Color stability of bleached tooth enamel brushed with different stain-removing toothpastes

OBJECTIVE

The effects of four toothpastes on the color stability of in-office bleached tooth specimens were determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated an experimental toothpaste (EXP) and three commercially available toothpastes: Colgate Optic White (OPW), Aquafresh White & Protect (AWP), and Crest 3D White (CDW). OPW, AWP, and CDW contained inorganic abrasives, whereas EXP and AWP contained sodium polyphosphate. Forty-eight randomly selected human-extracted maxillary central incisors were bleached and brushed twice daily over 30 days. We analyzed the final color difference (ΔE*ab, ΔE00 , ΔWID ), arithmetic average surface roughness (Ra) of the enamel measured on days 0 and 30, and scanning electron microscopy images of enamel surfaces and toothpastes. ΔE*ab, ΔE00 , ΔWID , and Ra were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

ΔE*ab and ΔE00 values were significantly lower after toothbrushing with EXP, OPW, and CDW than with AWP. OPW induced the greatest positive ΔWID . Ra was significantly increased by OPW and CDW, but slightly increased by AWP, with cube-like particles, and EXP, with no particle-like structures.

CONCLUSIONS

Only EXP stabilized the color of bleached teeth without increasing the enamel surface roughness. Sodium polyphosphate with approximately 10 phosphate groups was effective at removing stains.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The effect of toothpaste on the color stability of bleached teeth depends on the constituting abrasives and chemical components. Polyphosphoric acid has different stain-removal effects depending on its degree of polymerization. Additionally, although certain types of abrasives may be effective for color stability, they also increase the surface roughness of the enamel.

The anabolic effect of inorganic polyphosphate on chondrocytes is mediated by calcium signalling

Inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) are polymers composed of phosphate residues linked by energy-rich phosphoanhydride bonds. As polyP can bind calcium, the hypothesis of this study is that polyP enters chondrocytes and exerts its anabolic effect by calcium influx through calcium channels. PolyP treatment of cartilage tissue formed in 3D culture by bovine chondrocytes showed an increase in proteoglycan accumulation but only when calcium was also present at a concentration of 1.5 mM. This anabolic effect could be prevented by treatment with either ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid or the calcium channel inhibitors gadolinium and nifedipine. Calcium and polyP cotreatment of chondrocytes in monolayer culture resulted in calcium oscillations that were polyP chain length specific and were inhibited by gadolinium and nifedipine. The calcium influx resulted in increased gene expression of sox9, collagen type II, and aggrecan which was prevented by treatment with either calphostin, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, and W7, an inhibitor of calmodulin; suggesting activation of the protein kinase C-calmodulin pathway. Tracing studies using  4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, Mitotracker Red, and/or Fura-AM staining showed that polyP was detected in the nucleus, mitochondria, and intracellular vacuoles suggesting that polyP may also enter the cell. PolyP colocalizes with calcium in mitochondria. This study demonstrates that polyP requires the influx of calcium to regulate chondrocyte matrix production, likely via activating calcium signaling. These findings identify the mechanism regulating the anabolic effect of polyP in chondrocytes which will help in its clinical translation into a therapeutic agent for cartilage repair.

Salivary Alpha-Amylase Activity and Mild Cognitive Impairment among Japanese Older Adults: The Toon Health Study

BACKGROUND

There is growing interest in examining objective markers for early identification and behavioral intervention to prevent dementia and mild cognitive impairment in clinical and community settings.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between salivary alpha-amylase as an objective measure of psychological stress response and mild cognitive impairment for the implication of psychological stress in the development of mild cognitive impairment.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional study involved 865 participants aged ≥ 65 years. A saliva sample was collected in the morning, and the levels of salivary alpha-amylase were assayed. Mild cognitive impairment was evaluated using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment; a score < 26 was indicative of mild cognitive impairment. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the association of salivary alpha-amylase and mild cognitive impairment after adjusting for age, sex, current drinking status, current smoking status, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, physical activity, education, social support, social network, and heart rate variability.

RESULTS

Salivary alpha-amylase was associated with mild cognitive impairment (the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] for the 1-standard deviation increment of log-transformed salivary alpha-amylase was 1.24 [1.07-1.44]). This significant association persisted after adjusting for various confounding factors.

