The effects of biomimetically conjugated VEGF on osteogenesis and angiogenesis of MSCs (human and rat) and HUVECs co-culture models

Cell-based mechanisms and strategies of co-culture system both in vivo and vitro for bone tissue engineering

The lack of a functional vascular supply has been identified as a major challenge limiting the clinical introduction of stem cell-based bone tissue engineering (BTE) for the repair of large-volume bone defects (LVBD). Various approaches have been explored to improve the vascular supply in tissue-engineered constructs, and the development of strategies that could effectively induce the establishment of a functional vascular supply has become a major goal of BTE research. One of the state-of-the-art methods is to incorporate both angiogenic and osteogenic cells in co-culture systems. This review clarifies the key concepts involved, summarises the cell types and models used to date, and systematically evaluates their performance. We also discuss the cell-to-cell communication between these two cell types and the strategies explored in BTE constructs with angiogenic and osteogenic cells to optimise their functions. In addition, we outline unresolved issues and remaining obstacles that need to be overcome for further development in this field and eventual successful repair of LVBD.

The bio-functionalized membrane loaded with Ta/WH nanoparticles promote bone regeneration through neurovascular coupling

Electrospinning technology, as a novel approach, has been extensively applied in the field of tissue engineering. Nanofiber membranes prepared by electrospinning can effectively mimic the structure and function of natural bone matrix, providing an ideal scaffold for attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of bone cells while inducing osteogenic differentiation and new bone formation. However, it lacks bioactivities such as osteoinduction, angiogenesis and the ability to promote nerve regeneration. In the presence of complex critical bone defects, a single component electrospun membrane often fails to suffice for bone repair needs. Based on this, we prepared a biofunctionalized membrane loaded with Tantalum(Ta)/Whitlockite(WH) nanoparticles (poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL)/Ta/WH) in order to promote high-quality bone defect repair through neurovascular coupling effect. According to the results of in vitro and in vivo experiments, the early Mg2+ release of WH can effectively increase the local nerve and vascular density, and synergize with Tantalum nanoparticles (TaNPs) to create a rich nerve-vascular microenvironment. This allows the PCL/Ta/WH membrane to repair bone defects in multiple dimensions and achieve high-quality repair of bone tissue, providing new solutions for the treatment of critical bone defects in clinical.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by promoting angiogenesis

The impairment of angiogenesis is an outstanding pathogenic characteristic of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have been used in several diseases models, which were reported to be involved in the angiogenesis. However, whether hUC-MSCs suppress the GC-induced ONFH via promoting angiogenesis is still unclear. hUC-MSCs were isolated from the Wharton's jelly using the explant culture method. A GC-induced ONFH model was established in vitro and in vivo. The angiogenesis, proliferation and migration ability of HMECs were determined using the tube-forming, CCK-8, transwell and scratching assays in vitro. The protective role of hUC-MSCs in GC-induced ONFH was evaluated using micro-CT scanning and histological, immunohistochemical (IHC) and Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays in vivo. The results showed that hUC-MSCs treatment improved the tube-forming, proliferation and migration ability of HMECs in vitro. Moreover, hUC-MSCs treatment enhanced the integrity of trabecular bone of the femoral head, and the tube-forming ability in vivo. hUC-MSCs prevent the femoral head against necrosis and damage caused by GCs though promoting angiogenesis.

Advances in the superhydrophilicity-modified titanium surfaces with antibacterial and pro-osteogenesis properties: A review

In recent years, the rate of implant failure has been increasing. Microbial infection was the primary cause, and the main stages included bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and severe inhibition of implant osseointegration. Various biomaterials and their preparation methods have emerged to produce specific implants with antimicrobial or bactericidal properties to reduce implant infection caused by bacterial adhesion and effectively promote bone and implant integration. In this study, we reviewed the research progress of bone integration promotion and antibacterial action of superhydrophilic surfaces based on titanium alloys. First, the adverse reactions caused by bacterial adhesion to the implant surface, including infection and bone integration deficiency, are briefly introduced. Several commonly used antibacterial methods of titanium alloys are introduced. Secondly, we discuss the antibacterial properties of superhydrophilic surfaces based on ultraviolet photo-functionalization and plasma treatment, in contrast to the antibacterial principle of superhydrophobic surface morphology. Thirdly, the osteogenic effects of superhydrophilic surfaces are described, according to the processes of osseointegration: osteogenic immunity, angiogenesis, and osteogenic related cells. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects for the development of this superhydrophilic surface in clinical applications, as well as the prominent strategies and directions for future research.

