Objective To construct recombinant lentiviral vectors of porcine bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) gene and to detect BMP-2 gene activity and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) osteogenetic differentiation so as to lay a foundation of the further study of osteochondral tissue engineering. Methods BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow of 2-month-old Bama miniature porcines (weighing, 15 kg), and the 2nd generation of BMSCs were harvested for experiments. The porcine BMP-2 gene lentiviral vector was constructed by recombinant DNA technology and was used to transfect BMSCs at multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200, then the optimal value of MOI was determined by fluorescent microscope and inverted phase contrast microscope. BMSCs transfected by BMP-2 recombinant lentiviral vectors served as experimental group (BMP-2 vector group); BMSCs transfected by empty vector (empty vector group), and non-transfected BMSCs (non-transfection group) were used as control groups. RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry staining, and Western blot were performed to detect the expressions of BMP-2 mRNA and protein. Then the BMSCs osteogenesis was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activities, and Alizarin red staining. Results The recombinant lentiviral vectors of porcine BMP-2 gene was successfully constructed and identified by RT-PCR and gene sequencing, and BMSCs were successfully transfected by BMP-2 recombinant lentiviral vectors. Green fluorescent protein could be seen in the transfected BMSCs, especially at MOI of 100 with best expression. The immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot showed that BMSCs transfected by BMP-2 recombinant lentiviral vectors could express BMP-2 protein continuously and stably at a high level. After cultivation of 2 weeks, the expression of ALP and the form of calcium nodules were observed. Conclusion The porcine BMP- 2 gene lentiviral vector is successfully constructed and transfected into the BMSCs, which can express BMP-2 gene and protein continuously and stably at a high level and induce BMSCs differentiation into osteoblasts.
Objective To prepare collagen-chitosan /nano-hydroxyapatite-collagen-polylactic acid (Col-CS/ nHAC-PLA) biomimetic scaffold and to examine its biocompatibility so as to lay the foundation for its application on the treatment of osteochondral defect. Methods PLA was dissolved in dioxane for getting final concentration of 8%, and the nHAC power was added at a weight ratio of nHAC to PLA, 1 ∶ 1. The solution was poured into a mold and frozen. CS and Col were dissolved in 2% acetum for getting the final concentrations of 2% and 1% respectively, then compounded at a weight ratio of CS to Col, 20 ∶ 1. The solution was poured into the frozen mold containing nHAC-PLA, and then biomimetic osteochondral scaffold of Col-CS/nHAC-PLA was prepared by freeze-drying. Acute systemic toxicity test, intracutaneous stimulation test, pyrogen test, hemolysis test, cytotoxicity test, and bone implant test were performed to evaluate its biocompatibility. Results Col-CS/nHAC-PLA had no acute systemic toxicity. Primary irritation index was 0, indicating that Col-CS/nHAC-PLA had very slight skin irritation. In pyrogen test, the increasing temperature of each rabbit was less than 0.6℃, and the increasing temperature sum of 3 rabbits was less than 1.3℃, which was consistent with the evaluation criteria. Hemolytic rate of Col-CS/nHAC-PLA was 1.38% (far less than 5%). The toxicity grade of Col-CS/nHAC-PLA was classified as grade I. Bone implant test showed that Col-CS/nHAC-PLA had good biocompatibility with the surrounding tissue. Conclusion Col-CS/ nHAC-PLA scaffold has good biocompatibility, which can be used as an alternative osteochondral scaffold.
Objective To study repair of osteochondral defects by using composite of autologous BMSCs and chitosan/HAP (CS/HAP) bilayered scaffold in rabbits and its feasibil ity as osteochondral tissue engineering scaffolds. Methods CS/HAP bilayered scaffolds were produced with CS and HAP using a lyophil ization and sintering method. The pore size of the scaffold was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Anhydrous ethanol substitution method determined its porosity. BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow and cultured by general bone marrow methods. Both CD44 and CD45 on the BMSCs surface were detected with immunocytochemistry to identify BMSCs. Cell-scaffold complex was made with BMSCs as seed cells and CS/HAP bilayered scaffold as carrier by fibrin glue planting technique. The distribution ofBMSCs in CS/HAP scaffold was tested by SEM. The osteochondral defect (4 mm in diameter and 3 mm in height) model was made in the right knee joint of 36 Japanese white rabbits, which were randomly divided into 3 groups. Defects were repaired with CS/HAP and BMSCs composite ( group A, n=12) and with CS/HAP implants (group B, n=12); defects were not treated as a control (group C, n=12). Histological evaluation and gross observation were carried out at 6 weeks (n=6 in each group) and 12 weeks (n=6 in each group) postoperatively. Semi-quantitative histomorphological analysis was done to evaluate the repair cartilage tissue according to the modified Wakitani grading scale. Results CS/HAP bilayered scaffold possessed a porosity of 76.00% ± 5.01% and pore size of 200-400 μm (mean 300 μm ) in CS layer, and 72.00% ± 4.23% and 200-500 μm (mean 350 μm) in HAP layer, respectively. BMSCs formed colonies within 10-14 days. Immunocytochemistry results showed BMSCs had positive CD44 expression and negative CD45 expression. At 6 and 12 weeks after operation, gross and histological observation showed that the cartilage defects were fully filled with regenerated tissue, but bone defects were partially repaired in group A; the cartilage and bone defects were partially filled with regenerated tissue in group B and group C. The modified Wakitani grading scale were 5.17 ± 1.17 and 3.20 ± 0.75 in group A, 9.00 ± 0.63 and 6.00 ± 0.89 in group B, and 10.00 ± 0.89 and 9.60 ± 0.82 in group C at 6 weeks and 12 weeks postoperatively, respectively; showing significant differences between group A and groups B, C (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The novel CS/HAP bilayered scaffold possesses porous structure and will possibly become a newbiomaterial of osteochondral tissue engineering.
ObjectiveTo review the current treatment status of osteochondral defects (OCD) of the knee joint. MethodsRecent literature concerning treatment of OCD of the knee joint was extensively reviewed and summarized. ResultsOCD affect both the articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone, whereas OCD caused by different etiologies require various treatments. OCD repair is available by conventional clinical methods or the advanced tissue engineering strategies. Current clinical treatment outcomes remain uncertain; tissue engineering has emerged as a potential option as it can be efficiently applied to regenerate bone, cartilage, and the bone-cartilage interface, as well as effectively restore normal function and mechanical properties of the cartilage and subchondral bone. ConclusionOCD management and repair remain a great challenge in orthopedic surgery, thus cartilage and subchondral bone should be promoted as an interdependent functional unit considering treatment strategies to provide the best solution for the treatment of osteochondral defects.