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 investigate the role of micro RNA-451 (miRNA-451) in promoting the osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by targeting regulatory calcium binding protein 39 (CAB39). Methods pMIR-report and pRL-TK vectors were selected to identify the relationship between miRNA-451 and CAB39 by using dual-luciferase reporter assay. pre-miRNA-451 (group A), anti-miRNA-451 (group C), pre-miRNA negative control (group B), and anti-miRNA negative control (group D) were transfected into the C3H10T1/2 cells, respectively. Then, the cells were collected after osteogenic induction for 7 and 14 days. At 7 and 14 days, the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot assays were performed to detect the related osteogenetic biomarkers [Runx2 and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) mRNA] and expressions of CAB39 protein. At 14 days, the extracellular calcium deposition during the osteogenesis of MSCs was tested by Alizarin red staining method. Results CAB39 was the target gene of miRNA-451. At 7 and 14 days after osteogenic induction, the mRNA expressions of Runx2 and ALP in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (P lt; 0.05), and the expressions in group C was significantly lower than those in group D (P lt; 0.05). Furthermore, at 14 days after osteogenic induction, the protein expression of CAB39 in group A (0.55 ± 0.05) was significantly lower than that in group B (1.00 ± 0.07), and the protein expression in group C (1.21 ± 0.05) was significantly higher than that in group D (1.00 ± 0.04), all showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05). Finally, at 14 days after osteogenic induction, the extracellular calcium deposition in group A was obviously more than that in group B, and group C was downregulated when compared with group D. Conclusion miRNA-451 can promote the osteogenesis process of MSCs by downregulating the CAB39.
Objective To investigate the effect of simvastatin on inducing endothel ial progenitor cells (EPCs) homing and promoting bone defect repair, and to explore the mechanism of local implanting simvastatin in promoting bone formation. Methods Simvastatin (50 mg) compounded with polylactic acid (PLA, 200 mg) or only PLA (200 mg) was dissolved in acetone (1 mL) to prepare implanted materials (Simvastatin-PLA material, PLA material). EPCs were harvested from bone marrow of 2 male rabbits and cultured with M199; after identified by immunohistochemistry, the cell suspension of EPCs at the 3rd generation (2 × 106 cells/mL) was prepared and transplanted into 12 female rabbits through auricular veins(2 mL). After 3 days, the models of cranial defect with 15 cm diameter were made in the 12 female rabbits. And the defects were repaired with Simvastatin-PLA materials (experimental group, n=6) and PLA materials (control group, n=6), respectively. The bone repair was observed after 8 weeks of operation by gross appearance, X-ray film, and histology; gelatin-ink perfusion and HE staining were used to show the new vessels formation in the defect. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed to show the EPCs homing at the defect site. Results All experimental animals of 2 groups survived to the end of the experiment. After 8 weeks in experimental group, new bone formation was observed in the bone defect by gross and histology, and an irregular, hyperdense shadow by X-ray film; no similar changes were observed in control group. FISH showed that the male EPC containing Y chromosome was found in the wall of new vessels in the defect of experimental group, while no male EPC containing Y chromosome was found in control group. The percentage of new bone formation in defect area was 91.63% ± 4.07% in experimental group and 59.45% ± 5.43% in control group, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Simvastatin can promote bone defect repair, and its mechanism is probably associated with inducing EPCs homing and enhancing vasculogenesis.
