Comparison of acellular and cellular bioactivity of poly 3-hydroxybutyrate/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite and poly 3-hydroxybutyrate scaffolds

Nanocomposites have recently been identified as a useful scaffolding material in tissue engineering applications. Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate)/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (P3HB)/(nHA) porous scaffolds were successfully fabricated through a solvent casting and particulate leaching technique. P3HB/nHA and P3HB scaffolds were prepared by the same technique for comparison. The structure of the nanocomposite and P3HB scaffolds was observed by SEM. The Energy Disperssive X-ray Analysis (EDXA, map of Ca) results indicated that HA nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the P3HB matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that P3HB and HA coexist in the nanocomposite. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images also showed that the particle size of HA was 30 ～ 40 nm. The porosity of the scaffolds was 84%, and macropores and micropores coexisted and interconnected throughout the scaffolds. Acellular bioactivity experiments showed that more HA crystals formed on the surface of the nanocomposite scaffold than on the P3HB scaffold after 4 weeks immersion in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). Cell culture experiments demonstrated that the P3HB/nHA nanocomposite scaffold had a better tendency of proliferation and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity to MG 63 cells than the pure P3HB scaffold. It was found that nHA addition can improve acellular and cellular bioactivity of the P3HB scaffold.     

Spontaneous Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Poly-Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Nano-Fiber Scaffold

IntroductionMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunosuppressive activity and can differentiate into bone and cartilage; and thus seem ideal for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we investigated the osteogenesis and chondrogenesis potentials of MSCs seeded onto nano-fiber scaffolds (NFs) in vitro and possible use for the repair of RA-affected joints.MethodsMSCs derived from healthy donors and patients with RA or osteoarthritis (OA) were seeded on poly-lactic-glycolic acid (PLGA) electrospun NFs and cultured in vitro.ResultsHealthy donor-derived MSCs seeded onto NFs stained positive with von Kossa at Day 14 post-stimulation for osteoblast differentiation. Similarly, MSCs stained positive with Safranin O at Day 14 post-stimulation for chondrocyte differentiation. Surprisingly, even cultured without any stimulation, MSCs expressed RUNX2 and SOX9 (master regulators of bone and cartilage differentiation) at Day 7. Moreover, MSCs stained positive for osteocalcin, a bone marker, and simultaneously also with Safranin O at Day 14. On Day 28, the cell morphology changed from a spindle-like to an osteocyte-like appearance with processes, along with the expression of dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE), suggesting possible differentiation of MSCs into osteocytes. Calcification was observed on Day 56. Expression of osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation markers was also noted in MSCs derived from RA or OA patients seeded on NFs. Lactic acid present in NFs potentially induced MSC differentiation into osteoblasts.ConclusionsOur PLGA scaffold NFs induced MSC differentiation into bone and cartilage. NFs induction process resembled the procedure of endochondral ossification. This finding indicates that the combination of MSCs and NFs is a promising therapeutic technique for the repair of RA or OA joints affected by bone and cartilage destruction.     

Adipose-derived stem cells modified genetically in vivo promote reconstruction of bone defects

AimsBone defects induced by different causes are difficult to replace and repair. We sought to repair bone defects by transplantation of genetically modified adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and acellular bone matrix (ACBM).MethodsWe constructed the biologic material of ACBM and evaluated its mechanical properties, general biocompatibility and biosafety. ADSC isolated from minipigs were cultured in vitro and then transfected by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF) plasmids, respectively. Subsequently, the compounds of ACBM/ADSC/rhBMP-2/rhVEGF were used to repair bone defects of the ulna in minipigs. X-ray examination, radionuclide bone imaging and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) were employed to monitor the therapeutic effects 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation. Histologic experiments were carried out 12 weeks after operation.ResultsACBM had no or weak antigenicity and the natural mechanical properties of ACBM were preserved. In vitro, ADSC transfected by rhBMP-2 and rhVEGF, respectively, could release rhBMP-2 or rhVEGF for at least 4 weeks. The X-ray, radionuclide bone imaging and SPECT examinations indicated that the compound of ACBM/ADSC/rhBMP-2/rhVEGF had better treatment effects on bone defects compared with the controls.ConclusionsScaffolds, seed cells and bioactive factors are key points in tissue engineering. This research indicates that ACBM is a good biologic material for tissue repair, and ACBM/ADSC/rhBMP-2/rhVEGF can accelerate bone formation significantly.     

