Osteoblastic networks with deficient coupling: differential effects of magnetic and electric field exposure

Pulsed electromagnetic field attenuates bone fragility in estrogen-deficient osteoporosis in rats

BACKGROUND

The pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) seem effective in increasing bone mineral density and promoting osteogenesis and bone healing.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of two different modalities of PEMFs therapy in comparison with the recommended pharmacological treatment on experimental osteoporosis in rats.

METHODS

The experimental model of estrogen-deficient osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy was used in this study. The animals were exposed to PEMFs of various frequencies (40 Hz and 25 Hzk), intensities (10 mT and 36.4 μT), lengths of exposure, and the effects were compared with the standard treatment with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation.

RESULTS

The application of PEMF40Hz, significantly reduced the osteoporotic bone loss in female rats that were confirmed with biochemical, biomechanical, and histological analyses. These effects were more pronounced than in osteoporotic animals treated with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation. On the contrary, the exposure to PEMF25Hz did not show restorative effects but led to further progression of osteoporosis.

CONCLUSION

The exposure to PEMF40Hz, significantly restored osteoporosis and attenuated bone fragility in comparison to the rats exposed to PEMF25Hz or those treated with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation.

Modulating OPG and TGF-β1 mRNA expression via bioelectrical stimulation

BACKGROUND

Bone remodeling is a lifelong process that ranges from orthodontic tooth movement/alignment to bone damage/healing, to overall bone health. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) are secreted by osteoblasts and participate in bone remodeling. OPG promotes bone remineralization and stabilization prominent in post-mechanical repositioning of the teeth in the dental alveolus. TGF-β1 participates in regulatory processes to promote osteoblast and osteoclast equilibrium. In the context of orthodontic tooth movement, post-treatment fixation requires additional, exogenous, stabilization support. Recent research showcases supplementary solutions, in conjunction to standard tooth fixation techniques, such as OPG injections into gum and periodontal tissues to accelerate tooth anchorage; however, injections are prone to post-procedure complications and discomfort. This study utilizes noninvasive bioelectric stimulation (BES) to modulate OPG and TGF-β1 as a novel solution to regulate bone remineralization specifically in the context of post-orthodontic tooth movement.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate a spectrum of BES parameters that would modulate OPG and TGF-β1 expression in osteoblasts.

METHODS

Osteoblasts were cultured and stimulated using frequencies from 25 Hz to 3 MHz. RT-qPCR was used to quantify changes in OPG and TGFb-1 mRNA expression.

RESULTS

OPG mRNA expression was significantly increased at frequencies above 10,000 Hz with a maximum expression increase of 332 ± 8% at 100 kHz. Conversely, OPG mRNA expression was downregulated at frequencies lower than 1000 Hz. TGF-β1 mRNA expression increased throughout all stimulation frequencies with a peak of 332 ± 72% at 250 kHz. Alizarin Red tests for calcium, indicated that mineralization of stimulated osteoblasts in vitro increased 28% after 6 weeks in culture.

DISCUSSION

Results support the working hypothesis that OPG and TGF-β1 mRNA expression can be modulated through BES. Noninvasive BES approaches have the potential to accelerate bone remineralization by providing a novel tool to supplement the anchorage process, reduce complications, and promote patient compliance and reduce post-treatment relapse. Noninvasive BES may be applicable to other clinical applications as a novel therapeutic tool to modulate bone remodeling.

