Bone Structure Research Articles

Protective effect of carvacrol hydrogel on the alveolar bone in rats with periodontitis.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of carvacrol hydrogel on the alveolar bone in rats with periodontitis. A thermosensitive hydrogel supported by carvacrol was prepared using poloxamer and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose as matrix. SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, periodontitis group, blank hydrogel group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose hydrogel groups. The periodontitis symptoms and the CT structure of the alveolar bone were observed. The changes in liver, spleen, kidney, and periodontal tissues were observed. The related indexes of bone metabolism in serum were detected. The expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway proteins was determined by Western blot. The levels of inflammatory factors were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Carvacrol hydrogel had good slow release, biocompatibility, and cell adhesion. The periodontitis of rats in the carvacrol hydrogel group was significantly alleviated, the expression of OPG protein in gingival tissue was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the levels of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), NF-κB protein, and inflammatory factors were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Carvacrol hydrogel can regulate the OPG and NF-κB pathways, reduce alveolar bone absorption, and improve periodontal inflammation.

3D-printed biomimetic bone scaffold loaded with lyophilized concentrated growth factors promotes bone defect repair by regulation the VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

This study investigates the effects of concentrated growth factors (CGF) and bone substitutes on the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), as well as the development of a novel 3D-printed biomimetic bone scaffold. Based on the structure of cancellous bone, 3D-printed bionic bone with sustainable release of growth factors and Ca2+ was prepared. Using BMSCs and EA.hy926 in co-culture with the bionic bone scaffold, experimental results demonstrate that this bionic structural design enhances cell proliferation and adhesion, and that the bionic bone possesses the ability to promote bone and vascular regeneration directly. Transcriptomics, western blot analysis, and flow cytometry are employed to investigate the effects of CGF and Ca2+ on the signaling pathways of BMSCs. The study reports that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) released by CGF activated VEGFR2 on BMSCs, leading to Ca2+ influx and activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby influencing osteogenesis. Animal experiments confirm the ability of the bionic bone to promote osteogenesis in vivo, and its unique degradation pattern accelerates the in vivo repair of bone defects. In conclusion, this study presents a novel biomimetic strategy and, for the first time, explores the potential mechanism by which VEGF and Ca2+ regulate BMSCs differentiation through the VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These insights offer a new perspective for the development of innovative bone substitute materials.

Evaluation High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) Of Temporal Bone In Cholesteatoma Of Middle Ear In Comparison With Histopathological Findings: A Prospective Study

Background: Cholesteatoma is relatively common and potentially dangerous disease of the ear. It is characterised by local destruction and osseous erosion leading to complications. Pre-operative assessment of middle ear cholesteatoma is a must for assessing the disease's location, extent, and complication. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of middle ear structures and pathology. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to evaluate HRCT of temporal bone in cholesteatoma of middle ear cleft in comparison with histopathological results. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study carried out on total of 30 patients who were undergoing HRCT of temporal bone for middle ear cleft pathology and found to have imaging evidence of chronic otomastoiditis on HRCT, subsequently undergoing surgery and histopathological validation. Results: The mean age of study subjects was found to be 23.97 ± 11.30 years. Majority of the study subjects were belonged to age group of 11-40 years (40%) with female predominance (53.3%) as compared to male (46.7%). Majority of the patients i.e., 60% showed signs of loss of aeration and sclerosis of mastoid air cells followed by soft tissue density lesions (43.3%), bony erosions (26.7%), and bony expansions (6.7%). Surgical findings and histopathological reports were correlated with pre-operative HRCT scans analyses with 95.88% accuracy. Conclusion: Compared to histopathological findings, HRCT offers a diagnostic capacity that is remarkably sensitive and specific in identifying cholesteatoma and the condition of the bone structures in the temporal bone

