Chit-oligosaccharide (COS) is a low-molecular, water-soluble mass with higher biological activity, which can be absorbed by human body easily and interact with cells directly. Based on the excellent biological properties of collagen (Col) and COS, a series of Col and COS composite hydrogel (Col/COSn) was constructed in this study. The effect of composite hydrogel on cells proliferation, differentiation and related osteogenic gene expression was evaluated on pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1s. The experimental results showed that all the Col/COS composite gels could promote the growth of MC3T3-E1s, proliferation and bone related gene expression compared to that of pure Col gels. And there was significant difference among the composite hydrogel groups with different degrees of polymerization of COS. The effect of the composite gel which contained chitotetraose (COS4) or chitohexaose (COS6) on the cells proliferation was better than that of other groups, while on cells differentiation and related osteogenic gene expression the composite gel contained chitopentaose (COS5) was the best in all the groups.
Objective To investigate the effects of long time different negative pressures on osteogenic diffe-rentiation of rabbit bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Methods The rabbit BMSCs were isolated and cultured by density gradient centrifugation. Flow cytometry was used to analyze expression of surface markers. The third passage cells cultured under condition of osteogenic induction and under different negative pressure of 0 mm Hg (control group), 75 mm Hg (low negative pressure group), and 150 mm Hg (high negative pressure group) (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa), and the negative pressure time was 30 min/h. Cell growth was observed under phase contrast microscopy, and the growth curve was drawn; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was detected by ELISA after induced for 3, 7, and 14 days. The mRNA and protein expressions of collagen type I (COL-I) and osteocalcin (OC) in BMSCs were analyzed by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. Results The cultured cells were identified as BMSCs by flow cytometry. The third passage BMSCs exhibited typical long shuttle and irregular shape. Cell proliferation was inhibited with the increase of negative pressure. After induced for 4 days, the cell number of high negative pressure group was significantly less than that in control group and low negative pressure group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the low negative pressure group and the control group (P>0.05); at 5-7 days, the cell number showed significant difference between 3 groups (P<0.05). The greater the negative pressure was, the greater the inhibition of cell proliferation was. There was no significant difference in ALP activity between groups at 3 days after induction (P>0.05); the ALP activity showed significant difference (P<0.05) between the high negative pressure group and the control group at 7 days after induction; and significant difference was found in the ALP activity between 3 groups at 14 days after induction (P<0.05). The greater the negative pressure was, the higher the ALP activity was. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot detection showed that the mRNA and protein expressions of COL-I and OC protein were significantly higher in low negative pressure group and high negative pressure group than control group (P<0.05), and in the high negative pressure group than the low negative pressure group (P<0.05). Conclusion With the increase of the negative pressure, the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs increases gradually, but the cell proliferation is inhibited.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of miR-21 down-regulated which was induced by H2O2 on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells.MethodsMC3T3-E1 cells were cultured and passaged, and the 7th generation cells were harvested to use in experiment. The MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with different concentrations (0, 40, 80, 160, and 320 μmol/L) of H2O2. The expression of miR-21 was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) and the cell viability was determined by MTS. Then the appropriate concentration of H2O2 was obtained. To analyze the effect of H2O2 on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, the MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into blank control group (group A), H2O2 group (group B), osteogenic induction group (group C), and H2O2+osteogenic induction group (group D). The expression of miR-21 and the osteogenesis related genes expressions of Runx2, osteopontin (OPN), and collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1a1) were detected by RT-PCR. The expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was detected by Western blot. The extracellular calcium deposition was detected by alizarin red staining. To analyze the effect on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells after the transfection of miR-21 inhibitor and siRNA-PTEN, the MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into H2O2 group (group A1), H2O2+osteogenic induction group (group B1), H2O2+osteogenic induction+miR-21 inhibitor group (group C1), and H2O2+osteogenic induction+miR-21 inhibitor negative control group (group D1); and H2O2 group (group A2), H2O2+osteogenic induction group (group B2), H2O2+osteogenic induction+siRNA-PTEN negative control group (group C2), and H2O2+osteogenic induction+siRNA-PTEN group (group D2). The osteogenesis related genes were detected by RT-PCR and the extracellular calcium deposition was detected by alizarin red staining.ResultsThe results of MTS and RT-PCR showed that the appropriate concentration of H2O2 was 160 μmol/L. The expression of miR-21 was significantly lower in group B than in group A at 1 and 2 weeks (P<0.05). The expression of miR-21 was significantly lower in group D than in group C at 1 and 2 weeks (P<0.05). The expression of PTEN protein was significantly lower in group C than in groups A and D (P<0.05). The mRNA expressions of