Mild heat shock induces proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization in human bone marrow stromal cells and Mg-63 cells in vitro

Biochemical markers in preclinical models of osteoporosis

Although several treatments for osteoporosis exist, further understanding of the mode of action of current treatments, as well as development of novel treatments, are of interest. Thus, preclinical models of osteoporosis are very useful, as they provide the possibility for gaining knowledge about the cellular mechanisms underlying the disease and for studying pharmaceutical prevention or intervention of the disease in simple and strictly controlled systems. In this review, we present a comprehensive collection of studies using biochemical markers of bone turnover for investigation of preclinical models of osteoporosis. These range from pure and simple in vitro systems, such as osteoclast cultures, to ex vivo models, such as cultures of embryonic murine tibiae and, finally, to in vivo models, such as ovariectomy and orchidectomy of rats. We discuss the relevance of the markers in the individual models, and compare their responses to those observed using 'golden standard' methods.

Culture media conditioned by heat-shocked osteoblasts enhances the osteogenesis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells

Osteogenic cells differentiated from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) hold much promise in bone tissue engineering and reconstructive surgery. There is a dire need for well-defined and efficient protocols to promote the osteogenesis of ex vivo cultured MSC. Hence, this study investigated whether a combination of chemical stimuli (ascorbic acid, beta-glycerophosphate and dexamethasone) and culture media conditioned by a human foetal osteoblast cell line (hFOB) had any synergistic effect on the osteogenesis of MSC. Conditioned media with or without prior heat shock treatment (42 degrees C for 1 h) of the hFOB cell line, were collected and tested on rabbit MSC cultures, in the presence and absence of chemical stimuli. Osteogenic differentiation of MSC was assessed on both day 14 and 21 of ex vivo culture. The results showed conclusively that conditioned media promoted osteogenesis of MSC, which was further enhanced by prior heat shock-treatment of the hFOB cells, as well as by the presence of chemical stimuli. Among all experimental groups, the combination of culture medium conditioned by heat shocked hFOB cells together with chemical stimuli, exhibited the highest level of calcium mineralization, as assessed by Von Kossa staining. This provides clear evidence of a synergistic effect of conditioned media, heat shock and chemical stimuli. It is hoped that the data may contribute to the development of a more well-defined and efficient in vitro culture protocol to promote the osteogenesis of MSC for both clinical and non-clinical applications.

Growth modification of the mandible with ultrasound in baboons: a preliminary report

INTRODUCTION

Growth modification for patients with skeletal Class II malocclusions due to mandibular deficiency is controversial. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can modify mandibular growth in growing rabbits. Before applying this treatment to humans, we must study the effect on mandibular growth in higher animal models. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of LIPUS on mandibular growth in baboons.

METHODS

Fourteen juvenile male hamadryas baboons were divided into 2 groups of 7 each. One group received bite-jumping appliances (jumper group), and the other group did not (control group). In both groups, the left temporomandibular joint area received LIPUS (stimulated), and the right side served as the control (unstimulated). Four months after the start of treatment, the baboons were injected with 99-mTc methylene diphosphonate and killed. They were decapitated and scanned for bone growth by using a dual head gamma camera. The mandibles were dissected, sectioned into halves, and radiographed for anthropometric measurements. The condyles were harvested and processed for histological examinations.

RESULTS

LIPUS increased mandibular length and growth activity in all treated sides (P<.001), especially in the jumper group.

CONCLUSIONS

LIPUS enhances mandibular growth in growing baboons, especially when combined with anterior mandibular jumping appliances.

Effect of reduced culture temperature on antioxidant defences of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) promise to be valuable therapeutic tools but, due to their low numbers, require considerable in vitro expansion before use. This leads to in vitro aging, the accumulation of intracellular oxidative damage, and subsequently a decreased potential for proliferation and differentiation. Optimised culture conditions might help to reduce oxidative damage in MSC in vitro, and therefore, as reduced temperature is known to reduce oxidative stress in other somatic cells, we have investigated the effect of reduced temperature on rat MSC viability, differentiation, and oxidative damage. Temperature reduction did not affect MSC viability but increased differentiation and reduced apoptosis. Oxidative-damage-related indices were improved; reactive oxide species, nitric oxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, carbonyl, and lipofuscin levels were reduced and glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dimutase levels increased. Levels of antiapoptotic heat shock proteins (HSP-27, -70, and -90) were raised and levels of the proapoptotic HSP-60 reduced. These data demonstrate that culturing MSC at reduced temperature decreases the accumulation of oxidative damage and therefore would probably improve long-term viability and successful engraftment of MSC used for tissue engineering or cell therapeutic purposes.