应用3D适形打印制备网状复合体对兔颅骨缺损的修复作用及安全性研究

目的:探讨采用3D适形打印技术制备的羟基磷灰石/聚乳酸网状复合体在兔颅骨缺损中的修复作用及安全性。方法:以24只新西兰兔为研究对象,以羟基磷灰石/聚乳酸为材料,采用3D适形打印技术制备网状复合体,于兔颅骨顶部制成两个颅骨全层缺损,分别为孔A(左)和孔B(右),孔A(阳性对照组)以自体颅骨为修复材料,孔B(实验组)以复合体为修复材料,观察缺损修复区域的形态学、影像学(X线及CT扫描)及组织学检查结果。结果:植入后24周时,形态学显示:阳性对照组可见致密的骨组织修复,与缺损边缘界限不清,实验组中支架孔隙内纤维组织由新生骨质取代,且新生骨成熟度较提高,材料表面有部分吸收。CT扫描观察显示:冠状面上,阳性对照组缺损修复区域与周围正常骨组织融合为一体,实验组修复材料与缺损边缘融合紧密,与周围正常骨组织结合良好,部分边缘结合不连贯。组织学观察显示:实验组材料部分降解,材料间隔可见新生骨小梁。研究中无实验动物死亡,皮肤切口处缝合良好,无皮下积液,无移植物脱出、红肿感染等情况出现。结论:以3D适形打印技术制备的羟基磷灰石/聚乳酸复合体对兔颅骨缺损有较好的修复作用,能促进缺损区域新骨的形成和生长,且安全性较高。     

Naringin‐inlaid silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite scaffold enhances human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cell‐based bone regeneration

ObjectivesLarge bone defects are a common, debilitating clinical condition that have substantial global health and economic burden. Bone tissue engineering technology has become one of the most promising approaches for regenerating defective bones. In this study, we fabricated a naringin‐inlaid composite silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite (NG/SF/HAp) scaffold to repair bone defects.Materials and MethodsThe salt‐leaching technology was used to fabricate the NG/SF/HAp scaffold. The cytocompatibility of the NG/SF/HAp scaffold was assessed using scanning electron microscopy, live/dead cell staining and phalloidin staining. The osteogenic and angiogenic properties were assessed in vitro and in vivo.ResultsThe porous NG/SF/HAp scaffold had a well‐designed biomimetic porous structure with osteoinductive and angiogenic activities. A gene microarray identified 854 differentially expressed genes between human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) cultured on SF‐nHAp scaffolds and cells cultured on NG/SF/HAp scaffolds. The underlying osteoblastic mechanism was investigated using hUCMSCs in vitro. Naringin facilitated hUCMSC ingrowth into the SF/HAp scaffold and promoted osteogenic differentiation. The osteogenic and angiogenic capabilities of cells cultured in the NG/SF/HAp scaffold were superior to those of cells cultured in the SF/HAp scaffold.ConclusionsThe data indicate the potential of the SF/HAp composite scaffold incorporating naringin for bone regeneration.     