Runx2, OPN, and Col1a1 were significantly lower in group D than in group C at 1 and 2 weeks (P<0.05). The extracellular calcium deposition in group D was obviously less than that in group C. The expression of PTEN protein was significantly higher in group C1 than in group D1 (P<0.05). The mRNA expressions of Runx2 and OPN were significantly lower in group C1 than in groups B1 and D1 at 1 and 2 weeks (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of Col1a1 was significantly lower in group C1 than in groups B1 and D1 at 2 weeks (P<0.05). The extracellular calcium deposition in group C1 was obviously less than those in groups B1 and D1. The mRNA expressions of OPN and Col1a1 were significantly higher in group D2 than in groups B2 and C2 at 1 week (P<0.05). The extracellular calcium deposition in group D2 was obviously more than those in groups B2 and C2.ConclusionH2O2 inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, which may be induced by down-regulating the expression of miR-21.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165)-loaded porous poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds on the osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).MethodsThe VEGF165-loaded porous PCL scaffolds (written, Sf-g/VEGF) were fabricated through a combination of solvent casting/salt leaching and a thermal-induced phase separation technique and then observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The release kinetics was determined by ELISA kit. The ADSCs were isolated from inguinal fat pads of 15 Sprague Dawley rats and cultured. The passage 3-4 ADSCs were seeded into the scaffolds, and then cultured in vitro for 7 days. The passage 3-4 ADSCs were seeded into the porous PCL scaffolds (written, Sf-g) as control. The alizarin red S (ARS) staining, ARS activity assay, and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) were performed to measure the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs in vitro. Six Sprague Dawley rats were recruited to prepare the bilateral calvarial bone defects models (n=12). The 12 calvarial bone defects were randomly divided into 3 group (n=4). The defects of negative control group were not treated; the defects of Sf-g group and Sf-g/VEGF group were repaired with ADSCs-Sf-g scaffold complex and ADSCs-Sf-g scaffold complex, respectively. At 8 weeks after transplantation, the Micro-CT and HE staining were conducted to evaluate the osteogenic effects in vivo.ResultsThe morphology of the Sf-g/VEGF scaffolds were porous and well-connected, and the cumulative release rate was approximately 80% in 120 hours. The ARS staining showed that the ARS activity of Sf-g/VEGF group were stronger than that of Sf-g group (t=10.761, P=0.000). The mRNA expressions of osteogenic specific markers [special AT-rich sequence protein 2 (Satb2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN)] were significantly higher in Sf-g/VEGF group than in Sf-g group (P<0.05). The results of Micro-CT and HE staining also confirmed the promotion effect of Sf-g/VEGF scaffolds. All defects of 2 groups were partially repaired by new bone tissue, especially in Sf-g/VEGF group. The volume and area of new bone tissue were significantly higher in Sf-g/VEGF group than in Sf-g group (P<0.05).ConclusionThe VEGF165-loaded scaffolds can significantly improve the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs both in vitro and in vivo.
ObjectiveTo study the effect of three-dimensional (3D) printed β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffold loaded poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) anti-tuberculosis drug sustained release microspheres on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its cytotoxicity.MethodsIsoniazid and rifampicin/PLGA sustained release microspheres were prepared by W/O/W multiple emulsion method. The β-TCP scaffolds were prepared by 3D printing technique. The microspheres were loaded on the scaffolds by centrifugal oscillation method to prepare composite materials. The BMSCs of Sprague Dawley rat were isolated and cultured by whole bone marrow adherent method, and the third generation cells were used for the following experiments. BMSCs were co-cultured with osteogenic induction medium (group A), PLGA anti-tuberculosis drug sustained release microsphere extract (group B), 3D printed β-TCP scaffold extract (group C), and 3D printed β-TCP scaffold loaded PLGA anti-tuberculosis drug sustained release microsphere composite extract (group D), respectively. Cytotoxicity was detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) method; the calcium deposition was observed by alizarin red staining; and the mRNA expressions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and bone sialoprotein (BSP) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).ResultsCCK-8 assay showed that the absorbance (A) value of groups A, B, C, and D increased gradually with the culture time prolonging. After cultured for 24, 48, and 72 hours, the A value decreased in the order of groups A, C, B, and D. There was no significant difference between groups B and D (P>0.05), but there were significant differences between other groups (P<0.05). The cytotoxicity was evaluated as grade 0-2, and the toxicity test was qualified. Alizarin red staining showed that red mineralized nodules were formed in all groups at 21 days after osteogenic induction, but the number of mineralized nodules decreased sequentially in groups C, D, A, and B. RT-qPCR test results showed that the relative expressions of OCN and BSP genes in groups A, B, C, and D increased gradually with the culture time prolonging. The relative expression of ALP gene increased at 7 and 14 days, and decreased at 21 days. After cultured for 7, 14, and 21 days, the relative expressions of ALP, OCN, and BSP genes decreased sequentially in groups C, D, A, and B; the differences were significant between groups at different time points (P<0.05).Conclusion3D printed β-TCP loaded PLGA anti-tuberculosis drug sustained release microsphere composites have no obvious cytotoxicity to BMSCs, and can promote BMSCs to differentiate into osteoblasts to a certain extent.