The Auxiliary Role of Heparin in Bone Regeneration and its Application in Bone Substitute Materials

Bone regeneration in large segmental defects depends on the action of osteoblasts and the ingrowth of new blood vessels. Therefore, it is important to promote the release of osteogenic/angiogenic growth factors. Since the discovery of heparin, its anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer functions have been extensively studied for over a century. Although the application of heparin is widely used in the orthopedic field, its auxiliary effect on bone regeneration is yet to be unveiled. Specifically, approximately one-third of the transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily is bound to heparin and heparan sulfate, among which TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) are the most common growth factors used. In addition, heparin can also improve the delivery and retention of BMP-2 in vivo promoting the healing of large bone defects at hyper physiological doses. In blood vessel formation, heparin still plays an integral part of fracture healing by cooperating with the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Importantly, since heparin binds to growth factors and release components in nanomaterials, it can significantly facilitate the controlled release and retention of growth factors [such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), BMP, and PDGF] in vivo. Consequently, the knowledge of scaffolds or delivery systems composed of heparin and different biomaterials (including organic, inorganic, metal, and natural polymers) is vital for material-guided bone regeneration research. This study systematically reviews the structural properties and auxiliary functions of heparin, with an emphasis on bone regeneration and its application in biomaterials under physiological conditions.

Hydrostatic pressure stimulates the osteogenesis and angiogenesis of MSCs/HUVECs co-culture on porous PLGA scaffolds

In native bone tissue regeneration, blood vessels, providing oxygen and nutrition for tissues, can promote the regeneration of bone and accelerate the repair of a defected area. In this study, Poly(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) inverse opal scaffolds with high pore interconnectivity were fabricated and further modified with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured onto the scaffolds to enhance vascularization for bone tissue regeneration. Cell attachment, viability, proliferation, and morphology were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, live and dead staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hydrostatic pressure with 0-279 KPa and 1 Hz one hour per day for 7 days was applied to tissue engineered bone constructs to investigate whether the loading stimulation can promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis mutually evaluated in parallel by multiple in vitro assays and in an in vivo chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. The results indicated that the immobilization of VEGF can improve biocompatibility of PLGA scaffolds and promote cell attachment and proliferation. The cell-scaffold constructs showed higher CD31 expression because of the angiogenic differentiation of rMSCs in hydrostatic loading culture condition in vitro. The in vivo CAM model experiment demonstrated that hydrostatic loading stimulated angiogenic differentiation of rMSCs can accelerate tubulogenesis. Furthermore, the new capillaries formed in cell-scaffold constructs were conducive to calcium deposition in vivo.

Current Methods in the Study of Nanomaterials for Bone Regeneration

Nanomaterials show great promise as bone regeneration materials. They can be used as fillers to strengthen bone regeneration scaffolds, or employed in their natural form as carriers for drug delivery systems. A variety of experiments have been conducted to evaluate the osteogenic potential of bone regeneration materials. In vivo, such materials are commonly tested in animal bone defect models to assess their bone regeneration potential. From an ethical standpoint, however, animal experiments should be minimized. A standardized in vitro strategy for this purpose is desirable, but at present, the results of studies conducted under a wide variety of conditions have all been evaluated equally. This review will first briefly introduce several bone regeneration reports on nanomaterials and the nanosize-derived caveats of evaluations in such studies. Then, experimental techniques (in vivo and in vitro), types of cells, culture media, fetal bovine serum, and additives will be described, with specific examples of the risks of various culture conditions leading to erroneous conclusions in biomaterial analysis. We hope that this review will create a better understanding of the evaluation of biomaterials, including nanomaterials for bone regeneration, and lead to the development of versatile assessment methods that can be widely used in biomaterial development.

Bone Regeneration and Oxidative Stress: An Updated Overview

Bone tissue engineering is a complex domain that requires further investigation and benefits from data obtained over past decades. The models are increasing in complexity as they reveal new data from co-culturing and microfluidics applications. The in vitro models now focus on the 3D medium co-culturing of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes utilizing collagen for separation; this type of research allows for controlled medium and in-depth data analysis. Oxidative stress takes a toll on the domain, being beneficial as well as destructive. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are molecules that influence the differentiation of osteoclasts, but over time their increasing presence can affect patients and aid the appearance of diseases such as osteoporosis. Oxidative stress can be limited by using antioxidants such as vitamin K and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Scaffolds and biocompatible coatings such as hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass are required to isolate the implant, protect the zone from the metallic, ionic exchange, and enhance the bone regeneration by mimicking the composition and structure of the body, thus enhancing cell proliferation. The materials can be further functionalized with growth factors that create a better response and higher chances of success for clinical use. This review highlights the vast majority of newly obtained information regarding bone tissue engineering, such as new co-culturing models, implant coatings, scaffolds, biomolecules, and the techniques utilized to obtain them.