Prolonged UV-C Irradiation is a Double-Edged Sword on the Zirconia Surface

Zirconia has become an excellent choice of dental implants because of its excellent mechanical strength, aesthetic, and biocompatibility. Although some studies have shown ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is effective to photofunctionalize dental zirconia that can improve osteoblastic function, the scattered information has not identified the most effective exposure time and wavelength of UV. Herein, this study has investigated the effects of UV irradiation on zirconia after UV-A (365 nm) or UV-C (243 nm) photofunctionalization for different times (15 min, 3 and 24 h). After irradiation, the zirconia surface was analyzed by color spectrophotometry, scanned electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, water contact angle (WCA) with goniometer, and X-ray diffraction. Osteoblastic (MC3T3-E1) cells were cultured on zirconia discs and evaluated with a CCK-8 test kit for cell proliferation (3 h and 1 day) and with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity (14 days). Significant color change (ΔE) was observed by irradiating with UV-C for 15 min (1.99), 3 h (1.92), and 24 h (3.35), whereas only minute changes were observed with UV-A (respectively, ΔE: 0.18, 0.14, 0.57). No surface textural changes were observed nor a monoclinic phase was detected on both the UV-A and UV-C irradiated samples. UV-C significantly decreased the C/Zr ratios and WCA, with irradiating for 24 h presenting the lowest values, and it was the only condition to give significantly higher ALP activity at 14 days (p < 0.05) and CCK-8 values for 1 day culture (p < 0.05). It is concluded that UV-C (but not UV-A) irradiation can significantly change the aesthetic in color, and only prolonged 24 h UV-C irradiation can enhance MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion on zirconia by photofunctionalization.

Effects of Static Magnetic Fields on Bone Formation in Rat Osteoblast Cultures

Although the promotional effects on osteoblasts of pulsed electromagnetic fields have been well-demonstrated, the effects of static magnetic fields (SMF) remain unclear; nevertheless, magnets have been clinically used as a ’force source’ in various orthodontic treatments. We undertook the present investigation to study the effects of SMF on osteoblastic differentiation, proliferation, and bone nodule formation using a rat calvaria cell culture. During a 20-day culture, the values of the total area and the number and average size of bone nodules showed high levels in the presence of SMF. In the matrix development and mineralization stages, the calcium content in the matrix and two markers of osteoblastic phenotype (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) also showed a significant increase. Accordingly, these findings suggest that SMF stimulates bone formation by promoting osteoblastic differentiation and/or activation.

Synergistic effect of exogeneous and endogeneous electrostimulation on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells seeded on silk scaffolds

Bioelectrical regulation of bone fracture healing is important for many cellular events such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the osteogenic differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultivated on silk scaffolds in response to different modes of electrostimulation (e.g., exogeneous and/or endogeneous). Endogeneous electrophysiology was altered through the use of monensin (10 nM) and glibenclamide (10 μM), along with external electrostimulation (60 kHz; 100-500 mV). Monensin enhanced the expression of early osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2). When exogeneous electrostimulation was combined with glibenclamide, more mature osteogenic marker upregulation based on bone sialoprotein expression (BSP) and mineralization was found. These results suggest the potential to exploit both exogeneous and endogeneous biophysical control of cell functions towards tissue-specific goals.

Connexins in the skeleton

Shaping of the skeleton (modeling) and its maintenance throughout life (remodeling) require coordinated activity among bone forming (osteoblasts) and resorbing cells (osteoclasts) and osteocytes (bone embedded cells). The gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) has emerged as a key modulator of skeletal growth and homeostasis. The skeletal developmental abnormalities present in oculodentodigital and craniometaphyseal dysplasias, both linked to Cx43 gene (GJA1) mutations, demonstrate that the skeleton is a major site of Cx43 action. Via direct action on osteolineage cells, including altering production of pro-osteoclastogenic factors, Cx43 contributes to peak bone mass acquisition, cortical modeling of long bones, and maintenance of bone quality. Cx43 also contributes in diverse ways to bone responsiveness to hormonal and mechanical signals. Skeletal biology research has revealed the complexity of Cx43 function; in addition to forming gap junctions and "hemichannels", Cx43 provides a scaffold for signaling molecules. Hence, Cx43 actively participates in generation and modulation of cellular signals driving skeletal development and homeostasis. Pharmacological interference with Cx43 may in the future help remedy deterioration of bone quality occurring with aging, disuse and hormonal imbalances.