Ghrelin alleviated TiO2 NPs-induced inhibition of endochondral osteogenesis and promoted longitudinal growth of long bones in juvenile rats via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used in children’s daily necessities and foods, and their health hazards to children have attracted particular attention. Childhood is a critical time for accelerated bone growth and development. Current studies revealed that TiO2 NPs exposure causes bone damage in juvenile rats; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Ghrelin is a polypeptide hormone that is considered to be a candidate factor for regulating bone growth and development. In this research, 3-week-old juvenile male rats were administered 0, 100 or 200 mg/kg TiO2 NPs and 50 μg/kg ghrelin for 4 weeks to explore the underlying mechanism of TiO2 NPs-induced bone damage, and the protective effect of ghrelin. Our results revealed that TiO2 NPs resulted in decreased synthesis of bone growth-related hormones, disturbed bone metabolism, and destruction of bone structure. Further mechanism studies showed that TiO2 NPs inhibited Wnt/β-catenin pathway, reduced collagen synthesis, inhibited chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, promoted chondrocyte apoptosis, and inhibited endochondral osteogenesis, ultimately leading to long bone longitudinal growth retardation and osteoporosis. Ghrelin alleviated the negative effects of TiO2 NPs-induced bone growth in juvenile rats by upregulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study provided a reference for the clinical treatment of growth retardation and idiopathic short stature in juvenile children caused by environmental pollutants.

Research on Mixed Reality Hand Interaction Technology in Flight Simulation Teaching

Abstract The integration of mixed reality simulation training in institutional education and teaching processes can yield significant quality benefits. Non-wearable interactive methods represent a more natural form of hand interaction within flight cockpits, covering various emerging fields such as mixed reality, computer vision, and human-computer interaction. This paper is guided by a “human-centered” approach to natural human-computer interaction and proposes a virtual hand mixed reality interaction scheme based on hand natural feature points. This study introduces a hand detection, segmentation, and recognition algorithm based on skin colour and key hand feature points. Initially, the algorithm uses the Otsu adaptive threshold algorithm in the YCbCr space for skin colour detection to accommodate varying image brightness levels. Subsequently, it employs a hand Keypoint model for rapid hand detection within skin-like areas while excluding interference from other regions. During the process of hand tracking, optimization prediction is performed using the particle filter algorithm combined with the artificial fish swarm algorithm to achieve tracking accuracy within six pixels in both horizontal and vertical directions. Gesture recognition involves extracting Fourier descriptive contour features of the hand bone structure through identification of feature points. Furthermore, this study combines the optimization capabilities of the artificial fish swarm algorithm to enhance support vector machine model parameter optimization for improved recognition rates. Testing involved 800 processed images as part of a test set for gesture recognition; only five commonly used gestures within flight cockpits were recognized and classified with an accuracy rate reaching up to 98%. Finally, this research presents virtual representations of common operational gestures including natural hand states, control stick manipulation, and throttle handling positions, button activations, and rotational movements via head-mounted displays or screens. The proposed mixed reality-based hand gesture interaction system addresses challenges related to complex background interference during hand detection in cockpit environments as well as issues arising from lighting disturbances. Additionally it resolves problems associated with insufficient particles leading to tracking failures while significantly enhancing registration effects during tracking processes. Moreover it mitigates issues related to Fourier descriptive features being influenced by background variations or changes in pose along with limitations pertaining to expressing singular forms of gestures thereby improving overall classification accuracy.

Bacillus licheniformis and phytase combination in broiler chicken diets: Effects on growth performance, digestibility coefficients, gut microbiome activities, and bone quality

