Evaluation of the bony repair in rat cranial defect using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy and discriminant analysis

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in bone repair: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using low-level laser influences the release of several growth factors involved in the formation of epithelial cells, fibroblasts, collagen and vascular proliferation, besides accelerating the synthesis of bone matrix due to the increased vascularization and lower inflammatory response, with significant increase of osteocytes in the irradiated bone. Considering its properties, beneficial effects and clinical relevance, the aim of this review was to analyze the scientific literature regarding the use of PBMT in the process of bone defect repair.

METHODS

Electronic search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINEⓇ and Web of Science databases with combination of the descriptors low-level laser therapy AND bone repair, considering the period of publication until the year 2018.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 254 references in PubMed/MEDLINE and 204 in Web of Science, of which 33 and 4 were selected, respectively, in accordance with the eligibility requirements. The analysis of researches showed articles using PBMT in several places of experimentation in the subjects, different types of associated biomaterials, stimulatory effects on cell proliferation, besides variations in the parameters of use of laser therapy, mainly in relation to the wavelength and density of energy. Only four articles reported that the laser did not improve the osteogenic properties of a biomaterial.

CONCLUSIONS

Many studies have shown that PBMT has positive photobiostimulatory effects on bone regeneration, accelerating its process regardless of parameters and the use of biomaterials. However, standardization of its use is still imperfect and should be better studied to allow correct application concerning the utilization protocols.

In vitro and in vivo assessment of glucose cross-linked gelatin/zein nanofibrous scaffolds for cranial bone defects regeneration

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the glucose cross-linked gelatin/zein scaffolds for bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo. The nanofibrous scaffolds exhibited fast mineralization in the concentrated simulated body fluid with the deposited octacalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate dehydrate. The nanofibrous scaffolds exhibited no cytotoxic effect on MC3T3e1 cells in a CCK-8 test. Additionally, scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscopy images revealed that all the scaffolds were biocompatible and showed excellent support for MC3T3e1 cells. In the osteogenesis characterizations, Alizarin Red staining experiments indicated the improved calcium deposits on the cross-linked scaffolds, while the alkaline phosphatase activity showed no difference. Furthermore, the in vivo cranial bone regeneration results suggested that the cross-linked gelatin/zein scaffolds presented a strong positive effect on the cranial bone regeneration with the increased new bone volume and connective tissue formation, but the incorporation of zein in the gelatin scaffolds did not favor the bone regeneration. Moreover, the cross-linked gelatin scaffold retarded the bone resorption as indicated by the higher levels of IFN-γ and lower levels of IL-6, which restricted the differentiation of osteoclasts.

Influence of in vitro differentiation status on the in vivo bone regeneration of cell/chitosan microspheres using a rat cranial defect model

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the in vitro osteogenic differentiation status on the in vivo bone regeneration of cell/chitosan microspheres qualitatively and quantitatively. To this end, rat bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) were seeded onto apatite-coated chitosan microspheres. The constructs were osteogenically differentiated for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days followed by calvarial defect implantation in vivo for up to 8 weeks. In vitro studies showed that BMSCs in the constructs proliferated from day 0 to day 7. The activity and gene expression of alkaline phosphatise increased from day 0 to day 14 and then decreased. The gene expression of collagen type I and osteocalcin peaked at day 21. In vivo, constructs retrieved from day 0 group were filled with fibrous tissues and capillaries, but no bone formation was observed. Constructs retrieved from day 7 and day 21 groups showed progressive bone formation, whereas those retrieved from day 14 group had the highest percentage of bone formation. These data suggested that to generate a substantial amount of bone in vivo, not only the in vitro osteogenic differentiation was necessary, but also the period of pre-differentiation was important for the cell-scaffold constructs. The period of pre-differentiation for 14 days was found to be the most suitable for chitosan microspheres.