CONCLUSION

Elevation of salivary alpha-amylase was associated with mild cognitive impairment among Japanese community-dwelling older adults. This suggests that salivary alpha-amylase is a useful objective marker of psychological stress responses associated with mild cognitive impairment.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Ginkgo Vinegar, a Fermented Product of Ginkgo Seed Coat, in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet and 3T3-L1 Preadipocyte Cells

Ginkgo seed coat is rarely used and is typically discarded, due to its offensive odor and its toxicity. Ginkgo vinegar is a fermented product of ginkgo seed coat, and fermentation removes the bad smell and most of the toxicity. Thus, ginkgo vinegar contains very low concentrations of toxic components. The present study examined the anti-obesity effect of ginkgo vinegar in mice fed a high-fat diet and its inhibition of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Ginkgo vinegar suppressed high-fat diet-induced body weight gain and reduced the size of fat cells in mice. Ginkgo vinegar suppressed the expression of C/EBPδ and PPARγ, key proteins in adipogenesis, and inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells that were induced to become adipocytes. These results suggested that ginkgo vinegar inhibited adipocyte differentiation. On the other hand, a corresponding concentration of acetic acid had significantly less effect on lipid accumulation and virtually no effect on adipogenic gene expression. These results suggested that, similar to Ginkgo biloba extract, ginkgo vinegar might prevent and improve adiposity. Therefore, ginkgo seed coat could be a useful material for medicinal ingredients.

Large Impact of the Decay of Niobium Isomers on the Reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} Summation Calculations

Even mass neutron-rich niobium isotopes are among the principal contributors to the reactor antineutrino energy spectrum. They are also among the most challenging to measure due to the refractory nature of niobium, and because they exhibit isomeric states lying very close in energy. The β-intensity distributions of ^{100gs,100m}Nb and ^{102gs,102m}Nb β decays have been determined using the total absorption γ-ray spectroscopy technique. The measurements were performed at the upgraded Ion Guide Isotope Separator On-Line facility at the University of Jyväskylä. Here, the double Penning trap system JYFLTRAP was employed to disentangle the β decay of the isomeric states. The new data obtained in this challenging measurement have a large impact in antineutrino summation calculations. For the first time the discrepancy between the summation model and the reactor antineutrino measurements in the region of the shape distortion has been reduced.

Summation Calculations for Reactor Antineutrino Spectra, Decay Heat and Delayed Neutron Fractions Involving New TAGS Data and Evaluated Databases

Three observables of interest for present and future reactors depend on the β decay properties of the fission products: antineutrinos from reactors, the reactor decay heat and delayed neutron emission. In these proceedings, we present new results from summation calculations of the first two quantities quoted above, performed with evolved independent yields coupled with fission product decay data, from various nuclear data bases or models. New TAGS results from the latest experiment of the TAGS collaboration at the JYFL facility of Jyväskylä will be displayed as well as their impact on the antineutrino spectra and the decay heat associated to fission pulses of the main actinides.

Dual role of inorganic polyphosphate in cardiac myocytes: The importance of polyP chain length for energy metabolism and mPTP activation

We have previously demonstrated that inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a potent activator of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in cardiac myocytes. PolyP depletion protected against Ca²⁺-induced mPTP opening, however it did not prevent and even exacerbated cell death during ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). The central goal of this study was to investigate potential molecular mechanisms underlying these dichotomous effects of polyP on mitochondrial function. We utilized a Langendorff-perfused heart model of I/R to monitor changes in polyP size and chain length at baseline, 20 min no-flow ischemia, and 15 min reperfusion. Freshly isolated cardiac myocytes and mitochondria from C57BL/6J (WT) and cyclophilin D knock-out (CypD KO) mice were used to measure polyP uptake, mPTP activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration and ATP generation. We found that I/R induced a significant decrease in polyP chain length. We, therefore, tested, the ability of synthetic polyPs with different chain length to accumulate in mitochondria and induce mPTP. Both short and long chain polyPs accumulated in mitochondria in oligomycin-sensitive manner implicating potential involvement of mitochondrial ATP synthase in polyP transport. Notably, only short-chain polyP activated mPTP in WT myocytes, and this effect was prevented by mPTP inhibitor cyclosprorin A and absent in CypD KO myocytes. To the contrary, long-chain polyP suppressed mPTP activation, and enhanced ADP-linked respiration and ATP production. Our data indicate that 1) effect of polyP on cardiac function strongly depends on polymer chain length; and 2) short-chain polyPs (as increased in ischemia-reperfusion) induce mPTP and mitochondrial uncoupling, while long-chain polyPs contribute to energy generation and cell metabolism.

