Sodium fluoride induces changes on proteoglycans synthesized by avian osteoblasts in culture

Fluorapatite ceramics for bone tissue regeneration: Synthesis, characterization and assessment of biomedical potential

Calcium phosphates, due to their similarity to the inorganic fraction of mineralized tissues, are of great importance in treatment of bone defects. In order to improve the biological activity of hydroxyapatite (HAP), its fluoride-substituted modification (FAP) was synthesized using the sol-gel method and calcined at three different temperatures in the range of 800-1200 °C. Physicochemical and biological properties were evaluated to indicate which material would support bone regeneration the best. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that fluoride ions were incorporated into the apatite lattice structure. In studies it was found that fluorapatite sintered at the highest temperature had the lowest porosity, no internal pores and the highest density. In vitro ion reactivity assessments showed that during the 28-day immersion of the samples in the simulated body fluid, the uptake of calcium and phosphorus ions was inversely correlated to the calcination temperature. All tested materials were non-toxic since the cytotoxicity MTT assay demonstrated that the viability of preosteoblast cells incubated with sample extracts was high. Fluorapatite sintered at 800 °C was determined to be of optimal porosity and fluoride release capacity and then used in cell proliferation studies. The results showed that it significantly shortened the doubling time and thus enhanced the proliferation of osteogenic cells, as compared to the fluoride solutions and control group. Therefore, this material is proposed for the use in orthopedic applications and bone tissue engineering.

Sodium fluoride regulates the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla by modulating autophagy

Fluoride (sodium fluoride) is thought to be essential in the development of tooth, and research shows that fluoride can modulate the differentiation of dental stem cells. However, the effects of fluoride on the committed differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, SCAPs were isolated from healthy extracted human third molars with immature roots and then were cultured with NaF conditioned media. Cell Counting Kit-8, EdU staining, and flow cytometry were performed to detected the proliferation activity. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red staining, Western blot assay, and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were applied to assess the osteo/odontogenic differentiation NaF-treated SCAPs. Western blot assay and transmission electron microscope were used to evaluate the autophagy involved in the differentiation of SCAPs. ALP activity, ALP protein, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression showed that 0.5 mM was the optimal concentration for the induction of SCAPs by NaF. 0.5 mM NaF-treated SCAPs induced more mineralized nodules as compared with untreated cells. Moreover, the osteo/odontogenic markers (RUNX2, OSX, DSP, and OCN) in mRNA levels were upregulated while the protein levels of these markers increased considerably in 0.5 mM NaF-treated SCAPs. Furthermore, the autophagy-related proteins (LC3, ATG5, and Beclin1) increased in NaF-treated SCAPs, and the osteo/odontogenic makers significantly decreased while silencing ATG5 to block autophagy. In all, sodium fluoride can regulate the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of SCAPs by modulating autophagy.

F-doped TiO2 microporous coating on titanium with enhanced antibacterial and osteogenic activities

To enhance bacterial resistance and osteogenesis of titanium (Ti) -based implants, TiO2/calcium-phosphate coatings (TiCP) doped with various amounts of fluorine (F) (designated as TiCP-F1, TiCP-F6, and TiCP-F9) were prepared on Ti by micro-arc oxidation. The F doped TiCP coatings possess a microporous structure (pore size of 3-4 μm in average diameter) which is evenly covered by nano-grains of 30-60 nm in size. Successful F incorporation into TiCP was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and it shows weak influence on the microstructure, phase compositions, surface roughness and wettability of TiCP. All the coatings bonded firmly to the Ti substrates and showed enduring high adhesion strength in biological circumstances. The bacterial resistance and osteogenesis of the coatings were evaluated by implanting testing materials in vitro and in an infected rabbit model caused by bacteria. Both the in vitro and in vivo results indicated that TiCP and TiCP-F1 were of much higher osteogenic activity compared with Ti but lacking of bacterial resistance, whereas TiCP with high F addition (TiCP-F6 and TiCP-F9) exhibited both dramatically improved bacterial resistance and osteogenesis. In summary, TiCP-F6 possessed the best antibacterial and osteogenic activities, especially exhibited excellent osseointegration efficacy in the infected rabbit model.