In the present study, B. licheniformis was added to broiler chicken diets alone or in combination with 6-phytase and the effects on growth performance, coefficients of ileal nutrient digestibility, morphometrical measurements of selected internal organs, gut microbial activity, and bone quality were determined. Four hundred 1-day-old female birds (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments (10 replicate pens, 10 birds each). The trial was set up as follows: negative control (NC), basal diet without any feed additive; NC+Pro, basal diet with B. licheniformis (500 g/t of diet); NC+Phy, basal diet with 6-phytase (400 g/t of diet); and NC+Pro+Phy, basal diet in which both experimental factors were added at the same levels as above. The interaction between treatments was noted in each evaluated period regarding BWG and FI. In the entire experiment, an increased body weight gain (P < 0.001) was observed in the NC+Pro+Phy treatment compared to the other groups. The birds that received both feed additives combined were characterized by an increased feed intake (P < 0.001), contrary to NC+Pro and NC+Phy. Moreover, in terms of microenvironment modulations, interactions (P < 0.05) were observed in the jejunal and cecal digesta pH, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) level, and microbial enzyme activities. However, the impacts of B. licheniformis and phytase on cecal SCFA concentrations and bacterial enzymes were mainly opposite. There were no interactions (P < 0.05) in terms of geometrical, mechanical, and structural selected tibia and femur indices. However, 6-phytase addition improved bone structure, stiffness, and elasticity. In conclusion, the interactions between 6-phytase and B. licheniformis positively affect growth performance via microbial activity changes; however, the supportive bone quality maintenance properties are only connected to 6-phytase supplementation.

A method framework of semi-automatic knee bone segmentation and reconstruction from computed tomography (CT) images.

Accurate delineation of knee bone boundaries is crucial for computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) and effective treatment planning in knee diseases. Current methods often struggle with precise segmentation due to the knee joint's complexity, which includes intricate bone structures and overlapping soft tissues. These challenges are further complicated by variations in patient anatomy and image quality, highlighting the need for improved techniques. This paper presents a novel semi-automatic segmentation method for extracting knee bones from sequential computed tomography (CT) images. Our approach integrates the fuzzy C-means (FCM) algorithm with an adaptive region-based active contour model (ACM). Initially, the FCM algorithm assigns membership degrees to each voxel, distinguishing bone regions from surrounding soft tissues based on their likelihood of belonging to specific bone regions. Subsequently, the adaptive region-based ACM utilizes these membership degrees to guide the contour evolution and refine segmentation boundaries. To ensure clinical applicability, we further enhance our method using the marching cubes algorithm to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) model. We evaluated the method on six randomly selected knee joints. We evaluated the method using quantitative metrics such as the Dice coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, and geometrical assessment. Our method achieved high Dice scores for the femur (98.95%), tibia (98.10%), and patella (97.14%), demonstrating superior accuracy. Remarkably low root mean square distance (RSD) values were obtained for the tibia and femur (0.5±0.14 mm) and patella (0.6±0.13 mm), indicating precise segmentation. The proposed method offers significant advancements in CAD systems for knee pathologies. Our approach demonstrates superior performance in achieving precise and accurate segmentation of knee bones, providing valuable insights for anatomical analysis, surgical planning, and patient-specific prostheses.

The Impact of Gestational Alcohol on the Trabecular Bone Structure of the Mandible in 3-Week-Old Sprague Dawley Rats

The Impact of Gestational Alcohol on the Trabecular Bone Structure of the Mandible in 3-Week-Old Sprague Dawley Rats

Fractal Analysis of Mandible in Panoramic Radiographs of Patients Received Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the impact of radiotherapy on the internal structure complexity of mandibular cortical and trabecular bone and to determine the duration required for a return to healthy values post-radiotherapy. Materials and MethodsPanoramic radiographs from patients undergoing radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma were analyzed before and after treatment. Four groups were formed based on post-radiotherapy radiography timing (0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months, and 24-36 months), comprising a total of 59 cases and 118 radiographs. Fractal analysis was conducted on four bilateral regions (ROI) in both trabecular and cortical bone on each radiograph. Additionally, measurements of inferior alveolar canal width and mandibular cortical width were performed. Mean and maximum radiation dose values to the mandible were measured, and their correlation with changes in fractal dimension, inferior alveolar canal width, and mandibular cortical width values was assessed. ResultsFractal dimension values in regions over trabecular bone showed a statistically significant decrease in all groups, although no significant difference was observed among the four groups. In ROI-4 from cortical bone, a significant fractal dimension decrease was noted in all groups except the 0-6 month group. The magnitude of fractal dimension decrease was higher in the 12-24 and 24-36 month groups compared to the 0-6 month group. inferior alveolar canal width and mandibular cortical width values significantly decreased post-radiotherapy in all groups, with a consistent decrease across the groups. ConclusionsRadiotherapy induces a reduction in the internal complexity of trabecular and cortical bone structures in the mandible. Osteoradionecrosis risk persists even three years post-radiotherapy, suggesting a cautious approach to interventional procedures on the bone.