Redondoviridae infection regulates circRNAome in periodontitis

Redondoviridae is a recently identified family of DNA viruses associated with periodontitis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are novel endogenous, conserved noncoding RNAs contributing to the virus-related immune-inflammatory response. The present study aimed to analyze the expression profiles of circRNAs in the gingival tissues of periodontitis patients with and without Redondoviridae-infection and healthy controls using high-throughput RNA sequencing combined with experimental validation. Out of 17819 circRNAs, 175 were dysregulated. Functional annotation and enrichment analysis of the differential circRNA host genes demonstrated potential alterations in the molecular and cellular components and metabolism in individuals suffering from periodontitis with Redondoviridae infection. Moreover, "axon guidance", "lysine biosynthesis", and "vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathways" were significantly enriched in Redondoviridae-infected gingivitis tissues. Furthermore, the key circRNAs (circCOL1A1, circAASS, circPTK2, circATP2B4, circDOCK1, circTTBK2, and circMCTP2) associated with the pathobiology of Redondoviridae-related periodontitis were identified by constructing circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks. Bioinformatics analyses demonstrated that abnormally expressed circRNAs might contribute to the etiopathogenesis and development of Redondoviridae-related periodontitis. The present study's findings have enhanced the current understanding ofthe Redondoviridae-related periodontitis mechanism and provide insights into further applications for diagnostic markers and therapeutic uses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and Characterization of Alveolus-Like Scaffolds with Control of the Pore Architecture and Gas Permeability

The micrometer scale sac-like alveoli are the most important and essential unit for gas exchange in the lung. Thus, design and fabrication of scaffolds for alveoli regeneration by tissue engineering approach should meet a few topography and functional requests such as large surface area, flexibility, and high gas permeability to their native counterpart. Testing the gas permeability of scaffolds through a fast and simple technique is also highly demanded to assist new scaffold development. This study fabricated alveolus-like scaffolds with regular pore shape, high pore connectivity, and high porosity produced by inverse opal technique alongside randomly distrusted porous scaffolds by salt leaching technique from two different materials (polyurethane and poly(L-lactic acid)). The scaffold surface was modified by immobilization of VEGF. A facile and new technique based on the bubble meter principle enabling to measure the gas permeability of porous scaffolds conveniently has been developed specifically. The cellular response of the scaffolds was assessed by culturing with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and coculturing with lung epithelial NL20 and endothelial HUVECs. Our results showed that the newly designed gas permeability device provided rapid, nondestructive, reproducible, and accurate assessment of gas permeability of different scaffolds. The porous polyurethane scaffolds made by inverse opal method had much better gas permeability than other scaffolds used in this study. The cellular work indicated that with VEGF surface modification, polyurethane inverse opal scaffolds induced alveolus-like tissues and have promising application in lung tissue engineering.

Restoration of critical defects in the rabbit mandible using osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells co-cultured with vascular stent-loaded nano-composite scaffolds

The success of large bone defect repair with tissue engineering technology depends mainly on angiogenesis and osteogenesis. In this study, we prepared poly-caprolactone/nano-hydroxyapatite/beta-calcium phosphate (PCL/nHA/β-TCP) composite scaffolds loaded with poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/heparin sodium (PLGA/nHA/Col/HS) nanofiber small vascular stent by electrospinning and hot press forming-particle leaching methods. Supramolecular electrostatic self-assembly technology was used to modify the surfaces of small vascular stents to aid in hydrophilicity and anticoagulation. The surfaces of composite scaffolds were modified with an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) short peptide by physical adsorption to supply cell adhesion sites. The scaffolds were then combined with rabbit bone marrow-derived osteoblasts (OBs) and rabbit bone marrow-derived vascular endothelial cells (RVECs) to construct large, biologically active vascularized tissue-engineered bone in vitro; this bone was then used to repair critical bone defects in rabbit mandibles. Mechanical and biocompatibility testing results showed that PCL/nHA/β-TCP composite scaffolds loaded with small vascular stents had good surface structure, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and bone-regeneration induction potential. Twelve weeks after implantation, histological analysis and X-ray scans showed that the use of osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells co-cultured with PCL/nHA/β-TCP scaffolds was sufficient to repair critical defects in rabbit mandibles.

Metformin enhances the osteogenesis and angiogenesis of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for tissue regeneration engineering

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) are a potential clinical material in regenerative medicine applications. Metformin has shown safety and effectiveness as a clinical drug. However, the effect of metformin as a treatment on hUC-MSCs is unclear. Our research aimed to explore the effects of metformin on the osteogenesis, adipogenesis and angiogenesis of hUC-MSCs, and attempted to explain the molecular fluctuations of metformin through the mapping of protein profiles. Proliferation assay, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation induction, cell cycle, flow cytometry, quantitative proteomics techniques and bioinformatics analysis were used to detect the influences of metformin treatment on hUC-MSCs. Our results demonstrated that low concentrations of metformin promoted the proliferation of hUC-MSCs, but high concentrations of metformin inhibited it. Metformin exhibited promotion of osteogenesis but inhibition of adipogenesis. Metformin treated hUC-MSCs up-regulated the expression of osteogenic marker ALP, OCN and RUNX2, but down-regulated the expression of adipogenic markers PPARγ and LPL. Proteomics analysis found that up-regulation of differentially expressed proteins in metformin treatment group involved the biological process of cell migration in Gene Ontology analysis. Metformin enhanced cell migration of HUVEC in a co-culture system, and hUC-MSCs treated with metformin exhibited stronger angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo compared to the hUC-MSCs group. The results of RT-qPCR revealed that the SCF and VEGFR2 were raised in metformin treatment. This study can promote the application of hUC-MSCs treated with metformin to tissue engineering for vascular reconstruction and angiogenesis.