Establishment of a novel in vitro test setup for electric and magnetic stimulation of human osteoblasts

When large defects occur, bone regeneration can be supported by bone grafting and biophysical stimuli like electric and magnetic stimulation (EMS). Clinically established EMS modes are external coils and surgical implants like an electroinductive screw system, which combines a magnetic and electric field, e.g., for the treatment of avascular bone necrosis or pseudarthrosis. For optimization of this implant system, an in vitro test setup was designed to investigate effects of EMS on human osteoblasts on different 3D scaffolds (based on calcium phosphate and collagen). Prior to the cell experiments, numerical simulations of the setup, as well as experimental validation, via measurements of the electric parameters induced by EMS were conducted. Human osteoblasts (3 × 10(5) cells) were seeded onto the scaffolds and cultivated. After 24 h, screw implants (Stryker ASNIS III s-series) were centered in the scaffolds, and EMS was applied (3 × 45 min per day at 20 Hz) for 3 days. Cell viability and collagen type 1 (Col1) synthesis were determined subsequently. Numerical simulation and validation showed an adequate distribution of the electric field within the scaffolds. Experimental measurements of the electric potential revealed only minimal deviation from the simulation. Cell response to stimulation varied with scaffold material and mode of stimulation. EMS-stimulated cells exhibited a significant decrease of metabolic activity in particular on collagen scaffolds. In contrast, the Col1/metabolic activity ratio was significantly increased on collagen and non-sintered calcium phosphate scaffolds after 3 days. Exclusive magnetic stimulation showed similar but nonsignificant tendencies in metabolic activity and Col1 synthesis. The cell tests demonstrate that the new test setup is a valuable tool for in vitro testing and parameter optimization of the clinically used electroinductive screw system. It combines magnetic and electric stimulation, allowing in vitro investigations of its influence on human osteoblasts.

Shifting paradigms on the role of connexin43 in the skeletal response to mechanical load

Gap junctions (GJs) are membrane-spanning channels that allow for the movement of small molecules across cell membranes. Connexin43 (Cx43) is the predominant GJ protein in bone. In vitro studies suggest that gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) sensitizes bone cells to mechanical signals. Additionally, mechanical signals detected by osteocytes are communicated to osteoblasts via GJIC, and osteocytic Cx43 hemichannels release anabolic factors, such as PGE2 and ATP, in response to mechanical load. These findings and others have led to near consensus among researchers in the field that GJIC, hemichannels or connexins facilitate the anabolic response of bone to mechanical load and, in their absence, bone would be less sensitive to load. However, recent in vivo evidence suggests the opposite is true. Studies from our laboratory and others demonstrate that Cx43-deficient mice have an increased anabolic response to mechanical load and are protected against the catabolic effects of mechanical unloading. These developments suggest a paradigm shift in our understanding of connexins, GJIC, and mechanotransduction in bone. That is, inhibiting bone cell Cx43 expression or GJIC has a beneficial effect on bone's response to its mechanical environment, preserving bone during unloading and enhancing its formation during loading. Here, we review literature in support of this hypothesis and suggest a mechanism by which Cx43, through interaction with WNT/β-catenin signaling, moderates both arms of bone remodeling.

Molecular mechanisms of osteoblast/osteocyte regulation by connexin43

Osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoprogenitor cells are interconnected into a functional network by gap junctions formed primarily by connexin43 (Cx43). Over the past two decades, it has become clear that Cx43 is important for the function of osteoblasts and osteocytes. This connexin contributes to the acquisition of peak bone mass and is a major modulator of cortical modeling. We review key data from human and mouse genetics on the skeletal consequences of ablation or mutation of the Cx43 gene (Gja1) and the molecular mechanisms by which Cx43 regulates the differentiation, function, and survival of osteogenic lineage cells. We also discuss putative second messengers that are communicated by Cx43 gap junctions, the role of hemichannels, and the function of Cx43 as a scaffold for signaling molecules. Current knowledge demonstrates that Cx43 is more than a passive channel; rather, it actively participates in the generation and modulation of cellular signals that drive skeletal development and homeostasis.