Evaluation of mandibular bone structure changes in phenylketonuria patients through fractal analysis and radiomorphometric indices

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of phenylketonuria (PKU) on mandibular bone structure by comparing the bone of PKU patients with healthy controls using fractal analysis and the radiomorphometric indices of mandibular cortical width (MCW) and mandibular cortical index (MCI). Study DesignIn total, 32 patients with PKU were analyzed and compared with the control patients. Regions of interest in panoramic radiographs were selected and the fractal dimension (FD) obtained from fractal analysis was calculated. MCW was defined as the cortical thickness of the inferior border of the mandible at the level of the mental foramen. MCI classified the endosteal edge of the mandibular cortex as C1: straight and sharp, C2: the presence lacunar resorption spaces, and C3: distinctly porous and severely eroded. The significance level was P<0.05. ResultsAll FD and MCW values were significantly lower in the PKU patients. The prevalence of C1 was significantly lower and prevalence of C2 was significantly higher in the PKU group. ConclusionThe differences in fractal dimension and radiomorphometric indices between patients with PKU and healthy controls may indicate a potential impact of PKU on mandibular bone structure.

Calcium carbonate-based antibacterial coating for improved biocompatibility in endoprosthetic implants

This article addresses a critical challenge in modern endoprosthetics: enhancing the biocompatibility of implanted materials to prevent and manage periprosthetic infec-tions. Current literature identifies periprosthetic infection as a leading cause of revision surgeries, with material incompatibility contributing to postoperative complications and increased mortality rates. To tackle this issue, a specialized coating for implant surfaces based on inorganic calcium carbonate is proposed. This material is selected for its fa-vorable biochemical properties, including a highly developed specific surface area and biocompatibility with human tissues. To enhance antibacterial properties, zinc and the antibiotic vancomycin are incorporated as modifiers. Research efforts have led to the development of a 3D model of an elbow joint endoprosthesis, ensuring reliable fixation within the bone structure. The stress-strain characteristics of the endoprosthesis are examined, determining safety margins for its components. A biocompatible coating com-posed of calcium carbonate is synthesized and modified with antibacterial agents. Imag-es of the coating's microparticles are obtained, and a biochemical analysis is performed using common postoperative pathogens, revealing zones of microorganism suppres-sion. The findings confirm an improved biocompatibility level, demonstrating the effec-tive antibacterial properties of the developed coating, with promising implications for preventing periprosthetic infections.

THE ATTRACTIONS OF GUAR KEPAH ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, PENANG, MALAYSIA AS AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE TOURISM SITE

The Guar Kepah archaeological site in Penang, Malaysia, has been the focus of archaeological re search since 1860, revealing important insights into the prehistoric maritime community that inhabited the area approximately 5,000 years ago. Excavations at the site have revealed human skeletons, teeth, stone tools, and pottery, providing evidence of the community's burial traditions and material culture. The primary data collected from these excavations has facilitated the development of the site's tourism sector, with plans underway to establish the Guar Kepah Archaeological Center (GKAC). This study emphasises the importance of utilising primary data to create compelling narratives that contribute to the development of archaeological heritage tour packages. The Guar Kepah site serves as a case study for the development of archaeotourism, highlighting the need for a balance between site preservation and providing authentic experience to cultural tourists. The findings from this site have the potential to shed light on human relations with aquatic habitats, the importance of the mari ne environment in human evolution and ecology, island colonisation, and the establishment of maritime trade networks. The development of the Guar Kepah site as an archaeological heritage tourism location in northern Peninsular Malaysia demonstrates the commitment of the government and stakeholders to promoting sustainable heritage tourism in the region.