Vascularization Strategies in Bone Tissue Engineering

Bone is a highly vascularized tissue, and its development, maturation, remodeling, and regeneration are dependent on a tight regulation of blood vessel supply. This condition also has to be taken into consideration in the context of the development of artificial tissue substitutes. In classic tissue engineering, bone-forming cells such as primary osteoblasts or mesenchymal stem cells are introduced into suitable scaffolds and implanted in order to treat critical-size bone defects. However, such tissue substitutes are initially avascular. Because of the occurrence of hypoxic conditions, especially in larger tissue substitutes, this leads to the death of the implanted cells. Therefore, it is necessary to devise vascularization strategies aiming at fast and efficient vascularization of implanted artificial tissues. In this review article, we present and discuss the current vascularization strategies in bone tissue engineering. These are based on the use of angiogenic growth factors, the co-implantation of blood vessel forming cells, the ex vivo microfabrication of blood vessels by means of bioprinting, and surgical methods for creating surgically transferable composite tissues.

Rationally design of electrospun polysaccharides polymeric nanofiber webs by various tools for biomedical applications: A review

Nanofibers have a particular benefit when delivering a spectrum of therapeutic drugs for diverse biomedical applications. Nanofibers are easily fabricated from cellulose acetate, chitosan, polycaprolactone, and other polymers with regulated morphology and release profiles due to nanotechnology's recent advancement. This review will provide the latest approaches to the fabrication of electrospun nanofibers containing herbal extracts, antimicrobial peptides, and antibiotics for wound-healing potential. Besides, synthesis and evaluation of nanofibrous mats, including conducting polymer and evaluate their possibility for wound healing. In addition, nanofibers are loaded with some drugs for skin cancer treatment and contain growth factors for tissue regeneration. Also, the current two-dimensional nanofibers limitations and the various techniques for convert two-dimensional to three-dimension nanofibers to avoid these drawbacks. Moreover, the future direction in improving the three-dimensional structure and functionality has been including.

Modified Alginate-Based Hydrogel as a Carrier of the CB2 Agonist JWH133 for Bone Engineering

Alginate hydrogels have been widely used as excellent scaffold materials for implantation in biological systems because of their good biocompatibility. However, it is difficult to repair bone defects with these materials because of their poor mechanical properties. The aim of the present study was to fabricate a novel degradable alginate/palygorskite (PAL) composite hydrogel with good mechanical properties and investigate its potential for application in bone defect repair. The modified alginate-based hydrogel with increasing PAL content exhibited better mechanical properties than the original alginate hydrogel. In addition, the resulting composite hydrogel was thoroughly characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). With increasing PAL content, the swelling ratio of the hydrogel increased in PBS (pH = 7.4). In vitro cytocompatibility was evaluated using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to confirm that the developed composite hydrogel was cytocompatible after 1, 3, and 7 days. All these results suggest that the developed composite hydrogel has great potential for bone tissue engineering applications. JWH133 is a selective agonist of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2), which exerts dual anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastogenic effects. We co-cultured BMSCs with composite hydrogels loaded with JWH133, and analysis of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation indicated that the composite hydrogel loaded with JWH133 may enhance the osteogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs. Furthermore, we found that the composite hydrogel loaded with JWH133 inhibited osteoclast formation and the mRNA expression of osteoclast-specific markers. In summary, the developed composite hydrogel has a high drug-loading capacity, good biocompatibility, and strong potential as a drug carrier for treating osteoporosis by promoting osteoblast and inhibiting osteoclast formation and function.

Advances in Growth Factor Delivery for Bone Tissue Engineering

Shortcomings related to the treatment of bone diseases and consequent tissue regeneration such as transplants have been addressed to some extent by tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Tissue engineering has promoted structures that can simulate the extracellular matrix and are capable of guiding natural bone repair using signaling molecules to promote osteoinduction and angiogenesis essential in the formation of new bone tissues. Although recent studies on developing novel growth factor delivery systems for bone repair have attracted great attention, taking into account the complexity of the extracellular matrix, scaffolding and growth factors should not be explored independently. Consequently, systems that combine both concepts have great potential to promote the effectiveness of bone regeneration methods. In this review, recent developments in bone regeneration that simultaneously consider scaffolding and growth factors are covered in detail. The main emphasis in this overview is on delivery strategies that employ polymer-based scaffolds for spatiotemporal-controlled delivery of both single and multiple growth factors in bone-regeneration approaches. From clinical applications to creating alternative structural materials, bone tissue engineering has been advancing constantly, and it is relevant to regularly update related topics.