Objective To study the effect of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector co-expressing human vascular endothel ial growth factor 165 (hVEGF165) and human bone morphogenetic protein 7 (hBMP-7) genes on bone regeneration and angiopoiesis in vivo so as to provide a theoretical basis for the gene therapy of avascular necrosis of thefemoral head (ANFH). Methods Twenty-four male adult New Zealand rabbits were made the ischemic hind l imb model and divided into 4 groups (n=6). The 3rd generation rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were transfected with the following 4 virus and were administered intramuscularly into the ischemic thigh muscle of 4 groups, respectively: rAAVhVEGF165- internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-hBMP-7 (group A), rAAV-hVEGF165-green fluorescent protein (GFP) (group B), rAAV-hBMP-7-GFP (group C), and rAAV-IRES-GFP (group D). At 8 weeks after injection, the blood flow of anterior tibial artery in the rabbit hind l imb was detected by ultrasonographic image. Immunohistochemical staining for CD34 was performed to identify the prol iferation of capillary. Another 24 male adult New Zealand rabbits were made the femur muscle pouch model and divided into 4 groups (n=6). The above 4 BMSCs transfected with rAAV were administered intramuscularly into the muscle pouch. At 8 weeks after injection, X-ray radiography was used to assess orthotopic bone formation, and von Kossa staining to show mineral ization. Results No symptoms of local or systemic toxicity were observed after rAAV injection. At 8 weeks after injection, the ratio of ischemic to normal blood flow and the number of capillaries in group A were the highest among 4 groups (P lt; 0.05). The ratio of ischemic to normal blood flow and the number of capillaries in group B were significantly higher than those in group C and group D (P lt; 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between group C and group D (P gt; 0.05). At 8 weeks after injection, orthotopic ossification and mineral ization were evidently detected in group A and group C, and group A was ber than group C. No obvious evidence of orthotopic ossification and mineral ization were observed in group B and group D. Conclusion rAAV-hVEGF165-IRES-hBMP-7 vector has the biological activities of inductive bone regeneration and angiopoiesis in vivo.
Objective To review the progress, controversy and trend in the regulation and mechanism of the microRNAs (miRNAs) during the osteogenesis. Methods Recent l iterature concerning regulation and mechanism of the miRNAs during the osteogenesis was extensively reviewed, summarized and analyzed. Results Recently miRNAs was a hot topic for osteogenesis. More and more materials showed its important role in ossification, but its definite mechanism was notclear. Conclusion Osteogenesis can be strengthened by miRNAs technology, which has a bright future and may also provide the molecular mechanism. The study on miRNAs of osteogenesis can provide a model to analyze and compare the osteogenetic effects of novel drugs.
Objective To evaluate the osteogenesis of bi phasic ceramic-l ike biologic bone (BCBB) with tissue engineering in repairing segmental bone defects. Methods BMSCs isolated from the femoral and tibial marrow of 2-weekold Japanese white rabbit were cultured to passage 3. Then 20 μL of the cell suspension at a concentration of 1 × 107 cells/mLwere seeded into 15 mm × 15 mm × 5 mm BCBB block; the construction of tissue engineered BCBB was completed after 8 days of compound culture. Forty-eight adult Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into groups A, B, C and D, then BCBBs cultured with BMSCs in vitro for 8 days (group A) and only BCBBs without BMSCs (group B) were respectively implanted into the radius segmental bone defects of rabbits, autogenous il iac bone graft (group C) and empty defect (group D) were used as controls. The specimens were examined after 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks, the osteogenesis was evaluated through X-ray radiograph and histology examination. Results X-ray examination: the border between the material and host’s bone was clear after 4 weeks, and blurred after 8 weeks in group A and group B; the density of some part of the edge of the material was similar to that of radius and there was high density imaging in the materials of group A after 12 weeks; there was much high density imaging in the materials of group B after 12 weeks. The medullary cavity of bone was formed and l ittle high density imaging in the materials of group A after 24 weeks. Some high density imaging still existed in the materials of group B after 24 weeks. The X-ray evaluated scores showed that the scores of group A was higher than that of group B, and there was significant difference between group A and group B after 12 and 24 weeks (P lt; 0.05). Histological examination: there was new bone formation in the materials and also new bone grew adhesively on the surface of BCBB in group A. While in group B only new bone grew and attached to the surface of BCBB. BCBB degraded more with the time and more new bone formed. The histological evaluation showed that the bone forming area in group A was more than that in group B, and there was significant difference between group A and group B (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The osteogenesis of BCBB with tissue engineering was superior to only BCBB, BCBB could be used as a scaffold of bone tissue engineering.