Bifunctional Platinum(II) Complexes with Bisphosphonates Substituted Diamine Derivatives: Synthesis and In vitro Cytotoxicity

A series of N,N′‐dibisphosphonate‐containing 1,3‐propanediamine derivatives ( L1 – L6 ) and their corresponding dichloridoplatinum(II) complexes ( 1 – 6 ) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, ³¹P‐NMR and HR‐MS spectra. The in vitro antitumor activities of compounds L1 – L6 and 1 – 6 were tested by WST‐8 assay with Cell Counting Kit‐8, indicating that platinum‐based complexes 1 – 6 showed higher cytotoxicity than corresponding ligands L1 – L6 against A549 and MG‐63, especially complex 2 which displayed comparable cytotoxicity to those of cisplatin and zoledronate after 48 h incubation. In addition, complexes 1 – 6 were more active in vitro on osteosarcoma cell line MG‐63 than normal osteoblast cell line hFOB 1.19. The structure‐activity relationship has been summarized based on the in vitro cytotoxicity of three series of platinum complexes from this and our previous studies. The in vitro bone affinity of platinum complexes was also tested by hydroxyapatite (HAP) chromatography in terms of capacity factor K′. Besides, in this paper, representative complex 2 , which has been proved to be a promising antitumor agent with high cytotoxicity and bone HAP binding property, was investigated for its mechanism of action producing cell death against MG‐63.     

Visualization of MG53-mediated Cell Membrane Repair Using in vivo and in vitro Systems

Repair of acute injury to the cell membrane is an elemental process of normal cellular physiology, and defective membrane repair has been linked to many degenerative human diseases. The recent discovery of MG53 as a key component of the membrane resealing machinery allows for a better molecular understanding of the basic biology of tissue repair, as well as for potential translational applications in regenerative medicine. Here we detail the experimental protocols for exploring the in vivo function of MG53 in repair of muscle injury using treadmill exercise protocols on mouse models, for testing the ex vivo membrane repair capacity by measuring dye entry into isolated muscle fibers, and for monitoring the dynamic process of MG53-mediated vesicle trafficking and cell membrane repair in cultured cells using live cell confocal microscopy.     

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 and eicosanoids modulate life,death and function of human osteoclasts in vitro

IntroductionEicosanoids are important in bone physiology but the specific function of phopholipase enzymes has not been determined in osteoclasts. The objective of this is study was to determine the presence of cPLA₂ in human in vitro-differentiated osteoclasts as well as osteoclasts in situ from bone biopsies.Materials and methodsOsteoclastogenesis, apoptosis, bone resorption and the modulation of actin cytoskeleton assays were performed on osteoclasts differentiated in vitro. Immunohistochemistry was done in differentiated osteoclasts as well as on bone biopsies.ResultsHuman osteoclasts from normal, fetal, osteoarthritic, osteoporotic and Pagetic bone biopsies express cPLA₂ and stimulation with RANKL increases cPLA₂ phosphorylation in vitro. Inhibition of cPLA₂ increased osteoclastogenesis and decreased apoptosis but decreased the capacity of osteoclasts to generate actin rings and to resorb bone.Discussion and conclusionsThese results suggest that cPLA₂ modulates osteoclast functions and could be a useful target in bone diseases with hyperactivated osteoclasts.     

Lithocholate—A promising non-calcaemic calcitriol surrogate for promoting human osteoblast maturation upon biomaterials

Background and aims

Calcitriol, an active vitamin D metabolite, has a limited application in bone repair because of its undesirable hypercalcaemic action. However it has emerged that lithocholic acid (LCA) is a non-calcaemic vitamin D receptor ligand but whether this steroid can support osteoblast maturation has not been reported. Using the human osteoblast cell line, MG63, we explored the potential of LCA and LCA derivatives to secure osteoblast maturation.

Results

The co-stimulation of cells with LCA, LCA acetate or LCA acetate methyl ester (0.5-5 μM) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA, 20 μM) resulted in clear, synergistic increases in MG63 maturation that was both time and dose dependent. Cells grown upon both titanium and hydroxyapatite, two widely used implant materials, responded well to co-treatment with LCA acetate (5 μM) and LPA (20 μM) as demonstrated by stark, synergistic increases in ALP activity. Evidence of activator protein-1 (AP-1) stimulation by LCA acetate (30 μM) was demonstrated using an AP-1 luciferase reporter assay. Synergistic increases in ALP activity, and therefore osteoblast maturation, were observed for MG63 cells co-stimulated with LCA acetate (5 μM) and either epidermal growth factor (10 ng/ml) or transforming growth factor-β (10 ng/ml). Ligands acting on either the farnesoid X receptor or pregnane X receptor could not substitute for the action of LCA acetate on MG63 maturation.

