Osteoblast-like Cells (osteoblast-like + cell)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Kinds of Osteoblast-like Cells

  • human osteoblast-like cell
  • mc3t3-e1 osteoblast-like cell


  • Selected Abstracts


    Effect of Silicate-Substitution on Attachment and Early Development of Human Osteoblast-Like Cells Seeded on Microporous Hydroxyapatite Discs,

    ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 1-2 2010
    Katharina Guth
    Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a well-established graft material used in bone repair. Silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite (SA; 0.8,wt% Si) has shown greater bone ingrowth and bone coverage than phase pure HA. To assess the effect of microporosity on sensitivity of cell attachment to surface physiochemistry, microporous SA and HA discs, and control Thermanox (TMX) discs were incubated with osteoblast-like cells (5,×,104 HOS-TE85 cells) under differing tissue culture conditions. To investigate early cellular attachment, organization, and differentiation, cells were also stained for integrin,,5,1, actin, and runt-related transcription factor (RUNX-2), respectively, after incubation on HA, SA, and TMX discs for 3 days. No significant differences emerged between HA, SA, and TMX discs in mean numbers of cells attached in serum free medium (SFM) over 90,min incubation. In contrast, significantly more cells were attached to SA than HA after 180,min incubation in complete medium (C-MEM) containing fetal calf serum (p,<,0.05). Cell attachment to SA and HA discs pre-conditioned in SFM supplemented with fibronectin (FN) was lower than discs pre-conditioned in C-MEM, suggesting sensitivity of an active FN conformation to the presence of co-adsorbates. Confocal microscopy demonstrated significantly more co-localization of integrin ,5,1 and actin on SA than HA. Translocalization of RUNX-2 to the nucleus was stronger in cells incubated on SA. Microporosity did not diminish the effect of surface physiochemistry on cell adhesion, and enhanced cell attachment for SA appears to be mediated by differences in the quality of adsorbed protein rather than via direct effects of substrate chemistry. [source]


    Ascorbic Acid Induces Collagenase-1 in Human Periodontal Ligament Cells but Not in MC3T3-E1 Osteoblast-Like Cells: Potential Association Between Collagenase Expression and Changes in Alkaline Phosphatase Phenotype,

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2003
    Momotoshi Shiga
    Abstract Ascorbic acid (AA) enhances osteoblastic differentiation by increasing collagen accumulation, which in turn, results in increased alkaline phosphatase (AP) expression in some osteogenic cells. However, in other cells, including human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells, additional osteoinductive agents are required for this response. To understand the potential basis for the maintenance of the AP phenotype of PDL cells exposed to AA, we examined the modulation of the tissue-degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors by AA in short-term cell cultures. Early passage PDL cells in serum-free medium were exposed to AA for 5 days. The samples were analyzed for MMPs and their inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), AP, collagen I(,1), and osteocalcin. We found that AA dose-dependently increased the expression of collagenase-1, and minimally TIMP-1, but not stromelysin-1 or TIMP-2. Additionally, AA caused substantial increases in levels of type I collagen. AA was unable to increase AP activity or osteocalcin messenger RNA in PDL cells. However, the cells retained the ability to show a significantly greater AP expression in high- versus low-density cultures, and increased osteocalcin as well as AP levels when cultured in the presence of dexamethasone. Moreover, in cells exposed to dexamethasone, increases in AP and osteocalcin were accompanied by a repression of collagenase-1 expression. In contrast to PDL cells, AA did not induce collagenase but produced a significant increase in AP expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. These findings provide the first evidence that AA, by modulating both collagen and collagenase-1 expression in PDL cells, most likely contributes to a net matrix remodeling response in these cells. Furthermore, the relationship between changes in collagenase expression and alterations in AP activity in PDL and MC3T3-E1 cells suggests a potential role for collagenase in modulating the AP phenotype of cells with osteoblastic potential. [source]


    Growth and Differentiation of Osteoblast-Like Cells from Calvaria of Connexin43 Deficient Mice

    MATERIALWISSENSCHAFT UND WERKSTOFFTECHNIK, Issue 12 2004
    M. Wiemann
    Osteoblasten-artige Zellen; Connexin43-defiziente Mäuse; gap junctions; Differenzierung Abstract Extensive cell-cell-coupling via gap junctions has been suspected to play an essential role for osteoblast development. Here, osteoblast-like cells (OBL) from connexin(Cx)43 knock out mice were used to explore the role of Cx43 for osteoblast differentiation. Primary cultures of OBL were derived from calvaria of homozygous (Cx43-/-) and heterozygous (Cx43+/,) knock out mice and also from wild type controls (Cx43+/+). In Cx43-/- OBL Lucifer Yellow dye coupling was largely abolished demonstrating that small molecules could no longer be transferred among neighboring cells. Cx43-/- OBL grew out very slowly from calvarial fragments. Nevertheless their cell density around explants was increased 3-fold vs. controls after 3 weeks. Histochemistry showed that in many Cx43-/- OBL there was an increased alkaline phosphatase activity within the cytoplasm and close to the cell membrane. Mineralization was diminished in Cx43-/- cultures. In heterozygous Cx43+/, OBL all aforementioned effects were less pronounced, pointing to a gene-dosage effect. Data suggest that the loss of Cx43 indirectly impairs the osteoblastic phenotype, e.g. by disturbing cellular functions such as motility and/or secretion. If this holds true, all parameters in the interphase of enosseous implants which lower gap junction expression will also affect bone regeneration. Wachstum und Differenzierung von Osteoblasten-artigen Zellen aus Kalvarien Connexin43-defizienter Mäuse Es wurde oft vermutet, dass die ausgeprägte Zell-Zell-Kopplung von Osteoblasten durch gap junctions eine besondere Rolle für die Differenzierung der gekoppelten Zellen spielt. In dieser Arbeit wurden daher Osteoblasten-artige Zellen (OBL) aus Connexin43 (Cx43) knock out Mäusen benutzt, um die Bedeutung von Cx43-gap-junction-Kanälen für die Differenzierung von Osteoblasten zu untersuchen. Die dafür notwendigen OBL-Primärkulturen wurden aus Calvarienfragmenten von homozygoten (Cx43-/-) und heterozygoten (Cx43+/,) knock out Mäusen sowie aus Wildtyp-Mäusen gewonnen. In Cx43-/- OBL war die Lucifer Yellow-Farbstoffkopplung weitgehend aufgehoben. Dieser Befund zeigt, dass Moleküle ,600 D zwischen Cx43-/- Zellen kaum noch ausgetauscht werden können. Cx43-/- Zellen wuchsen vergleichsweise langsam aus ihren Calvarienfragmenten aus. Dennoch erreichten diese Kulturen nach 3 Wochen eine im Vergleich zur Kontrolle 3fach höhere Zelldichte. Histochemisch zeigte sich, dass in Cx43-/- Zellen die alkalische Phosphatase-Aktivität im Zytoplasma und besonders im Bereich der Zellmembran erhöht war. Die Mineralisierung war hingegen herabgesetzt. In heterozygoten Cx43+/, OBL waren alle genannten Effekte intermediär ausgeprägt, was auf einen Gen-Dosis-Effekt deutet. Insgesamt legen die Befunde nahe, dass der Verlust von Cx43 die Ausprägung des osteoblastären Phänotyps, z.,B. durch eine Behinderung der Zellbeweglichkeit und/oder der Sekretion beeinträchtigt. Daher dürften alle Parameter, die die Expression von Cx43 im Interphase eines enossalen Implantats stören, die Knochenregeneration behindern. [source]