Inorganic polyphosphate protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced lethality and tissue injury through regulation of macrophage recruitment

Sepsis is an etiologically complex and often fatal inflammatory process involving a multitude of cytokine signaling pathways. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) acts as a central regulator of the acute-phase inflammatory response by recruiting immune cells, including circulating monocyte/macrophages, to sites of infection or tissue damage. Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), a linear polymer of orthophosphate residues, has been found in almost all cells and tissues, but its functions in immunity remain largely unknown. In this study, we show that pre- or post-treatment of mice with polyP₁₅₀ (average chain length of 150 phosphate residues) markedly increases survival from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced shock and inhibits macrophage recruitment to the liver and lungs, resulting in protection against tissue injury. In accord with these in vivo results, pretreatment of cultured peritoneal macrophages with polyP₁₅₀ inhibited chemotaxis and actin polarization in response to TNFα. PolyP₁₅₀ also inhibited phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinases c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, two downstream signaling molecules of the TNFα cascade, thereby preventing cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression by macrophages. These findings suggest that polyP₁₅₀ inhibits recruitment of macrophages into organs by regulating the TNFα-JNK/p38 pathway, which may, in turn, protect against multi-organ dysfunction and lethality induced by LPS. Our findings identify polyP regulation as a novel therapeutic target for sepsis.

Simple Silica Column-Based Method to Quantify Inorganic Polyphosphates in Cartilage and Other Tissues

OBJECTIVE

Inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) play a multitude of roles in mammalian biology. PolyP research is hindered by the lack of a simple and sensitive quantification method. The aim of this study was to develop a robust method for quantifying the low levels of polyP in mammalian tissue such as cartilage, which is rich in macromolecules that interfere with its determination.

DESIGN

Native and in vitro formed tissues were digested with proteinase K to release sequestrated polyP. The tissue digest was loaded on to silica spin columns, followed by elution of bound polyP and various treatments were assessed to minimize non-polyP fluorescence. The eluent was then quantified for polyP content using fluorometry based on DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) fluorescence shift occurring with polyP.

RESULTS

Proteinase K pretreatment reduced the inhibitory effect of proteins on polyP recovery. The eluent was contaminated with nucleic acids and glycosaminoglycans, which cause extraneous fluorescence signals. These were then effectively eliminated by nucleases treatment and addition of concentrated Tris buffer. PolyP levels were quantified and recovery ratio determined using samples spiked with a known amount of polyP. This silica spin column method was able to recover at least 80% of initially loaded polyP, and detect as little as 10^-10 mol.

CONCLUSIONS

This sensitive, reproducible, easy to do method of quantifying polyP will be a useful tool for investigation of polyP biology in mammalian cells and tissues. Although the protocol was developed for mammalian tissues, this method should be able to quantify polyP in most biological sources, including fluid samples such as blood and serum.

In Vitro Analysis of AcrySof Intraocular Lens Glistening

PURPOSE

The authors studied the effects of changes in packaging solution temperature on the development of glistening in acrylic intraocular lenses (AcrySof, Alcon).

METHODS

Glistening was examined by slit lamp at each condition. In Experiment 1, AcrySof lenses were soaked in physiologic saline adjusted to 15 degrees C and 37 degrees C in an incubator. In Experiment 2, AcrySof lenses were soaked in physiologic saline adjusted to 37 degrees C and 60 degrees C for 5 min, then stored in physiologic saline adjusted to 15 degrees C. In Experiment 3, glistening formation was induced in AcrySof lenses by soaking them in warm water (37 degrees C). The lenses were allowed to dry at 15 degrees C and then soaked in physiologic saline adjusted to 15 degrees C. After storage of dry AcrySof lenses at 37 degrees C in an incubator for 10 months followed by soaking in physiologic saline adjusted to 15 degrees C, glistening formation was evaluated in Experiment 4.