Facile synthesis of in situ bismuth-doped calcium phosphate nanocomposite integrated injectable biopolymer hydrogel slurry for bone regeneration

The bionics of natural bone structures plays an essential role in the selection of materials for bone tissue engineering. Although the content of trace metallic elements in bone is low, they have significant effects on the process of bone growth and metabolism. Up to now, the applications of “green” heavy metals in bone regeneration are limited. Herein, in this study, we present a straightforward one-pot strategy for the synthesis of in situ bismuth-doped amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomposites (RBCP), effectively integrating the beneficial properties of each component. The characterization of these products can be readily optimized by adjusting reaction parameters. Our in vitro studies show that under coordination of each component, the RBCP biomaterial demonstrates distinguished biocompatibility and significantly accelerates vascular pattern formation within just 4 h by stimulating the expression of angiogenesis-related genes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In vivo experiments indicate that the incorporation of bismuth effectively enhances bone regeneration and osseointegration in a rat femur defect model. In conclusion, the as-prepared RBCP biomaterials hold promising prospects for treating segmental bone defects, owing to the facile, cost-effective, and eco-friendly preparation process, along with their remarkable capabilities.

Моделирование краниофациальных повреждений, анализ сроков регенерации и показаний к хирургической коррекции

The purpose of the experiment. Experimental modeling of craniofacial injuries, analysis of oculomotor function and regeneration in the post-traumatic period. Materials and methods. In the experiment, 48 sexually mature males of the Wistar breed were hit with a blunt hammer on a pre-determined area on the muzzle. According to the MS CT data, the nature of the displacement of bone fragments and the presence of muscle interposition were visualized. In the post-traumatic period, behavioral activity in the Actimeter device was analyzed. Results and discussion. Taking into account the thickness of the bone, the localization of the buttress at the place of applied force in the rodent, the hypothesis of energy absorption with its propagation through the bone structures of the orbits, and their subsequent displacement, was confirmed. Conclusions. In 38% of animals (groups 2 and 4), after impact to the postero lateral segment of the lower wall of the orbit, type 2 fracture of the cheekbone-orbital complex was recorded. In the posttraumatic period, a violation of behavioral activity was registered, which required prompt correction of displaced fragments. Upon impact to the central segment, in 50% of cases, 1 type of fracture was formed, without deviations in behavioral activity and without the need for surgical treatment.

Combining Multiple Spectroscopic Techniques to Reveal the Effects of Staphylococcus aureus Infection on Human Bone Tissues.

Osteomyelitis (OM) and periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are major public health concerns in Western countries due to increased life expectancy. Infections usually occur due to bacterial spread through fractures, implants, or blood-borne transmission. The pathogens trigger an inflammatory response that hinders bone tissue regeneration. Treatment requires surgical intervention, which involves the precise removal of infected tissue, wound cleansing, and local and systemic antibiotic administration. Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is one of the most common pathogens causing infection-induced OM and PJIs. It forms antimicrobial-resistant biofilms and is frequently found in healthcare settings. In this proof-of-concept, we present an approach based on multiple spectroscopic techniques aimed at investigating the effects of SA infection on bone tissue, as well as identifying specific markers useful to detect early bacterial colonization on the tissue surface. A cross-section of a human femoral diaphysis, with negative-culture results, was divided into three parts, and the cortical and trabecular regions were separated from each other. Two portions of each bone tissue type were infected with SA for one and seven days, respectively. Multiple techniques were used to investigate the impact of the infection on bone tissue, Brillouin-Raman microspectroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to assess and develop a new noninvasive diagnostic method to detect SA by targeting the bone of the host. The results indicate that exposure to SA infection significantly alters the bone structure, especially in the case of the trabecular type, even after just one day. Moreover, Raman spectral markers of the tissue damage were identified, indicating that this technique can detect the effect of the pathogens' presence in bone biopsies and pave the way for potential application during surgery, due to its nondestructive and contactless nature.