Responses of rat pulp cells to heat stress in vitro

Although heat stress can cause irritation in the dentin/pulp complex, little is known about the thermotolerance of pulp cells and their response to heat stress. We investigated cultured rat pulp cell responses to heat stress. Cells were subjected to a temperature of 42 degrees C for 30 minutes, and HSPs, alkaline phosphatase activity, and gap-junctional communication were determined at various time points. Although only low levels of HSP70 expression were detected before heat treatment, heat shock markedly induced HSP70 expression, with it gradually increasing at 1 hour after being heated. HSP25, however, showed no dramatic change. Gap junction protein connexin43 rapidly degraded after heat treatment, recovering to normal levels within the following 6 hours. Alkaline phosphatase activity decreased immediately after heat stress, recovering after 1 hour. These results indicate that dental pulp possesses protective factors, including HSPs, and that it can recover viability of intercellular communication and alkaline phosphatase activity after heat stress.

Poly-epsilon-caprolactone/hydroxyapatite composites for bone regeneration: in vitro characterization and human osteoblast response

Polycaprolactone (PCL), a semicrystalline linear resorbable aliphatic polyester, is a good candidate as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering, due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the poor mechanical properties of PCL impair its use as scaffold for hard tissue regeneration, unless mechanical reinforcement is provided. To enhance mechanical properties and promote osteoconductivity, hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were added to the PCL matrix: three PCL-based composites with different volume ratio of HA (13%, 20%, and 32%) were studied. Mechanical properties and structure were analysed, along with biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. The addition of HA particles (in particular in the range of 20% and 32%) led to a significant improvement in mechanical performance (e.g., elastic modulus) of scaffold. Saos-2 cells and osteoblasts from human trabecular bone (hOB) retrieved during total hip replacement surgery were seeded onto 3D PCL samples for 1-4 weeks. Following the assessment of cell viability, proliferation, morphology, and ALP release, HA-loaded PCL was found to improve osteoconduction compared to the PCL alone. The results indicated that PCL represents a potential candidate as an efficient substrate for bone substitution through an accurate balance between structural/ mechanical properties of polymer and biological activities.

In Vitro, Ex Vivo, andIn VivoMethodological Approaches for Studying Therapeutic Targets of Osteoporosis and Degenerative Joint Diseases: How Biomarkers Can Assist?

Although our approach to the clinical management of osteoporosis (OP) and degenerative joint diseases (DJD)-major causes of disability and morbidity in the elderly-has greatly advanced in the past decades, curative treatments that could bring ultimate solutions have yet to be found or developed. Effective and timely development of candidate drugs is a critical function of the availability of sensitive and accurate methodological arsenal enabling the recognition and quantification of pharmacodynamic effects. The established concept that both OP and DJD arise from an imbalance in processes of tissue formation and degradation draws attention to need of establishing in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental settings, which allow obtaining insights into the mechanisms driving increased bone and cartilage degradation at cellular, organ, and organism levels. When addressing changes in bone or cartilage turnover at the organ or organism level, monitoring tools adequately reflecting the outcome of tissue homeostasis become particularly critical. In this context, bioassays targeting the quantification of various degradation and formation products of bone and cartilage matrix elements represent a useful approach. In this review, a comprehensive overview of widely used and recently established in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo set-ups is provided, which in many cases effectively take advantage of the potentials of biomarkers. In addition to describing and discussing the advantages and limitations of each assay and their methods of evaluation, we added experimental and clinical data illustrating the utility of biomarkers for these methodological approaches.

Strategies for directing the differentiation of stem cells into the osteogenic lineage in vitro

A major area in regenerative medicine is the application of stem cells in bone reconstruction and bone tissue engineering. This will require well-defined and efficient protocols for directing the differentiation of stem cells into the osteogenic lineage, followed by their selective purification and proliferation in vitro. The development of such protocols would reduce the likelihood of spontaneous differentiation of stem cells into divergent lineages on transplantation, as well as reduce the risk of teratoma formation in the case of embryonic stem cells. Additionally, such protocols could provide useful in vitro models for studying osteogenesis and bone development, and facilitate the genetic manipulation of stem cells for therapeutic applications. The development of pharmokinetic and cytotoxicity/genotoxicity screening tests for bone-related biomaterials and drugs could also use protocols developed for the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. This review critically examines the various strategies that could be used to direct the differentiation of stem cells into the osteogenic lineage in vitro.

