Osteocalcin Production Research Articles

Titanium-Doped Diamond-like Carbon Layers as a Promising Coating for Joint Replacements Supporting Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) layers are known for their high corrosion and wear resistance, low friction, and high biocompatibility. However, it is often necessary to dope DLC layers with additional chemical elements to strengthen their adhesion to the substrate. Ti-DLC layers (doped with 0.4, 2.1, 3.7, 6.6, and 12.8 at.% of Ti) were prepared by dual pulsed laser deposition, and pure DLC, glass, and polystyrene (PS) were used as controls. In vitro cell-material interactions were investigated with an emphasis on cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. We observed slightly increasing roughness and contact angle and decreasing surface free energy on Ti-DLC layers with increasing Ti content. Three-week biological experiments were performed using adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) in vitro. The cell proliferation activity was similar or slightly higher on the Ti-doped materials than on glass and PS. Osteogenic cell differentiation on all materials was proved by collagen and osteocalcin production, ALP activity, and Ca deposition. The bmMSCs exhibited greater initial proliferation potential and an earlier onset of osteogenic differentiation than the ADSCs. The ADSCs showed a slightly higher formation of focal adhesions, higher metabolic activity, and Ca deposition with increasing Ti content.

Effect of Er:YAG Pulsed Laser-Deposited Hydroxyapatite Film on Titanium Implants on M2 Macrophage Polarization In Vitro and Osteogenesis In Vivo.

In a previous study, we successfully coated hydroxyapatite (HAp) onto titanium (Ti) plates using the erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet pulsed-laser deposition (Er:YAG-PLD) method. In this study, we performed further experiments to validate the in vitro osteogenic properties, macrophage polarization, and in vivo osseointegration activity of HAp-coated Ti (HAp-Ti) plates and screws. Briefly, we coated a HAp film onto the surfaces of Ti plates and screws via Er:YAG-PLD. The surface morphological, elemental, and crystallographic analyses confirmed the successful surface coating. The macrophage polarization and osteogenic induction were evaluated in macrophages and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and the in vivo osteogenic properties were studied. The results showed that needle-shaped nano-HAp promoted the early expression of osteogenic and immunogenic genes in the macrophages and induced excellent M2 polarization properties. The calcium deposition and osteocalcin production were significantly higher in the HAp-Ti than in the uncoated Ti. The implantation into rat femurs revealed that the HAp-coated materials had superior osteoinductive and osseointegration activities compared with the Ti, as assessed by microcomputed tomography and histology. Thus, HAp film on sandblasted Ti plates and screws via Er:YAG-PLD enhances hard-tissue differentiation, macrophage polarization, and new bone formation in tissues surrounding implants both in vitro and in vivo.

Electrospun Scaffolds of Polylactic Acid, Collagen, and Amorphous Calcium Phosphate for Bone Repair.

Most electrospun scaffolds for bone tissue engineering typically use hydroxyapatite (HA) or beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). However, the biological activity of these crystalline compounds can be limited due to their low solubility. Therefore, amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) may be an alternative in bone repair scaffolds. This study analyzes the morphology, porosity, mechanical strength, and surface chemistry of electrospun scaffolds composed of polylactic acid and collagen integrated with hydroxyapatite (MHAP) or amorphous calcium phosphate (MACP). In addition, the in vitro biocompatibility, osteogenic differentiation, and growth factor production associated with bone repair using human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) are evaluated. The results show that the electrospun MHAP and MACP scaffolds exhibit a fibrous morphology with interconnected pores. Both scaffolds exhibit favorable biocompatibility and stimulate the proliferation and osteogenesis of hWJ-MSCs. However, cell adhesion and osteocalcin production are greater in the MACP scaffold compared to the MHAP scaffold. In addition, the MACP scaffold shows significant production of bone-repair-related growth factors such as transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), providing a solid basis for its use in bone tissue engineering.

