Interleukin-4 inhibits granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression by human monocytes in response to polymethylmethacrylate particle challenge in vitro

Immunomodulation of Biomaterials by Controlling Macrophage Polarization

Macrophages are key players in innate immune responses to foreign substances. They participate in the phagocytosis of biomaterial-derived particles, angiogenesis, recruitment of fibroblasts, and formation of granulation tissues. Most macrophage functions are achieved through the release of various cytokines and chemokines; the release profile of cytokines is dependent on the phenotype of macrophages, namely proinflammatory M1 or antiinflammatory M2. M1 and M2 macrophages coexist during an inflammatory phase, and the M1/M2 ratio is considered to be an important factor for wound-healing or tissue regeneration. This ratio depends on the chemical and physical properties of biomaterials. To obtain a favorable foreign body reaction to biomaterials, the phenotypes of the macrophages can be modulated by cytokines, antibodies, small chemicals, and microRNAs. Geometrical surface fabrication of biomaterials can also be used for modulating the phenotype of macrophages.

The effect of local IL-4 delivery or CCL2 blockade on implant fixation and bone structural properties in a mouse model of wear particle induced osteolysis

Modulation of macrophage polarization and prevention of CCL2-induced macrophage chemotaxis are emerging strategies to reduce wear particle induced osteolysis and aseptic total joint replacement loosening. In this study, the effect of continuous IL-4 delivery or bioactive implant coating that constitutively releases a protein inhibitor of CCL2 signaling (7ND) on particle induced osteolysis were studied in the murine continuous femoral intramedullary particle infusion model. Polyethylene particles with or without IL-4 were infused into mouse distal femurs implanted with hollow titanium rods using subcutaneous infusion pumps. In another experimental group, particles were infused into the femur through a 7ND coated rod. After 4 weeks, fixation of the implant was assessed using a pullout test. The volume of trabecular bone and the geometry of the local cortical bone were assessed by µCT and the corresponding structural properties of the cortical bone determined by torsional testing. Continuous IL-4 delivery led to increased trabecular bone volume as well as enhanced local bone geometry and structural properties, while 7ND implant coating did not have effect on these parameters. The results suggest that local IL-4 treatment is a promising strategy to mitigate wear particle induced osteolysis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2255-2262, 2016.

Time-Lapse Evaluation of Interactions Between Biodegradable Mg Particles and Cells

Mg-based implants have promising applications as biodegradable materials in medicine for orthopedic, dental, and cardiovascular therapies. During wear and degradation microdebris are released. Time-lapse multidimensional microscopy (MM) is proposed here as a suitable tool to follow, in fixed intervals over 24-h periods, the interaction between cells and particles. Results of MM show interactions of macrophages (J774) with the magnesium particles (MgPa) that led to modifications of cell size and morphology, a decrease in duplication rate, and cell damage. Corrosion products were progressively formed on the surface of the particles and turbulence was generated due to hydrogen development. Changes were more significant after treating MgPa with potassium fluoride. In order to complement MM observations, membrane damage as detected by a lactase dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and mitochondrial activity as detected by a WST-1 assay with macrophages and osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) were compared. A more significant concentration-dependent effect was detected for macrophages exposed to MgPa than for osteoblasts. Accordingly, complementary data showed that viability and cell cycle seem to be more altered in macrophages. In addition, protein profiles and expression of proteins associated with the adhesion process changed in the presence of MgPa. These studies revealed that time-lapse MM is a helpful tool for monitoring changes of biodegradable materials and the biological surrounding in real time and in situ. This information is useful in studies related to biodegradable biomaterials.

Innate immune reactions in septic and aseptic osteolysis around hip implants

According to the long-standing definition, septic and aseptic total joint replacement loosening are two distinct conditions with little in common. Septic joint replacement loosening is driven by bacterial infection whereas aseptic loosening is caused by biomaterial wear debris released from the bearing surfaces. However, recently it has been recognized that the mechanisms that drive macrophage activation in septic and aseptic total joint replacement loosening resemble each other. In particular, accumulating evidence indicates that in addition to mediating bacterial recognition and the subsequent inflammatory reaction, toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their ligands, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPS), play a key role in wear debris-induced inflammation and macrophage activation. In addition, subclinical bacterial biofilms have been identified from some cases of seemingly aseptic implant loosening. Furthermore, metal ions released from some total joint replacements can activate TLR signaling similar to bacterial derived PAMPs. Likewise, metal ions can function as haptens activating the adaptive immune system similar to bacterial derived antigens. Thus, it appears that aseptic and septic joint replacement loosening share similar underlying pathomechanisms and that this strict dichotomy to sterile aseptic and bacterial-caused septic implant loosening is somewhat questionable. Indeed, rather than being two, well-defined clinical entities, peri-implant osteolysis is, in fact, a spectrum of conditions in which the specific clinical picture is determined by complex interactions of multiple local and systemic factors.