Fluoride Regulate Osteoblastic Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Signaling by Mediating Recycling of the Type I Receptor ALK5

This study aimed to preliminary investigate the role of activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) 5 as one of TGF-βR1 subtypes in bone turnover and osteoblastic differentiation induced by fluoride. We analyzed bone mineral density and the expression of genes related with transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) signaling and bone turnover in rats treated by different concentrations of fluoride with or without SB431542 in vivo. Moreover, MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase staining, RT-PCR, immunocytochemical analysis and western blot analysis were used to detect the influence on bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) after stimulating by varying concentration of fluoride with or without SB431542 in vitro. The in vivo study showed SB431542 treatment affected bone density and gene expression of rats, which indicated TGF-β1 and ALK5 might take part in fluoride-induced bone turnover and bone formation. The in vitro study showed low concentration of fluoride improved BMSC cells viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteocalcin protein expression which were inhibited by high concentration of fluoride. The gene expression of Runx2 and ALK5 in cells increased after low concentration fluoride treatment which was also inhibited by high concentration of fluoride. Fluoride treatment inhibited gene and protein expression of Samd3 (except 1 mgF-/L). Compared with fluoride treatment alone, cells differentiation was inhibited with SB431542 treatment. Moreover, the expression of Runx2, ALK5 and Smad3 were influenced by SB431542 treatment. In conclusion, this preliminary study indicated that fluoride regulated osteoblastic TGFβ1 signaling in bone turnover and cells differentiation via ALK5.

Streptozotocin Aggravated Osteopathology and Insulin Induced Osteogenesis Through Co-treatment with Fluoride

The role of insulin in the mechanism underlying the excessive fluoride that causes skeletal lesion was studied. The in vitro bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) collected from Kunming mice were exposed to varying concentrations of fluoride with or without insulin. The cell viability and early differentiation of BMSC co-treated with fluoride and insulin were measured by using cell counting kit-8 and Gomori modified calcium-cobalt method, respectively. We further investigated the in vivo effects of varying dose of fluoride on rats co-treated with streptozotocin (STZ). Wistar rats were divided into six groups which included normal control, 10 mg fluoride/kg day group, 20 mg fluoride/kg day group, STZ control, STZ+10 mg fluoride/kg day group, and STZ+20 mg fluoride/kg day group. The rats were administered with sodium fluoride (NaF) by gavage with water at doses 10 and 20 mg fluoride/kg day for 2 months. In a period of one month, half of rats in every group were treated with streptozotocin (STZ) once through intraperitoneal injection at 52 mg/kg body weight. The serum glucose, HbA1c, and insulin were determined. Bone mineral content and insulin release were assessed. The results showed insulin combined with fluoride stimulated BMSC cell viability in vitro. The bone mineral content reduced in rats treated with higher dose of fluoride and decreased immensely in rat co-treated with fluoride and STZ. Similarly, a combination treatment of a high dose of fluoride and STZ decreased insulin sensitivity and activity. To sum up, these data indicated fluoride influenced insulin release, activity, and sensitivity. Furthermore, the insulin state in vivo interfered in the osteogenesis in turn and implied there was a close relation between insulin and bone pathogenesis in the mechanism of fluoride toxicity.

Effects of fluoridation of porcine hydroxyapatite on osteoblastic activity of human MG63 cells

Biological hydroxyapatite, derived from animal bones, is the most widely used bone substitute in orthopedic and dental treatments. Fluorine is the trace element involved in bone remodeling and has been confirmed to promote osteogenesis when administered at the appropriate dose. To take advantage of this knowledge, fluorinated porcine hydroxyapatite (FPHA) incorporating increasing levels of fluoride was derived from cancellous porcine bone through straightforward chemical and thermal treatments. Physiochemical characteristics, including crystalline phases, functional groups and dissolution behavior, were investigated on this novel FPHA. Human osteoblast-like MG63 cells were cultured on the FPHA to examine cell attachment, cytoskeleton, proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation for in vitro cellular evaluation. Results suggest that fluoride ions released from the FPHA play a significant role in stimulating osteoblastic activity in vitro, and appropriate level of fluoridation (1.5 to 3.1 atomic percents of fluorine) for the FPHA could be selected with high potential for use as a bone substitute.