Anatomical structure of the orbits of the European beaver (Castor fiber)

Understanding the specifics of the orbit of each species is a fundamental and crucial step in developing veterinary ophthalmology. This article describes the bone structure, foramina piercing the bones, and the shape of the orbit in the European beaver (Castor fiber). Additionally, a morphometric analysis of the orbit was conducted, measuring its height, width, and depth, and the orbital index was calculated. A total of 27 skulls of this species were used for the study. It was shown that the average length and depth of the orbit were greater in females, while the average width was comparable in both sexes. Males, however, had a higher average orbital index. The observed regularities, assessed with a T-test, showed statistically significant differences between individuals. These results are the first step towards developing reference values for the discussed dimensions for this species, which will allow for the assessment of the correctness of the orbit structure of the European beaver.

Styphnolobium japonicum Fruit and Germinated Soybean Embryo Complex Extract for Postmenopausal-Symptom Relief.

Hormonal alterations during menopause result in substantial physiological changes. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used as a treatment strategy for these changes, its use remains controversial due to its associated risks. Plant isoflavones are phytoestrogens that are considered a potential alternative therapy for postmenopausal syndrome. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ethanolic extracts from Styphnolobium japonicum fruit (SJF) and germinated soybean embryo (GSE) in alleviating prominent menopausal symptoms. A cell model (MCF7 human breast cancer cells) was used to investigate estrogen-like activity. A rat ovariectomy model was used to simulate estrogen depletion after menopause and to evaluate the efficacy of the SJF-GSE complex extract at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. Treatment with the SJF-GSE extract elicited estrogen-like effects, raising pS2 and estrogen receptor α expression in MCF7 cells. The extract was found to contain 48-72 mg/g sophoricoside and 8-12 mg/g soyasaponin 1, identified as active compounds. In ovariectomized rats, the extract effectively reduced body weight and fat content, alleviated vasomotor symptoms, improved vaginal mucosal health, and exerted osteoprotective effects by enhancing bone density and structure, reducing bone-resorption markers and positively altering estradiol levels and lipid profiles. The SJF-GSE extract, working synergistically, provides a safe and effective alternative to HRT for managing postmenopausal symptoms and enhancing bone health, without adverse effects. These findings support the inclusion of SJF and GSE in health-functional foods and underscore the importance of further research into plant-based therapies for menopause.

Assessment of the Impact of Bone Quality and Abutment Configuration on the Fatigue Performance of Dental Implant Systems Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of abutment angulation, types, and bone quality on fatigue performance in dental implant systems. Three-dimensional models of maxillary 3-unit fixed implant-supported prostheses were analyzed. Abutments with different angles and types were used. Healthy bone (Hb) and resorbed bone (Rb) were used. Conducted on implants, a force of 150 N was applied obliquely, directed from the palatal to the buccal aspect, at a specific angle of 30 degrees. The stress distribution and fatigue performance were then evaluated considering the types of bone used and the angles of the three different abutments. The simulation aspect of the research was carried out utilizing Abaqus 2020 software. In all models, fatigue strengths in healthy bone were higher than in resorbed bone. Maximum stress levels were seen in models with angled implants. In almost all models with resorbed bone, fatigue performances were slightly lower. Increasing the abutment angle has been shown to increase stress levels and decrease fatigue performance in the adjacent bone and along the implant-abutment interface. In general, implants applied to healthy bone were found to have a higher success rate. It has also been suggested that multiunit abutments have beneficial effects on stress distribution and fatigue performance compared to resin cemented abutments. The type or angle of abutment and the quality of the bone can lead to biomechanical changes that affect the force distribution within the bone structure surrounding the implant. Clinicians can influence the biomechanical environment of the implant site by varying the abutment angle and type to suit the condition of bone health, potentially affecting the long-term success of implant treatment.