Objective To investigate the correlation between down-regulation of miR-381-3p and inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (MEPM) cells in 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced cleft palate of fetal mice. Methods Thirty-two pregnant mice were randomly divided into TCDD group and control group, 16 in each group. On embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5), the pregnant mice in TCDD group were orally administrated with TCDD at dosage of 28 μg/kg, while the pregnant mice in control group received equivalent corn oil. The pregnant mice in each group were sacrificed on E13.5 and E14.5, fetal palates were collected for analysis. The expression of miR-381-3p was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and the protein expressions of runt- related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteopontin (OPN) were detected by Western blot. MEPM cells were extracted from fetal palates on E14.5 in control group and passaged. The 3rd passage cells were cultured with TCDD at dosage of 10 nmol/L for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 days. The expression of miR-381-3p was detected after 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 days and the protein expressions of RUNX2 and OPN were detected after 0, 1, 2, and 3 days. Then, the 3rd passage cells were divided into 4 groups. The MEPM cells were transfected with miR-381-3p inhibitor (inhibitor group), NC inhibitor (NC inhibitor group) and miR-381-3p mimics (mimics group), NC mimics (NC mimics group) for 48 hours, respectively. And the expressions of miR-381-3p and the protein expressions of RUNX2 and OPN were detected. Results On E13.5 and E14.5, 96 fetal mice in control group and 92 in TCDD group were obtained. The bilateral palates contacted in control group on E14.5, and a gap between the bilateral palates existed in TCDD group. On E13.5 and E14.5, the relative expressions of miR-381-3p and RUNX2 and OPN proteins were significant lower in TCDD group than in control group (P<0.05). The relative expression of miR-381-3p at 0.5 and 1 day after TCDD treatment of MEPM cells were significantly lower than that at 0 day (P<0.05); then, the relative expressions at 2 and 3 days significantly increased, showing no significant difference when compared with that at 0 day (P>0.05). The relative expressions of RUNX2 and OPN proteins at 1, 2, and 3 days were significantly lower than that at 0 day (P<0.05). The relative expressions of miR-381-3p and RUNX2 and OPN proteins significantly lower in inhibitor group than in NC inhibitor group (P<0.05) and higher in mimics group than in NC mimics group (P<0.05). Conclusion Down-regulation of miR-381-3p expression may be associated with inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of MEPM cells in TCDD-induced cleft palate of fetal mice.
Bone tissue engineering is considered as one of the most promising way to treat large segmental bone defect. When constructing bone tissue engineering graft in vitro, suitable bioreactor is usually used to incubate cell-scaffold complex under perfusion to obtain bone tissue engineering graft with good repair efficiency. However, the theoretical model for growth rate of single cell (especially for stem cell) during this process still has many defects. The difference between stem cells and terminally differentiated cells is always ignored. Based on our previous studies, this study used self-made perfusion apparatus to apply different modes and strengths of fluid shear stress (FSS) to the cells seeded on scaffolds. The effects of FSS on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were investigated. The regression analysis model of the effect of FSS on the single-cell growth rate of MSCs was further established. The results showed that 0.022 5 Pa oscillatory shear stress had stronger ability to promote proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, and the growth rate of a single MSC cell under FSS was modified. This study is expected to provide theoretical guidance for optimizing the perfusion culture condition of bone tissue engineering grafts in vitro.