The healing capacity and osteogenesis pattern of demineralized dentin matrix (DDM)-fibrin glue (FG) compound

Demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) is an osteoconductive and osteoinductive material that has been successfully used in sinus floor augmentation and alveolar ridge augmentation in clinical applications. It releases bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and other growth factors, making DDM a suitable grafting material. However, the granular particle of DDM makes it difficult to anchor into the bone defect area. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological effects and osteoinductivity of the combination of DDM and Fibrin Glue (FG) at an optimal ratio on bone healing from a critical bone defect in an animal model. The mouse osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1) was co-cultured with various ratios of DDM and FG to examine their effects on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, as indicated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) production and mineralized nodules formation. The optimal ratio was then chosen for further study with a rabbit calvarial defective model, in which they were implanted with DDM or DDM-FG1 (1 g: 0.1 ml) and DDM-FG2 (1 g: 0.5 ml) compounds, or left blank for 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks to investigate soft tissue and new bone regeneration. Micro-CT and histology analysis were used to evaluate the total grafting properties according to the different healing periods. The result from in vitro studies demonstrated that the ratio of 1:0.1 induced more ALP activity and mineralized nodules, while the ratio of 1: 0.5 (DDM-FG combined) induced more osteocalcin (OC) at specific time points. In the animal model, the 3D new bone volume in all DDM-FG treatment groups was significantly greater than that in the blank group at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Furthermore, the new bone volume was greater in DDM-FG2 when compared to the other groups during the early weeks of the healing period. In histological analysis, clusters of osteoblasts were formed adjacent to the DDM particles, and newly formed bone was observed in all groups, suggesting an osteoinductive property of DDM. Moreover, the greater new collagen synthesis observed at 4 weeks suggested that early bone healing was induced in the DDM-FG2 group. This study demonstrated that at an optimal ratio, the DDM-FG compound enhances osteogenic activities and bone regeneration.

An N-Cyanoamide Derivative of Lithocholic Acid Co-Operates with Lysophosphatidic Acid to Promote Human Osteoblast (MG63) Differentiation.

Less-calcaemic vitamin D receptor (VDR) agonists have the potential to promote osteoblast maturation in a bone regenerative setting. The emergence of lithocholic acid (LCA) as a bona fide VDR agonist holds promise as an adjunct for arthroplasty following reports that it was less calcaemic than calcitriol (1,25D). However, LCA and some earlier derivatives, e.g., LCA acetate, had to be used at much higher concentrations than 1,25D to elicit comparable effects on osteoblasts. However, recent developments have led to the generation of far more potent LCA derivatives that even outperform the efficacy of 1,25D. These new compounds include the cyanoamide derivative, Dcha-150 (also known as AY2-79). In light of this significant development, we sought to ascertain the ability of Dcha-150 to promote human osteoblast maturation by monitoring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) expression. The treatment of MG63 cells with Dcha-150 led to the production of OC. When Dcha-150 was co-administered with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) or an LPA analogue, a synergistic increase in ALP activity occurred, with Dcha-150 showing greater potency compared to 1,25D. We also provide evidence that this synergy is likely attributed to the actions of myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-serum response factor (SRF) gene transcription following LPA-receptor-induced cytoskeletal reorganisation.

Fabrication of Helix aspersa Extract Loaded Gradient Scaffold with an Integrated Architecture for Osteochondral Tissue Regeneration: Morphology, Structure, and In Vitro Bioactivity.

Regeneration of osteochondral tissue with its layered complex structure and limited self-repair capacity has come into prominence as an application area for biomaterial design. Thus, literature studies have aimed to design multilayered scaffolds using natural polymers to mimic its unique structure. In this study, fabricated scaffolds are composed of transition layers both chemically and morphologically to mimic the gradient structure of osteochondral tissue. The aim of this study is to produce gradient chitosan (CHI) scaffolds with bioactive snail (Helix aspersa) mucus (M) and slime (S) extract and investigate the structures regarding their physicochemical, mechanical, and morphological characteristics as well as in vitro cytocompatibility and bioactivity. Gradient scaffolds (CHI-M and CHI-S) were fabricated via a layer-by-layer freezing and lyophilization technique. Highly porous and continuous 3D structures were obtained and observed with SEM analysis. In addition, scaffolds were physically characterized with water uptake test, micro-CT, mechanical analysis (compression tests), and XRD analysis. In vitro bioactivity of scaffolds was investigated by co-culturing Saos-2 and SW1353 cells on each compartment of gradient scaffolds. Osteogenic activity of Saos-2 cells on extract loaded gradient scaffolds was investigated in terms of ALP secretion, osteocalcin (OC) production, and biomineralization. Chondrogenic bioactivity of SW1353 cells was investigated regarding COMP and GAG production and observed with Alcian Blue staining. Both mucus and slime incorporation in the chitosan matrix increased the osteogenic differentiation of Saos-2 and SW1353 cells in comparison to the pristine matrix. In addition, histological and immunohistological staining was performed to investigate ECM formation on gradient scaffolds. Both characterization and in vitro bioactivity results indicated that CHI-M and CHI-S scaffolds show potential for osteochondral tissue regeneration, mimicking the structure as well as enhancing physical characteristics and bioactivity.

