to create porosity.For examination of the changes occurred on the substrate, SEM, SPM and XRD used, coatings characterized by XRD, SEM and interfacial shear strength measurements. Results:The results mentioned the formation of rutilenano TiO2 with, SEM showed that the size of pores in HA coatings corresponded to the size of carbon particles. Statistical analysis of the removal torque tests showed highest means of the single nano HA coating at 2 and 4 weeks implantation intervals. Histological analysisrevealed a faster reaction of bone and higher osteoblasts activity towards thermally oxidized CP Ti implants coated with single nano HA coating. Conclusion:Carbon particles as a fugitive material within nano HA coat produced porosity.Presence of pores ˃ 1µ in nano HA coats did not achieve highest removal torque values nor highest osteoblasts activity in 2 and 4 weeks implantation intervals. Keywords:Titanium, Thermal oxidization, Nano Hydroxyapatite, Coatings, porosity.

Osteoblasts of calvaria induce higher numbers of osteoclasts than osteoblasts from long bone

Several studies have demonstrated the existence of functional differences between osteoclasts harbored in different bones. The mechanisms involved in the occurrence of such a heterogeneity are not yet understood. Since cells of the osteoblast lineage play a critical role in osteoclastogenesis, osteoclast heterogeneity may be due to osteoblasts that differ at the different bone sites. In the present study we evaluated possible differences in the capacity of calvaria and long bone osteoblasts to induce osteoclastogenesis. Osteoblasts were isolated from calvaria and long bone of mice and co-cultured with osteoclast precursors obtained from bone marrow of both types of bone, spleen and peripheral blood. Irrespective of the source of the precursors, a significantly higher number of TRACP-positive multinucleated cells were formed with calvaria osteoblasts. The expression of osteoclastogenesis related genes was analyzed by qPCR. OPG was significantly higher expressed by long bone osteoblasts. The RANKL/OPG ratio and TNF-α gene expression were significantly higher in calvaria osteoblast cultures. OPG added to the culture system inhibited osteoclastogenesis in both groups. Blocking TNF-α had no effect on osteoclastogenesis. Calvaria and long bone osteoblasts were pre-stimulated with VitD3 for 5days. Subsequently, osteoclast precursors were added to these cultures. After a co-culture of 6days, it was shown that VitD3 pre-stimulation of long bone osteoblasts strongly improved their capacity to induce osteoclast formation. This coincided with an increased ratio of RANKL/OPG. Taken together, the data demonstrated differences in the capacity of calvaria and long bone osteoblasts to induce osteoclastogenesis. This appeared to be due to differences in the expression of RANKL and OPG. VitD3 pre-stimulation improved the ability of long bone osteoblasts to induce osteoclast formation. Our findings demonstrate bone-site specific differences in osteoblast-mediated formation of osteoclasts. The data may suggest that the heterogeneity of osteoclasts is partially due to the way the osteoblasts induce their formation.