Conclusions

Lithocholate is able to act as a calcitriol surrogate in generating mature osteoblasts. Given that LCA is non-calcaemic it is likely to find an application in bone repair/regeneration by aiding matrix calcification at implant sites.     

Nanocomposite scaffold seeded with mesenchymal stem cells for bone repair

The mechanical property of bone tissue scaffolds is one of the most important aspects in bone tissue engineering that has remained problematic. In our previous study, we fabricated a three‐dimensional scaffold from nano‐hydroxyapatite/gelatin (nHA/Gel) and investigated its efficiency in promoting bone regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, the effect of adding silicon carbide (SiC) on the mechanical and biological behaviors of the nHA/Gel/SiC and bone regeneration in vivo were determined. nHA and SiC were synthesized and characterized by the X‐ray diffraction pattern and transmission electron microscope image. Layer solvent casting, freeze drying, and lamination techniques were applied to prepare these scaffolds. Then, the biocompatibility and cell adhesion behavior of the synthesized nHA/Gel/SiC scaffolds were investigated. For in vivo studies, rats were categorized into three groups: blank defect, blank scaffold, and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBM‐MSCs)/scaffold. After 1, 4, and 12 weeks post‐injury, the rats were sacrificed and the calvaria were harvested. Sections with a thickness of 5 µm thickness were prepared and stained with hematoxylin–eosin and Masson's Trichrome, and immunohistochemistry was performed. Our results showed that SiC effectively increased the mechanical properties of the nHA/Gel/SiC scaffold. No significant differences were observed in biocompatibility, cell adhesion, and cytotoxicity of the nHA/Gel/SiC in comparison with the nHA/Gel nanocomposite. Based on histological and immunohistochemical studies, both osteogenesis and collagenization were significantly higher in the rBM‐MSCs/scaffold group, quantitatively and qualitatively. The present study strongly suggests the potential of SiC as an alternative strategy to improve the mechanical and biological properties of bone tissue engineering scaffolds, and shows that the pre‐seeded nHA/Gel/SiC scaffold with rBM‐MSCs improves osteogenesis in the engineered bone implant.     

Integration of Stem Cell to Chondrocyte-Derived Cartilage Matrix in Healthy and Osteoarthritic States in the Presence of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles

We investigated the effectiveness of integrating tissue engineered cartilage derived from human bone marrow derived stem cells (HBMSCs) to healthy as well as osteoarthritic cartilage mimics using hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles immersed within a hydrogel substrate. Healthy and diseased engineered cartilage from human chondrocytes (cultured in agar gels) were integrated with human bone marrow stem cell (HBMSC)-derived cartilaginous engineered matrix with and without HA, and evaluated after 28 days of growth. HBMSCs were seeded within photopolymerizable poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels. In addition, we also conducted a preliminary in vivo evaluation of cartilage repair in rabbit knee chondral defects treated with subchondral bone microfracture and cell-free PEGDA with and without HA. Under in vitro conditions, the interfacial shear strength between tissue engineered cartilage derived from HBMSCs and osteoarthritic chondrocytes was significantly higher (p < 0.05) when HA nanoparticles were incorporated within the HBMSC culture system. Histological evidence confirmed a distinct spatial transition zone, rich in calcium phosphate deposits. Assessment of explanted rabbit knees by histology demonstrated that cellularity within the repair tissues that had filled the defects were of significantly higher number (p < 0.05) when HA was used. HA nanoparticles play an important role in treating chondral defects when osteoarthritis is a co-morbidity. We speculate that the calcified layer formation at the interface in the osteoarthritic environment in the presence of HA is likely to have attributed to higher interfacial strength found in vitro. From an in vivo standpoint, the presence of HA promoted cellularity in the tissues that subsequently filled the chondral defects. This higher presence of cells can be considered important in the context of accelerating long-term cartilage remodeling. We conclude that HA nanoparticles play an important role in engineered to native cartilage integration and cellular processes.     