Osteoblast growth and function in porous poly epsilon -caprolactone matrices for bone repair: a preliminary study

Current methods for the replacement of skeletal tissue involve the use of autografts, allografts and, recently, synthetic substitutes, which provide a proper amount of material to repair large bone defects. Engineered bone seems a promising approach, but a number of variables have to be set prior to any clinical application. In this study, four different poly caprolactone-based polymers (PCL) were prepared and tested in vitro using osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells. Differences among three-dimensional polymers include porosity, addition of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles, and treatment with simulated body fluid. Biochemical parameters to assess cell/material interactions include viability, growth, alkaline phosphatase release, and mineralization of osteoblastic cells seeded onto three-dimensional samples, while their morphology was observed using light microscopy and SEM. Preliminary results show that the polymers, though degrading in the medium, have a positive interaction with cells, as they support cell growth and functions. In the short-term culture (3-7 days) of Saos-2 on polymers, little differences were found among PCL samples, with the presence of HA moderately improving the number of cells onto the surfaces. In the long term (3-4 weeks), it was found that the HA-added polymers obtained the best colonization by cells, and more mineral formation was observed after coating with SBF. It can be concluded that PCL is a promising material for three-dimensional scaffold for bone formation, and the presence of bone-like components improves osteoblast activity.

Thiol oxidation by 2,2'-dithiodipyridine induced calcium mobilization in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells

2,2'-dithiodipyridine (2,2'-DTDP), a reactive disulphide that mobilizes Ca(2+) in muscle, induced an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca(2+)concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells loaded with the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura-2. 2,2'-DTDP acted in a concentration-independent manner with an EC(50) of 50 microM. The Ca(2+) signal comprised an initial spike and a prolonged increase. Removing extracellular Ca(2+) did not alter the Ca(2+) signal, suggesting that the Ca(2+) signal was due to store Ca(2+) release. In Ca(2+)-free medium, the 2,2'-DTDP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase was not changed by depleting store Ca(2+) with 50 microM bredfeldin A (a Golgi apparatus permeabilizer), 2 microM carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP, a mitochondrial uncoupler), 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)pump inhibitor) or 5 microM ryanodine. Conversely, 2,2'-DTDP pretreatment abolished CCCP and thapsigargin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases. 2,2'-DTDP-induced Ca(2+) signals in Ca(2+)-containing medium were not affected by modulation of protein kinase C activity or suppression of phospholipase C activity. However, 2,2'-DTDP-induced Ca(2+) release was inhibited by a thiol-selective reducing reagent, dithiothreitol (5-25 microM) in a concentration-dependent manner. Collectively, this study shows that 2,2'-DTDP induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases in human osteosarcoma cells via releasing store Ca(2+)from multiple stores in a manner independent of protein kinase C or phospholipase C activity. The 2,2'-DTDP-induced store Ca(2+) release appeared to be dependent on oxidation of membranes.

Mild heat shock induces cyclin D1 synthesis through multiple Ras signal pathways

Hyperthermia such as that occurring during fever may improve cell survival during infection, although its mechanism of action is largely unknown. Here we show that acute exposure to mild, but not severe, heat shock induces the synthesis of cyclin D1 that plays a critical role(s) in G1 progression of the cell cycle. This induction seemed to be regulated through multiple Ras signal pathways involving extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and Rac1/NADPH oxidase, all of which have well been documented to be responsible for growth factor-induced cyclin D1 expression. In a physiological sense, mild heat shock may regulate cell proliferation through inducing cyclin D1 along with growth factors.

Mechanisms of diethylstilbestrol-induced calcium movement in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells

The effect of the estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) on cytosolic free Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) in MG63 human osteoblasts was explored by using fura-2 as a Ca(2+) indicator. DES at concentrations between 5--20 microM induced an immediate increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC(50) of 10 microM. Removing extracellular Ca(2+) reduced the Ca(2+) signal by 70%. Pretreatment with 50 microM La(3+) or 10 microM of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem did not change 20 microM DES-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases. Addition of 3 mM Ca(2+) increased [Ca(2+)](i) in cells pretreated with 20 microM DES in Ca(2+)-free medium. Pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor) to deplete the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) store partly inhibited 20 microM DES-induced Ca(2+) release, but addition of carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP; a mitochondrial uncoupler) and thapsigargin together abolished DES-induced Ca(2+) release. Conversely, pretreatment with 20 microM DES abrogated CCCP- and thapsigargin-induced Ca(2+) release. Inhibition of phospholipase C activity with 2 microM U73122 did not alter 20 microM DES-induced Ca2+ release. Another estrogen 17beta-estradiol also increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 7 microM. Together, the data indicate that in human osteoblasts, DES increased [Ca(2+)](i) via causing Ca(2+) release from both mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum in a phospholipase C-independent manner, and by causing Ca(2+) influx.