Gap junction and hemichannel functions in osteocytes

Cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix communication in bone cells mediated by gap junctions and hemichannels, respectively, maintains bone homeostasis. Gap junctional communication between cells permits the passage of small molecules including calcium and cyclic AMP. This cell-to-cell communication occurs between bone cells including osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes, and is important in both bone formation and bone resorption. Connexin (Cx) 43 is the predominant gap junction protein in bone cells, and facilitates the communication of cellular signals either through docking of gap junctions between two cells, or through the formation of un-paired hemichannels. Systemic deletion of Cx43 results in perinatal lethality, so conditional deletion models are necessary to study the postnatal role of gap junctions in bone. These models provide the opportunity to determine the role of gap junctions in specific bone cells, notably the osteocyte. In this review, we summarize the key roles that gap junctions and hemichannels in osteocytes play in bone cell response to many stimuli including mechanical loading, intracellular and extracellular stimuli, such as parathyroid hormone, PGE2, plasma calcium levels and pH, as well as in maintaining osteocyte survival.

Age-related changes in gap junctional intercellular communication in osteoblastic cells

Aging demonstrates deleterious effects upon the skeleton which can predispose an individual to osteoporosis and related fractures. Despite the well-documented evidence that aging decreases bone formation, there remains little understanding whereby cellular aging alters skeletal homeostasis. We, and others, have previously demonstrated that gap junctions--membrane-spanning channels that allow direct cell-to-cell conductance of small signaling molecules--are critically involved in osteoblast differentiation and skeletal homeostasis. We examined whether the capacity of rat osteoblastic cells to form gap junctions and respond to known modulators of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) was dependent on the age of the animal from which they were isolated. We observed no effect of age upon osteoblastic Cx43 mRNA, protein or GJIC. We also examined age-related changes in PTH-stimulated GJIC. PTH demonstrated age-dependent effects upon GJIC: Osteoblastic cells from young rats increased GJIC in response to PTH, whereas there was no change in GJIC in response to PTH in osteoblastic cells from mature or old rats. PTH-stimulated GJIC occurred independently of changes in Cx43 mRNA or protein expression. Cholera toxin significantly increased GJIC in osteoblastic cells from young rats compared to those from mature and old rats. These data demonstrate an age-related impairment in the capacity of osteoblastic cells to generate functional gap junctions in response to PTH, and suggest that an age-related defect in G protein-coupled adenylate cyclase activity at least partially contributes to decreased PTH-stimulated GJIC.

Electrical stimulation modulates osteoblast proliferation and bone protein production through heparin-bioactivated conductive scaffolds

Electrical fields are known to interact with human cells. This principle has been explored to regulate cellular activities for bone tissue regeneration. In this work, Saos-2 cells were cultured on conductive scaffolds made of biodegradable poly(L-lactide) and the heparin-containing, electrically conducting polypyrrole (PPy/HE) to study their reaction to electrical stimulation (ES) mediated through such scaffolds. Both the duration and intensity of ES enhanced cell proliferation, generating a unique electrical intensity and temporal "window" within which osteoblast proliferation was upmodulated in contrast to the downmodulation or ineffectiveness in other ES regions. The favourable ES intensity (200 mV/mm) was further investigated in terms of the gene activation and protein production of two important osteoblast markers characterised by extracellular matrix maturation and mineralisation, that is alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC). Both genes were found activated and the relevant protein production increased significantly following ES. In contrast, ES in the down-modulation region (400 mV/mm) suppressed the production of both ALP and OC. This work demonstrated that important osteoblast markers can be modulated with specific ES parameters mediated through conductive polymer substrates, providing a unique strategy for bone tissue engineering.

Electrical stimulation: a novel tool for tissue engineering

New advances in tissue engineering are being made through the application of different types of electrical stimuli to influence cell proliferation and differentiation. Developments made in the last decade have allowed us to improve the structure and functionality of tissue-engineered products through the use of growth factors, hormones, drugs, physical stimuli, bioreactor use, and two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) artificial extracellular matrices (with various material properties and topography). Another potential type of stimulus is electricity, which is important in the physiology and development of the majority of all human tissues. Despite its great potential, its role in tissue regeneration and its ability to influence cell migration, orientation, proliferation, and differentiation has rarely been considered in tissue engineering. This review highlights the importance of endogenous electrical stimulation, gathering the current knowledge on its natural occurrence and role in vivo, discussing the novel methods of delivering this stimulus and examining its cellular and tissue level effects, while evaluating how the technique could benefit the tissue engineering discipline in the future.