Adipose-derived stem cells alleviate osteoporosis by enchancing osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis in a rabbit model

Background aimsOsteoporosis (OP) is characterized by a reduction in bone quality, which is associated with inadequacies in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). As an alternative cell source to BMSCs, adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been investigated for bone repair because of their osteogenic potential and self-renewal capability. Nevertheless, whether autologous ASCs can be used to promote bone regeneration under osteoporotic conditions has not been elucidated.MethodsThe OP rabbit model was established by means of bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). Both BMSCs and ASCs were harvested from OVX rabbits and expanded in vitro. The effects of osteogenic-induced ASCs on the in vitro adipogenic and osteogenic capabilities of BMSCs were evaluated. Autologous ASCs were then encapsulated by calcium alginate gel and transplanted into the distal femurs of OVX rabbits (n = 12). Hydrogel without loading cells was injected into the contralateral femurs as a control. Animals were killed for investigation at 12 weeks after transplantation.ResultsOsteogenic-induced ASCs were able to promote osteogenesis and inhibit adipogenesis of osteoporotic BMSCs through activation of the bone morphogenetic protein 2/bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IB signal pathway. Local bone mineral density began to increase at 8 weeks after ASC transplantation (P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, micro–computed tomography and histological evaluation revealed more new bone formation in the cell-treated femurs than in the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that ASCs could stimulate proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro and enhance bone regeneration in vivo, which suggests that autologous osteogenic-induced ASCs might be useful to alleviate OP temporally.     

Osteogenic comparison of expanded and uncultured adipose stromal cells

Background aimsAdipose stromal cells (ASC) are a promising alternative to progenitor cells from other tissue compartments because of their multipotential and capacity to retrieve significantly more progenitor cells. Initial cell samples are heterogeneous, containing a collection of cells that may contribute to tissue repair, but the sample becomes more homogeneous with each passage. Therefore, we hypothesized that the osteogenic potential of culture-expanded ASC would differ from uncultured ASC.MethodsAdipose tissue was collected from a yearling colt, and ASC were isolated and expanded using standard protocols or prepared by a commercial vendor using proprietary technology (proprietary stromal vascular fraction, SVFp). Cells were seeded on collagen sponges and maintained in osteogenic culture conditions for up to 21 days to assess osteogenic potential. The ability of each population to stimulate neovascularization and bone healing was determined upon implanting cell-loaded sponges into a rodent calvarial bone defect. Neovascularization was measured 3 weeks post-implantation, while bone formation was monitored over 12 weeks using in vivo microcomputed tomography (microCT).ResultsSVFp exhibited increased intracellular alkaline phosphatase activity compared with cultured ASC but proliferated minimally. Histologic analysis of explanted tissues demonstrated greater vascularization in defects treated with cultured ASC compared with SVFp. We detected increases in bone volume for defects treated with cultured cells while observing similar values for bone mineral density, regardless of cell type.ConclusionsThese results suggest that expanded ASC are advantageous for neovascularization and bone healing in this model compared with SVFp, and provide additional evidence of the utility of ASC in bone repair.     

Preparation,Characterization, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation of a Novel Anti-Tuberculosis Reconstruction Implant

Background

Reconstruction materials currently used in clinical for osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB) are unsatisfactory due to a variety of reasons. Rifampicin (RFP) is a well-known and highly effective first-line anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drug. Poly-DL-lactide (PDLLA) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) are two promising materials that have been used both for orthopedic reconstruction and as carriers for drug release. In this study we report the development of a novel anti-TB implant for osteoarticular TB reconstruction using a combination of RFP, PDLLA and nHA.