A gap-filling, regenerative implant for open-wedge osteotomy

IntroductionIn patients suffering from unilateral osteoarthritis in the knee, an osteotomy can provide symptomatic relief and postpone the need for replacement of the joint. Nevertheless, open-wedge osteotomies (OWOs) around the knee joint face several challenges like postoperative pain and bone nonunion. ObjectivesIn this study, the aim was to design, fabricate, and evaluate a gap-filling implant for OWO using an osteoinductive and degradable biomaterial. MethodsDesign of porous wedge-shaped implants was based on computed tomography scans of cadaveric legs. Implants were 3-dimensionally printed using a magnesium strontium phosphate-polycaprolactone (MgPSr-PCL) biomaterial ink. Standardized scaffolds with different inter-fiber spacing (IFS) were mechanically characterized and osteoinductive properties of the biomaterial were assessed in vitro. Finally, human-sized implants with different heights (5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm) were designed and fabricated for ex vivo implantation during 3 OWO procedures in human cadaveric legs. ResultsImplants printed with an interior of IFS-1.0 resulted in scaffolds that maintained top and bottom porosity, while the interior of the implant exhibited significant mechanical stability. Bone marrow concentrate and culture expanded mesenchymal stromal cells attached to the MgPSr-PCL material and proliferated over 21 days in culture. The production of osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium, and osteocalcin was promoted in all culture conditions, independent of osteogenic induction medium. Finally, 3 OWO procedures were planned and fabricated wedges were implanted ex vivo during the procedures. A small fraction of one side of the wedges was resected to assure fit into the proximal biplanar osteotomy gap. Preplanned wedge heights were maintained after implantation as measured by micro-computed tomography. ConclusionTo conclude, personalized implants for implantation in OWOs were successfully designed and manufactured. The implant material supported osteogenesis of mesenchymal stromal cells and bone marrow concentrate in vitro and full-size implants were successfully implemented into the surgical procedure without compromising preplanned wedge height.

Evaluation of Osteocalcin and Some Biochemical Marker in Diabetes Mellitus Iraqi Women's patients with Osteoporosis

Diabetes mellitus is a set of metabolic diseases, the most prevalent of which is chronic hyperglycemia. The culprits include insulin synthesis, insulin action, or both. Osteoporosis is a progressive systemic skeletal disorder defined by decreased bone mass and micro architectural degeneration of bone tissue, resulting in increased bone fragility and fracture risk, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The degree of Nervosa damage determines how much a diabetic patient's body has been compromised. The current study's goal is an estimation: Age, BMI, FBS, HbA1C, D3, ALP, Ca, P, and Osteocalcin in Iraqi T2DM Women's patients with and without Osteoporosis. Three vitamins are required for Osteocalcin biosynthesis: vitamin K for Gla formation, vitamin C for hydroxylation of Pro-9 to hydroxyproline, and vitamin D for Osteocalcin production stimulation. Vitamin D is known to function in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. Osteocalcin is a hormone produced by osteoblasts and secreted into the extracellular matrix of bone and the bloodstream. It serves as a biological marker for bone formation. The work was classified into three groups. G1 (n= 40) is the control set that went to the Iraqi Ministry of Health's Endocrinology and Diabetes Center in Baghdad. G2 (n= 40) are patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without Osteoporosis who visited the Endocrinology and Diabetes Center of the Iraqi Ministry of Health in Baghdad, and G3 (n= 40) are patients with type 2 diabetes Mellitus with Osteoporosis.