Enhanced osteoclastic resorption and responsiveness to mechanical load in gap junction deficient bone

Emerging evidence suggests that connexin mediated gap junctional intercellular communication contributes to many aspects of bone biology including bone development, maintenance of bone homeostasis and responsiveness of bone cells to diverse extracellular signals. Deletion of connexin 43, the predominant gap junction protein in bone, is embryonic lethal making it challenging to examine the role of connexin 43 in bone in vivo. However, transgenic murine models in which only osteocytes and osteoblasts are deficient in connexin 43, and which are fully viable, have recently been developed. Unfortunately, the bone phenotype of different connexin 43 deficient models has been variable. To address this issue, we used an osteocalcin driven Cre-lox system to create osteoblast and osteocyte specific connexin 43 deficient mice. These mice displayed bone loss as a result of increased bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis. The mechanism underlying this increased osteoclastogenesis included increases in the osteocytic, but not osteoblastic, RANKL/OPG ratio. Previous in vitro studies suggest that connexin 43 deficient bone cells are less responsive to biomechanical signals. Interestingly, and in contrast to in vitro studies, we found that connexin 43 deficient mice displayed an enhanced anabolic response to mechanical load. Our results suggest that transient inhibition of connexin 43 expression and gap junctional intercellular communication may prove a potentially powerful means of enhancing the anabolic response of bone to mechanical loading.

A theoretical study of bone remodelling under PEMF at cellular level

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) devices have been used clinically to slow down osteoporosis and accelerate the healing of bone fractures for many years. However, the underlying mechanism by which bone remodelling under PEMF is regulated remains poorly understood. In this paper, a mathematical model of bone cell population of bone remodelling under PEMF at cellular level is developed to address this issue for the first time. On the basis of this model and control theory, parametric study of control mechanisms is carried out and a number of possible control mechanisms are identified. These findings will help further the understanding of bone remodelling under PEMF and advance therapies and pharmacological developments in clinical trials.

Gap Junctions and Biophysical Regulation of Bone Cells

Communication between osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes is integral to their ability to build and maintain the skeletal system and respond to physical signals. Various physiological mechanisms, including nerve communication, hormones, and cytokines, play an important role in this process. More recently, the important role of direct, cell-cell communication via gap junctions has been established. In this review, we demonstrate the integral role of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in skeletal physiology and bone cell mechanosensing.

The static magnetic field accelerates the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of dental pulp cells

Dental pulp cells (DPCs) can differentiate into osteoblasts and are deemed a promising cell source for bone regeneration. Static magnetic field (SMF) stimulates osteoblast differentiation but the effect in DPCs remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SMF exposure on the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of rat DPCs in vitro. Cells were continuously exposed to SMF at 290 mT in the presence/absence of osteogenic induction [dexamethasone (Dex)/beta-glycerophosphate (beta-GP)]. Results showed that SMF alone did not impair the cell cycle and proliferation. On the other hand, obvious condensation in the metachromatic staining of the extracellular matrix with toluidine blue was observed for SMF-exposed cells as well as the Dex/beta-GP treated cells. SMF in combination with Dex/beta-GP significantly increased the mRNA expression of osteogenic genes, as well as the ALP activity and extracellular calcium concentration at the early stage, followed by obvious calcium deposits later. Besides, SMF exposure increased the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) at 3 h and accelerated the mRNA expression of osteogenic transcription factor, Cbfa1, advancing its activation time from 168 to 72 h under osteogenic induction. In summary, SMF exposure in combination of Dex/beta-GP induction could significantly accelerate the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of DPCs.