Methods

RFP, PDLLA and nHA were used as starting materials to produce a novel anti-TB activity implant by the solvent evaporation method. After manufacture, the implant was characterized and its biodegradation and drug release profile were tested. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the implant was also evaluated in pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells using multiple methodologies.

Results

A RFP/PDLLA/nHA composite was successfully synthesized using the solvent evaporation method. The composite has a loose and porous structure with evenly distributed pores. The production process was steady and no chemical reaction occurred as proved by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Meanwhile, the composite blocks degraded and released drug for at least 12 weeks. Evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity in MC3T3-E1 cells verified that the synthesized composite blocks did not affect cell growth and proliferation.

Conclusion

It is feasible to manufacture a novel bioactive anti-TB RFP/PDLLA/nHA composite by the solvent evaporation method. The composite blocks showed appropriate properties such as degradation, drug release and biosafety to MC3T3-E1 cells. In conclusion, the novel composite blocks may have great potential for clinical applications in repairing bone defects caused by osteoarticular TB.     

Arthpyrone L,a New Pyridone Alkaloid from a Deep-Sea Arthrinium sp., Inhibits Proliferation of MG63 Osteosarcoma Cells by Inducing G0/G1 Arrest and Apoptosis

Fractionation of the ethanol extract of a marine fungus, Arthrinium sp., afforded a new pyridone alkaloid (arthpyrone L ( 1 )), the structure with absolute configuration of which was established by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. In vitro cell viability assays revealed that compound 1 showed antiproliferative effects toward human A549 (lung), MG63, U2OS (bone), MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 (breast) cancer cells. MG63 cell lines were chosen for further biological evaluations and presented apoptosis and cell cycle arrest (G0/G1 phase) upon treatment of 1 . Subsequent mechanism studies demonstrated that the growth inhibition of 1 against MG63 cells was via activation of caspase-modulated apoptotic pathway and inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway.     

Collagen Osteoid-Like Model Allows Kinetic Gene Expression Studies of Non-Collagenous Proteins in Relation with Mineral Development to Understand Bone Biomineralization

Among persisting questions on bone calcification, a major one is the link between protein expression and mineral deposition. A cell culture system is here proposed opening new integrative studies on biomineralization, improving our knowledge on the role played by non-collagenous proteins in bone. This experimental in vitro model consisted in human primary osteoblasts cultured for 60 days at the surface of a 3D collagen scaffold mimicking an osteoid matrix. Various techniques were used to analyze the results at the cellular and molecular level (adhesion and viability tests, histology and electron microscopy, RT- and qPCR) and to characterize the mineral phase (histological staining, EDX, ATG, SAED and RMN). On long term cultures human bone cells seeded on the osteoid-like matrix displayed a clear osteoblast phenotype as revealed by the osteoblast-like morphology, expression of specific protein such as alkaline phosphatase and expression of eight genes classically considered as osteoblast markers, including BGLAP, COL1A1, and BMP2. Von Kossa and alizarine red allowed us to identify divalent calcium ions at the surface of the matrix, EDX revealed the correct Ca/P ratio, and SAED showed the apatite crystal diffraction pattern. In addition RMN led to the conclusion that contaminant phases were absent and that the hydration state of the mineral was similar to fresh bone. A temporal correlation was established between quantified gene expression of DMP1 and IBSP, and the presence of hydroxyapatite, confirming the contribution of these proteins to the mineralization process. In parallel a difference was observed in the expression pattern of SPP1 and BGLAP, which questioned their attributed role in the literature. The present model opens new experimental possibilities to study spatio-temporal relations between bone cells, dense collagen scaffolds, NCPs and hydroxyapatite mineral deposition. It also emphasizes the importance of high collagen density environment in bone cell physiology.     