Objective To observe the changes in the peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and the histomorphology of the transplanted tissues in the rabbits in the early stage after transplantation of the tissue engineered boneconstituted by the biologically-derived scaffold and to confirm the feasibility of the biologicallyderived materials as a scaffold in the bone tissue engineering. Methods Forty-eight healthy New Zealand rabbits (weight, 2.0-2.5 kg) with a 1-cm defect were equally and randomly divided into 4 groups: Groups A-D. The partial demineralized freeze-dried bone (PDFDB), the tissue engineered bone constructed by the osteoblasts derived from the lactant rabbit periosteum as a seeding cell, the xenogeneic cancellous bone undergoing the antigen self-digestion, partial demineralization and freeze-driedprocess as a scaffold, and the fresh xenogeneic allografting bone were respectively transplanted into the segmental defects of the rabbit radii in Groups A-D.To examine the effects of the 4 different materials, the flow cytometry was used to observe the changes in the T lymphocyte subsets in the rabbit peripheral blood at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the operations and to examine the osteogenesis achieved by the 4 materials, the histological observations were also performed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the operations. Results Two weeks after the tissue engineered bone transplantation in Group B, the osteoblasts and chondroblasts were found in the apertures of the scaffold, the new bone formation could be observed, the osteoclasts could be seen in the peripheral zone, and some of the netlike frameworks were destroyed and absorbed. Four weeks after the operation, the histological observation revealed that the osteocartilagionous callus turned into a woven bone. The peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ were significantly greater in number 1-2 weeks after the operations and in Groups A and B than before the operations and in the other groups (.Plt;0.05)；4 weeks after the operations the T lymphocyte subset of CD4+ was only slightly greater in number than before the operations, but with no statistically significant difference (Pgt;0.05). In Group C, the increase of the T lymphocyte subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ was not significant after the operation (Pgt;0.05). The T lymphocyte subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ were significantly greater in number 1, 2 and 4 weeks after the operations and in Group D than before the operation and in the other groups (Plt;0.05). Conclusion The tissue engineered bone constructed by the partial demineralized freezedried bone as a scaffold does not cause a serious immunologic rejection in the early stage after the transplantation and does not affect its good ability to repair the bone defect. The biologicallyderived bone canbe used as a scaffold in the bone tissue engineering.
Objective To evaluate the osteogenesis of three bio-bone derived materials in repairing segmental bone defects. Methods Sixty Japanese rabbits were made 10 mm radius segmental defects and divided into 5 groups(groups A, B, C ,D and E,n=12). Composite fully deproteinised bone(CFDB, group A), partially deproteinised bone(PDPB, group B), partially decalcified bone(PDCB, group C), autogenous iliac bone graft(group D) and no implant(group E) were implanted into the radius segmental bone defects of rabbits. The specimens were examined after 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks; the osteogenesis was evaluated through X-ray radiograph and undecalcified solid tissue histological examination.Results The border between the material and host’s bone was distinct after 4 weeks and blurred after 8 weeks; the density of partial edge of the material was similar to that of radii after 12 weeks. The medullary cavity of bone reopened in group B; the density of most defect area was similar to that of the host bone and there was a few high density shadow in group C; the density of most defect area was higher than that of host bone in group A after 24 weeks. There was no significant difference in radiograph scoring between groups A, B and C after 4 weeks and 8 weeks(P＞0.05); the scores of group B and C were higher than that of group A after 12 weeks(P＜0.05); and the scores were arranged as follow: group Dgt;group Bgt; group Cgt;group A after24 weeks(P＜0.05). Bone callusgrew toward defect area and new bone adhered to the material after 4 weeks and 8 weeks; more new bone formed, and the materials were absorbed and degraded with time. The quantity of bone formation was more in group D than in group B andin group B than in group C and in group C than in group A after 24 weeks(P＜0.05).Conclusion PDPB had good osteogenesis in repairing the segmental bone defect, PDCB was inferior to it, both PDPB and PDCB are fit to repair segmental bone defect. Both of them were inferior to autogenous bone.