Role of growth hormone in orthodontics

Human growth hormone (Somatotropin) is produced by acidophilic growth hormone cells in the anterior pituitary gland, stimulated by hypothalamus. Its production is regulated by several complex feedback mechanisms in response to stress, exercise, diet, sleep and growth hormone itself. Growth hormone plays a major role in linear body growth and craniofacial growth. In Orthodontics, it induces orthodontic tooth movement by activating specific cytokines to regulate osteoclast & osteoblast activity. It mediates STAT signalling in liver & pancreas to produce JAK-IGF-1. IGF-1 has stimulatory effects on osteoblasts and chondrocytes for endochondral ossification to promote bone growth. Growth hormone mediates mitogenic stimulus to odontoblast lineage cells by epidermal growth factor (EGF) to differentiate into odontoblasts. It also stimulates production of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in osteoblasts to improve osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. It also induces osteoclastic activity indirectly by production of IGF-1 and IL- 6 thereby activating RANK-RANKL/OPG phenomenon. It also promotes myofibrillar diameter expansion so it increases muscle mass with strength. Growth Hormone Replacement therapy reduces facial convexity and its main effect appears to be on condylar growth. Since deficiencies of growth hormone can adversely affect orthodontic treatment, effects of growth hormone treatment on craniofacial structures should be considered in order to maximize the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment with appliances and it is more important to understand.

Ion implantation of 109Ag stable isotope as a tracer in SS316L biomedical implant for failure detection

Stainless steel alloys are widely used for biomedical applications ranging from surgical tools to biomedical implant prostheses. Apart from surgical failure, surface degradation (wear and corrosion) leading to poor osteointegration of materials are a major cause of the failure of these bioimplants. Detection of the implant failure, once it is placed inside the body, is very difficult and not so accurate. In this research, high-energy ion implantation is used to develop a tracer embedded alloy. In this novel approach, a stable isotope of silver ( 109 Ag) is embedded as a tracer in SS316L to detect and monitor its degradation. High energy ion implantation of 109 Ag isotope allows the ions to be embedded deep inside the SS316L surface. Accelerated and normal static immersion tests were performed in 30% H 2 SO 4 and simulated body fluid (SBF) to represent the surface degradation of the implant. These results show a correlation between the isotopic tracer releases with material degradation. Electrochemical corrosion tests demonstrate the ion-implanted specimens exhibit similar corrosion resistance as the bare specimens. In-vitro cytotoxicity assays indicated no significant difference between the cell viability on SS316L and 109 Ag ion-implanted samples. The MG-63 osteoblast cells cultured on 109 Ag ion-implanted SS316L show a significant enhancement in osteocalcin production compared to SS316L. • Embedding of 109 Ag stable isotope tracer into the SS316L substrate. • Maximum 109 Ag ion accumulated at a depth of 4 μm to 7 μm from the irradiated surface. • Rise in the concentration of 109 Ag correlated with the degradation of SS316L. • MG-63 cells showed good proliferation, differentiation and osteocalcin production on 109 Ag-SS316L implants.

The influence on surface characteristic and biocompatibility of nano-SnO2-modified titanium implant material using atomic layer deposition technique

To investigate the surface characteristics of titanium (Ti) implant materials, which were coated with different thicknesses of nanoscale tin oxide (SnO2) using the atomic layer deposition technique, and evaluated its biological performance on human embryonic palatal mesenchyme (HEPM) cells. The thickness of the coating layer on Ti was 0 (Ti0), 20nm (Ti20), 50nm (Ti50), and 100nm (Ti100), respectively. The surface morphology was observed with an SEM and AFM. The root mean square roughness of micron-scale (mRq) and nanoroughness (nRq) of Ti discs' surface were measured. The Alamar blue (AB) assay and F-actin fluorescence staining were used to evaluate the biocompatibility, and the osteocalcin (OCN) was measured to clarify the differentiation of HEPM cells on materials. In the coating groups, the mRq was decreased, but the nRq was increased. The spreading and polygonal morphology of HEPMs was apparent in coating groups. On Day 4, the survival rate of HEPM cells on Ti0 was higher than on Ti20 and Ti50. There was no significant difference on Day 7, Day 10, and Day 14. The OCN was significantly higher on Day 14 in all the coating groups than Ti0. The results showed that the cell growth was intensified with rough surfaces. However, the OCN and morphology change was prominent when the nanoroughness was increased, which meant the increased nanoroughness might enhance OCN production and improve the tendency of osseointegration. The nanoscale SnO2 coating could increase the ability of bone formation but not cell growth.