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of long chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) adsorbing microRNA-124 (miR-124) on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).MethodsC3H10T1/2 cells derived from mouse embryos were cultured in vitro, then randomly divided into control group (group A), lncRNA MALAT1 no-load plasmid group (group B), lncRNA MALAT1 overexpression plasmid group (group C), lncRNA MALAT1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) group (group D), and lncRNA MALAT1 siRNA negative control group (group E). The cells were transfected into plasmids and siRNA, then induced to differentiate into osteoblasts. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining were used to detect the osteogenic differentiation of cells in each group, real-time fluorescence quantitative (qRT-PCR) analysis was used to detect the expressions of lncRNA MALAT, miR-124, and osteogenesis-related genes such as Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN) in each group. Double luciferase reporter gene was used to detect the targeting regulation of lncRNA MALAT1 to miR-124.ResultsThe relative contents of ALP positive cells, mineralized nodule, and the relative mRNA expressions of lncRNA MALAT1, Runx2, OPN, and OCN in group C were significantly higher than those in other groups (P<0.05), while in group D significantly lower than in other groups (P<0.05); the relative expression of miR-124 in group C was significantly lower than that in other groups(P<0.05), while in group D significantly higher than in other groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in these indexes between groups A, B, and E (P>0.05). The results of double luciferase reporter gene assay showed that lncRNA MALAT1 targeting down-regulated the expression of miR-124.ConclusionLncRNA MALAT1 can targeting down-regulate the expression of miR-124 and promote the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the osteogenic differentiation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs).MethodsThe fetal mice in the uterus of NIH pregnant mice (pregnancy 12-15 days) were collected, and the heads and hearts etc. were removed. Then MEFs were separated from the rest tissues of the fetal mice and cultured by trypsin digestion and adherent culture. HEK-293 cells were used to obtain recombinant adenovirus-red fluorescent protein (Ad-RFP) and Ad-VEGF by repeatedly freezing and thawing. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and quantitative detection were used to detect the changes of ALP activity in MEFs applied with ATRA or VEGF alone or combined use of ATRA and VEGF on the 3rd and 5th days. The cultured 3rd to 4th generation MEFs were divided into groups A, B, C, and D, and were cultured with DMSO plus Ad-RFP, ATRA, Ad-VEGF, ATRA plus Ad-VEGF, respectively. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expressions of osteogenic markers including ALP, collagen type Ⅰ, osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OCN), and angiogenic markers including VEGF, angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1), and endomucin (EMCN) on the 3rd and 7th days. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the protein expressions of OPN and VEGF on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days in each group. Alizarin red staining was used to detect calcium salt deposition levels in each group at 14 and 21 days after osteogenic induction. Fifteen athymic female nude mice aged 4 to 6 weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups and 5 mice in each group. Then MEFs treated with ATRA, Ad-VEGF, and ATRA plus Ad-VEGF were injected subcutaneously into the dorsal and ventral sides, respectively. X-ray observation, gross observation, and histological staining (Masson, HE, and Safranin O-fast green stainings) were performed at 5 weeks after implantation to observe the ectopic bone formation in nude mice in each group.ResultsMEFs were successfully isolated and cultured. The acquired Ad-RFP and Ad-VEGF were successfully transfected into MEFs with approximately 50% and 20% transfection rates. ALP activity tests showed that ATRA or Ad-VEGF could enhance ALP activity in MEFs (P<0.05), and ATRA had a stronger effect than Ad-VEGF; and the combined use of ATRA and Ad-VEGF significantly enhanced the ALP activity in MEFs (P<0.05). qRT-PCR test showed that the combined use of ATRA and Ad-VEGF also increased the relative mRNA expressions of early-stage osteogenesis-related markers ALP, OPN, and collagen type I (P<0.05); the relative mRNA expressions of angiogenesis-related markers VEGF, EMCN, and ANGPT1 increased at 7 days (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that ATRA combined with Ad-VEGF not only enhanced OPN protein expression, but also increased VEGF protein expression on 7th day. Alizarin red staining showed that the application of ATRA or Ad-VEGF induced weak calcium salt deposition, and the combined use of ATRA and Ad-VEGF significantly enhanced the effect of calcium salt deposition in MEFs. The results of implantation experiments in nude mice showed that X-ray films observation revealed obvious bone mass in the ATRA plus Ad-VEGF group, and the bone was larger than that in other groups. Histological staining showed a large amount of collagen and mature bone trabeculae, bone matrix formation, and gray-green collagen bone tissue, indicating that the combined use of ATRA and Ad-VEGF significantly enhanced the osteogenic effect of MEFs in vivo.ConclusionThe combined use of ATRA and VEGF can induce the osteogenic differentiation of MEFs.
This study investigated the early mechanical adaptability and osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (M-BMSCs) under micro-vibration stimulation (MVS). M-BMSCs were stimulated by MVS in vitro, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, and cytoskeleton were measured, and cell apoptosis was observed by flow cytometry. Early osteoblast-associated genes, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), Collagen Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ) and ALP, were observed by RT-PCR and the activation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) was determined by Western blotting. The results showed that MVS had no significant effect on the proliferation of M-BMSCs. The early apoptosis was induced by mechanical stimulation (for one day), but the apoptosis was decreased after cyclic stimulation for 3 days. At the same time, MVS significantly accelerated the expression of F-actin protein in cytoskeleton, the synthesis of ALP and the ERK1/2 pathway, also up-regulated the expressions of Runx2, Col-Ⅰ and ALP genes. This study indicates that MVS could regulate cellular activity, alter early adaptive structure and finally promote the early osteogenic differentiation of M-BMSCs.