Immunomodulatory properties of stem cells and bioactive molecules for tissue engineering

The immune system plays a crucial role in the success of tissue engineering strategies. Failure to consider the interactions between implantable scaffolds, usually containing cells and/or bioactive molecules, and the immune system can result in rejection of the implant and devastating clinical consequences. However, recent research into mesenchymal stem cells, which are commonly used in many tissue engineering applications, indicates that they may play a beneficial role modulating the immune system. Likewise, direct delivery of bioactive molecules involved in the inflammatory process can promote the success of tissue engineering constructs. In this article, we will review the various mechanisms in which modulation of the immune system is achieved through delivered bioactive molecules and cells and contextualize this information for future strategies in tissue engineering.

Characterization of macrophage polarizing cytokines in the aseptic loosening of total hip replacements

Aseptic loosening of hip replacements is driven by the macrophage reaction to wear particles. The extent of particle-induced macrophage activation is dependent on the state of macrophage polarization, which is dictated by the local cytokine microenvironment. The aim of the study was to characterize cytokine microenvironment surrounding failed, loose hip replacements with an emphasis on identification of cytokines that regulate macrophage polarization. Using qRT-PCR, the expression of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-13, and IL-17A was low and similar to the expression in control synovial tissues of patients undergoing primary hip replacement. Using immunostaining, no definite source of IFN-γ or IL-4 could be identified. IL-17A positive cells, identified as mast cells by double staining, were detected but their number was significantly reduced in interface tissues compared to the controls. Significant up-regulation of IL-10, M-CSF, IL-8, CCL2-4, CXCL9-10, CCL22, TRAP, cathepsin K, and down regulation of OPG was seen in the interface tissues, while expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and CD206 were similar between the conditions. It is concluded that at the time of the revision surgery the peri-implant macrophage phenotype has both M1 and M2 characteristics and that the phenotype is regulated by other local and systemic factors than traditional macrophage polarizing cytokines.

Modulation of mouse macrophage polarization in vitro using IL-4 delivery by osmotic pumps

Modulation of macrophage polarization is emerging as promising means to mitigate wear particle-induced inflammation and periprosthetic osteolysis. As a model for continuous local drug delivery, we used miniature osmotic pumps to deliver IL-4 in order to modulate macrophage polarization in vitro from nonactivated M0 and inflammatory M1 phenotypes towards a tissue regenerative M2 phenotype. Pumps delivered IL-4 into vials containing mouse bone marrow macrophage (mBMM) media. This conditioned media (CM) was collected at seven day intervals up to four weeks (week 1 to week 4 samples). IL-4 concentration in the CM was determined by ELISA and its biological activity was assayed by exposing M0 and M1 mBMMs to week 1 or week 4 CM. The IL-4 concentration in the CM approximated the mathematically calculated amount, and its biological activity was well retained, as both M0 and M1 macrophages exposed to either the week 1 or week 4 CM assumed M2-like phenotype as determined by qRT-PCR, ELISA, and immunocytochemistry. The results show that IL-4 can be delivered using osmotic pumps and that IL-4 delivered can modulate macrophage phenotype. Results build a foundation for in vivo studies using our previously validated animal models and provide possible strategies to locally mitigate wear particle-induced macrophage activation and periprosthetic osteolysis.

Novel biological strategies for treatment of wear particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis of orthopaedic implants for joint replacement

Wear particles and by-products from joint replacements and other orthopaedic implants may result in a local chronic inflammatory and foreign body reaction. This may lead to persistent synovitis resulting in joint pain and swelling, periprosthetic osteolysis, implant loosening and pathologic fracture. Strategies to modulate the adverse effects of wear debris may improve the function and longevity of joint replacements and other orthopaedic implants, potentially delaying or avoiding complex revision surgical procedures. Three novel biological strategies to mitigate the chronic inflammatory reaction to orthopaedic wear particles are reported. These include (i) interference with systemic macrophage trafficking to the local implant site, (ii) modulation of macrophages from an M1 (pro-inflammatory) to an M2 (anti-inflammatory, pro-tissue healing) phenotype in the periprosthetic tissues, and (iii) local inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) by delivery of an NF-κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotide, thereby interfering with the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. These three approaches have been shown to be viable strategies for mitigating the undesirable effects of wear particles in preclinical studies. Targeted local delivery of specific biologics may potentially extend the lifetime of orthopaedic implants.

