Orbital fluid shear stress promotes osteoblast metabolism, proliferation and alkaline phosphates activity in vitro

Molecular mechanism of Xiaohuoluo wan for rheumatoid arthritis by integrating in vitro and in vivo chemomics and network pharmacology

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. Xiaohuoluo wan (XHLW) is a classical Chinese medicine that is particularly effective in the treatment of RA. Given the chemical composition of XHLW at the overall level has been little studied and the molecular mechanism for the treatment of RA is not clear, we searched for the potential active compounds of XHLW and explored their anti-inflammatory mechanism in the treatment of RA by flexibly integrating the high-resolution ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS)-based in vitro and in vivo chemomics, network pharmacology, and other means. The results of the study identified that the active compounds of XHLW, such as alkaloids, nucleosides, and fatty acids, may play an anti-inflammatory role by regulating key targets such as IL-2, STAT1, JAK3, and MAPK8, inducing immune response through IL-17 signaling pathway, T-cell receptor, FoxO, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and so forth, inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors and resisting oxidative stress and other pathways to treat RA. The results of this study provide referable data for the screening of active compounds and the exploration of molecular mechanisms of XHLW in the treatment of RA.

Fluid flow-induced modulation of viability and osteodifferentiation of periodontal ligament stem cell spheroids-on-chip

Developing physiologically relevant in vitro models for studying periodontitis is crucial for understanding its pathogenesis and developing effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we aimed to integrate the spheroid culture of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) within a spheroid-on-chip microfluidic perfusion platform and to investigate the influence of interstitial fluid flow on morphogenesis, cellular viability, and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSC spheroids. PDLSC spheroids were seeded onto the spheroid-on-chip microfluidic device and cultured under static and flow conditions. Computational analysis demonstrated the translation of fluid flow rates of 1.2 μl min-1 (low-flow) and 7.2 μl min-1 (high-flow) to maximum fluid shear stress of 59 μPa and 360 μPa for low and high-flow conditions, respectively. The spheroid-on-chip microfluidic perfusion platform allowed for modulation of flow conditions leading to larger PDLSC spheroids with improved cellular viability under flow compared to static conditions. Modulation of fluid flow enhanced the osteodifferentiation potential of PDLSC spheroids, demonstrated by significantly enhanced alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase expression. Additionally, flow conditions, especially high-flow conditions, exhibited extensive calcium staining across both peripheral and central regions of the spheroids, in contrast to the predominantly peripheral staining observed under static conditions. These findings highlight the importance of fluid flow in shaping the morphological and functional properties of PDLSC spheroids. This work paves the way for future investigations exploring the interactions between PDLSC spheroids, microbial pathogens, and biomaterials within a controlled fluidic environment, offering insights for the development of innovative periodontal therapies, tissue engineering strategies, and regenerative approaches.

Strategies to promote tendon-bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Present and future

At present, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction still has a high failure rate. Tendon graft and bone tunnel surface angiogenesis and bony ingrowth are the main physiological processes of tendon-bone healing, and also the main reasons for the postoperative efficacy of ACL reconstruction. Poor tendon-bone healing has been also identified as one of the main causes of unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. The physiological process of tendon-bone healing is complicated because the tendon-bone junction requires the organic fusion of the tendon graft with the bone tissue. The failure of the operation is often caused by tendon dislocation or scar healing. Therefore, it is important to study the possible risk factors for tendon-bone healing and strategies to promote it. This review comprehensively analyzed the risk factors contributing to tendon-bone healing failure after ACL reconstruction. Additionally, we discuss the current strategies used to promote tendon-bone healing following ACL reconstruction.

MiR-20a: a mechanosensitive microRNA that regulates fluid shear stress-mediated osteogenic differentiation via the BMP2 signaling pathway by targeting BAMBI and SMAD6

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of diverse biological and pathological processes. This study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA 20a (miR-20a) in fluid shear stress (FSS)-mediated osteogenic differentiation.