RESULTS

Glistening became observable after 1 month, despite the temperature having been lowered to 15 degrees C. No glistening was observed in the lenses soaked in physiologic saline adjusted to 37 degrees C after 5 min, but glistening was observed 1 month after soaking. When allowed to dry at 15 degrees C, the glistening decreased. After 1 month of soaking at 15 degrees C, glistening was again observable.

CONCLUSIONS

AcrySof lenses soaked in warm water for a short time may change characteristics, and therefore, close monitoring of the temperature and time of soaking is necessary to prevent glistening formation.

Inorganic polyphosphates enhances nucleus pulposus tissue formation in vitro

Disc degeneration is associated with low back pain for which currently there is no optimal therapy so there is a great need to identify new treatment approaches. Inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) are linear polymers of orthophosphate units varying in chain length and present in many cell types. As polyP has anabolic effects on chondrocytes, we hypothesized that polyP treatment would enhance matrix accumulation by nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. NP cells isolated from bovine caudal discs were grown in 3D culture under normoxic or in select experiments under hypoxic conditions, in the presence or absence of various concentrations and sizes of polyP. Gene expression was determined using RT-PCR. Matrix accumulation was quantified by measuring proteoglycan and collagen contents. DAPI fluorescence shift was used to stain for polyP in tissue. DAPI staining showed polyP present predominantly in the pericellular region of in vitro formed tissue. PolyP treatment enhanced matrix accumulation in a concentration and chain length dependant manner. NP cells exposed to polyP-22 (22 phosphate units length) showed an increase in gene expression of aggrecan, Collagen II, Sox 9, and MMP-13 which was maintained for the 14 days of culture. This suggests that polyP may enhance NP tissue formation in vitro by upregulating the expression of matrix genes. As polyP enhances proteoglycan accumulation even under hypoxic conditions, this raises the possibility that polyP may be a novel treatment to induce NP regeneration. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:41-50, 2017.

Induction of Calcification in MC3T3-E1 Cells by Inorganic Polyphosphate

Relatively large amounts of inorganic polyphosphate [poly(P)] (400 μM) have been found in normal osteoblasts. The effect of poly(P) with an average chain length of 65 phosphate residues on cell calcification was therefore investigated with the use of MC3T3-E1 cells. Expression of both osteopontin and osteocalcin was induced by poly(P) (0.1 ~ 1 mM), and cells treated with poly(P) were strongly stained by alizarin red. In addition, the level of alkaline phosphatase activity induced in poly(P)-treated cells was two-fold higher than that in either orthophosphate-treated or control cells but not higher than that in cells treated with β-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid. In contrast, however, polyphosphatase activities were activated by poly(P) treatment to levels up to six-fold greater than that in controls. MC3T3-E1 cells may utilize poly(P) as a phosphate source for calcification rather than phosphate sources that are mainly produced by ALPase. Poly(P)-dependent induction of polyphosphatase activities may therefore promote calcification in MC3T3-E1 cells.

Total Absorption Spectroscopy Study of (92)Rb Decay: A Major Contributor to Reactor Antineutrino Spectrum Shape

The antineutrino spectra measured in recent experiments at reactors are inconsistent with calculations based on the conversion of integral beta spectra recorded at the ILL reactor. (92)Rb makes the dominant contribution to the reactor antineutrino spectrum in the 5-8 MeV range but its decay properties are in question. We have studied (92)Rb decay with total absorption spectroscopy. Previously unobserved beta feeding was seen in the 4.5-5.5 region and the GS to GS feeding was found to be 87.5(25)%. The impact on the reactor antineutrino spectra calculated with the summation method is shown and discussed.

In situ investigation of mammalian inorganic polyphosphate localization using novel selective fluorescent probes JC-D7 and JC-D8

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a polymer composed of many orthophosphates linked together by phosphoanhydride bonds. Recent studies demonstrate that in addition to its important role in the function of microorganisms, polyP plays multiple important roles in the pathological and physiological function of higher eukaryotes, including mammalians. However, due to the dramatically lower abundance of polyP in mammalian cells when comparing to microorganisms, its investigation poses an experimental challenge. Here, we present the identification of novel fluorescent probes that allow for specific labeling of synthetic polyP in vitro as well as endogenous polyP in living cells. These probes demonstrate high selectivity for the labeling of polyP that was not sensitive to a number of ubiquitous organic polyphosphates, notably RNA. Use of these probes allowed us to demonstrate the real time detection of polyP release from lysosomes in live cells. Furthermore, we have been able to detect the increased levels of polyP in cells with Parkinson's disease related mutations.