The response of macrophages to titanium particles is determined by macrophage polarization

Aseptic loosening of total joint replacements is driven by the reaction of macrophages to foreign body particles released from the implant. It was hypothesized that the macrophages' response to these particles is dependent, in addition to particle characteristics and contaminating biomolecules, on the state of macrophage polarization as determined by the local cytokine microenvironment. To test this hypothesis we differentiated M1 and M2 macrophages from human peripheral blood monocytes and compared their responses to titanium particles using genome-wide microarray analysis and a multiplex cytokine assay. In comparison to non-activated M0 macrophages, the overall chemotactic and inflammatory responses to titanium particles were greatly enhanced in M1 macrophages and effectively suppressed in M2 macrophages. In addition, the genome-wide approach revealed several novel, potentially osteolytic, particle-induced mediators, and signaling pathway analysis suggested the involvement of toll-like and nod-like receptor signaling in particle recognition. It is concluded that the magnitude of foreign body reaction caused by titanium particles is dependent on the state of macrophage polarization. Thus, by limiting the action of M1 polarizing factors, e.g. bacterial biofilm formation, in peri-implant tissues and promoting M2 macrophage polarization by biomaterial solutions or pharmacologically, it might be possible to restrict wear-particle-induced inflammation and osteolysis.

Macrophage polarization in response to wear particles in vitro

Total joint replacement is a highly successful surgical procedure for treatment of patients with disabling arthritis and joint dysfunction. However, over time, with high levels of activity and usage of the joint, implant wear particles are generated from the articulating surfaces. These wear particles can lead to activation of an inflammatory reaction, and subsequent bone resorption around the implant (periprosthetic osteolysis). Cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage orchestrate this chronic inflammatory response, which is dominated by a pro-inflammatory (M1) macrophage phenotype rather than an anti-inflammatory pro-tissue healing (M2) macrophage phenotype. While it has been shown that interleukin-4 (IL-4) selectively polarizes macrophages towards an M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype which promotes bone healing, rather than inflammation, little is known about the time course in which this occurs or conditions in which repolarization through IL-4 is most effective. The goal of this work was to study the time course of murine macrophage polarization and cytokine release in response to challenge with combinations of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) particles, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IL-4 in vitro. Treatment of particle-challenged monocyte/macrophages with IL-4 led to an initial suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) production and subsequent polarization into an M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype. This result was optimized when IL-4 was delivered before PMMA particle challenge, to an M1 phenotype rather than to uncommitted (M0) macrophages. The effects of this polarization were sustained over a 5-day time course. Polarization of M1 macrophages into an M2 phenotype may be a strategy to mitigate wear particle associated periprosthetic osteolysis.

Revision joint replacement, wear particles, and macrophage polarization

Currently, younger, more active patients are being offered total joint replacement (TJR) for end-stage arthritic disorders. Despite improved durability of TJRs, particle-associated wear of the bearing surfaces continues to be associated with particulate debris, which can activate monocyte/macrophages. Activated macrophages then produce pro-inflammatory factors and cytokines that induce an inflammatory reaction that activates osteoclasts leading to bone breakdown and aseptic loosening. We hypothesized that activated macrophages in tissues harvested from revised joint replacements predominantly express an M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype due to wear-particle-associated cell activation, rather than an M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype. We further questioned whether it is possible to convert uncommitted monocyte/macrophages to an M2 phenotype by the addition of interleukin-4 (IL-4), or whether it is necessary to first pass through an M1 intermediate stage. Retrieved periprosthetic tissues demonstrated increased M1/M2 macrophage ratios compared to non-operated osteoarthritic synovial tissues, using immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. Uncommitted monocyte/macrophages with/without polymethyl-methacrylate particles were transformed to an M2 phenotype by IL-4 more efficiently when the cells were first passed through an M1 phenotype by exposure to endotoxin. Wear particles induce a pro-inflammatory microenvironment that facilitates osteolysis; these events may potentially be modulated favorably by exposure to IL-4.

Effects of a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor on bone ingrowth and tissue differentiation in rabbit chambers

The effects of an oral p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor and polyethylene particles separately and together on tissue differentiation in the bone harvest chamber (BHC) in rabbits over a 3-week treatment period were investigated. The harvested tissue was analyzed histomorphometrically for markers of bone formation (percentage of bone area), osteoblasts (alkaline phosphatase staining), and osteoclasts (CD51, the alpha chain of the vitronectin receptor). Polyethylene particles decreased the percentage of bone ingrowth and staining for alkaline phosphatase. The p38 MAPK inhibitor alone decreased alkaline phosphatase staining. When the oral p38 MAPK inhibitor was given and the chamber contained polyethylene particles, there was a suppression of bone ingrowth and alkaline phosphatase staining. In contrast to oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and local Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) administration, the oral p38 MAPK inhibitor alone did not suppress bone formation when given during the initial phase of tissue differentiation. Particle-induced inflammation and the foreign body reaction were not curtailed when the p38 MAPK inhibitor was given simultaneously with particles. Additional experiments are needed to establish the efficacy of p38 MAPK inhibitor administration on mitigating an established inflammatory and foreign body reaction that parallels the clinical situation more closely.