    Characterization of Tissue Transglutaminase in Human Osteoblast-like Cells

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 8 2001
    Deborah J. Heath
    Abstract Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is a calcium-dependent and guanosine 5,-triphosphate (GTP) binding enzyme, which catalyzes the post-translational modification of proteins by forming intermolecular ,(,-glutamyl)lysine cross-links. In this study, human osteoblasts (HOBs) isolated from femoral head trabecular bone and two osteosarcoma cell lines (HOS and MG-63) were studied for their expression and localization of tTG. Quantitative evaluation of transglutaminase (TG) activity determined using the [1,414C]-putrescine incorporation assay showed that the enzyme was active in all cell types. However, there was a significantly higher activity in the cell homogenates of MG-63 cells as compared with HOB and HOS cells (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the activity of the enzyme in HOB and HOS cells. All three cell types also have a small amount of active TG on their surface as determined by the incorporation of biotinylated cadaverine into fibronectin. Cell surface-related tTG was further shown by preincubation of cells with tTG antibody, which led to inhibition of cell attachment. Western blot analysis clearly indicated that the active TG was tTG and immunocytochemistry showed it be situated in the cytosol of the cells. In situ extracellular enzyme activity also was shown by the cell-mediated incorporation of fluorescein cadaverine into extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. These results clearly showed that MG-63 cells have high extracellular activity, which colocalized with the ECM protein fibronectin and could be inhibited by the competitive primary amine substrate putrescine. The contribution of tTG to cell surface/matrix interactions and to the stabilization of the ECM of osteoblast cells therefore could by an important factor in the cascade of events leading to bone differentiation and mineralization. [source]


    Biofunctional rapid prototyping for tissue-engineering applications: 3D bioplotting versus 3D printing,

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 3 2004
    Andreas Pfister
    Abstract Two important rapid-prototyping technologies (3D Printing and 3D Bioplotting) were compared with respect to the computer-aided design and free-form fabrication of biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds meeting the demands of tissue-engineering applications. Aliphatic polyurethanes were based on lysine ethyl ester diisocyanate and isophorone diisocyanate. Layer-by-layer construction of the scaffolds was performed by 3D Printing, that is, bonding together starch particles followed by infiltration and partial crosslinking of starch with lysine ethyl ester diisocyanate. Alternatively, the 3D Bioplotting process permitted three-dimensional dispensing and reactive processing of oligoetherurethanes derived from isophorone diisocyanate, oligoethylene oxide, and glycerol. The scaffolds were characterized with X-ray microtomography, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical testing. Osteoblast-like cells were seeded on such scaffolds to demonstrate their potential in tissue engineering. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 624,638, 2004 [source]


    The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib inhibits FGF-2-induced reduction of TAZ levels in osteoblast-like cells

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
    Homare Eda
    Abstract Objectives:,Bortezomib (PS-341; VelcadeÔ), a proteasome inhibitor, is used as a therapeutic agent for multiple myeloma. Bortezomib has been shown to strongly induce osteoblast differentiation and elevate the levels of osteoblast-related differentiation markers in the serum of patients with myeloma. Bortezomib also reportedly increases the activity of the transcription factor, Runx2. However, the mechanism of action by which bortezomib-elevated Runx2 activity mediates osteoblast differentiation remains unclear. On the other hand, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is found at high levels in patients with multiple myeloma. We previously reported that FGF-2 reduces the levels of the transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). We therefore investigated the effects of bortezomib on TAZ protein levels in the presence of FGF-2. Methods: Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with different concentrations of bortezomib in the presence or absence of FGF-2 and various biologic responses were investigated by immunoblotting, RT-PCR, quantitative PCR, and alizarin red staining. Results: We found that bortezomib inhibited FGF-2-induced reduction of TAZ levels through a pathway other than that used for proteasome inhibition, while maintaining TAZ function, which in turn, enhanced the expression of Runx2-transcribed osteogenic differentiation markers. Bortezomib also suppressed the antimineralization effect of FGF-2. Conclusions: These findings suggest that bortezomib inhibited FGF-2-induced reduction of TAZ and consequently stimulated osteogenic differentiation independently of proteasome inhibition. These findings may contribute to elucidate the osteolytic mechanism in multiple myeloma, and to the development of new drugs for multiple myeloma and other osteolytic diseases. [source]


    Effect of Silicate-Substitution on Attachment and Early Development of Human Osteoblast-Like Cells Seeded on Microporous Hydroxyapatite Discs,

    ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 1-2 2010
    Katharina Guth
    Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a well-established graft material used in bone repair. Silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite (SA; 0.8,wt% Si) has shown greater bone ingrowth and bone coverage than phase pure HA. To assess the effect of microporosity on sensitivity of cell attachment to surface physiochemistry, microporous SA and HA discs, and control Thermanox (TMX) discs were incubated with osteoblast-like cells (5,×,104 HOS-TE85 cells) under differing tissue culture conditions. To investigate early cellular attachment, organization, and differentiation, cells were also stained for integrin,,5,1, actin, and runt-related transcription factor (RUNX-2), respectively, after incubation on HA, SA, and TMX discs for 3 days. No significant differences emerged between HA, SA, and TMX discs in mean numbers of cells attached in serum free medium (SFM) over 90,min incubation. In contrast, significantly more cells were attached to SA than HA after 180,min incubation in complete medium (C-MEM) containing fetal calf serum (p,<,0.05). Cell attachment to SA and HA discs pre-conditioned in SFM supplemented with fibronectin (FN) was lower than discs pre-conditioned in C-MEM, suggesting sensitivity of an active FN conformation to the presence of co-adsorbates. Confocal microscopy demonstrated significantly more co-localization of integrin ,5,1 and actin on SA than HA. Translocalization of RUNX-2 to the nucleus was stronger in cells incubated on SA. Microporosity did not diminish the effect of surface physiochemistry on cell adhesion, and enhanced cell attachment for SA appears to be mediated by differences in the quality of adsorbed protein rather than via direct effects of substrate chemistry. [source]


    Hydroxyapatite/SiO2 Composites via Freeze Casting for Bone Tissue Engineering,

    ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 11 2009
    Silke Blindow
    Freeze casting is a fabrication method that allows producing near-net-shaped ceramics with variable porosity. Hydroxyapatite (HA) was modified by the addition of different amounts of SiO2 nanoparticles during freeze cast preparation. The addition of SiO2 introduced a partial phase transformation of HA to , -tricalcium phosphate and improved the form stability due to less shrinkage after sintering. The impact of surface roughness of pure HA ceramics and the influence of SiO2 introduction during freeze casting on adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) was investigated. While both cell attachment and proliferation of smooth pressed HA was significantly enhanced compared to rough freeze cast HA, the addition of SiO2 improved the cell numbers of the latter. The expression of cell differentiation markers osteocalcin and collagen I was found to be supported by rough surfaces (Ra,=,5,6,µm) in particular on ceramics containing SiO2 [source]


    Osteoblastoma of the mandible: Clinicopathologic study of four cases and literature review

    HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 7 2005
    Saverio Capodiferro DDS
    Abstract Background. Osteoblastoma is a benign bone tumor accounting for 1% of all bone tumors; it commonly involves the spine and the sacrum of young individuals, with less than 5% being localized to the posterior mandible. In view of its rarity in the maxilla and mandible, osteoblastoma is rarely diagnosed as such in the absence of interdisciplinary cooperation. Methods. A retrospective study of four benign osteoblastomas was performed based on a review of the clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of all cases. Results. The tumors involved the posterior mandible of young patients (age range, 10,21 years; two male and two female patients) and appeared as painful bone expansions. Radiologically, they were poorly defined, radiolucent/radiopaque lesions containing calcifications and not showing sclerotic borders or periosteal reactions. Histologically, they were composed of osteoid and woven bone surrounded by plump osteoblast-like cells with interposed fibroblasts, inflammatory cells, and red blood cells. All patients were disease free after prolonged follow-up. Conclusions. Osteoblastomas may be distinguished from other bone tumors, fibro-osseous lesions, and odontogenic neoplasms on the basis of integrated clinical, radiologic, and histologic features and usually manifest an indolent clinical course. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck27: XXX,XXX, 2005 [source]


    In vitro evaluation of porous poly(L -lactic acid) scaffold reinforced by chitin fibers

    JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009
    Xiaoming Li
    Abstract In this study, the previously reported porous three-dimensional poly(L -lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds reinforced by the chitin fibers (PLLA/CF) with and without the link were evaluated in vitro. Firstly, pH value of the phosphate buffered saline lixiviums of the PLLA/CF with different content of the chitin fibers was measured to get an appropriate content of the chitin fibers in the PLLA/CF. Then, the cell functions (attachment, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase per unit cell, total protein per unit cell, and osteonectin, osteopontin, and osteocalcin gene expression) of human osteoblast-like cells (SaOS2) cultured on the PLLA/CF with the link, PLLA/CF without the link and PLLA scaffold were compared. The results showed that the link treatment did not significantly influence the pH value of the lixiviums of the scaffolds, 30% volume content might be an appropriate content of the chitin fibers in PLLA/CF scaffold to keep the pH value of the lixiviums of the scaffolds between 7.0 and 7.2 during the lixiviation time of 16 weeks, the PLLA/CF scaffold was significantly better for the attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of the osteoblast than PLLA, the link treatment did not significantly influence these cells activities, which further suggested that PLLA/CF with the link treatment might be an appropriate scaffold for tissue engineering. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009 [source]


    Growth of osteoblast-like cells on biomimetic apatite-coated chitosan scaffolds

    JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2008
    I. Manjubala
    Abstract Porous scaffold materials that can provide a framework for the cells to adhere, proliferate, and create extracellular matrix are considered to be suitable materials for bone regeneration. Interconnected porous chitosan scaffolds were prepared by freeze-drying method, and were mineralized by calcium and phosphate solution by double-diffusion method to form nanoapatite in chitosan matrix. The mineralized chitosan scaffold contains hydroxyapatite nanocrystals on the surface and also within the pore channels of the scaffold. To assess the effect of apatite and porosity of the scaffolds on cells, human osteoblast (SaOS-2) cells were cultured on unmineralized and mineralized chitosan scaffolds. The cell growth on the mineralized scaffolds and on the pure chitosan scaffold shows a similar growth trend. The total protein content and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity of the cells grown on scaffolds were quantified, and were found to increase over time in mineralized scaffold after 1 and 3 weeks of culture. The electron microscopy of the cell-seeded scaffolds showed that most of the outer macropores became sealed off by a continuous layer of cells. The cells spanned around the pore wall and formed extra cellular matrix, consisting mainly of collagen in mineralized scaffolds. The hydroxyproline content also confirmed the formation of the collagen matrix by cells in mineralized scaffolds. This study demonstrated that the presence of apatite nanocrystals in chitosan scaffolds does not significantly influence the growth of cells, but does induce the formation of extracellular matrix and therefore has the potential to serve for bone tissue engineering. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008 [source]


    High-phosphate-induced calcification is related to SM22, promoter methylation in vascular smooth muscle cells