Methods

In the present study, we subjected osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells or mouse bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) to single bout short duration FSS (12 dyn/cm² for 1 hour) using a parallel plate flow system. The expression of miR-20a was quantified by miRNA array profiling and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) during FSS-mediated osteogenic differentiation. The expression of osteogenic differentiation markers such as Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and SP7 transcription factor (SP7) was detected. Bioinformatics analysis and a luciferase assay were performed to confirm the potential targets of miR-20a.

Results

Osteoblast-expressed miR-20a is sensitive to the mechanical environments of FSS, which are differentially up-regulated during steady FSS-mediated osteogenic differentiation. MiR-20a enhances FSS-induced osteoblast differentiation by activating the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) signaling pathway. Both BMP and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) and mothers against decapentaplegic family member 6 (SMAD6) are targets of miR-20a that negatively regulate the BMP2 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

MiR-20a is a novel mechanosensitive miRNA that can enhance osteoblast differentiation in FSS mechanical environments, implying that this miRNA might be a target for bone tissue engineering and orthodontic bone remodeling for regenerative medicine applications.

Effects of Mechanical Stress Stimulation on Function and Expression Mechanism of Osteoblasts

Osteoclasts and osteoblasts play a major role in bone tissue homeostasis. The homeostasis and integrity of bone tissue are maintained by ensuring a balance between osteoclastic and osteogenic activities. The remodeling of bone tissue is a continuous ongoing process. Osteoclasts mainly play a role in bone resorption, whereas osteoblasts are mainly involved in bone remodeling processes, such as bone cell formation, mineralization, and secretion. These cell types balance and restrict each other to maintain bone tissue metabolism. Bone tissue is very sensitive to mechanical stress stimulation. Unloading and loading of mechanical stress are closely related to the differentiation and formation of osteoclasts and bone resorption function as well as the differentiation and formation of osteoblasts and bone formation function. Consequently, mechanical stress exerts an important influence on the bone microenvironment and bone metabolism. This review focuses on the effects of different forms of mechanical stress stimulation (including gravity, continuously compressive pressure, tensile strain, and fluid shear stress) on osteoclast and osteoblast function and expression mechanism. This article highlights the involvement of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in activating different mechanical transduction pathways and reports changings in their differentiation, formation, and functional mechanism induced by the application of different types of mechanical stress to bone tissue. This review could provide new ideas for further microscopic studies of bone health, disease, and tissue damage reconstruction.

Biofabrication of the osteochondral unit and its applications: Current and future directions for 3D bioprinting

Multiple prevalent diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA), for which there is no cure or full understanding, affect the osteochondral unit; a complex interface tissue whose architecture, mechanical nature and physiological characteristics are still yet to be successfully reproduced in vitro. Although there have been multiple tissue engineering-based approaches to recapitulate the three dimensional (3D) structural complexity of the osteochondral unit, there are various aspects that still need to be improved. This review presents the different pre-requisites necessary to develop a human osteochondral unit construct and focuses on 3D bioprinting as a promising manufacturing technique. Examples of 3D bioprinted osteochondral tissues are reviewed, focusing on the most used bioinks, chosen cell types and growth factors. Further information regarding the applications of these 3D bioprinted tissues in the fields of disease modelling, drug testing and implantation is presented. Finally, special attention is given to the limitations that currently hold back these 3D bioprinted tissues from being used as models to investigate diseases such as OA. Information regarding improvements needed in bioink development, bioreactor use, vascularisation and inclusion of additional tissues to further complete an OA disease model, are presented. Overall, this review gives an overview of the evolution in 3D bioprinting of the osteochondral unit and its applications, as well as further illustrating limitations and improvements that could be performed explicitly for disease modelling.