Cytokine Release from Osteoblasts in Response to Different Intensities of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation

We use an in-vitro osteoblast cell culture model to investigate the effects of low-frequency (7.5 Hz) pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation on osteoblast population, cytokines (prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), transforming growth factor beta1(TGFbeta1), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity to find the optimal intensity of PEMF for osteoblast growth. The results demonstrate that PEMF can stimulate osteoblast growth, release of TGFbeta1, and, in addition, an increase of ALP activity. The synthesis and release of PGE(2) in the culture medium are reduced with increasing numbers of cells. Higher intensity does not necessarily mean increased osteoblast growth, and the most efficient intensity is about 2 mV/cm in this case. Although the lower intensities of the PEMF are yet to be determined, the results of this study can shed light on the mechanisms of PEMF stimulation on non union fracture therapy and osteoporosis prevention in the future.

From streaming-potentials to shear stress: 25 years of bone cell mechanotransduction

Mechanical loads are vital regulators of skeletal mass and architecture as evidenced by the increase in bone formation following the addition of exogenous loads and loss of bone mass following their removal. While our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which bone cells perceive changes in their mechanical environment has increased rapidly in recent years, much remains to be learned. Here, we outline the effects of interstitial fluid flow, a potent biophysical signal induced by the deformation of skeletal tissue in response to applied loads, on bone cell behavior. We focus on the molecular mechanisms by which bone cells are hypothesized to perceive interstitial fluid flow, the cell signaling cascades activated by fluid flow, and the use of this signal in tissue engineering protocols.

Static magnetic field combined with functional appliances: a new approach to enhance mandibular growth in Class II malocclusion

Class II malocclusion is one of the most common orthodontic problems. The main aetiology of Class II malocclusion is mandibular retrognathia. A variety of functional appliances have been used to stimulate mandibular growth in adolescence, however, the effects remain unsatisfactory. Therefore, new approaches are in need to strengthen the effects of functional appliances. Static magnetic field (SMF), created by permanent magnets, has long been proven to be clinically safe and is well accepted as a practical and non-invasive therapy. Numerous experimental and clinical data suggest that exogenous SMF can make profound effects on a large variety of biological systems. There has been increasing interest in curing bone injuries with SMF. More recently, literatures shed light on the chondrogenic and osteogenic effects of SMF. SMF and functional appliances may well have a synergistic effect in mandibular growth promotion. Based on experimental results and theoretical analysis, it is hypothesized that SMF combined with functional appliances can enhance mandibular growth in Class II malocclusion. A practical clinical design is also put forward.

Oscillating fluid flow activation of gap junction hemichannels induces ATP release from MLO-Y4 osteocytes

Mechanical loads are required for optimal bone mass. One mechanism whereby mechanical loads are transduced into localized cellular signals is strain-induced fluid flow through lacunae and canaliculi of bone. Gap junctions (GJs) between osteocytes and osteoblasts provides a mechanism whereby flow-induced signals are detected by osteocytes and transduced to osteoblasts. We have demonstrated the importance of GJ and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in intracellular calcium and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) increases in response to flow. Unapposed connexons, or hemichannels, are themselves functional and may constitute a novel mechanotransduction mechanism. Using MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and MLO-Y4 osteocytes, we examined the time course and mechanism of hemichannel activation in response to fluid flow, the composition of the hemichannels, and the role of hemichannels in flow-induced ATP release. We demonstrate that fluid flow activates hemichannels in MLO-Y4, but not MC3T3-E1, through a mechanism involving protein kinase C, which induces ATP and PGE(2) release.

Electromagnetic field and osteogenesis

<zakljucak> Poslednjih 50 godina postignuti su odlicni rezultati primenom elektrobioloske stimulacije osteogeneze. Precizno objasnjenje mehanizma dejstva EMP jos uvek nije dato, sto je jedan od razloga razlicitih pristupa i rezultata lecenja prema iskustvima klinicara i eksperimentnih studija. Uzimajuci u obzir studije sa dobrim bioloskim protokolom, preciznom dozimetrijom i definisanim eksperimentnim uslovima, stimulacija osteogeneze EMP ostace aktuelna i u buducnosti.

