Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulates a bone-forming response in UMR-106 cells

Low-intensity (<100 mW/cm(2)) pulsed ultrasound (US) is an established therapy for fracture repair. In both animal and human trials, such US has been shown to facilitate fresh fracture repair and initiate healing in fractures with repair defects. However, the mechanism by which US achieves these outcomes is not clear. One possible mechanism is the direct stimulation of bone formation. To investigate this hypothesis, the current study investigated the mRNA response of isolated bone-forming cells (UMR-106 cells) to a single 20-min dose of low-intensity pulsed US. Using a novel US-cell coupling method, US was found to stimulate expression of the immediate-early response genes c-fos and COX-2 and elevate mRNA levels for the bone matrix proteins ALP and OC. These findings suggest that low-intensity pulsed US has a direct effect on bone formation. This may contribute to the beneficial effect of low-intensity pulsed US on fracture repair.     

Effects of insulin and insulin‐like growth factor 1 on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation: differential signalling via Akt and ERK

Insulin and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) are evolutionarily conserved hormonal signalling molecules, which influence a wide array of physiological functions including metabolism, growth and development. Using genetic mouse studies, both insulin and IGF‐1 have been shown to be anabolic agents in osteoblasts and bone development primarily through the activation of Akt and ERK signalling pathways. In this study, we examined the temporal signalling actions of insulin and IGF‐1 on primary calvarial osteoblast growth and differentiation. First, we observed that the IGF‐1 receptor expression decreases whereas insulin receptor expression increases during osteoblast differentiation. Subsequently, we show that although both insulin and IGF‐1 promote osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in vitro, IGF‐1, but not insulin, can induce osteoblast proliferation. The IGF‐1‐induced osteoblast proliferation was mediated via both MAPK and Akt pathways because the IGF‐1‐mediated cell proliferation was blocked by U0126, an MEK/MAPK inhibitor, or LY294002, a PI3‐kinase inhibitor. Osteocalcin, an osteoblast‐specific protein whose expression corresponds with osteoblast differentiation, was increased in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner after insulin treatment, whereas it was decreased with IGF‐1 treatment. Moreover, insulin treatment dramatically induced osteocalcin promoter activity, whereas IGF‐1 treatment significantly inhibited it, indicating direct effect of insulin on osteocalcin synthesis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

经低强度超声波照射后组织工程骨成骨的生化学和力学分析

目的:观察低强度超声波照射后组织工程骨的骨形成情况和力学变化。方法:将骨髓间充质细胞/β-磷酸三钙(Bonemarrowstromalcells/tricalciumphosphate,BMSCs/β-TCP)共同增殖分化培养2周后,手术植入同基因鼠背部两侧皮下,一侧行低强度超声波每日照射20min,另一侧作为对照。术后5、10、25和50d,分别取出组织工程骨,行抗压力测试、碱性磷酸酶(Alkalinephosphate,ALP)和骨钙素(osteocalcin,OCN)含量分析。结果:超声波组组织工程骨的ALP活性和OCN含量都明显高于对照组(P0.01);抗压力测试与对照组没有明显差别(P0.05)。结论:低强度超声波能够促进组织工程骨的骨形成能力。     

Assessment of fibroblast cells submitted to ultrasonic irradiation

Physiotherapists consider ultrasound an indispensable tool, which is commonly employed in clinical practice as a treatment aid for musculoskeletal dysfunctions. The aim of our study has been to analyze fibroblast cell structures following low-intensity pulsed ultrasonic irradiation. Fibroblast cell cultures irradiated with ultrasound were analyzed through electron microscopy to determine an ideal irradiation beam that preserved cell morphology and integrity. Analysis by fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy was used to follow morphological changes of the nucleus and cytoskeleton following different ultrasound irradiation intensities. According to the parameters used in the pulsed irradiation of fibroblast cultures, control over the intensity employed is fundamental to the optimal use of therapeutic ultrasound. Cell cultures submitted to low-intensity pulsed ultrasonic irradiation (0.2-0.6 W/cm2) at 10% (1:9 duty cycle) and 20% (2:8 duty cycle) maintained shape and cellular integrity, with little damage. In the group irradiated with an intensity of 0.8 W/cm2, a loss of adhesion was observed along with an alteration in the morphology of some cells at an intensity of 1.0 W/cm2, which resulted in the presence of cellular fragments and a decrease of adhering cells. In cells irradiated at 2.0 W/cm2, there was a complete loss of adhesion and aggregation of cellular fragments. The present study confirms that biophysical properties of pulsed ultrasound may accelerate proliferation processes in different biological tissues.     