Direct visualization by FRET-FLIM of a putative mechanosome complex involving Src, Pyk2 and MBD2 in living MLO-Y4 cells

Earlier, we proposed the “mechanosome” concept as a testable model for understanding how mechanical stimuli detected by cell surface adhesion molecules are transmitted to modulate gene expression inside cells. Here, for the first time we document a putative mechanosome involving Src, Pyk2 and MBD2 in MLO-Y4 osteocytes with high spatial resolution using FRET-FLIM. Src-Pyk2 complexes were concentrated at the periphery of focal adhesions and the peri-nuclear region. Pyk2-MBD2 complexes were located primarily in the nucleus and peri-nuclear region. Lifetime measurements indicated that Src and MBD2 did not interact directly. Finally, mechanical stimulation by fluid flow induced apparent accumulation of Src-Pyk2 protein complexes in the peri-nuclear/nuclear region, consistent with the proposed behavior of a mechanosome in response to a mechanical stimulus.

PlateFlo - A software-controllable plate-scale perfusion system for culture of adherent cells

Here we present a versatile system for milliliter-scale perfusion culture of adherent cells that can be built using basic tools, based on a readily available one-well culture plate (84 cm² culture area). Media composition and flow paths can be programmatically controlled via USB serial interface using the FETbox hardware controller and associated PlateFlo Python package. The FETbox can control up to five high current 12 V devices such as common pinch valves, solenoids, and DC motor peristaltic pumps. It was designed to be easily customized with built-in accommodation for additional electronic components (e.g. analog sensors and input), use of the ubiquitous Arduino Nano platform, and easily expanded serial communication protocol. Multiple FETboxes can be used in parallel for additional devices. Applications of the PlateFlo system include perfusion culture of laboratory experiments requiring large cell numbers including genome-scale genetic screens and proteomics, as well as novel perfusion schemes including dynamic media conditions and sequential cell culture.

The effects of biophysical stimulation on osteogenic differentiation and the mechanisms from ncRNAs

Ample proof showed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a crucial role in proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Varied forms of biophysical stimuli like mechanical strain, fluid shear stress (FSS), microgravity and vibration are verified to regulate ncRNAs expression in osteogenic differentiation and influence the expression of target genes associated with osteogenic differentiation and ultimately regulate bone formation. The consequences of biophysical stimulation on osteogenic differentiation validate the prospect of exercise for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. In this review, we tend to summarize the studies on regulation of osteogenic differentiation by ncRNAs beneath biophysical stimulation and facilitate to reveal the regulatory mechanism of biophysical stimulation on ncRNAs, and provide an update for the prevention of bone metabolism diseases by exercise.

Bioinspired mineralized collagen scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Successful regeneration of large segmental bone defects remains a major challenge in clinical orthopedics, thus it is of important significance to fabricate a suitable alternative material to stimulate bone regeneration. Due to their excellent biocompatibility, sufficient mechanical strength, and similar structure and composition of natural bone, the mineralized collagen scaffolds (MCSs) have been increasingly used as bone substitutes via tissue engineering approaches. Herein, we thoroughly summarize the state of the art of MCSs as tissue-engineered scaffolds for acceleration of bone repair, including their fabrication methods, critical factors for osteogenesis regulation, current opportunities and challenges in the future. First, the current fabrication methods for MCSs, mainly including direct mineral composite, in-situ mineralization and 3D printing techniques, have been proposed to improve their biomimetic physical structures in this review. Meanwhile, three aspects of physical (mechanics and morphology), biological (cells and growth factors) and chemical (composition and cross-linking) cues are described as the critical factors for regulating the osteogenic feature of MCSs. Finally, the opportunities and challenges associated with MCSs as bone tissue-engineered scaffolds are also discussed to point out the future directions for building the next generation of MCSs that should be endowed with satisfactorily mimetic structures and appropriately biological characters for bone regeneration.