Recent Approaches for Angiogenesis in Search of Successful Tissue Engineering and Regeneration

Angiogenesis plays a central role in human physiology from reproduction and fetal development to wound healing and tissue repair/regeneration. Clinically relevant therapies are needed for promoting angiogenesis in order to supply oxygen and nutrients after transplantation, thus relieving the symptoms of ischemia. Increase in angiogenesis can lead to the restoration of damaged tissues, thereby leading the way for successful tissue regeneration. Tissue regeneration is a broad field that has shown the convergence of various interdisciplinary fields, wherein living cells in conjugation with biomaterials have been tried and tested on to the human body. Although there is a prevalence of various approaches that hypothesize enhanced tissue regeneration via angiogenesis, none of them have been successful in gaining clinical relevance. Hence, the current review summarizes the recent cell-based and cell free (exosomes, extracellular vesicles, micro-RNAs) therapies, gene and biomaterial-based approaches that have been used for angiogenesis-mediated tissue regeneration and have been applied in treating disease models like ischemic heart, brain stroke, bone defects and corneal defects. This review also puts forward a concise report of the pre-clinical and clinical studies that have been performed so far; thereby presenting the credible impact of the development of biomaterials and their 3D concepts in the field of tissue engineering and regeneration, which would lead to the probable ways for heralding the successful future of angiogenesis-mediated approaches in the greater perspective of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Electrospun Nanofibers for Improved Angiogenesis: Promises for Tissue Engineering Applications

Angiogenesis (or the development of new blood vessels) is a key event in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine; thus, a number of biomaterials have been developed and combined with stem cells and/or bioactive molecules to produce three-dimensional (3D) pro-angiogenic constructs. Among the various biomaterials, electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds offer great opportunities for pro-angiogenic approaches in tissue repair and regeneration. Nanofibers made of natural and synthetic polymers are often used to incorporate bioactive components (e.g., bioactive glasses (BGs)) and load biomolecules (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) that exert pro-angiogenic activity. Furthermore, seeding of specific types of stem cells (e.g., endothelial progenitor cells) onto nanofibrous scaffolds is considered as a valuable alternative for inducing angiogenesis. The effectiveness of these strategies has been extensively examined both in vitro and in vivo and the outcomes have shown promise in the reconstruction of hard and soft tissues (mainly bone and skin, respectively). However, the translational of electrospun scaffolds with pro-angiogenic molecules or cells is only at its beginning, requiring more research to prove their usefulness in the repair and regeneration of other highly-vascularized vital tissues and organs. This review will cover the latest progress in designing and developing pro-angiogenic electrospun nanofibers and evaluate their usefulness in a tissue engineering and regenerative medicine setting.

Hypoxia alleviates dexamethasone-induced inhibition of angiogenesis in cocultures of HUVECs and rBMSCs via HIF-1α

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Inadequate vascularization is a challenge in bone tissue engineering because internal cells are prone to necrosis due to a lack of nutrient supply. Rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cocultured to construct prevascularized bone tissue in osteogenic induction medium (OIM) in vitro. The angiogenic capacity of HUVECs was limited in the coculture system. In this study, the effects of the components in the medium on HUVEC angiogenesis were analyzed.

METHODS

The coculture system was established in OIM. Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase staining were used to assess the osteogenic ability of MSCs. A Matrigel tube assay was used to assess the angiogenic ability of HUVECs in vitro. The proliferation of HUVECs was evaluated by cell counting and CCK-8 assays, and migration was evaluated by the streaked plate assay. The expression levels of angiogenesis-associated genes and proteins in HUVECs were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

Dexamethasone in the OIM suppressed the proliferation and migration of HUVECs, inhibiting the formation of capillary-like structures. Our research showed that dexamethasone stimulated HUVECs to secrete tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-3), which competed with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) to bind to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2, KDR). This effect was related to inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT, which are two downstream targets of KDR. However, under hypoxia, the enhanced expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) decreased the expression of TIMP-3 and promoted the phosphorylation of KDR, improving HUVEC angiogenesis in the coculture system.

CONCLUSION

Coculture of hypoxia-preconditioned HUVECs and MSCs showed robust angiogenesis and osteogenesis in OIM, which has important implications for prevascularization in bone tissue engineering in the future.

Motivating role of type H vessels in bone regeneration

Coupling between angiogenesis and osteogenesis has an important role in both normal bone injury repair and successful application of tissue‐engineered bone for bone defect repair. Type H blood vessels are specialized microvascular components that are closely related to the speed of bone healing. Interactions between type H endothelial cells and osteoblasts, and high expression of CD31 and EMCN render the environment surrounding these blood vessels rich in factors conducive to osteogenesis and promote the coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Type H vessels are mainly distributed in the metaphysis of bone and densely surrounded by Runx2⁺ and Osterix⁺ osteoprogenitors. Several other factors, including hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α, Notch, platelet‐derived growth factor type BB, and slit guidance ligand 3 are involved in the coupling of type H vessel formation and osteogenesis. In this review, we summarize the identification and distribution of type H vessels and describe the mechanism for type H vessel‐mediated modulation of osteogenesis. Type H vessels provide new insights for detection of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the crosstalk between angiogenesis and osteogenesis. As a result, more feasible therapeutic approaches for treatment of bone defects by targeting type H vessels may be applied in the future.