Temporal sequence of interleukin 1α—mediated stimulation and inhibition of bone formation by isolated fetal rat calvaria cells in vitro

Cytokines released at sites of inflammation and infection may alter normal bone remodeling processes resulting in pathologic bone destruction or bone formation. Interleukin 1, an inflammatory mediator, has been shown to stimulate as well as inhibit parameters associated with bone formation. In this study we have examined temporal aspects of the biphasic effects of recombinant interleukin 1 alpha (IL 1 alpha) on the differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells into bone-forming osteoblasts (bone nodules) in vitro. A dose-dependent stimulation of bone formation over a concentration range of 0.5 to 50 U/mL (1.4 x 10(-12) to 1.4 x 10(-10) M) was observed when preconfluent, primary cultures of fetal rat calvaria (RC) cells were pulsed with IL 1 alpha for 72 to 96 hr from the beginning of the culture period. This was correlated with a stimulation of cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity measured during the late log phase of growth. In contrast, continuous exposure to IL 1 alpha or exposure to IL 1 alpha after confluency resulted in inhibition of bone nodule formation and alkaline phosphatase activity. IL 1 alpha-stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production until the RC cells became multilayered, but the addition of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin had no effect in reducing the IL 1 alpha-mediated stimulation of cell proliferation or bone nodule formation. However, in cultures continuously exposed to IL 1 alpha, added indomethacin partially reduced the inhibition of bone formation, suggesting that prostaglandin production may play a role in the inhibitory effects of IL 1 alpha on bone formation.     

Treatment of cartilage defects by Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in a sheep model

Aim of this study was to evaluate effects of Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on repair of articular cartilage defects. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (Lipus) can induce the differentiation and activation of chondrocytes. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Lipus on articular cartilage defects in a sheep. Eight sheep were divided in to two groups. The animals received bilateraly, articular cartilage defects 4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in deep on the patellar groove and experimental groups were treated with intensity 200 mW/cm², 20 min/day with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for 2 month. Then both knee joints underwent surgery for remove of formed tissue sample from defects.The samples were evaluated by Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Safranin-o staining, Immunofluorescence Staining and Morphological characterization. The best and worst sample per group according to Macroscopic and micriscopic scoring were icentified. The results showed that the operated groups with-Lipus-treatment and without-Lipus treatment had considered statistically significant. Gross photography revealed that the defects in experimental groups were filled with proliferative tissue, while in control groups, a thin layer of proliferative tissue was formed in defects. qRT-PCR results showed the expression of coll2, sox9, aggrecan and Osteocalcin in experimental groups. Intense safranin-O staining show the formation cartilage tissue in ultrasound treated group, while loose safranin-o-staining were observed at the control groups. Immunofluorescence staining showed the type 2 Collagen protein expression. We suggest that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound provide the mechanistic basis force for articular cartilage repair and effective treatment modality for improving of articular cartilage defects.