Effect of siRNA PERK on fluoride-induced osteoblastic differentiation in OS732 cells

The purpose of this work is to study the action of fluoride on osteoblastic function through knocking down double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK) mRNA in OS732 cells (human osteoblast-like cell line). The previous researches had demonstrated that fluoride induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses in other cells or tissues. PERK as one branch of UPR to combat ER stress played a role in mediating the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast. The mechanism of skeletal fluorosis by which fluoride regulated osteoblast was not fully defined. We used the real-time PCR and small interfering RNA techniques to determine the expression PERK signaling and osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation-related factors and investigated the role of PERK signaling in fluoride-stimulated osteoblastic function. Cells transfected with 50 nM small interfering RNA (siRNA)-PERK showed effectively decreased protein and gene expression of PERK and reduced protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Meantime, cells transfected with siRNA significantly decreased the protein level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) in cells under fluoride exposure. It suggested that knockdown of PERK expression hardly stimulated osteoblastic and osteoclastic early differentiation induced by fluoride. Conversely, there were littler effect of siRNA PERK on expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in cells, but fluoride exposure markedly stimulated their expression. This study proved that the mechanism underlying fluoride induced osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation possible was due to activation of ALP and RANKL mediated by PERK in OS732 cells.

Role of unfolded protein response in affecting osteoblast differentiation induced by fluoride

The objective of this study was to determine the expression of classic bone markers and unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling factors through MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to varying concentrations of fluoride. Excessive fluoride exposure caused the skeletal disease. During this process, osteoblasts played a critical role in the advanced skeletal fluorosis. Recent literature showed that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and UPR were involved in numerous aspects of bone biology. Our results indicated that co-exposure of low-dose fluoride and mineral induction medium stimulated the expression of alkaline phosphatase, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osterix in MC3T3-E1 cells. Accordingly, the expression of double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR)-like ER kinase, activating transcription factor 6, and X-box binding protein 1 also increased under the same fluoride exposure condition. The upregulation of three UPR factors was similar with osteogenic differentiation markers and transcription factors, which implied the relation between osteoblast differentiation and UPR pathways. Moreover, the role of UPR affecting osteoblast differentiation was investigated by decreasing the expression of binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) mRNA through small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique. BiP knockdown led to suppress activation of UPR pathways. The deletion of BiP expression hardly stimulated the osteogenic cells differentiation but inhibited cell function under fluoride and mineralization induction exposure. In conclusion, fluoride had dual effect on osteogenic action. The UPR possibly involved in the mechanism of osteoblasts differentiation induced by fluoride.

Surface properties and ion release from fluoride-containing bioactive glasses promote osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in vitro

Bioactive glasses (BG) are suitable for bone regeneration applications as they bond with bone and can be tailored to release therapeutic ions. Fluoride, which is widely recognized to prevent dental caries, is efficacious in promoting bone formation and preventing osteoporosis-related fractures when administered at appropriate doses. To take advantage of these properties, we created BG incorporating increasing levels of fluoride whilst holding their silicate structure constant, and tested their effects on human osteoblasts in vitro. Our results demonstrate that, whilst cell proliferation was highest on low-fluoride-containing BG, markers for differentiation and mineralization were highest on BG with the highest fluoride contents, a likely effect of a combination of surface effects and ion release. Furthermore, osteoblasts exposed to the dissolution products of fluoride-containing BG or early doses of sodium fluoride showed increased alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker for bone mineralization, suggesting that fluoride can direct osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that BG that can release therapeutic levels of fluoride may find use in a range of bone regeneration applications.