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 9 2010
    Addy Montes de Oca
    Abstract Hyperphosphatemia is closely related to vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) exposed to high phosphate concentrations in vitro undergo phenotypic transition to osteoblast-like cells. Mechanisms underlying this transdifferentiation are not clear. In this study we used two in vitro models, human aortic smooth muscle cells and rat aortic rings, to investigate the phenotypic transition of VSMCs induced by high phosphate. We found that high phosphate concentration (3.3,mmol/L) in the medium was associated with increased DNA methyltransferase activity and methylation of the promoter region of SM22,. This was accompanied by loss of the smooth muscle cell,specific protein SM22,, gain of the osteoblast transcription factor Cbfa1, and increased alkaline phosphatase activity with the subsequent in vitro calcification. The addition of a demethylating agent (procaine) to the high-phosphate medium reduced DNA methyltransferase activity and prevented methylation of the SM22, promoter, which was accompanied by an increase in SM22, expression and less calcification. Additionally, downregulation of SM22,, either by siRNA or by a methyl group donor (S -adenosyl methionine), resulted in overexpression of Cbfa1. In conclusion, we demonstrate that methylation of SM22, promoter is an important event in vascular smooth muscle cell calcification and that high phosphate induces this epigenetic modification. These findings uncover a new insight into mechanisms by which high phosphate concentration promotes vascular calcification. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [source]


    Ghrelin Directly Regulates Bone Formation,

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005
    Nobuhiro Fukushima
    Abstract To clarify the role of ghrelin in bone metabolism, we examined the effect of ghrelin in vitro and in vivo. Ghrelin and its receptor, GHS-R1a, were identified in osteoblasts, and ghrelin promoted both proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, ghrelin increased BMD in rats. Our results show that ghrelin directly affects bone formation. Introduction: Ghrelin is a gut peptide involved in growth hormone (GH) secretion and energy homeostasis. Recently, it has been reported that the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin, which also regulates energy homeostasis and opposes ghrelin's actions in energy homeostasis, plays a significant role in bone metabolism. This evidence implies that ghrelin may modulate bone metabolism; however, it has not been clarified. To study the role of ghrelin in skeletal integrity, we examined its effects on bone metabolism both in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods: We measured the expression of ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a) in rat osteoblasts using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effect of ghrelin on primary osteoblast-like cell proliferation was examined by recording changes in cell number and the level of DNA synthesis. Osteoblast differentiation markers (Runx2, collagen ,1 type I [COLI], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], osteocalcin [OCN]) were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR. We also examined calcium accumulation and ALP activity in osteoblast-like cells induced by ghrelin. Finally, to address the in vivo effects of ghrelin on bone metabolism, we examined the BMD of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and genetically GH-deficient, spontaneous dwarf rats (SDR). Results: Ghrelin and GHS-R1a were identified in osteoblast-like cells. Ghrelin significantly increased osteoblast-like cell numbers and DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. The proliferative effects of ghrelin were suppressed by [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6, an antagonist of GHS-R1a, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, ghrelin increased the expression of osteoblast differentiation markers, ALP activity, and calcium accumulation in the matrix. Finally, ghrelin definitely increased BMD of both SD rats and SDRs. Conclusions: These observations show that ghrelin directly stimulates bone formation. [source]


    Indapamide, a Thiazide-Like Diuretic, Decreases Bone Resorption In Vitro

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2001
    Agnes Lalande
    Abstract We recently showed that indapamide (IDP), a thiazide-related diuretic, increases bone mass and decreases bone resorption in spontaneously hypertensive rats supplemented with sodium. In the present study, we evaluated the in vitro effects of this diuretic on bone cells, as well as those of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), the reference thiazide, and acetazolamide (AZ), a carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitor. We showed that 10,4 M IDP and 10,4 M AZ, as well as 10,5 M pamidronate (APD), decreased bone resorption in organ cultures and in cocultures of osteoblast-like cells and bone marrow cells in the presence of 10,8 M 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. We investigated the mechanism of this antiresorptive effect of IDP; IDP decreased osteoclast differentiation as the number of osteoclasts developing in coculture of marrow and osteoblast-like cells was decreased markedly. We then investigated whether IDP affected osteoblast-like cells because these cells are involved in the osteoclast differentiation. Indeed, IDP increased osteoblast-like cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression. Nevertheless, it did not modify the colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) production by these cells. In addition, osteoblast-like cells expressed the Na+/Cl, cotransporter that is necessary for the renal action of thiazide diuretics, but IDP inhibited bone resorption in mice lacking this cotransporter, so the inhibition of bone resorption and osteoclast differentiation did not involve this pathway. Thus, we hypothesized that IDP may act directly on cells of the osteoclast lineage. We observed that resorption pits produced by spleen cells cultured in the presence of soluble osteoclast differentiation factor (sODF) and CSF-1 were decreased by 10,4 M IDP as well as 10,5 M APD. In conclusion, in vitro IDP increased osteoblast proliferation and decreased bone resorption at least in part by decreasing osteoclast differentiation via a direct effect on hematopoietic precursors. [source]


    Cloning and Functional Analysis of a Family of Nuclear Matrix Transcription Factors (NP/NMP4) that Regulate Type I Collagen Expression in Osteoblasts

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2001
    Pasutha Thunyakitpisal
    Abstract Collagen expression is coupled to cell structure in connective tissue. We propose that nuclear matrix architectural transcription factors link cell shape with collagen promoter geometry and activity. We previously indicated that nuclear matrix proteins (NP/NMP4) interact with the rat type I collagen ,1(I) polypeptide chain (COL1A1) promoter at two poly(dT) sequences (sites A and B) and bend the DNA. Here, our objective was to determine whether NP/NMP4- COL1A1 binding influences promoter activity and to clone NP/NMP4. Promoter-reporter constructs containing 3.5 kilobases (kb) of COL1A1 5, flanking sequence were fused to a reporter gene. Mutation of site A or site B increased promoter activity in rat UMR-106 osteoblast-like cells. Several full-length complementary DNAs (cDNAs) were isolated from an expression library using site B as a probe. These clones expressed proteins with molecular weights and COL1A1 binding activity similar to NP/NMP4. Antibodies to these proteins disrupted native NP/NMP4- COL1A1 binding activity. Overexpression of specific clones in UMR-106 cells repressed COL1A1 promoter activity. The isolated cDNAs encode isoforms of Cys2His2 zinc finger proteins that contain an AT-hook, a motif found in architectural transcription factors. Some of these isoforms recently have been identified as Cas-interacting zinc finger proteins (CIZ) that localize to fibroblast focal adhesions and enhance metalloproteinase gene expression. We observed NP/NMP4/CIZ expression in osteocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes in rat bone. We conclude that NP/NMP4/CIZ is a novel family of nuclear matrix transcription factors that may be part of a general mechanical pathway that couples cell structure and function during extracellular matrix remodeling. [source]