     

Rapamycin impairs trabecular bone acquisition from high‐dose but not low‐dose intermittent parathyroid hormone treatment

The osteo‐anabolic effects of intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment require insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signaling through the IGF‐I receptor. A major downstream target of the IGF‐I receptor (via Akt) is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a kinase involved in protein synthesis. We investigated whether the bone‐building effects of intermittent PTH require functional mTOR signaling. Mice were treated with daily PTH 1–34 (0, 10, 30, or 90 µg/kg) for 6 weeks in the presence or absence of rapamycin, a selective inhibitor of mTOR. We found that all PTH doses were effective in enhancing bone mass, whether rapamycin was present or not. Rapamycin had little to no effect on the anabolic response at low (10 µg) PTH doses, small effects in a minority of anabolic measures at moderate doses (30 µg), but the anabolic effects of high‐dose PTH (90 µg) were consistently and significantly suppressed by rapamycin (～4–36% reduction). Serum levels of Trap5b, a marker of resorption, were significantly enhanced by rapamycin, but these effects were observed whether PTH was absent or present. Our data suggest that intermittent PTH, particularly at lower doses, is effective in building bone mass in the presence of rapamycin. However, the full anabolic effects of higher doses of PTH are significantly suppressed by rapamycin, suggesting that PTH might normally activate additional pathways (including mTOR) for its enhanced high‐dose anabolic effects. Clinical doses of intermittent PTH could be an effective treatment for maintaining or increasing bone mass among patients taking rapamycin analogs for unrelated health issues. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 579–585, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Atherogenic phospholipids attenuate osteogenic signaling by BMP-2 and parathyroid hormone in osteoblasts

Cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, has been associated with reduced bone mineral density and fracture risk. A major etiologic factor in atherogenesis is believed to be oxidized phospholipids. We previously found that these phospholipids inhibit spontaneous osteogenic differentiation of marrow stromal cells, suggesting that they may account for the clinical link between atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. Currently, anabolic agents that promote bone formation are increasingly used as a new treatment for osteoporosis. It is not known, however, whether atherogenic phospholipids alter the effects of bone anabolic agents, such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Therefore we investigated the effects of oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (ox-PAPC) on osteogenic signaling induced by BMP-2 and PTH in MC3T3-E1 cells. Results showed that ox-PAPC attenuated BMP-2 induction of osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Ox-PAPC also inhibited both spontaneous and BMP-induced expression of PTH receptor. Consistently, pretreatment of cells with ox-PAPC inhibited PTH-induced cAMP production and expression of immediate early genes Nurr1 and IL-6. Results from immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses showed that inhibitory effects of ox-PAPC on BMP-2 signaling were associated with inhibition of SMAD 1/5/8 but not p38-MAPK activation. These effects appear to be due to ox-PAPC activation of the ERK pathway, as the ERK inhibitor PD98059 reversed ox-PAPC inhibitory effects on BMP-2-induced alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin expression, and SMAD activation. These results suggest that atherogenic lipids inhibit osteogenic signaling induced by BMP-2 and PTH, raising the possibility that hyperlipidemia and atherogenic phospholipids may interfere with anabolic therapy.     

低强度脉冲超声波辐照与泡沫TiC/Ti对犬节段性骨缺修复的促进作用

目的探讨低强度脉冲超声波辐照对节段性骨缺损修复效果的影响。方法将直径12 mm长20mm泡沫TiC/Ti植入6只Beagle犬的左侧胫骨节段性骨缺损区。随机分为超声组和对照组,超声组采用低强度脉冲超声波辐照（频率1.5 MHz、强度30 mW/cm2、脉冲宽度200μs、脉冲周期1 kHz、20 min/次、1次/d）,对照组为不开功率源的假辐照,术后4、8周后分别行X线检查及骨密度测定,观察及分析材料周围骨愈合情况。结果 6只beagle犬均进入结果分析。术后4周超声组骨早期成熟度优于对照组,表现在材料周围骨痂影密度增高,骨痂影由两端向中央生长;对照组仅见骨痂区密度低,还可见部分骨痂缺如。术后8周超声组新生骨痂面积优于对照组,骨干结构相对稳定;对照组骨缺损区未闭合,在骨干两侧看到少量骨痂,愈合较差。骨密度测定结果显示,4周时超声组高于对照组,两组间存在统计学差异;8周时超声组略高于对照组,但两组间没有统计学差异。结论通过联合应用低强度脉冲超声波辐照与人工骨材料修复可提高新骨形成速度及骨组织密度,缩短节段性骨缺损的骨愈合时间。     