Pharmacologic modulation of periprosthetic osteolysis

Wear and periprosthetic osteolysis of total joint replacements continue to be the most important problems in arthroplasty surgery. Despite the introduction of improved technologies including alternative bearing surfaces for TJRs, wear is inevitable because of relative movement at different interfaces and processes such as electrolysis and material degradation. Worn, clinically failing implants need to be followed closely and revised when appropriate. However, early wear and minor osteolysis do not result necessarily in progressive failure of the prosthesis. Indeed such cases may be followed up clinically and radiographically to establish the functional and biologic sequelae of wear and the timeline of these events. This scenario provides an opportunity to modulate the adverse biologic reaction associated with wear particles that includes chronic inflammation, the foreign body response, and periprosthetic bone destruction. Currently, immunological events associated with wear particles are becoming understood more clearly. Strategies to mitigate adverse processes associated with wear debris include local or systemic administration of immune modulators, signaling molecules, anti-inflammatory agents and growth factors, and altering osteoclast function. Ultimately, prevention of accelerated wear and periprosthetic osteolysis will be achieved with improved bearing surfaces and prosthetic designs.

IL-4 alone without the involvement of GM-CSF transforms human peripheral blood monocytes to a CD1a(dim), CD83(+) myeloid dendritic cell subset

Myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) are conventionally generated by culturing human peripheral blood monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4. Here we report that IL-4 alone, in the absence of detectable endogenous GM-CSF, transforms human peripheral blood monocytes to a CD1a(dim) DC subset that could be matured to CD83(+) DCs. Absence of endogenous GM-CSF in IL-4-DC was demonstrated by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. With the exception of CD1a expression, surface marker, morphology and phagocytic activity of these DCs (IL-4-DC) were similar to myeloid DCs (GM-IL-4-DC) conventionally generated in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4. Conventional GM-IL-4-DC produced less IL-12 compared with IL-4-DC after stimulation with anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody, or LPS plus IFN-gamma, although the difference was more prominent when LPS plus IFN-gamma was used as the stimulus. The GM-IL-4-DC also induced less frequent IFN-gamma(+) T cells in a mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) than that of IL-4-DC. Yields of IL-4-DCs were marginally lower than that of GM-IL-4-DCs. Our data indicate that peripheral blood monocytes can be transformed to CD1a-deficient myeloid DCs solely by IL-4, and these IL-4-DCs are likely to induce a stronger Th1 response than conventional GM-IL-4-DCs.

Periprosthetic osteolysis: induction of vascular endothelial growth factor from human monocyte/macrophages by orthopaedic biomaterial particles

VEGF and VEGF receptor, Flt-1, expression was observed in periprosthetic tissues surrounding loosened total joint implants. Exposure of monocyte/macrophages to titanium particles resulted in increased VEGF expression, p44/42 MAPK activation, and VEGF-dependent macrophage chemotaxis. Increased levels of angiogenic factors, such as VEGF, may be critically important in wear debris-induced implant loosening after total joint arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION

Periprosthetic osteolysis after total hip arthroplasty occurs in association with formation of a vascularized granulomatous tissue in response to particulate debris.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study examined expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the VEGF receptor in 10 periprosthetic tissues from loosened prostheses and quantified effects of titanium particles on VEGF release, intracellular signaling, and VEGF-dependent chemotaxis in primary cultures of human monocyte/macrophages.

RESULTS

Double immunofluorescent staining showed that VEGF and Flt-1 co-localized with cells positive for the macrophage marker, CD11b, in the periprosthetic tissues. Monocyte/macrophages challenged with titanium particles showed a dose- and time-dependent release of VEGF ranging from 2.8- to 3.1-fold and exhibited increased expression of VEGF121 and VEGF165 mRNAs, reaching levels up to 5.0- and 8.6-fold, respectively, by 48 h (p < 0.01). Exposure of monocyte/macrophages to titanium particles upregulated phosphorylated-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) within 30 minutes. Particle-induced activation of p44/42 MAPK and release of VEGF were dose-dependently suppressed by pretreatment of cells with PD98059, a specific inhibitor of p44/42 MAPK. Monocyte/macrophages challenged with titanium particles also showed a time-dependent activation of AP-1, a transcription factor associated with VEGF expression (p < 0.01). Supernatants from particle-challenged monocyte/macrophages increased macrophage chemotactic activity by 30%, which was significantly inhibited by anti-VEGF neutralizing antibody (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that induction of VEGF release from monocyte/macrophages in response to orthopaedic biomaterial wear debris may contribute to periprosthetic osteolysis and implant loosening.