The goblet cavity matrix in the larval midgut of Hyalophora cecropia

The larval midgut of the silkmoth Hyalophora cecropia was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Goblet cells were observed to contain within their cavities a matrix plug. This matrix material was extruded onto the lumen side of the epithelium when the tissue was stretched. The rôle of this matrix material in maintenance of the capacity of the midgut to transport ions in vivo and in vitro is discussed.     

An integrative method for evaluating the biological effects of nanoparticle-protein corona

BackgroundNanoplastics in the environment can enter the human body through gastrointestinal intake, dermal contact, and pulmonary inhalation, posing a threat to human health. Protein molecules in body fluids will quickly adsorb on the surfaces of the nanoplastics, forming a protein corona, which has implications for the interaction of the nanoplastics with cells and the metabolic pathways of the nanoplastic within cells. For years, practical tools such as dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and liquid chromatography have been developed to understand the protein corona of nanoparticles (NPs), either in vitro or in cellular or molecular level. However, an integrated approach to understand the nanoparticles-protein corona is still lacking.MethodsUsing the most frequently observed environmental nanoplastics, polystyrene nanoplastics (PS), as a standard, we established an integrative structural characterization platform, a biophysical and biochemical evaluation method to investigate the effect of surface charge on protein corona composition. The cellular and molecular mechanisms were also explored through in vitro cellular experiments.ResultsThe first integrative method for characterizing biological properties of NPs-protein corona has been established. This method comprehensively covers the critical aspects to understand NPs-protein corona interactions, from structure to function.ConclusionsThe integrative method for nanoplastics microstructure characterization can be applied to the structural characterization of nanoparticles in nanoscale, which is of universal significance from in vitro characterization to cellular experiments and then to molecular mechanism studies.General significanceThis strategy has high reliability and repeatability and can be applied both in environment and nanomedicine safety assessment.     

Analysis of cartilage differentiation from skeletal muscle grown on bone matrix: I. Ultrastructural aspects

Previous studies have demonstrated that embryonic skeletal muscle is competent to form hyaline cartilage when cultured in vitro on demineralized bone matrix (Nogami, H., and Urist, M. R. (1970). Exp. Cell Res.63, 404–410; Nathanson, M. A., et al. (1978). Develop. Biol.64, 99–117). The present experiments were undertaken to determine the nature of the morphological alterations which attend this phenotypic transformation and to investigate the ultrastructural characteristics of the myoblasts and fibroblasts of skeletal muscle during the transformation. Nineteen-day embryonic rat limb muscles were minced and the tissue fragments explanted to bone matrix or collagen gels. The trauma of excision and mincing causes syncytial myotubes to degenerate and the nuclei of mononucleate cells to enter a heterochromatic “resting stage.” In culture, nuclei of mononucleate cells rapidly regain euchromasia. No myoblast or fibroblast cell death can be detected. On bone matrix, the entire mononucleate population transforms into fibroblast-like cells. Myoblasts are the major contributor to this population; they dissociate from the degenerate myotubes and begin to acquire endoplasmic reticulum by 24 h in vitro. The fibroblast-like morphology persists through 4 days in vitro. By 6 days in vitro some of these fibroblast-like cells acquire the phenotypic characteristics of chondrocytes, and by 10 days masses of hyaline cartilage are found. In control explants of skeletal muscle onto collagen gels, the heterochromatic nuclei of the mononucleated cells expand after 24 hr in vitro, but the mononucleated cells remain as myoblasts and fibroblasts and begin to regenerate skeletal muscle by 4 days in vitro. No cartilage forms. The results indicate that both myoblasts and fibroblasts have chondrogenic potential when grown on demineralized bone. It is tempting to conclude that the embryonic mesenchymal cells which give rise to skeletal muscle, cartilage, and other connective tissue of the limb have similar developmental potentials and that local influences, rather than separate cell lineages, account for the final pattern of differentiation.