RNA-Binding Proteins as Novel Effectors in Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts: A Systems Biology Approach to Dissect the Transcriptional Landscape.

Bone health is ensured by the coordinated action of two types of cells-the osteoblasts that build up bone structure and the osteoclasts that resorb the bone. The loss of balance in their action results in pathological conditions such as osteoporosis. Central to this study is a class of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that regulates the biogenesis of miRNAs. In turn, miRNAs represent a critical level of regulation of gene expression and thus control multiple cellular and biological processes. The impact of miRNAs on the pathobiology of various multifactorial diseases, including osteoporosis, has been demonstrated. However, the role of RBPs in bone remodeling is yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study is to dissect the transcriptional landscape of genes encoding the compendium of 180 RBPs in bone cells. We developed and applied a multi-modular integrative analysis algorithm. The core methodology is gene expression analysis using the GENEVESTIGATOR platform, which is a database and analysis tool for manually curated and publicly available transcriptomic data sets, and gene network reconstruction using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis platform. In this work, comparative insights into gene expression patterns of RBPs in osteoblasts and osteoclasts were obtained, resulting in the identification of 24 differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, the regulation patterns upon different treatment conditions revealed 20 genes as being significantly up- or down-regulated. Next, novel gene-gene associations were dissected and gene networks were reconstructed. Additively, a set of osteoblast- and osteoclast-specific gene signatures were identified. The consolidation of data and information gained from each individual analytical module allowed nominating novel promising candidate genes encoding RBPs in osteoblasts and osteoclasts and will significantly enhance the understanding of potential regulatory mechanisms directing intracellular processes in the course of (patho)physiological bone turnover.

Serum Biochemical Factors as Indicators of Osteoporosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a bone condition that disrupts bone structure, reduces its strength, and increases the risk of fractures. While osteoporosis is commonly recognized as a disorder affecting the elderly, it can also develop in younger adults and be accompanied by other disorders. Screening individuals and diagnosing those at higher risk of osteoporosis early may significantly reduce the likelihood of complications and associated costs. Objective: Serum biochemical factors are rather easily measured and accessible, making them valuable as predictive indicators for the prognosis and early diagnosis of osteoporosis. However, there is not enough evidence about possible relationships between these factors and osteoporosis in different bones. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, we analyzed osteoporotic indices, including bone marrow density (BMD), T-score, Z-score, and standardized BMD, in a large population of individuals at risk of osteoporosis. We then investigated potential relationships between biochemical values and osteoporosis indices in the evaluated subjects. The collected data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation coefficient methods. Results: A total of 1104 patients were enrolled, with 87.7% being female and 12.3% male. The mean age of the patients was 56.48 ± 11.62 ( ± SE) years. Among them, 251 patients had normal bone density, while 556 patients had osteopenia, and 270 patients had osteoporosis. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis demonstrated that serum levels of Calcium (p=0.014), Phosphorus (p =0.002), and Vitamin D3 (p =0.045) were positively associated with the risk of osteoporosis, whereas serum albumin (p =0.005) and Alkaline phosphatase (p =0.002) levels were negatively associated. Additionally, the Spearman correlation coefficient showed a negative association between hemoglobin levels and BMD in both the spine (p =0.046) and femur (p =0.049). Conclusion: Serum levels of biochemical factors may serve as primary predictive markers for the early diagnosis of individuals at higher risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. In addition to factors involved in calcium homeostasis, serum levels of albumin and hemoglobin are also associated with BMD scores and the development of osteoporosis.