Induced cell migration based on a bioactive hydrogel sheet combined with a perfused microfluidic system

Endothelial cell migration is a crucial step in the process of new blood vessel formation-a necessary process to maintain cell viability inside thick tissue constructs. Here, we report a new method for maintaining cell viability and inducing cell migration using a perfused microfluidic platform based on collagen gel and a gradient hydrogel sheet. Due to the helpful role of the extracellular matrix components in cell viability, we developed a hydrogel sheet from decellularized tissue (DT) of the bovine heart and chitosan (CS). The results showed that hydrogel sheets with an optimum weight ratio of CS/DT = 2 possess a porosity of around 75%, a mechanical strength of 23 kPa, and display cell viability up to 78%. Then, we immobilized a radial gradient of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the hydrogel sheet to promote human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration. Finally, we incorporated the whole system as an entirety on the top of the microfluidic platform and studied cell migration through the hydrogel sheet in the presence of soluble and immobilized VEGF. The results demonstrated that immobilized VEGF stimulated cell migration in the hydrogel sheet at all depths compared with soluble VEGF. The results also showed that applying a VEGF gradient in both soluble and immobilized states had a significant effect on cell migration at limited depths (<100 μm). The main finding of this study is a significant improvement in cell migration using an in vivo imitating, cost-efficient and highly reproducible platform, which may open up a new perspective for tissue engineering applications.

Enhanced VEGF/VEGF-R and RUNX2 Expression in Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Cultured on Sandblasted/Etched Titanium Disk

Bone formation, in skeletal development or in osseointegration processes, is the result of interaction between angiogenesis and osteogenesis. To establish osseointegration, cells must attach to the implant in a direct way without any deposition of soft tissue. Structural design and surface topography of dental implants enhance the cell attachment and can affect the biological response. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cytocompatibility, osteogenic and angiogenic markers involved in bone differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) on different titanium disks surfaces. The hPDLSCs were cultured on pure titanium surfaces modified with two different procedures, sandblasted (Control—CTRL) and sandblasted/etched (Test—TEST) as experimental titanium surfaces. After 1 and 8 weeks of culture VEGF, VEGF-R, and RUNX2 expression was evaluated under confocal laser scanning microscopy. To confirm the obtained data, RT-PCR and WB analyses were performed in order to evaluate the best implant surface performance. TEST surfaces compared to CTRL titanium surfaces enhanced cell adhesion and increased VEGF and RUNX2 expression. Moreover, titanium TEST surfaces showed a different topographic morphology that promoted cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic/angiogenic commitment. To conclude, TEST surfaces performed more efficiently than CTRL surfaces; furthermore, TEST surface results showed them to be more biocompatible, better tolerated, and appropriate for allowing hPDLSC growth and proliferation. This fact could also lead to more rapid bone–titanium integration.

Spatial localization of endothelial cells in heterotypic spheroids influences Notch signaling

Cell-based therapeutic approaches are an exciting strategy to replenish compromised endothelial cell (EC) populations that contribute to impaired vasculogenesis. Co-cultures of ECs and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can enhance neovascularization over ECs alone, but the efficacy of cells is limited by rapid cell death upon implantation. Co-culture spheroids exhibit improved survival compared with monodisperse cells, yet little is known about the influence of spatial regulation of ECs within co-culture spheroids. We hypothesized that EC sprouting from co-culture spheroids is a function of EC spatial localization. We formed co-culture spheroids containing ECs and MSCs in two formats: ECs uniformly distributed throughout the spheroid (i.e., mixed) or seeded on the perimeter of the MSC core (i.e., shell). Qualitative observations suggested increased vasculogenesis for mixed co-culture spheroids compared with shell conformations as early as day 3, yet quantitative metrics did not reveal significant differences in network formation between these 3D structures. Notch3 expression demonstrated significant increases in cell-cell communication in mixed conformations compared with shell counterparts. Furthermore, knockdown of Notch3 in MSCs abrogated the vasculogenic potential of mixed spheroids, supporting its role in promoting EC-MSC contacts. This study highlights the direct impact of EC-MSC contacts on sprouting and provides insight to improve the quality of network formation. KEY MESSAGES: • Endothelial cell (EC) localization can be controlled in co-culture EC-MSC spheroids. • Mixed spheroids exhibit consistent networks compared to shell counterparts. • Differences in NOTCH3 were observed between mixed and shell spheroids. • NOTCH3 may be a necessary target for improved vasculogenic potential.