Inorganic polyphosphate adsorbed onto hydroxyapatite for guided bone regeneration: an animal study

Inorganic polyphosphate (poly(P)) is recognized as a therapeutic agent that promotes fibroblast growth factor and enhances osteogenic differentiation, and in vivo, when adsorbed onto interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite (IP-CHA) enhances bone regeneration. The present study focused on the effect of poly(P) adsorbed onto IP-CHA granules (Poly(P)/IP-CHA) in guided bone regeneration (GBR). Dental implants were placed into the edentulous mandibular areas of five Beagle-Labrador hybrid dogs with screw expose on the buccal side, and then bone defects were filled Poly(P)/IP-CHA (test) or IP-CHA (control). After 12 weeks, histological evaluation and histomorphometrical analysis were performed. Newly-bone formation around exposed implant screw was clearly detected in the test-group. The ratio for regenerated bone height in the test group versus the control-group was 85.6±20.2 and 62.6±23.8, respectively, with no significant difference, while, that for bone implant contact was significantly higher (67.9±11.8 and 48.8±14.1, respectively). These findings indicate that Poly(P)/IP-CHA enhances bone regeneration in GBR.

Ultraphosphate, a potent stain control agent that is effective for both stain removal and prevention of stain deposition

Polyphosphate is a phosphate polymer which is effective for stain removal and prevention of stain deposition. Ultraphosphate belongs to the polyphosphate group and has a highly branched mesh-like structure. To evaluate stain control ability of ultraphosphate, we used HAP powder, glass-ionomer cement and detached human teeth for models of in vitro stain control experiments. When using HAP powder, the stain removal ability of ultraphosphate was the highest among common chelating agents. In addition, ultraphosphate efficiently removed stain and prevented stain deposition on glass-ionomer cement at 20°C and 37°C. Finally, ultraphosphate removed coffee stain from human teeth surface efficiently and the color difference (ΔE*ab) before and after ultraphosphate treatment was changed dramatically from 59.4 to 8.3. Similarly, the ΔE*ab value of human teeth treated with ultraphosphate before coffee treatment was only 9.9, while the value without ultraphosphate pre-treatment was 21.2. These results indicate that ultraphosphate is a potent agent for stain control.

Morphogenetic study on the maturation of osteoblastic cell as induced by inorganic polyphosphate

Since inorganic polyphosphates [poly(P)] have an activity to induce bone differenciation in vitro and in vivo, we examined an effect of poly(P) on organelle by light microscopy and electron microscopy in Murine MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. The MC3T3-E1 cells were ultrastructurally observed to possess morphological characteristics of osteoblasts. Cells cultured with poly(P) were strongly stained with an anti-collagen type I antibody but not in those cultured without poly(P). Ultrastructural analysis of cells cultured with poly(P) revealed a well-developed Golgi apparatus, swollen and elongated rough endoplasmic reticulum, large mitochondria and many coated pits. Since MC3T3-E1 cells can be transformed from a resting phase to an active blastic cell phase after supplementation with poly(P), it implies that poly(P) can be an effective material for bone regeneration.

Anemia amelioration by lactose infusion during trypanosomosis could be associated with erythrocytes membrane de-galactosylation

African trypanosomosis is a potentially fatal disease that is caused by extracellular parasitic protists known as African trypanosomes. These parasites inhabit the blood stream of their mammalian hosts and produce a number of pathological features, amongst which is anemia. Etiology of the anemia has been partly attributed to an autoimmunity-like mediated erythrophagocytosis of de-sialylated red blood cells (dsRBCs) by macrophages. Lactose infusion to infected animals has proven effective at delaying progression of the anemia. However, the mechanism of this anemia prevention is yet to be well characterized. Here, the hypothesis of a likely induced further modification of the dsRBCs was investigated. RBC membrane galactose (RBC m-GAL) and packed cell volume (PCV) were measured during the course of experimental trypanosomosis in mice infected with Trypanosoma congolense (stb 212). Intriguingly, while the membrane galactose on the RBCs of infected and lactose-treated mice (group D) decreased as a function of parasitemia, that of the lactose-untreated infected group (group C) remained relatively constant, as was recorded for the uninfected lactose-treated control (group B) animals. At the peak of infection, the respective cumulative percent decrease in PCV and membrane galactose were 30 and 185 for group D, and 84 and 13 for group C. From this observed inverse relationship between RBCs membrane galactose and PCV, it is logical to rationalize that the delay of anemia progression during trypanosomosis produced by lactose might have resulted from an induction of galactose depletion from dsRBCs, thereby preventing their recognition by the macrophages.