A modular programmed biphasic dual-delivery system on 3D ceramic scaffolds for osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo

Single-factor delivery is the most common characteristic of bone tissue engineering techniques. However, bone regeneration is a complex process requiring multiple factors and specialized release mechanisms. Therefore, the development of a dual-delivery system allowing for programmed release kinetics would be highly desirable. Improvement of the molarity and versatility of the delivery system has rarely been studied. Herein, we report the development of a novel, modular programmed biphasic dual-release system (SCB), carrying a BMP2 and an engineered collagen I-derived recognition motif (Stath-DGEA), with a self-remodification feature on hydroxyapatite (HA)-based materials. The SCB system was loaded onto an additive manufactured (AM) scaffold in order to evaluate its bifactor osteogenic potential and its biphasic release behavior. Further, the biomechanical properties of the scaffold were studied by using the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method. Section fluorescent labeling revealed that the HA scaffold has a relatively higher density and efficiency. Additionally, the results of the release and inhibition experiment suggested that the SCB system could facilitate the sustained release of therapeutic levels of two factors during the initial stage of implantation, thereby exhibiting a rapid high-dose release pattern at a specific time point during the second stage. The FSI prediction model indicated that the scaffold provides an excellent biomimetic mechanical and fluid dynamic microenvironment to promote osteogenesis. Our results indicated that incorporation of BMP2 with Stath-DGEA in the biphasic SCB system could have a synergetic effect in promoting the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro, under staged stimulations. Further, in vivo studies in both ectopic and orthotopic rat models showed that the SCB system loaded onto an AM scaffold could enhance osteointegration and osteoinduction throughout the osteogenic process. Thus, the novel synthetic SCB system described herein used on an AM scaffold provides a biomimetic extracellular environment that enhances bone regeneration and is a promising multifunctional, dual-release platform.

Effects of occlusal forces on the peri-implant-bone interface stability

The occlusal forces and their influence on the initiation of peri-implant bone loss or their relationship with peri-implantitis have created discussion during the past 30 years given the discrepancies observed in clinical, animal, and finite element analysis studies. Beyond these contradictions, in the case of an osseointegrated implant, the occlusal forces can influence the implant-bone interface and the cells responsible for the bone remodeling in different ways that may result in the maintenance or loss of the osseointegration. This comprehensive review focuses on the information available about the forces transmitted through the implant-crown system to the implant-bone interface and the mechano-transduction phenomena responsible for the bone cells' behavior and their interactions. Knowledge of the basic molecular biology of the peri-implant bone would help clinicians to understand the complex phenomenon of occlusal forces and their effects on the implant-bone interface, and would allow better control of the negative effects of mechanical stresses, leading to therapy with fewer risks and complications.

Changes in Human Foetal Osteoblasts Exposed to the Random Positioning Machine and Bone Construct Tissue Engineering

Human cells, when exposed to both real and simulated microgravity (s-µg), form 3D tissue constructs mirroring in vivo architectures (e.g., cartilage, intima constructs, cancer spheroids and others). In this study, we exposed human foetal osteoblast (hFOB 1.19) cells to a Random Positioning Machine (RPM) for 7 days and 14 days, with the purpose of investigating the effects of s-µg on biological processes and to engineer 3D bone constructs. RPM exposure of the hFOB 1.19 cells induces alterations in the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, extra cellular matrix (ECM) and the 3D multicellular spheroid (MCS) formation. In addition, after 7 days, it influences the morphological appearance of these cells, as it forces adherent cells to detach from the surface and assemble into 3D structures. The RPM-exposed hFOB 1.19 cells exhibited a differential gene expression of the following genes: transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1, bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2), SRY-Box 9 (SOX9), actin beta (ACTB), beta tubulin (TUBB), vimentin (VIM), laminin subunit alpha 1 (LAMA1), collagen type 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1), phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and fibronectin 1 (FN1). RPM exposure also induced a significantly altered release of the cytokines and bone biomarkers sclerostin (SOST), osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor 1 alpha (TNF-1α). After the two-week RPM exposure, the spheroids presented a bone-specific morphology. In conclusion, culturing cells in s-µg under gravitational unloading represents a novel technology for tissue-engineering of bone constructs and it can be used for investigating the mechanisms behind spaceflight-related bone loss as well as bone diseases such as osteonecrosis or bone injuries.

miR-181c-5p mediates simulated microgravity-induced impaired osteoblast proliferation by promoting cell cycle arrested in the G2 phase