    Mechanical Strain Stimulates Osteoblast Proliferation Through the Estrogen Receptor in Males as Well as Females

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 11 2000
    E. Damien
    Abstract Mechanical strain, testosterone, and estrogen all stimulate proliferation of primary cultures of male rat long bone (LOB)-derived osteoblast-like cells as determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation. The maximum proliferative effect of a single period of mechanical strain (3400 ,,, 1 Hz, and 600 cycles) is additional to that of testosterone (10,8 M) or estrogen (10,8 M). The cells' proliferative response to strain is abolished both by concentrations of tamoxifen that cause proliferation (10,8 M) and by those that have no effect (10,6 M). Strain-related proliferation also is reduced by the estrogen antagonist ICI 182,780 (10,8 M) but is unaffected by the androgen receptor antagonist hydroxyflutamide (10,7 M). Tamoxifen, ICI 182,780, and the aromatase inhibitor 4-dihydroandrostenedione, at concentrations that have no effect on basal proliferation, significantly reduce the proliferative effect of the aromatizable androgen testosterone but not that of the nonaromatizable androgen 5,-dihydrotestosterone. Hydroxyflutamide, at a concentration that has no effect on basal proliferation (10,7 M), eliminates the proliferative effect of 5,-dihydro-testosterone but had no significant effect on that caused by testosterone. Proliferation associated with strain is blocked by neutralizing antibody to insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) but not by antibody to IGF-I. Proliferation associated with testosterone is blocked by neutralizing antibody to IGF-I but is unaffected by antibody to IGF-II. These data suggest that in rat osteoblast-like cells from males, as from females, strain-related proliferation is mediated through the estrogen receptor (ER) in a manner that does not compete with estrogen but that can be blocked by ER modulators. Proliferation associated with testosterone appears to follow its aromatization to estrogen and is mediated through the ER, whereas proliferation associated with 5,-dihydrotestosterone is mediated by the androgen receptor. Strain-related proliferation in males, as in females, is mediated by IGF-II, whereas proliferation associated with estrogen and testosterone is mediated by IGF-I. [source]


    Role of the Latent Transforming Growth Factor ,,Binding Protein 1 in Fibrillin-Containing Microfibrils in Bone Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2000
    Sarah L. Dallas
    Abstract Latent transforming growth factor ,,binding proteins (LTBPs) are extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that bind latent transforming growth factor , (TGF-,) and influence its availability in bone and other connective tissues. LTBPs have homology with fibrillins and may have related functions as microfibrillar proteins. However, at present little is known about their structural arrangement in the ECM. By using antibodies against purified LTBP1, against a short peptide in LTBP1, and against epitope-tagged LTBP1 constructs, we have shown colocalization of LTBP1 and fibrillin 1 in microfibrillar structures in the ECM of cultured primary osteoblasts. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed localization of LTBP1 to 10- to 12-nm microfibrils and suggested an ordered aggregation of LTBP1 into these structures. Early colocalization of LTBP1 with fibronectin suggested a role for fibronectin in the initial assembly of LTBP1 into the matrix; however, in more differentiated osteoblast cultures, LTBP1 and fibronectin 1 were found in distinct fibrillar networks. Overexpression of LTBP1 deletion constructs in osteoblast-like cells showed that N-terminal amino acids 67,467 were sufficient for incorporation into fibrillin-containing microfibrils and suggested that LTBP1 can be produced by cells distant from the site of fibril formation. In embryonic long bones in vivo, LTBP1 and fibrillin 1 colocalized at the surface of newly forming osteoid and bone. However, LTBP1-positive fibrils, which did not contain fibrillin 1, were present in cartilage matrix. These studies show that in addition to regulating TGF,1, LTBP1 may function as a structural component of connective tissue microfibrils. LTBP1 may therefore be a candidate gene for Marfan-related connective tissue disorders in which linkage to fibrillins has been excluded. [source]


    Soluble, insoluble and geometric signals sculpt the architecture of mineralized tissues

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 2 2004
    U. Ripamonti
    Abstract Bone morphogenetic and osteogenic proteins (BMPs/OPs), members of the transforming growth factor-, (TGF-,) superfamily, are soluble mediators of tissue morphogenesis and induce de novo endochondral bone formation in heterotopic extraskeletal sites as a recapitulation of embryonic development. In the primate Papio ursinus, the induction of bone formation has been extended to the TGF-, isoforms per se. In the primate and in the primate only, the TGF-, isoforms are initiators of endochondral bone formation by induction and act in a species-, site- and tissue-specific mode with robust endochondral bone induction in heterotopic sites but with limited new bone formation in orthotopic bone defects. The limited inductive capacity orthotopically of TGF-, isoforms is associated with expression of the inhibitory Smads, Smad6 and Smad7. In primates, bone formation can also be induced using biomimetic crystalline hydroxyapatite matrices with a specific surface geometry and without the exogenous application of osteogenic proteins of the TGF-, superfamily, even when the biomimetic matrices are implanted heterotopically in the rectus abdominis muscle. The sequence of events that directs new bone formation upon the implantation of highly crystalline biomimetic matrices initiates with vascular invasion, mesenchymal cell migration, attachment and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells attached to the substratum, expression and synthesis of osteogenic proteins of the TGF-, superfamily resulting in the induction of bone as a secondary response. The above findings in the primate indicate enormous potential for the bioengineering industry. Of particular interest is that biomimetic matrices with intrinsic osteoinductivity would be an affordable option in the local context. [source]


    Nmp4/CIZ contributes to fluid shear stress induced MMP-13 gene induction in osteoblasts