Improved osteoblast function on titanium implant surfaces coated with nanocomposite Apatite\u2013Wollastonite\u2013Chitosan\u2013 an experimental in-vitro study

BackgroundThere is a continuous research in the area of biomimetic coatings on the titanium (Ti) implant surfaces for improved survival and long-term successful outcomes in the field of dentistry and orthopedics. In-vitro approaches are ideal systems for studying cell-material interactions without complexity and interference observed in in-vivo models.PurposeThe present study was undertaken to evaluate the osteoblast characteristics and function on Ti substrates coated with the novel composite coating of ceramic apatite-wollastonite (AW) and polymer chitosan.Materials and methodsTi substrate coated with composite AW-Chitosan was synthesized, using electrophoretic deposition. MG-63 cells were seeded onto the coated substrates and cellular morphology and growth was assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Laser Scanning Microscopy (LSM). Osteocalcin expression of the seeded cells was assessed by FITC tagging and LSM analysis. Alizarin Red S staining and Confocal LSM (CSLM) analysis was used to study the in-vitro mineralization on the titanium samples.ResultsThe AW-Chitosan coating on Ti samples by electrophoretic deposition exerted significant positive influence on cell proliferation, growth and mineralization as compared to uncoated titanium samples. Scanning electron microscopy and laser confocal microscopy experiments revealed that the coating was non-toxic to cells, enhanced adhesion and proliferation of MG-63 cells. Increased functional activity was observed by increased production of bone-specific protein osteocalcin and mineralized calcium through day 7 and 14.ConclusionsThe present study underscores that optimal inorganic-organic phase nanocomposite crack-free coating created on Ti by simple, cost-effective electrophoretic deposition technique may have osteoconductive potential and may have wide application in the field of implantology.Graphical abstract

Bones and adrenal organogenesis: how embryonic osteocalcin influences lifelong adrenal function.

Osteocalcin is a hormone produced in bones by osteoblasts during bone formation. Numerous studies have demonstrated that adrenal gland–derived glucocorticoids inhibit osteocalcin production, which can ultimately cause deleterious bones loss. This loss establishes a unidirectional endocrine relationship between the adrenal glands and bone, however, whether osteocalcin reciprocally regulates glucocorticoid secretion remains unclear. In this issue of the JCI, Yadav and colleagues address how bone-derived osteocalcin influences adrenal organogenesis and function. Using a large variety of animal models, the authors established that embryonic osteocalcin signaling, specifically through the GPR158 receptor, regulates postnatal adrenal steroid concentrations throughout life. This work has translational potential, and we await future investigations that determine whether modulating osteocalcin levels could promote endogenous adrenocortical function in adrenocortical hypoplasia and glucocorticoid deficiency.

Traditional Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) induces osteocalcin in osteoblasts.

The fruit of Prunus mume (ume, also known as Japanese apricot) has been used as a functional food in Japan since ancient times. We previously reported that ume stimulates the differentiation of preosteoblastic cells. Osteocalcin (OCN) is secreted by osteoblasts, and there is known association with glucolipid metabolism and cognitive function. This study sought to clarify the relationship between ume extracts and OCN production both in vitro and in vivo. Alkaline phosphatase activity and OCN level in the ethyl acetate extracts of ume-treated extracts were significantly increased in preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells compared with the control group. In human study, serum OCN level was significantly higher in the high ume intake group than in the low intake group in community-dwelling participants over 60 years old. These results suggest that ume has the potential to upregulated OCN production both in vitro and in vivo.

Effect of increasing mineralization on pre-osteoblast response to native collagen fibril scaffolds for bone tissue repair and regeneration.

With limited availability of auto- and allografts, there is increasing demand for alternative bone repair and regeneration materials. Inspired by a mimetic approach, the utility of producing engineered native protein scaffolds is being increasingly realized, demonstrating the need for continued research in this field. In previous work, we detailed a process for producing mineralized collagen scaffolds using tendon to create collagen templates of highly aligned, natively crosslinked collagen fibrils. The process produced mineral phase closely matching that of native bone, and integration of mineral with the collagen template was demonstrated to be easily controlled, allowing scaffolds to be mechanically tuned. In the current study, we have extended this work to investigate how variation in the mineralization level of these scaffolds affects the osteogenic response of pre-osteoblastic cells. Scaffolds were produced under three treatment groups, where collagen templates underwent 0, 5, or 20 mineralization cycles. Scaffolds in each treatment group were cultured with MC3T3-E1 cells for 1, 7, or 14 days. Morphologic assessment under SEM indicated decreased attachment to the mineralized scaffolds, supported by DNA results showing a significant drop between culture days 1 and 7 for mineralized scaffolds only. For adherent cells, increasing scaffold mineralization also delayed cell spreading. While mineralization presented a barrier to cell coverage of scaffolds, it increased osteogenic activity, with cells on the mineralized scaffolds showing significantly greater alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin production. Understanding how increasing collagen mineralization effects pre-osteoblast function may enable design of more advanced mineralized collagen scaffolds for bone repair and regeneration.