Impaired osteoblast proliferation plays fundamental roles in microgravity‐induced bone loss, and cell cycle imbalance may result in abnormal osteoblast proliferation. However, whether microgravity exerts an influence on the cell cycle in osteoblasts or what mechanisms may underlie such an effect remains to be fully elucidated. Herein, we confirmed that simulated microgravity inhibits osteoblast proliferation. Then, we investigated the effect of mechanical unloading on the osteoblast cell cycle and found that simulated microgravity arrested the osteoblast cell cycle in the G₂ phase. In addition, our data showed that cell cycle arrest in osteoblasts from simulated microgravity was mainly because of decreased cyclin B1 expression. Furthermore, miR‐181c‐5p directly inhibited cyclin B1 protein translation by binding to a target site in the 3′UTR. Lastly, we demonstrated that inhibition of miR‐181c‐5p partially counteracted cell cycle arrest and decreased the osteoblast proliferation induced by simulated microgravity. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that simulated microgravity inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest in the G₂ phase in primary mouse osteoblasts partially through the miR‐181c‐5p/cyclin B1 pathway. This work may provide a novel mechanism of microgravity‐induced detrimental effects on osteoblasts and offer a new avenue to further investigate bone loss induced by mechanical unloading.

Simulated microgravity reduces intracellular-free calcium concentration by inhibiting calcium channels in primary mouse osteoblasts

Calcium homeostasis in osteoblasts plays fundamental roles in the physiology and pathology of bone tissue. Various types of mechanical stimuli promote osteogenesis and increase bone formation elicit increases in intracellular-free calcium concentration in osteoblasts. However, whether microgravity, a condition of mechanical unloading, exerts an influence on intracellular-free calcium concentration in osteoblasts or what mechanisms may underlie such an effect are unclear. Herein, we show that simulated microgravity reduces intracellular-free calcium concentration in primary mouse osteoblasts. In addition, simulated microgravity substantially suppresses the activities of L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels, which selectively allow calcium to cross the plasma membrane from the extracellular space. Moreover, the functional expression of ryanodine receptors and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, which mediate the release of calcium from intracellular storage, decreased under simulated microgravity conditions. These results suggest that simulated microgravity substantially reduces intracellular-free calcium concentration through inhibition of calcium channels in primary mouse osteoblasts. Our study may provide a novel mechanism for microgravity-induced detrimental effects in osteoblasts, offering a new avenue to further investigate bone loss induced by mechanical unloading.

Osteoblast-targeted delivery of miR-33-5p attenuates osteopenia development induced by mechanical unloading in mice

A growing body of evidence has revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating osteoblasts and bone metabolism. However, the effects of miRNAs in osteoblast mechanotransduction remain to be defined. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effect of miR-33-5p in osteoblasts and tested its anti-osteopenia effect when delivered by an osteoblast-targeting delivery system in vivo. First, we demonstrated that miR-33-5p could promote the activity and mineralization of osteoblasts without influencing their proliferation in vitro. Then our data showed that supplementing miR-33-5p in osteoblasts by a targeted delivery system partially recovered the osteopenia induced by mechanical unloading at the biochemical, microstructural, and biomechanical levels. In summary, our findings demonstrate that miR-33-5p is a key factor in the occurrence and development of the osteopenia induced by mechanical unloading. In addition, targeted delivery of the mimics of miR-33-5p is a promising new strategy for the treatment of pathological osteopenia.