Inorganic polyphosphate suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in macrophages

In response to infection, macrophages produce a series of inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), to eliminate pathogens. The production of these molecules is tightly regulated via various mechanisms, as excessive responses are often detrimental to host tissues. Here, we report that inorganic polyphosphate [poly(P)], a linear polymer of orthophosphate ubiquitously found in mammalian cells, suppresses inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a cell wall component of Gram-negative bacteria, in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Poly(P) with longer chains is more potent than those with shorter chains in suppressing LPS-induced iNOS expression. In addition, poly(P) decreased LPS-induced NO release. Moreover, poly(P) suppressed iNOS mRNA expression induced by LPS stimulation, thereby indicating that poly(P) reduces LPS-induced iNOS expression by down-regulation at the mRNA level. In contrast, poly(P) did not affect the LPS-induced release of TNF, another inflammatory mediator. Poly(P) may serve as a regulatory factor of innate immunity by modulating iNOS expression in macrophages.

Inorganic polyphosphates stimulate FGF23 expression through the FGFR pathway

Polyphosphate (polyP) is composed of linear polymers of orthophosphate residues linked by high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds. It has been reported to improve osteoblastic differentiation, stimulate periodontal tissue regeneration, and accelerate bone repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of polyP on the expression of FGF23, a hormone secreted mostly be mature osteoblasts and osteocytes. In this study, different types of polyP were synthesized and co-cultured with osteoblast-like UMR-106 cells. Real-time PCR and western blot were used to analyze the gene and protein expression of FGF23. We found that 1 mM polyP was able to increase FGF23 expression after 4 h, reaching a peak after 12-24 h, with expression decreasing by 48 h. We also found that polyP could activate the FGFR pathway, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of FGFR, FRS2, and Erk1/2. When FGFR signaling was inhibited by the specific inhibitor SU5402, the effect of polyP on FGF23 expression was significantly reduced. Our results indicate that polyP is able to stimulate osteoblastic FGF23 expression and that this effect is associated with activation of the FGFR pathway. These findings provide support for the clinical use of polyP by indicating a mechanism for polyP in bone regeneration.

Histochemical characteristics of calcium binding S100 proteins and bone morphogenetic proteins in chondro-osseous tumors

Immunohistochemical distribution of the Ca2+ binding proteins S100A1, S100A2, S100A4, S100A6, S100B, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in chondro-osseous tumors and lesions, both benign and malignant, was investigated using specific anti S100 protein and BMP antibodies. Chondrogenic tumor cells of chondro-osseous lesions were characterized by the presence of marked staining for S100B and BMP, while they were only faintly reactive for S100A1, S100A2, S100A4 and S100A6. Dense fibrous connective tissue in osseous tumor and ossifying fibroma showed moderate immunoreactivity for S100A1, S100A4 and BMP. Immunoreactivity of S100A2, prominent in epidermal basal cells and associated or homologous cells of epidermal tumors or skin appendages tumors, was not found in cartilage and bone forming cells. Biological roles of S100B in chondroid cells may involve Ca2+-signaling in precalcified tissue, cytoskeletal protein organization and matrix formation since glycosaminoglycan synthesis is mediated by calcium ions. S100B positive cells in chondro-osseous structures also strongly expressed BMP. The present study allowed us to conclude that among the S100 proteins, the S100B in particular and S100A1, S100A4 and S100A6 but not S100A2 may be involved in the process of tumorigenesis of chondro-osseous tumors and BMP may have an important role in the chondroid and osseous differentiation. The detailed biological role of S100 proteins in chondro-osseous tumors is under investigation.