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2007
    Kanokwan Charoonpatrapong-Panyayong
    Abstract The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), involved in bone turnover, is elevated in stretched MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. Strain-mediated forces impact bone remodeling due in large part to the movement of fluid through the canalicular-lacunar network. The resulting fluid shear stress (FSS) over the surface membranes of bone cells initiates bone remodeling. Although the nuclear events mediating putative FSS-induced changes in osteoblast MMP-13 transcription are unknown, previous studies with bone cells suggest an overlap between osteoblast FSS- and PTH-induced signal response pathways. MMP-13 PTH response is regulated by a 110 bp 5, regulatory region, conserved across the mouse, rat, and human genes, that supports the binding of numerous transcription factors including Runx2, c-fos/c-jun, Ets-1, and nuclear matrix protein 4/cas interacting zinc finger protein (Nmp4/CIZ) a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling trans-acting protein that attenuates PTH-driven transcription. Nmp4/CIZ also binds p130cas, an adaptor protein implicated in mechanotransduction. Here we sought to determine whether Nmp4/CIZ contributes to FSS-induced changes in MMP-13 transcription. FSS (12 dynes/cm2, 3,5 h) increased MMP-13 promoter-reporter activity approximately two-fold in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells attended by a comparable increase in mRNA expression. This was accompanied by a decrease in Nmp4/CIZ binding to its cis-element within the PTH response region, the mutation of which abrogated the MMP-13 response to FSS. Interestingly, FSS enhanced Nmp4/CIZ promoter activity and induced p130cas nuclear translocation. We conclude that the PTH regulatory region of MMP-13 also contributes to FSS response and that Nmp4/CIZ plays similar but distinct roles in mediating hormone- and FSS-driven induction of MMP-13 in bone cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1202,1213, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Adenovirus-mediated BMP2 expression in human bone marrow stromal cells

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2001
    Elizabeth A. Olmsted
    Abstract Recombinant adenoviral vectors have been shown to be potential new tools for a variety of musculoskeletal defects. Much emphasis in the field of orthopedic research has been placed on developing systems for the production of bone. This study aims to determine the necessary conditions for sustained production of high levels of active bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) using a recombinant adenovirus type 5 (Ad5BMP2) capable of eliciting BMP2 synthesis upon infection and to evaluate the consequences for osteoprogenitor cells. The results indicate that high levels (144 ng/ml) of BMP2 can be produced in non-osteoprogenitor cells (A549 cell line) by this method and the resultant protein appears to be three times more biologically active than the recombinant protein. Surprisingly, similar levels of BMP2 expression could not be achieved after transduction with Ad5BMP2 of either human bone marrow stromal cells or the mouse bone marrow stromal cell line W20-17. However, human bone marrow stromal cells cultured with 1 ,M dexamethasone for four days, or further stimulated to become osteoblast-like cells with 50 ,g/ml ascorbic acid, produced high levels of BMP2 upon Ad5BMP2 infection as compared to the undifferentiated cells. The increased production of BMP2 in adenovirus transduced cells following exposure to 1 ,M dexamethasone was reduced if the cells were not given 50 ,g/ml ascorbic acid. When bone marrow stromal cells were allowed to become confluent in culture prior to differentiation, BMP2 production in response to Ad5BMP2 infection was lost entirely. Furthermore, the increase in BMP2 synthesis seen during differentiation was greatly decreased when Ad5BMP2 was administered prior to dexamethasone treatment. In short, the efficiency of adenovirus mediated expression of BMP2 in bone marrow stromal cells appears to be dependent on the differentiation state of these cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 82: 11,21, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    An ultrastructural study of cellular response to variation in porosity in phase-pure hydroxyapatite

    JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY, Issue 2 2004
    B. ANNAZ
    Summary Hydroxyapatite has been shown to be biocompatible and bioactive. Incorporation of porosity has been shown to enhance osteointegration; however, difficulty in controlling the extent and type of porosity has limited investigation into determining the role of both macro- and microporosity. The current investigation reports on the synthesis of four types of phase-pure hydroxyapatite with varying levels of porosity (HA1,HA4), and with defined levels of macro- and microporosities. Transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate qualitatively the effect of these two parameters on cell,material interactions following a 30-day incubation period. Biological mineralization was observed within vesicles and the needle-like minerals were confirmed as hydroxyapatite using X-ray microanalysis. This demonstrated the suitability of primary human osteoblast-like cells as a tool to assess the extent of mineralization. Furthermore, internalization of hydroxyapatite particles was observed. Our findings show that the variation in macro- and microporosity does not affect the extent of cell,material interaction, with collagen synthesis evident in all samples. [source]


    Self-hardening calcium phosphate composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering,

    JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2004
    Hockin H. K. Xu
    Abstract Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) sets in situ to form solid hydroxyapatite, can conform to complex cavity shapes without machining, has excellent osteoconductivity, and is able to be resorbed and replaced by new bone. Therefore, CPC is promising for craniofacial and orthopaedic repairs. However, its low strength and lack of macroporosity limit its use. This study investigated CPC reinforcement with absorbable fibers, the effects of fiber volume fraction on mechanical properties and macroporosity, and the cytotoxicity of CPC,fiber composite. The rationale was that large-diameter absorbable fibers would initially strengthen the CPC graft, then dissolve to form long cylindrical macropores for colonization by osteoblasts. Flexural strength, work-of-fracture (toughness), and elastic modulus were measured vs. fiber volume fraction from 0% (CPC Control without fibers) to 60%. Cell culture was performed with osteoblast-like cells, and cell viability was quantified using an enzymatic assay. Flexural strength (mean ± SD; n == 6) of CPC with 60% fibers was 13.5 ± 4.4 MPa, three times higher than 3.9 ± 0.5 MPa of CPC Control. Work-of-fracture was increased by 182 times. Long cylindrical macropores 293 ± 46 ,m in diameter were created in CPC after fiber dissolution, and the CPC,fiber scaffold reached a macroporosity of 55% and a total porosity of 81%. The new CPC,fiber formulation supported cell adhesion, proliferation and viability. The method of using large-diameter absorbable fibers in bone graft for mechanical properties and formation of long cylindrical macropores for bone ingrowth may be applicable to other tissue engineering materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Orthopuedic Research Society. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [source]


    Subculture affects the phenotypic expression of human periodontal ligament cells and their response to fibroblast growth factor-2 and bone morphogenetic protein-7,in vitro

    JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2008
    S. Lossdörfer
    Background and Objective:, Although periodontal ligament cells display several osteoblastic traits, their phenotypic expression is still not well established. It remains a matter of debate whether they resemble a terminally differentiated cell type or an intermediate maturation state that potentially can be directed towards a fibroblastic or an osteoblastic phenotype. Material and Methods:, To explore the characteristics of periodontal ligament cells in greater detail, fourth-passage, sixth-passage and eighth-passage human periodontal ligament cells were cultured for up to 3 wk. Ki-67, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-,B ligand (RANKL) mRNA expression was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the cellular response to fibroblast growth factor-2 and bone morphogenetic protein-7 was examined in first-passage and fourth-passage cells. Dermal fibroblasts (1BR.3.G) and osteoblast-like cells (MG63) served as reference cell lines. Results:, Proliferation decreased over time and was highest in fourth-passage cells. The expression of differentiation parameters, osteoprotegerin and RANKL increased with culture time and was higher in fourth-passage cells than in cells of later passages. The RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio increased steadily until day 21. Administration of fibroblast growth factor-2 enhanced cell numbers in both passages, whereas alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin production remained unchanged. By contrast, exposure of periodontal ligament cells to bone morphogenetic protein-7 resulted in a reduction of cell number in the first and fourth passages, whereas the production of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin was enhanced. In dermal fibroblasts, differentiation parameters did not respond to both stimuli. MG63 cells behaved similarly to periodontal ligament cells. Conclusion:, These results indicate that subculture affects the phenotypic expression of human periodontal ligament cells with respect to the characteristics that these cells share with osteoblasts. Furthermore, the periodontal ligament cell phenotype can be altered by fibroblastic and osteoblastic growth factors. [source]


    The effect of Emdogain® on the growth and differentiation of rat bone marrow cells

    JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2006
    J. Van Den Dolder
    Background and Objective:, The major extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in developing enamel can induce and maintain the formation and mineralization of other skeletal hard tissue, such as bone. Therefore, dental matrix proteins are ideal therapeutic agents when direct formation of functional bone is required for a successful clinical outcome. Emdogain® (EMD) consists of enamel matrix proteins which are known to stimulate bone formation. However, only a few studies in the literature have reported the effect of EMD on osteoblast-like cells in vitro. Material and Methods:, In this study, rat bone marrow cells, obtained from the femora of Wistar rats, were precultured for 7 d in osteogenic medium. Then, the cells were harvested and seeded in 24-well plates at a concentration of 20,000 cells/well. The wells were either precoated with 100 µg/ml EMD, or left uncoated. The seeded cells were cultured in osteogenic medium for 32 d and analysed for cell attachment (by using the Live and Dead assay), cell growth (by determining DNA content) and cell differentiation (by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content, and by using scanning electron microscopy and the reverse transcription,polymerase chain reaction). Results:, The results showed that at the 4-h time point of the experiment, more cells were attached to EMD-negative wells, but this effect was no longer apparent at 24 h. DNA analysis revealed that both groups showed a similar linear trend of cell growth. No differences in alkaline phosphatase activity or calcium content were observed, and no differences in gene expression (osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and collagen type I) were found between the groups. Conclusion:, Based on our results, we conclude that EMD had no significant effect on the cell growth and differentiation of rat bone marrow cells. [source]


    C5a modulation of interleukin-1, -induced interleukin-6 production by human osteoblast-like cells

    JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2000
    John M. Pobanz
    Periodontal bone resorption is controlled by osteoblast products, including interleukin (IL)-6, which are stimulated by other cytokines and complement components in the pro-inflammatory milieu. This study demonstrated that human osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells (MG-63) responded to human recombinant (hr) C5a by releasing significant amounts of the bone-resorbing cytokine IL-6. C5a-induced release of IL-6 was enhanced 330% when cells were exposed to IL-1, prior to C5a challenge at optimal concentrations (1.0 ,g/ml C5a, 0.1 ng/ml IL-1,). Cells simultaneously challenged with these concentrations of C5a and IL-1, produced a 700% increase in IL-6 release relative to cells challenged with IL-1, alone. Incubation of IL-1,-treated cells with anti-human C5a receptor (C5aR) Ab resulted in a 78% suppression of the C5a-induced release of IL-6, but C5aR neutralization did not affect C5a/IL-1, co-stimulation of IL-6. In addition, neither IL-1, nor C5a significantly altered the other's cell-surface receptor relative to binding affinity or density. These results indicate that while MG-63 cells express functional C5aRs, the synergistic effect of C5a and IL-1, on osteoblast IL-6 production is probably controlled by post-receptor signaling events. C5a agonists and antagonist used to alter critical C5a concentrations may present a new point of therapeutic intervention for the treatment of inflammatory bone resorption such as is found in periodontitis. [source]


    Pressureless Sintering and Mechanical and Biological Properties of Fluor-hydroxyapatite Composites with Zirconia

    JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 12 2003
    Hae-Won Kim
    Fluor-hydroxyapatite (FHA) fabricated by a reaction between fluorapatite (FA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) was mixed with ZrO2 to produce FHA,ZrO2 composites. When the relative amount of FA to HA increased, the decomposition of the composite was decreased gradually because of the formation of thermally stable FHA solid solutions. With such suppression of decomposition, the FHA,ZrO2 composites retained fully densified bodies. As a result, significant enhancements in mechanical properties, such as hardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness, were achieved as the relative amount of FA to HA increased. The highest values in strength and toughness were 220 MPa and 2.5 MPa·m1/2, respectively, with FHA,40 vol% ZrO2 composites. In vitro proliferation of osteoblast-like cells (MG63) on the composites showed behavior similar to that observed on pure HA and FHA. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the growing cells (HOS) on the composites was slightly down-regulated compared with that on pure HA and FHA at prolonged periods. [source]


    Irradiation at 780 nm increases proliferation rate of osteoblasts independently of dexamethasone presence,

    LASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE, Issue 4 2006
    Neusa A. Fujihara MSc
    Abstract Background and Objectives We have previously shown that phototherapy increases cell growth and impairs protein secretion of fibroblasts. Our objective was to study the effect of phototherapy on osteoblast-like cells in culture treated with dexamethasone. Study Design/Materials and Methods Rat calvaria osteoblast-like cells were previously treated or not with dexamethasone and then, they were irradiated or not with a GaAlAs diode laser (wavelength of 780 nm, 10 mW, 3 J/cm2). Adhesion, proliferation, and osteonectin synthesis were analyzed. Results Phototherapy increased the proliferation rate of cells independently of dexamethasone presence. Adhesion and osteonectin synthesis were not significantly influenced by laser and/or dexamethasone. Conclusions Based on the conditions of this study we concluded that phototherapy acts as a proliferative stimulus on osteoblast-like cells, even under the influence of dexamethasone. Thus, we suggest that phototherapy can be of importance as co-adjuvant in bone clinical manipulation in order to accelerate bone regeneration. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:332,336, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Growth and Differentiation of Osteoblast-Like Cells from Calvaria of Connexin43 Deficient Mice

    MATERIALWISSENSCHAFT UND WERKSTOFFTECHNIK, Issue 12 2004
    M. Wiemann
    Osteoblasten-artige Zellen; Connexin43-defiziente Mäuse; gap junctions; Differenzierung Abstract Extensive cell-cell-coupling via gap junctions has been suspected to play an essential role for osteoblast development. Here, osteoblast-like cells (OBL) from connexin(Cx)43 knock out mice were used to explore the role of Cx43 for osteoblast differentiation. Primary cultures of OBL were derived from calvaria of homozygous (Cx43-/-) and heterozygous (Cx43+/,) knock out mice and also from wild type controls (Cx43+/+). In Cx43-/- OBL Lucifer Yellow dye coupling was largely abolished demonstrating that small molecules could no longer be transferred among neighboring cells. Cx43-/- OBL grew out very slowly from calvarial fragments. Nevertheless their cell density around explants was increased 3-fold vs. controls after 3 weeks. Histochemistry showed that in many Cx43-/- OBL there was an increased alkaline phosphatase activity within the cytoplasm and close to the cell membrane. Mineralization was diminished in Cx43-/- cultures. In heterozygous Cx43+/, OBL all aforementioned effects were less pronounced, pointing to a gene-dosage effect. Data suggest that the loss of Cx43 indirectly impairs the osteoblastic phenotype, e.g. by disturbing cellular functions such as motility and/or secretion. If this holds true, all parameters in the interphase of enosseous implants which lower gap junction expression will also affect bone regeneration. Wachstum und Differenzierung von Osteoblasten-artigen Zellen aus Kalvarien Connexin43-defizienter Mäuse Es wurde oft vermutet, dass die ausgeprägte Zell-Zell-Kopplung von Osteoblasten durch gap junctions eine besondere Rolle für die Differenzierung der gekoppelten Zellen spielt. In dieser Arbeit wurden daher Osteoblasten-artige Zellen (OBL) aus Connexin43 (Cx43) knock out Mäusen benutzt, um die Bedeutung von Cx43-gap-junction-Kanälen für die Differenzierung von Osteoblasten zu untersuchen. Die dafür notwendigen OBL-Primärkulturen wurden aus Calvarienfragmenten von homozygoten (Cx43-/-) und heterozygoten (Cx43+/,) knock out Mäusen sowie aus Wildtyp-Mäusen gewonnen. In Cx43-/- OBL war die Lucifer Yellow-Farbstoffkopplung weitgehend aufgehoben. Dieser Befund zeigt, dass Moleküle ,600 D zwischen Cx43-/- Zellen kaum noch ausgetauscht werden können. Cx43-/- Zellen wuchsen vergleichsweise langsam aus ihren Calvarienfragmenten aus. Dennoch erreichten diese Kulturen nach 3 Wochen eine im Vergleich zur Kontrolle 3fach höhere Zelldichte. Histochemisch zeigte sich, dass in Cx43-/- Zellen die alkalische Phosphatase-Aktivität im Zytoplasma und besonders im Bereich der Zellmembran erhöht war. Die Mineralisierung war hingegen herabgesetzt. In heterozygoten Cx43+/, OBL waren alle genannten Effekte intermediär ausgeprägt, was auf einen Gen-Dosis-Effekt deutet. Insgesamt legen die Befunde nahe, dass der Verlust von Cx43 die Ausprägung des osteoblastären Phänotyps, z.,B. durch eine Behinderung der Zellbeweglichkeit und/oder der Sekretion beeinträchtigt. Daher dürften alle Parameter, die die Expression von Cx43 im Interphase eines enossalen Implantats stören, die Knochenregeneration behindern. [source]


    Expression of bone morphogenetic proteins in colon carcinoma with heterotopic ossification

    PATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 8 2001
    Nobuhiro Imai
    Here we report the case of a 50-year-old woman with adenocarcinoma of the colon, showing heterotopic ossification. The patient was referred to our hospital for investigation of anemia secondary to occult gastrointestinal blood loss. By colonoscopy, an irregular polypoid mass was found in the ascending colon. A biopsy of the lesion revealed moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with heterotopic ossification. A right hemicolectomy was done and revealed areas of heterotopic bone within the tumor, but no ossification was evident in the metastatic lesions within the mesenteric lymph nodes. The formation of heterotopic bone in gastrointestinal tumors is rare and its exact mechanism is unknown. Immunohistochemical localization of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), known to be primary inducers of new bone formation, was determined. BMP-5 and -6 were prominent in the cytoplasm of tumor cells, and they stained weakly in osteoblast-like cells adjacent to newly formed bone. Cytoplasmic staining for BMP-2 and -4 was weak in tumor cells, osteoblast-like cells, and stromal fibroblast cells. BMP may play an important role in heterotopic ossification in colon adenocarcinoma. [source]


    New phosphorylated derivatives of carboxymethylcellulose with osteogenic activity

    POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 7 2008
    Gemma Leone
    Abstract New phosphorylated derivatives of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and amidic CMC were realized using trisodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) as the phosphating agent. The new polysaccharides were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The characterized polysaccharides were then crosslinked and their rheological and swelling properties determined. The presence of phosphate groups made the three-dimensional structures more compact and harder than the corresponding non-phosphated hydrogels. Evaluation of the bioactivity of phosphorylated hydrogels toward osteoblast-like cells (MG63) showed a significant increase in the osteocalcin production. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]