PDLSCs Regulate Angiogenesis of Periodontal Ligaments via VEGF Transferred by Exosomes in Periodontitis

Abnormal angiogenesis is one of the significant features in periodontitis leading to progressive inflammation, but angiogenic changes of periodontal ligaments under inflammatory condition were rarely reported. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were a kind of dental stem cells associated with vascularization. Here we investigated the alteration of angiogenesis of periodontal ligament in periodontitis, and revealed an exosome-mediated pathway to support the effect of PDLSCs on angiogenic improvement. Vascular specific marker CD31 and VEGFA were found to be highly expressed in periodontal ligaments of periodontitis. The VEGFA expression was up-regulated in inflamed PDLSCs compared to control, meanwhile the tube formation of HUVECs was improved when co-cultured with inflamed PDLSCs. Exosomes secretion of PDSLCs was augmented by inflammation, and promoted angiogenesis of HUVECs, whereas blocking secretion of exosomes led to degenerated angiogenesis of HUVECs. Exosome-trasferred VEGFA was proven to be the crucial communicator between PDLSCs and HUVECs. Inflammation inhibited miR-17-5p expression of PDLSCs and relieved its target VEGFA. However, overexpression of miR-17-5p blocked the pro-angiogenic ability of inflamed PDLSCs. In conclusion, the findings indicated that vascularization of periodontal ligaments was enhanced, and inflammatory micro-environment of periodontitis facilitated pro-angiogenesis of PDLSCs through regulating exosome-mediated transfer of VEGFA, which was targeted by miR-17-5p.

Nanomaterials for bone tissue regeneration: updates and future perspectives

Joint replacement and bone reconstructive surgeries are on the rise globally. Current strategies for implants and bone regeneration are associated with poor integration and healing resulting in repeated surgeries. A multidisciplinary approach involving basic biological sciences, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and clinical research is required to overcome this problem. Considering the nanostructured nature of bone, expertise and resources available through recent advancements in nanobiotechnology enable researchers to design and fabricate devices and drug delivery systems at the nanoscale to be more compatible with the bone tissue environment. The focus of this review is to present the recent progress made in the rationale and design of nanomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery relevant to bone regeneration.

Enhanced bone tissue regeneration of a biomimetic cellular scaffold with co-cultured MSCs-derived osteogenic and angiogenic cells

OBJECTIVES

The bone tissue engineering primarily focuses on three-dimensional co-culture systems, which physical and biological properties resemble the cell matrix of actual tissues. The complex dialogue between bone-forming and endothelial cells (ECs) in a tissue-engineered construct will directly regulate angiogenesis and bone regeneration. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether co-culture between osteogenic and angiogenic cells derived by bone mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could affect cell activities and new bone formation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mesenchymal stem cells were dually induced to differentiate into osteogenic cells (OMSCs) and ECs; both cell types were co-cultured at different ratios to investigate their effects and underlying mechanisms through ELISA, RT-qPCR and MTT assays. The selected cell mixture was transplanted onto a nano-hydroxyapatite/polyurethane (n-HA/PU) scaffold to form a cell-scaffold construct that was implanted in the rat femoral condyles. Histology and micro-CT were examined for further verification.

RESULTS

ELISA and gene expression studies revealed that co-cultured OMSCs/ECs (0.5/1.5) significantly elevated the transcription levels of osteogenic genes such as ALP, Col-I and OCN, as well as transcription factors Msx2, Runx2 and Osterix; it also upregulated angiogenic factors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31 when compared with cells cultured alone or in other ratios. The optimized OMSCs/ECs group had more abundant calcium phosphate crystal deposition, further facilitated their bone formation in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

The OMSCs/ECs-scaffold constructs at an optimal cell ratio (0.5/1.5) achieved enhanced osteogenic and angiogenic factor expression and biomineralization, which resulted in more effective bone formation.

An injectable scaffold based on temperature-responsive hydrogel and factor-loaded nanoparticles for application in vascularization in tissue engineering

Controlled release of functional factors contributes to target migration of therapeutic cells and plays a crucial role in the in situ vascularization of tissue repair and regeneration. A biomedical application requires the selective release of multiple factors which will guide the synergy of the cells. Here, we developed an injectable system based on a temperature-responsive hydrogel and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) loaded into two types of nanoparticles to induce migration and rapid proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) via selective SDF-1/VEGF release. Series of in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that our composited system can accurately guide MSCs and ECs for vascularization. In addition, the properties of the nanoparticles and hydrogel, including micro/nanoscales, characteristic of charge, and biocompatibility, played crucial roles for the selective release and cells behavior (target migration and rapid proliferation).

RNA sequencing of mesenchymal stem cells reveals a blocking of differentiation and immunomodulatory activities under inflammatory conditions in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to differentiate into different types of cells of the mesenchymal lineage, such as osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. It is also known that under inflammatory stimuli or in the appropriate experimental conditions, they can also act as regulators of inflammation. Thus, in addition to their regenerating potential, their interest has been extended to their possible use in cell therapy strategies for treatment of immune disorders.

Objective

To analyze, by RNA-seq analysis, the transcriptome profiling of allogenic MSCs under RA lymphocyte activation.