Objective To establish a method of isolating and culturing adult human bloodderived mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) and to investigate their osteogenic potential in vitro. Methods Thirty peripheral blood sampleswere collected from 30adult volunteers(15 ml per person).Adult human MSCs derived from peripheral blood were isolated from the lymphocyte separation fluid fraction of mononuclear cells, cultured in α-Modified Eagle’s Medium with low glucose containing 20% fetal bovine serum, and proliferated through a process of subculturing. The phenotype of MSCs was analyzed with flow cytometry. For in vitro osteogenic differentiation, MSCs from the second passage grew in the presence of osteogenic supplements (100 nmol/L dexamethasone,10 mmol/L β-glycerophosphate,50 μmol/L vitamin C, and 10 nmol/L 1,25-2-hydroxide vitamin D3). In the fifth passage cells, the activity of alkaline phosphatase, the expression level of collagen typeI, osteocalcin and osteonectin were determined. And the calcium tubercle formation would be examined after the continual one-month culture of the fifth passage. Results MSCs exsited in the pheripheral blood of adult human. And the clone forming efficiency of blood-derived MSCs was 0.27±0.22/106 mononuclear cells. The MSCs expressed CD44,CD54,CD105,and CD166，but did not CD14, CD34, CD45,and CD31.Under the function of osteogenic supplements, the MSCs were found to be higher activity of alkaline phosphatase and higher expression levels of collagen type Ⅰ, osteocalcin and osteonectin. And the calcium tubercle formation was examined throughtetracycline fluorescence labeling method. Conclusion The isolation and cultureconditions established for adult human MSCs may select a distinct population of peripheral blood-derived adherent cells. Adult human blood-derived MSCs possess osteogenic potential in vitro, and may be used as seed cells for bone tissue engineering.
Objective To explore the in vitro osteogenesis of the chitosan-gelatin scaffold compounded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2). Methods Recombinant human BMP-2 was compounded with chitosan-gelatin scaffolds by freezedrying. 2T3 mouse osteoblasts and C2C12 mouse myoblasts were cultured and seeded onto the complexes at thedensity of 2×104/ml respectively. The complexes were divided into two groups. Group A: 2T3 osteoblasts seeded, consisted of 14 rhBMP-2 modified complexes. Each time three scaffolds were taken on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st day of the culturing, then the expression of osteocalcin gene (as the marker of bone formation) in adherent cells was detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR with housekeeping gene β-tubulin as internalstandard. The other 2 rhBMP-2 modified complexes were stopped being cultured on 14th day after cell seeding, and the calcification of the complexes was detected by Alizarian Red S staining. Five scaffolds without rhBMP-2 modification as the control group A, they were stopped being cultured on 14th day after cell seeding. Of the 5 scaffolds, 3 were subjected tothe detection of osteocalcin gene expression and 2 were subjected to the detection of calcification. Group B: C2C12 myoblasts seeded, had equal composition andwas treated with the same as group A. Besides these 2 groups, another 2 rhBMP2 modified complexes with 2T3 osteoblasts seeding were cultured for 3 days and then scanned by electron microscope (SEM) as to detect the compatibility of the cell to the complex. ResultsSEM showed that cells attached closely to the complex and grew well. In group A, the expression level(1.28±0.17)of osteocalcin gene in cells on rhBMP-2 modified complexes was higher than that (0.56±0.09) of the control group A, being statistically -significantly different(P＜0.05) control. C2C12 myoblasts which did not express osteocalcin normally could also express osteocalcin after being stimulated by rhBMP-2 for at least 7 days. Alizarian Red S staining showed that there was more calcification on rhBMP-2 modified complexes in both groups. There were more calcification in the group compounded with rhBMP-2, when the groups were seeded with the same cells. Conclusion The complexmade of rhBMP-2 and chitosan-gelatin scaffolds has b osteogenesis ability in vitro.