Incorporation of Zinc into Binary SiO2-CaO Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles Enhances Anti-Inflammatory and Osteogenic Activities.

During the healing and repair of bone defects, uncontrolled inflammatory responses can compromise bone regeneration. Biomaterials with anti-inflammatory activity are favorable for bone tissue regeneration processes. In this work, multifunctional Zn-containing mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Zn-MBGs) exhibiting favorable osteogenic and anti-inflammatory activities were produced employing a sol-gel method. Zn-MBGs exhibited a mesoporous spherical shape and nanoscale particle size (100 ± 20 nm). They were degradable in cell culture medium, and could release Si, Ca, and Zn in a sustained manner. Zn-MBGs also exhibited a concentration-dependent cellular response. The extract of Zn-MBGs obtained by incubation at 0.1 mg/mL (in culture medium) for 24 h could enhance in vitro mineralization, alkaline phosphatase activity, the expression of osteogenesis-related genes, and the production of intracellular protein osteocalcin of rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Moreover, the extract of Zn-MBGs at 0.1 mg/mL could significantly downregulate the expression of inflammatory genes and the production of inducible nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 cells, particularly under stimulation of inflammatory signals interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Zn-MBGs also inhibited the pro-inflammatory M1 polarization of RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS and IFN-γ. In summary, we successfully synthesized Zn-MBGs with concentration-dependent osteogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. Zn-MBGs show their great potential in immunomodulation strategies for bone regeneration, representing a multifunctional biomaterial that can be applied to regenerate bone defects under inflammatory conditions.

Insights into the perspective correlation between vitamin D and regulation of hormones: sex hormones and prolactin

Abstract Aim. Vitamin D is currently an exciting research target, besides its obvious role in calcium homeostasis and bone health, enormous work is being directed at examining the effects of this vitamin on various biological functions and pathological conditions. Material and methods. The review of the literature and the analysis took about six months and was carried out through PubMed. This is a search engine opening mainly the MEDLINE database of trusted references. We called up all studies written in English that were published between the years 2004 to 2021 and that came through using the applied search terms, and analysed all those that met the criteria. Results. The endocrine system with its many glands and hormones and their essential roles in the maintenance of normal body functioning cannot be far from interactions with vitamin D. Male and female sex hormones are no exceptions and many studies have investigated the correlations between these hormones and vitamin D. As such, direct and indirect relationships have been found between vitamin D, its receptors or one of its metabolising enzymes with sex hormones and the development of reproductive organs in males and females. Conclusion. This review summarises the research investigating the associations of vitamin D with sex hormones and reproductive organs in males and females, and thus may pave the road for future studies that will investigate the clinical significance of vitamin D in the management of reproductive system disorders. Despite some conflicting results about the relationship between VD and the effectiveness of the reproductive system, many studies confirm the presence of receptors for this vitamin in the reproductive system, and this supports the direct or indirect relationship between VD and prolactin or VD and testosterone through PO4 and Ca2+ homeostasis, or production of osteocalcin. Therefore, VD is positively associated with semen quality and androgen status. Furthermore, a direct relationship between VD and the production of progesterone, estrogen and estrone in human ovarian cells has been supported by many studies.