IGF-1 signaling mediated cell-specific skeletal mechano-transduction

Mechanical loading preserves bone mass and stimulates bone formation, whereas skeletal unloading leads to bone loss. In addition to osteocytes, which are considered the primary sensor of mechanical load, osteoblasts, and bone specific mesenchymal stem cells also are involved. The skeletal response to mechanical signals is a complex process regulated by multiple signaling pathways including that of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Conditional osteocyte deletion of IGF-1 ablates the osteogenic response to mechanical loading. Similarly, osteocyte IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) expression is necessary for reloading-induced periosteal bone formation. Transgenic overexpression of IGF-1 in osteoblasts results in enhanced responsiveness to in vivo mechanical loading in mice, a response which is eliminated by osteoblastic conditional disruption of IGF-1 in vivo. Bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSC) from unloaded bone fail to respond to IGF-1 in vitro. IGF-1R is required for the transduction of a mechanical stimulus to downstream effectors, transduction which is lost when the IGF-1R is deleted. Although the molecular mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated, the IGF signaling pathway and its interactions with potentially interlinked signaling cascades involving integrins, the estrogen receptor, and wnt/β-catenin play an important role in regulating adaptive response of cancer bone cells to mechanical stimuli. In this review, we discuss recent advances investigating how IGF-1 and other interlinked molecules and signaling pathways regulate skeletal mechano-transduction involving different bone cells, providing an overview of the IGF-1 signaling mediated cell-specific response to mechanical stimuli. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:576-583, 2018.

Mechanical Loading Improves Tendon-Bone Healing in a Rabbit Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Model by Promoting Proliferation and Matrix Formation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Tendon Cells

Background/Aims: This study investigated the effect of mechanical stress on tendon-bone healing in a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction model as well as cell proliferation and matrix formation in co-culture of bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and tendon cells (TCs). Methods: The effect of continuous passive motion (CPM) therapy on tendon-bone healing in a rabbit ACL reconstruction model was evaluated by histological analysis, biomechanical testing and gene expressions at the tendon-bone interface. Furthermore, the effect of mechanical stretch on cell proliferation and matrix synthesis in BMSC/TC co-culture was also examined. Results: Postoperative CPM therapy significantly enhanced tendon-bone healing, as evidenced by increased amount of fibrocartilage, elevated ultimate load to failure levels, and up-regulated gene expressions of Collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, Tenascin C and tenomodulin at the tendon-bone junction. In addition, BMSC/TC co-culture treated with mechanical stretch showed a higher rate of cell proliferation and enhanced expressions of Collagen I, Collagen III, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, Tenascin C and tenomodulin than that of controls. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that proliferation and differentiation of local precursor cells could be enhanced by mechanical stimulation, which results in enhanced regenerative potential of BMSCs and TCs in tendon-bone healing.

In Vitro Bone Cell Models: Impact of Fluid Shear Stress on Bone Formation

This review describes the role of bone cells and their surrounding matrix in maintaining bone strength through the process of bone remodeling. Subsequently, this work focusses on how bone formation is guided by mechanical forces and fluid shear stress in particular. It has been demonstrated that mechanical stimulation is an important regulator of bone metabolism. Shear stress generated by interstitial fluid flow in the lacunar-canalicular network influences maintenance and healing of bone tissue. Fluid flow is primarily caused by compressive loading of bone as a result of physical activity. Changes in loading, e.g., due to extended periods of bed rest or microgravity in space are associated with altered bone remodeling and formation in vivo. In vitro, it has been reported that bone cells respond to fluid shear stress by releasing osteogenic signaling factors, such as nitric oxide, and prostaglandins. This work focusses on the application of in vitro models to study the effects of fluid flow on bone cell signaling, collagen deposition, and matrix mineralization. Particular attention is given to in vitro set-ups, which allow long-term cell culture and the application of low fluid shear stress. In addition, this review explores what mechanisms influence the orientation of collagen fibers, which determine the anisotropic properties of bone. A better understanding of these mechanisms could facilitate the design of improved tissue-engineered bone implants or more effective bone disease models.

Cyclic Compressive Stress Regulates Apoptosis in Rat Osteoblasts: Involvement of PI3K/Akt and JNK MAPK Signaling Pathways

It is widely accepted that physiological mechanical stimulation suppresses apoptosis and induces synthesis of extracellular matrix by osteoblasts; however, the effect of stress overloading on osteoblasts has not been fully illustrated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of cyclic compressive stress on rat osteoblasts apoptosis, using a novel liquid drop method to generate mechanical stress on osteoblast monolayers. After treatment with different levels of mechanical stress, apoptosis of osteoblasts and activations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and PI3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways were investigated. Osteoblasts apoptosis was observed after treated with specific inhibitors prior to mechanical stimulation. Protein levels of Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 signaling were determined using western blot with or without inhibitors of PI3K/Akt and phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK. Results showed that mechanical stimulation led to osteoblasts apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner and a remarkable activation of MAPKs and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Activation of PI3K/Akt protected against apoptosis, whereas JNK MAPK increased apoptosis via regulation of Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 activation. In summary, the PI3K/Akt and JNK MAPK signaling pathways played opposing roles in osteoblasts apoptosis, resulting in inhibition of apoptosis upon small-magnitude stress and increased apoptosis upon large-magnitude stress.