Molecular pathways mediating mechanical signaling in bone

Bone tissue has the capacity to adapt to its functional environment such that its morphology is "optimized" for the mechanical demand. The adaptive nature of the skeleton poses an interesting set of biological questions (e.g., how does bone sense mechanical signals, what cells are the sensing system, what are the mechanical signals that drive the system, what receptors are responsible for transducing the mechanical signal, what are the molecular responses to the mechanical stimuli). Studies of the characteristics of the mechanical environment at the cellular level, the forces that bone cells recognize, and the integrated cellular responses are providing new information at an accelerating speed. This review first considers the mechanical factors that are generated by loading in the skeleton, including strain, stress and pressure. Mechanosensitive cells placed to recognize these forces in the skeleton, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes and cells of the vasculature are reviewed. The identity of the mechanoreceptor(s) is approached, with consideration of ion channels, integrins, connexins, the lipid membrane including caveolar and non-caveolar lipid rafts and the possibility that altering cell shape at the membrane or cytoskeleton alters integral signaling protein associations. The distal intracellular signaling systems on-line after the mechanoreceptor is activated are reviewed, including those emanating from G-proteins (e.g., intracellular calcium shifts), MAPKs, and nitric oxide. The ability to harness mechanical signals to improve bone health through devices and exercise is broached. Increased appreciation of the importance of the mechanical environment in regulating and determining the structural efficacy of the skeleton makes this an exciting time for further exploration of this area.

Timing of pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation does not affect the promotion of bone cell development

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) devices have been used clinically to promote the healing of surgically resistant fractures in vivo. However, there is a sparsity of data on how the timing of an applied PEMF effects the osteogenic cells that would be present within the fracture gap. The purpose of this study was to examine the response of osteoblast-like cells to a PEMF stimulus, mimicking that of a clinically available device, using four protocols for the timing of the stimulus. The PEMF signal consisted of a 5 ms pulse burst (containing 20 pulses) repeated at 15 Hz. Cultures of a human osteosarcoma cell line, SaOS-2, were exposed to the four timing protocols, each conducted over 3 days. Protocol one stimulated the cells for 8 h each day, protocol two stimulated the cells for 24 h on the first day, protocol three stimulated the cells for 24 h on the second day, and protocol four stimulated the cells for 24 h on the third day. Cells were seeded with either 25,000 or 50,000 cells/well (24-well cell culture plates). All assays showed reduced proliferation and increased differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity) in the PEMF stimulated cultures compared with the control cultures, except for protocol four alkaline phosphatase measurements. No clear trend was observed between the four protocols; however this may be due to cell density. The results indicated that an osteoblast-like cell line is responsive to a 15 Hz PEMF stimulus, which will stimulate the cell line to into an increasing state of maturity.

Fluid flow-induced prostaglandin E2 response of osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cells is gap junction-mediated and independent of cytosolic calcium

It has been well demonstrated that bone adapts to mechanical loading. To accomplish this at the cellular level, bone cells must be responsive to mechanical loading (mechanoresponsive). This can occur via such mechanisms as direct cell deformation or signal transduction via complex pathways involving chemotransport, hormone response, and/or gene expression, to name a few. Mechanotransduction is the process by which a bone cell senses a biophysical signal and elicits a response. While it has been demonstrated that bone cells can respond to a wide variety of biophysical signals including fluid flow, stretch, and magnetic fields, the exact pathways and mechanisms involved are not clearly understood. We postulated that gap junctions may play an important role in bone cell responsiveness. Gap junctions (GJ) are membrane-spanning channels that physically link cells and support the transport of small molecules and ions in the process of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). In this study we examined the role of GJ and GJIC in mechanically stimulated osteoblastic cells. Following fluid flow stimulation, we quantified prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) (oscillatory flow) and cytosolic calcium (Ca(2+)) (oscillatory and steady flow) responses in ROS 17/2.8 cells and a derivative of these cells expressing antisense cDNA for the gap junction protein connexin 43 (RCx16) possessing significantly different levels of GJIC. We found that the ROS17/2.8 cells possessing increased GJIC also exhibited increased PGE(2) release to the supernatant following oscillatory fluid flow stimulation in comparison to coupling-decreased RCx16 cells. Interestingly, we found that neither osteoblastic cell line responded to oscillatory or steady fluid flow stimulation with an increase in Ca(2+). Thus, our results suggest that GJ and GJIC may be important in the mechanotransduction mechanisms by which PGE(2) is mechanically induced in osteoblastic cells independent of Ca(2+).