Correlation between Serum hs-CRP and Magnesium Ion with Osteocalcin in Acute Leukemia Patients

Acute leukemia is a proliferation of immature cells in the bone marrow that affects peripheral blood or other organs. Inflammation has a vital role in cancer pathophysiology. Inflammation in leukemia occurs through two mechanisms: intrinsic and extrinsic. Magnesium deficiency leads to inflammation in acute leukemia patients. Manifestation of inflammation in acute leukemia are abnormalities in musculoskeletal systems such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, and pathological fractures. Increased inflammation in the bone remodeling process increases osteoclast (OC) regulation and decreases osteoblast (OB) activity resulting in reduced osteocalcin (OCN) production. Osteocalcin, also known as gamma-carboxy glutamic acid-containing protein or bone Gla-protein, is a small, non-collagen protein associated with the bone matrix. Osteocalcin is known as bone formation. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between hs-CRP, ion Mg and serum OCN levels in acute leukemia. A cross-sectional observational analytic study in acute leukemia subjects was conducted at Clinical Pathology Installation of Dr. Moewardi Hospital. Surakarta from August to September 2020. Normality test of Shapiro-Wilk was used to determine data distribution, Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the correlation strength between variables. From a total of 35 subjects, there was a significant negative correlation between hs-CRP and serum OCN in acute leukemia (r= -0.46; p=0.06), but no correlation was found between Mg ion and serum OCN in acute leukemia patients (r=0.09; p=0.957). The mean of hs-CRP, Mg ion, and OCN was 2.95±4.95 mg/dL, 0.49±0.05 mmol/L, and 16.32±19.46 ng/mL, respectively. Advanced research with chronic leukemia population and other variants as needed.

PGS/HAp Microporous Composite Scaffold Obtained in the TIPS-TCL-SL Method: An Innovation for Bone Tissue Engineering.

In this research, we synthesize and characterize poly(glycerol sebacate) pre-polymer (pPGS) (1H NMR, FTiR, GPC, and TGA). Nano-hydroxyapatite (HAp) is synthesized using the wet precipitation method. Next, the materials are used to prepare a PGS-based composite with a 25 wt.% addition of HAp. Microporous composites are formed by means of thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) followed by thermal cross-linking (TCL) and salt leaching (SL). The manufactured microporous materials (PGS and PGS/HAp) are then subjected to imaging by means of SEM and µCT for the porous structure characterization. DSC, TGA, and water contact angle measurements are used for further evaluation of the materials. To assess the cytocompatibility and biological potential of PGS-based composites, preosteoblasts and differentiated hFOB 1.19 osteoblasts are employed as in vitro models. Apart from the cytocompatibility, the scaffolds supported cell adhesion and were readily populated by the hFOB1.19 preosteoblasts. HAp-facilitated scaffolds displayed osteoconductive properties, supporting the terminal differentiation of osteoblasts as indicated by the production of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and osteopontin. Notably, the PGS/HAp scaffolds induced the production of significant amounts of osteoclastogenic cytokines: IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, which induced scaffold remodeling and promoted the reconstruction of bone tissue. Initial biocompatibility tests showed no signs of adverse effects of PGS-based scaffolds toward adult BALB/c mice.

Long-Term Culture of Stem Cells on Phosphate-Based Glass Microspheres: Synergistic Role of Chemical Formulation and 3D Architecture.

Phosphate-based glasses (PBGs) are biomaterials that degrade under physiological conditions and can be modified to release various ions depending on end applications. This study utilized slow-degrading (P45:45P2O5-16CaO-24MgO-11Na2O-4Fe2O3, mol %) and comparatively faster degrading (P40:40P2O5-16CaO-24MgO-20Na2O, mol %) PBG microspheres with or without porosity, to evaluate the combined effect of chemical formulation and geometry on human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a clinically relevant cell source for orthopedic applications. Scanning electron microscopy showed 2, 46, and 29% of P45 bulk (P45-B), P40 bulk (P40-B), and P40 porous (P40-P) microspheres, respectively, that had cracks or peeling off surfaces after 42 days of incubation in culture medium. Cytotoxicity assessment showed that glass debris released into the culture medium may interact with cells and affect their survival. Direct-contact cell experiments up to 42 days showed that P45-B microspheres did not sustain viable long-term cell cultures and did not facilitate extracellular matrix formation. On the other hand, P40-B microspheres enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and collagen and osteocalcin production in MSCs. Introduction of porosity in P40 glass further enhanced these parameters and proliferation at later time points. The small pore windows (<5 μm wide) and interconnection (<10 μm wide) may have allowed limited cell penetration into the porous structures. P40-B and P40-P have potential for bone repair and reinforcement therapy based on their chemical formulation and porous geometry.