Bioprinting Organotypic Hydrogels with Improved Mesenchymal Stem Cell Remodeling and Mineralization Properties for Bone Tissue Engineering

3D-manufactured hydrogels with precise contours and biological adhesion motifs are interesting candidates in the regenerative medicine field for the culture and differentiation of human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). 3D-bioprinting is a powerful technique to approach one step closer the native organization of cells. This study investigates the effect of the incorporation of collagen type I in 3D-bioprinted polysaccharide-based hydrogels to the modulation of cell morphology, osteogenic remodeling potential, and mineralization. By combining thermo-responsive agarose hydrogels with collagen type I, the mechanical stiffness and printing contours of printed constructs can be improved compared to pure collagen hydrogels which are typically used as standard materials for MSC osteogenic differentiation. The results presented here show that MSC not only survive the 3D-bioprinting process but also maintain the mesenchymal phenotype, as proved by live/dead staining and immunocytochemistry (vimentin positive, CD34 negative). Increased solids concentrations of collagen in the hydrogel blend induce changes in cell morphology, namely, by enhancing cell spreading, that ultimately contribute to enhanced and directed MSC osteogenic differentiation. 3D-bioprinted agarose-collagen hydrogels with high-collagen ratio are therefore feasible for MSC osteogenic differentiation, contrarily to low-collagen blends, as proved by two-photon microscopy, Alizarin Red staining, and real-time polymerase chain reaction.

miR-33-5p, a novel mechano-sensitive microRNA promotes osteoblast differentiation by targeting Hmga2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) interfere with the translation of specific target mRNAs and are thought to thereby regulate many cellular processes. However, the role of miRNAs in osteoblast mechanotransduction remains to be defined. In this study, we investigated the ability of a miRNA to respond to different mechanical environments and regulate mechano-induced osteoblast differentiation. First, we demonstrated that miR-33-5p expressed by osteoblasts is sensitive to multiple mechanical environments, microgravity and fluid shear stress. We then confirmed the ability of miR-33-5p to promote osteoblast differentiation. Microgravity or fluid shear stress influences osteoblast differentiation partially via miR-33-5p. Through bioinformatics analysis and a luciferase assay, we subsequently confirmed that Hmga2 is a target gene of miR-33-5p that negatively regulates osteoblast differentiation. Moreover, miR-33-5p regulates osteoblast differentiation partially via Hmga2. In summary, our findings demonstrate that miR-33-5p is a novel mechano-sensitive miRNA that can promote osteoblast differentiation and participate in the regulation of differentiation induced by changes in the mechanical environment, suggesting this miRNA as a potential target for the treatment of pathological bone loss.

Flocculation kinetics mechanism and floc formation prepared by poly aluminum chloride coupled with polyacrylamide for ship ballast water

The performance of flocculants prepared by poly aluminum chloride (PAC) and polyacrylamide (PAM) on treating ballast water collected at the Dalian new port area, the evaluation depending on the values of reaction parameters, and kinetics mechanism of flocculation were investigated in this study. Accordingly, the flocculants of 0.1 g·L(-1), prepared by mixing PAC of 10% with PAM of 2.0‰, enabled the removal rate of zooplankton and phytoplankton to reach 91% in ballast water at 20 °C. Based on flocculation kinetics mechanism analysis, the efficient vortex size during stirring should be larger than the floc particles, and gradient of fluctuating velocity provide the impetus for turbulence flocculation. The results of this study could be relevant to understanding particle-floc interactions during developmental flocculation, and during application of ballast water treatment.