Pulsed electromagnetic fields affect phenotype and connexin 43 protein expression in MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells and ROS 17/2.8 osteoblast-like cells

Osteocytes, the predominant cells in bone, are postulated to be responsible for sensing mechanical and electrical stimuli, transducing signals via gap junctions. Osteocytes respond to induced shear by increasing connexin 43 (Cx43) levels, suggesting that they might be sensitive to physical stimuli like low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF). Immature osteoblasts exhibit decreased intercellular communication in response to EMF but no change in Cx43. Here, we examined long term effects of pulsed EMF (PEMF) on MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells and ROS 17/2.8 osteoblast-like cells. In MLO-Y4 cell cultures, PEMF for 8 h/day for one, two or four days increased alkaline phosphatase activity but had no effect on cell number or osteocalcin. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta 1) and prostaglandin E(2) were increased, and NO(2-) was altered. PEMFs effect on TGF-beta1 was via a prostaglandin-dependent mechanism involving Cox-1 but not Cox-2. In ROS 17/2.8 cells, PEMF for 24, 48 or 72 h did not affect cell number, osteocalcin mRNA or osteocalcin protein. PEMF reduced Cx43 protein in both cells. Longer exposures decreased Cx43 mRNA. This indicates that cells in the osteoblast lineage, including well-differentiated osteoblast-like ROS 17/2.8 cells and terminally differentiated osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells, respond to PEMF with changes in local factor production and reduced Cx43, suggesting decreased gap junctional signaling.

Gap junctions and fluid flow response in MC3T3-E1 cells

In the current study, we examined the role of gap junctions in oscillatory fluid flow-induced changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and prostaglandin release in osteoblastic cells. This work was completed in MC3T3-E1 cells with intact gap junctional communication as well as in MC3T3-E1 cells rendered communication deficient through expression of a dominant-negative connexin. Our results demonstrate that MC3T3-E1 cells with intact gap junctions respond to oscillatory fluid flow with significant increases in prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) release, whereas cells with diminished gap junctional communication do not. Furthermore, we found that cytosolic Ca(2+) (Ca) response was unaltered by the disruption in gap junctional communication and was not significantly different among the cell lines. Thus our results suggest that gap junctions contribute to the PGE(2) but not to the Ca response to oscillatory fluid flow. These findings implicate gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in bone cell ensemble responsiveness to oscillatory fluid flow and suggest that gap junctions and GJIC play a pivotal role in mechanotransduction mechanisms in bone.

Flow-induced calcium oscillations in rat osteoblasts are age, loading frequency, and shear stress dependent

Bone adaptation to mechanical loading is dependent on age and the frequency and magnitude of loading. It is believed that load-induced fluid flow in the porous spaces of bone is an important signal that influences bone cell metabolism and bone adaptation. We used fluid flow-induced shear stress as a mechanical stimulus to study intracellular calcium (Ca) signaling in rat osteoblastic cells (ROB) isolated from young, mature, and old animals. Fluid flow produced higher magnitude and more abundant [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations than spontaneous oscillations, suggesting that flow-induced Ca signaling encodes a different cellular message than spontaneous oscillations. ROB from old rats showed less basal [Ca(2+)](i) activity and were less responsive to fluid flow. Cells were more responsive to 0.2 Hz than to 1 or 2 Hz and to 2 Pa than to 1 Pa. These data suggest that the frequency and magnitude of mechanical loading may be encoded by the percentage of cells displaying [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations but that the ability to transduce this information may be altered with age.