Human serum opsonization of orthopedic biomaterial particles: protein-binding and monocyte/macrophage activation in vitro

Wear particles generated after total joint arthroplasty activate monocyte/macrophages and incite formation of a granulomatous periprosthetic tissue associated with bone loss and implant loosening. This study tested the hypothesis that selective opsonization of orthopedic implant biomaterial wear particles by human serum proteins influences monocyte/macrophage activation. Serum protein binding to metallic, polymeric, and ceramic particles was determined by one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Individual proteins bound to particles were subsequently identified using two-dimensional SDS-PAGE, microsequencing techniques, and SWISS-PROT analysis. Effects of selective protein opsonization on particle-induced monocyte/macrophage activation were assessed by quantification of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release. Results from one-dimensional gel analyses revealed distinct serum protein-binding patterns specific for each material tested. Two-dimensional gel analysis together with amino acid sequencing of the prominent protein species confirmed the presence of albumin and alpha-1-antitrypsin bound to all particles tested. In contrast to the metallic particles, apolipoprotein was a major species associated with polymeric particles. Opsonization of PMMA particles with purified preparations of each of the identified proteins showed that albumin significantly enhanced particle-induced monocyte/macrophage activation. These data confirm orthopedic biomaterial specific binding of human serum proteins and demonstrate that albumin exacerbates particle-induced monocyte/macrophage activation. Alterations in the chemical and surface properties of orthopedic biomaterials to modulate protein interactions may improve implant longevity.

Suppressive effects of interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 on the production of proinflammatory cytokines induced by titanium-alloy particles

We investigated the effects of two anti-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10, on the production of two proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-6, induced by titanium-alloy (Ti6Al4V) particles. Human monocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of six healthy donors were cultured and exposed to retrieved titanium-alloy particles, together with IL-4 or IL-10. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that both IL-4 and IL-10 significantly reduced the production of TNF-alpha and IL-6. The level of TNF-alpha decreased by 74% with IL-4 and 56% with IL-10. The level of IL-6 decreased by 55% with IL-4 and by 66% with IL-10. IL-4 had more consistent suppressive effect on TNF-alpha production. The results from this study provide in vitro evidence of the possible utility of IL-4 and IL-10 in suppression of particle-induced activation of macrophages.

Interleukin-10 inhibits polymethylmethacrylate particle induced interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release by human monocyte/macrophages in vitro

Periprosthetic membranes commonly observed at sites of total joint implant loosening exhibit abundant macrophages and particulate debris. Macrophages phagocytose orthopedic debris and release the pro-inflammatory mediators interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and prostaglandin E2. Populations of activated lymphocytes are often seen in periprosthetic membranes. These lymphocytes may modulate the monocyte/macrophage response to particulate debris and influence aseptic loosening. In addition, other immunologic agents, such as interleukin-10, are present in tissues harvested from the bone-implant interface of failed total joint arthroplasties. The present study examined the effects of interleukin-10 on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particle challenged human monocyte/macrophages in vitro. Human monocyte/macrophages isolated from buffy coats of five healthy individuals were exposed to 1-10 microm PMMA particles. Interleukin-10 was added to the monocyte/macrophages with and without the addition of PMMA particles. Interleukin-10-induced alterations in monocyte/macrophage metabolism were determined measuring interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release by the cells following exposure to PMMA particles. Exposure of the monocyte/macrophages to PMMA particles resulted in a dose-dependent release of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha at 48 h. Interleukin-10 reduced the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release by macrophages in response to PMMA particles in a dose-dependent manner. At 48 h, particle-induced interleukin-6 release was inhibited by 60 and 90% with 1.0 and 10.0 ng/ml treatments of interleukin-10, respectively. At 48 h, particle-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha release was inhibited by 58 and 88% with 1.0 and 10.0 ng/ml treatments of interleukin-10, respectively. Interleukin-10 challenge alone did not significantly alter basal interleukin-6 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha release relative to control cultures. The data presented in this study demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10, inhibits monocyte/macrophage release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in response to PMMA particle challenge in vitro.