Evaluation of mandibular bone mineral density using the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry technique in edentulous subjects living in an endemic fluorosis region

OBJECTIVES

Fluoride is one of the biological trace elements with a strong affinity for osseous, cartilaginous and dental tissue. The dental and skeletal effects of high fluoride intake have already been studied in the literature, but little is known about the effects of high fluoride intake on edentulous mandibles. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of high fluoride intake on mandibular bone mineral density (BMD) measured by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique in edentulous individuals with systemic fluorosis.

METHODS

32 people who were living in an endemic fluorosis area since birth and 31 people who were living in a non-endemic fluorosis area since birth (control group) participated in this study. Systemic fluorosis was diagnosed in the patients using the sialic acid (NANA)/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) ratio. The BMDs of the mandibles were determined by the DXA technique.

RESULTS

The serum NANA/GAG ratios in the fluorosis group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference in mandibular BMD measurements (p < 0.05) between the systemic fluorosis and control groups, as measured by the DXA technique. Mandibular body BMD measurements were higher in the fluorosis group (1.25 ± 0.24 g cm(-2)) than in the control group (1.01 ± 0.31 g cm(-2)).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study showed that fluoride intake higher than the optimum level causes increased mandibular BMD in edentulous individuals. Further dose-related studies are needed to determine the effects of high fluoride intake on bony structures of the stomatognathic system.

Phenotypic variation of fluoride responses between inbred strains of mice

Excessive systemic exposure to fluoride (F) can lead to disturbances in bone homeostasis and dental enamel development. We have previously shown strain-specific responses to F in the development of dental fluorosis (DF) and in bone formation/mineralization. The current study was undertaken to further investigate F responsive variations in bone metabolism and to determine possible relationships with DF susceptibility. Seven-week-old male mice from FVB/NJ, C57BL/6J, C3H/HeJ, A/J, 129S1/SvImJ, AKR/J, DBA/2J, and BALB/cByJ inbred strains were exposed to NaF (0 or 50 ppm as F(-)) in drinking water for 60 days. Sera were collected for F, Ca, Mg, PO(4), iPTH, sRANKL, and ALP levels. Bone marrow cells were subjected to ex vivo cell culture for osteoclast potential and CFU colony assays (CFU-fibroblast, CFU-osteoblast, CFU-erythrocyte/granulocyte/macrophage/megakaryocyte, CFU-granulocyte/macrophage, CFU-macrophage, and CFU-granulocyte). Femurs and vertebrae were subjected to micro-CT analyses, biomechanical testing, and F, Mg, and Ca content assays. DF was evaluated using quantitative fluorescence and clinical criteria. Strain-specific responses to F were observed for DF, serum studies, ex vivo cell culture studies, and bone quality. Among the strains, there were no patterns or significant correlations between DF severity and the actions of F on bone homeostasis (serum studies, ex vivo assays, or bone quality parameters). The genetic background continues to play a role in the actions of F on tooth enamel development and bone homeostasis. F exposure led to variable phenotypic responses between strains involving dental enamel development and bone metabolism.

De-sulfation of MG-63 cell glycosaminoglycans delays in vitro osteogenesis, up-regulates cholesterol synthesis and disrupts cell cycle and the actin cytoskeleton

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) sugars are largely responsible for the bioactivity of the proteoglycan proteins they decorate, and are particularly important for mediating the processes of cell attachment and growth factor signaling. Here, we show that chlorate-induced de-sulfation of GAGs expressed by MG-63 osteosarcoma cells results in delayed cell proliferation when the cells are exposed to chlorate for short or medium periods, but a disrupted mineralization without altered cell proliferation in response to long-term chlorate exposure. Analysis of GAG-binding growth factor activity indicated that chlorate disrupted BMP2/noggin signaling, but not FGF2 activity. Microarray analyses, which were confirmed by subsequent cell-based assays, indicated that chlorate predominantly disrupted the cell cycle and actin cytoskeleton and upregulated cholesterol synthesis, without affecting cell migration or attachment. Furthermore, we observed that disruption of the functions of the proteoglycan syndecan-4 replicated phenotypes induced by chlorate, implicating a primary role for this proteoglycan in providing bioactivity for these cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 572-583, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Osteoblastic cell response on fluoridated hydroxyapatite coatings

Fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FHA) coatings were deposited onto Ti6Al4V substrates by sol-gel dip-coating method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that fluoride ions were successfully incorporated into the hydroxyapatite (HA) lattice structure. The dissolution behavior in Tris-buffered physiological saline indicated that all fluoridated HA coatings had lower solubility than that of the pure HA coating. The lowest solubility was obtained at fluoride ion concentrations of 0.8-1.1M. In vitro cell responses were evaluated with human osteosarcoma MG63 cells in terms of cell morphology, proliferation and differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin level). For all coatings tested, similar cell morphologies and good cell viability were observed. Coatings fluoridated to 0.8-1.1 had a stronger stimulating effect on cell proliferation and differentiation activities. The influences on cell phenotypes were attributed mainly to a combined ion effect of Ca, P and F released from the coating during dissolution. For the best dissolution resistance and cell activities, it is recommended that the molar level of fluoride ion be from 0.8 to 1.1, such that the coating takes the form of Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)(OH)(1.2-0.9)F(0.8-1.1).

Effect of fluoridation of hydroxyapatite in hydroxyapatite-polycaprolactone composites on osteoblast activity

Fluorine was administered to a system of hydroxyapatite (HA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) ceramic-polymer bioactive composites for applications as hard tissue regeneratives. The HA was fluoridated at different levels (5%, 25%, 50% and 75%) in order to produce the fluor-hydroxyapatite (FHA)/PCL composites. The osteoblastic cellular responses to the composites were examined in terms of the cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation as well as the expression of bone-associated genes. The amount of fluorine released from the composites was controlled by changing the degree of fluoridation, and the cellular responses were strongly influenced by the level of fluoridation. The MG63 cells on the FHA-PCL attached and proliferated at a similar level to those on HA-PCL. However, the fluoridation of HA increased significantly the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OC) production by the cells on the composites, which was measured by an enzymatic assay. Moreover, the gene expression level of ALP and OC in the cells was up regulated on the FHA-PCL, which was confirmed semi-quantitatively by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. These findings on the fluorine-administered biological composites (FHA-PCL) suggested that fluorine plays a significant role in stimulating the bone derived cellular activity, and the FHA-PCL composites have high potential for use as hard tissue regeneratives.

Mechanical performance and osteoblast-like cell responses of fluorine-substituted hydroxyapatite and zirconia dense composite

A fluorine-substituted hydroxyapatite (FHA) and zirconia (ZrO(2)) dense composite (50:50 by volume) was fabricated, and its feasibility for hard tissue applications was investigated in terms of its mechanical properties and osteoblast-like cell (MG63) responses in vitro. The incorporation of fluorine into the hydroxyapatite (HA) structure was highly effective in producing a completely dense apatite-ZrO(2) composite through a pressureless sintering route, by preventing the thermal degradation of the apatite and ZrO(2). The resultant FHA-ZrO(2) dense composite had excellent mechanical properties, such as flexural strength (310 MPa), fracture toughness (3.4 MPam(1/2)), hardness (10 GPa), and elastic modulus (160 GPa). The flexural strength and fracture toughness of the composite showed a noticeable improvement by a factor of approximately 4 with respect to the pure apatites (HA and FHA). The MG63 cellular responses to the composite were assessed in terms of the cell proliferation (cell number and [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation) and differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin, and collagen production). The cells on the FHA-ZrO(2) composite spread and grew well, and proliferated actively during the culture period. The expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and collagen by the cells on the composite showed a similar trend to that on the pure apatites, although slight down-regulations were observed, implying that the FHA-ZrO(2) 50:50 composite retains the osteoblastic functionality and traits of the pure HA ceramics to a high degree. This finding, in conjunction with the considerable improvements in mechanical properties, supports the extended use of this composite for hard tissue applications.