Enhanced initial bone regeneration with inorganic polyphosphate-adsorbed hydroxyapatite

Inorganic polyphosphate (poly(P)) can promote binding between fibroblast growth factors and their receptors and enhance osteoblastic cell differentiation and calcification. This study evaluated the possibilities for poly(P) adsorbed onto interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite (IP-CHA) as a new bone regeneration material. Prepared 1%, 5%, 25% and 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA composites showed the elution peak of poly(P) between 15 and 20 min, respectively, with the highest value from 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA in vitro. Histologically, at 1 week of placement into the femur of rabbits, granulation tissue had penetrated into the pores in all composites and IP-CHA as a control. In contrast, at 2 weeks of placement, newly formed lamellar bone was found in all groups, although a higher amount of bone regeneration was obviously formed in the 25% and 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA with a significantly higher value of bone regeneration ratio of 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA. These results indicate that 25% and 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA composites may enhance initial bone regeneration.

Inorganic polyphosphate differentiates human mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblastic cells

The existence of inorganic polyphosphates [poly(P)] in human cells has been demonstrated. In osteoblasts, it is suggested that the concentration of cellular poly(P) is relatively high. In this study, we examined whether poly(P) accelerates the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) into osteoblastic cells. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was induced by poly(P) in hMSCs from both OA and RA. In Alizarin Red S and osteocalcin EIA, there was a significant difference between the control and poly(P) group. In real-time PCR, there was a significant difference in ALP, collagen type 1A, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein between the control and poly(P) group. Our findings suggest that poly(P) have the potent role of differentiating hMSCs into osteoblastic cells at the early and later stages of osteoblastic differentiation.

Distribution of aerobic bacteria which contain bacteriochlorophyll a

Sixteen strains of aerobic bacteria which contain bacteriochlorophyll a were isolated from the samples collected in aerobic marine environments: thalli of Enteromorpha linza, Porphyra sp., Sargussum horneri; beach sand; and the surface seawater from Aburatsubo Inlet. When they occurred, their proportions among the aerobic heterotrophic populations ranged from 0.9 to 1.1% in the seaweed samples and from 1.2 to 6.3% in the beach sand samples and were 0.9% in the seawater sample. The results suggested that the aerobic photopigmented bacteria widely inhabit aerobic marine environments.

Effect of combined application of bFGF and inorganic polyphosphate on bioactivities of osteoblasts and initial bone regeneration

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and inorganic polyphosphate (poly(P)) have been recognized as therapeutic agents that enhance bone regeneration. It has also been shown that poly(P) may enhance the mitogenic activity of bFGF. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the combined effect of bFGF and poly(P) on bioactivities of osteoblasts and initial bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo. MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with bFGF, poly(P) or bFGF+poly(P), then subjected to cell proliferation assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measurement, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Alizarin S Red staining. In an in vivo study, bFGF-, poly(P)- and bFGF+poly(P)-modified interconnected porous hydroxyapatite (IPHA) complexes were fabricated, and placed into the femurs of rabbits to evaluate new bone formation histologically and histomorphometrically. The highest enhancement of cell proliferation were observed in those treated with bFGF+poly(P) on days 5 and 7. Cells treated with bFGF+poly(P) also exhibited increased ALP activity on days 5 and 10, up-regulated mRNA levels of osteocalcin and osteopontin, and enhanced calcification when compared to the non-treated cells. In vivo, the highest bone formation ratio was observed in bFGF+poly(P)-modified IPHA complexes. This study indicated that co-application of bFGF and poly(P) may provide enhanced bone formation by modulating cell proliferation and the mineralization process. It is anticipated that a combined application of bFGF and poly(P) can provide a novel method for bone regeneration in clinical use.

Xenopus W-linked DM-W induces Foxl2 and Cyp19 expression during ovary formation

The molecular mechanisms of vertebrate ZZ/ZW-type sex-determining systems remain unclear. We recently indicated that a W-linked gene, DM-W is a likely ovary-determining gene in Xenopus laevis. We first examined whether Cyp19 for estrogen-synthesizing enzyme P450 aromatase and Foxl2 showed female-specific expression in developing gonads. Both genes showed much higher expression in ZW than in ZZ gonads during and after sex determination. Importantly, transgenic ZZ gonads expressing exogenous DM-W at the sex-determining stage showed a ZW-type pattern of Cyp19 and Foxl2 expression. These results suggest that DM-W up-regulates Cyp19 and Foxl2 expression to guide primary ovary development in X. laevis.