Methods

We identified the differentially expressed genes in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells after exposure to an inflammatory environment. The transcriptome profiling was evaluated by means of the precise measurement of transcripts provided by the RNA-Seq technology.

Results

Our results evidenced the existence of blocking of both regenerative (differentiation) and immunomodulatory phenotypes under inflammatory conditions characterized by an upregulation of genes involved in immune processes and a simultaneous downregulation of genes mainly involved in regenerative or cell differentiation functions.

Conclusions

We conclude that the two main functions of MSCs (immunomodulation and differentiation) are blocked, at least while the inflammation is being resolved. Inflammation, at least partially mediated by gamma-interferon, drives MSCs to a cellular distress adopting a defensive state. This knowledge could be of particular interest in cases where the damage to be repaired has an important immune-mediated component.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1894-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Electrospinning Nanofibers for Therapeutics Delivery

The limitations of conventional therapeutic drugs necessitate the importance of developing novel therapeutics to treat diverse diseases. Conventional drugs have poor blood circulation time and are not stable or compatible with the biological system. Nanomaterials, with their exceptional structural properties, have gained significance as promising materials for the development of novel therapeutics. Nanofibers with unique physiochemical and biological properties have gained significant attention in the field of health care and biomedical research. The choice of a wide variety of materials for nanofiber fabrication, along with the release of therapeutic payload in sustained and controlled release patterns, make nanofibers an ideal material for drug delivery research. Electrospinning is the conventional method for fabricating nanofibers with different morphologies and is often used for the mass production of nanofibers. This review highlights the recent advancements in the use of nanofibers for the delivery of therapeutic drugs, nucleic acids and growth factors. A detailed mechanism for fabricating different types of nanofiber produced from electrospinning, and factors influencing nanofiber generation, are discussed. The insights from this review can provide a thorough understanding of the precise selection of materials used for fabricating nanofibers for specific therapeutic applications and also the importance of nanofibers for drug delivery applications.

Interpretation of the Role of Composition on the Inclusion Efficiency of Monovalent Cations into Cobalt Hexacyanoferrate

Cobalt hexacyanoferrate of various compositions was prepared in flow mode and the role of the vacancy on the structure, thermogravimetric (TG) properties, and the adsorption efficiency was studied. The material, Na_y Co[Fe(CN)₆ ]_1-x ⋅z H₂ O, with a minimum vacancy of x=0.014 to the highest x=0.47, was obtained. The TG-differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) profile showed a distinct influence of the vacancy on the water release temperature. Materials with x>0.35 showed a smooth release of water at a relatively lower temperature. However, for the materials with x<0.35, water release took place in multiple steps, suggesting the existence of various forms of water. The FTIR profiles supported the existence of free and bonded water molecules. However, the materials with multiple water peaks in the FTIR spectra showed a shift of the major XRD peaks when heated at 285 °C in N₂ atmosphere. Regarding the effect of the vacancy on the adsorption behavior, for NH₄ , the adsorption was found to be proportional to the number of Na atoms in the material, confirming the ion-exchange process. On the contrary, the materials with low vacancy and high Na content showed nominal Cs adsorption capacity. Interestingly, the K adsorption capacity was found to be in between that of the other two ions. This means the ionic size decides the rate of placement into the interstitial sites. For larger ions like Cs, the ease of percolation via the vacancy decides the overall adsorption efficiency.

Melatonin decorated 3D-printed beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds promoting bone regeneration in a rat calvarial defect model

3D-printed β-TCP scaffolds decorated with melatonin via dopamine mussel-inspired chemistry enhance the osteogenesis and in vivo bone regeneration.

Osteogenesis and angiogenesis are simultaneously enhanced in BMP2-/VEGF-transfected adipose stem cells through activation of the YAP/TAZ signaling pathway

While bone has the capability to heal itself, there is a great difficulty in reconstituting large bone defects created by heavy trauma or the resection of malignant tumors.

Comparing hydroxyapatite with osteogenic medium for the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on PHBV nanofibrous scaffolds

Having advantageous biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties known to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hydroxyapatite (HA) is a commonly used material for bone tissue engineering. What remains unclear, however, is whether HA holds a similar potential for stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs to that of a more frequently used osteogenic-inducing medium (OIM). To that end, we used PHBV electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds to directly compare the osteogenic capacities of HA with OIM over MSCs. Through the observation of cellular morphology, the staining of osteogenic markers, and the quantitative measuring of osteogenic-related genes, as well as microRNA analyses, we not only found that HA was as capable as OIM for differentiating MSCs down an osteogenic lineage; albeit, at a significantly slower rate, but also that numerous microRNAs are involved in the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs through multiple pathways involving the inhibition of cellular proliferation and stemness, chondrogenesis and adipogenesis, and the active promotion of osteogenesis. Taken together, we have shown for the first time that PHBV electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds combined with HA have a similar osteogenic-inducing potential as OIM and may therefore be used as a viable replacement for OIM for alternative in vivo-mimicking bone tissue engineering applications.