Naltrexone pretreatment blocks microwave-induced changes in central cholinergic receptors

Repeated exposure of rats to pulsed, circularly polarized microwaves (2,450-MHz, 2-microseconds pulses at 500 pps, power density 1 mW/cm2, at an averaged, whole-body SAR of 0.6 W/kg) induced biphasic changes in the concentration of muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the central nervous system. An increase in receptor concentration occurred in the hippocampus of rats subjected to ten 45-min sessions of microwave exposure, whereas a decrease in concentration was observed in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rats exposed to ten 20-min sessions. These findings, which confirm earlier work in the authors' laboratory, were extended to include pretreatment of rats with the narcotic antagonist naltrexone (1 mg/kg, IP) before each session of exposure. The drug treatment blocked the microwave-induced changes in cholinergic receptors in the brain. These data further support the authors' hypothesis that endogenous opioids play a role in the effects of microwaves on central cholinergic systems.     

Differential expression of dentin matrix protein 1, type I collagen and osteocalcin genes in rat developing mandibular bone

The expression of dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1) mRNA has been compared with that of type I collagen and osteocalcin mRNAs during bone formation in the rat mandible, using in situ hybridization. At embryonic day 15 (E15), type I collagen and osteocalcin mRNAs were expressed by the majority of newly-differentiated osteoblasts attached to unmineralized bone matrices, whereas Dmp1 mRNA expression was confined to only a few osteoblasts. Expression of these genes increased as the number of osteoblasts increased in specimens from E16 to E18. At E20, expression of Dmp1, type I collagen and osteocalcin was also observed in osteocytes. Dmp1 expression continued in osteocytes as they matured up to the 90-day-old specimens, whereas type I collagen and osteocalcin expression in osteocytes almost disappeared at 30 days of postnatal life. In contrast, osteoblasts continued to express type I collagen and osteocalcin in 90-day-old rats, but transiently expressed Dmp1 mRNA, which was seen in the minority of osteoblasts at 14 days of postnatal life. These data show that the developmental expression patterns of Dmp1 in osteogenic differentiation differ from those of type I collagen and osteocalcin, and Dmp1 appears to be expressed by osteocytes throughout ossification in the skeleton. These observations indicate that Dmp1 may serve unique biological functions in osteocyte and bone metabolism.     

FGF-2 increases colony formation, PTH receptor, and IGF-1 mRNA in mouse marrow stromal cells.

FGF-2 stimulates bone formation in vitro and in vivo in rats. However, there are limited studies in mice and no data on the mechanism(s) by which FGF-2 induces bone formation. We assessed whether short-term FGF-2 treatment of marrow stromal cells from young mice would increase alkaline phosphatase-positive (ALP), mineralized colony formation and expression of genes important in osteoblast maturation. Short-term treatment with FGF-2 (0.01-1.0 nM) for the first 3 days of a 14- or 21-day culture period increased the number of ALP mineralized colonies in bone marrow stromal cells. FGF-2 (0.1 nM) increased the mRNAs for type 1 collagen: osteocalcin, runt domain/core binding factor, PTH/PTHR receptor, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) at 14 and 21 days. We conclude that short-term FGF-2 treatment enhances osteoblast maturation in vitro. Furthermore, the anabolic effect of FGF-2 may be attributed in part to regulation of IGF-1 in osteoblasts.     

In situ hybridization of bone matrix proteins in undecalcified adult rat bone sections.

We have developed a method for in situ hybridization of adult bone tissue utilizing undecalcified sections and have used it to histologically examine the mRNA expression of non-collagenous bone matrix proteins such as osteocalcin (bone Gla protein, BGP), matrix Gla protein (MGP), and osteopontin in adult rats. Expression was compared with that in bone tissues of newborn rats. In the adult bone tissue, osteocalcin mRNA was strongly expressed in periosteal and endosteal cuboidal osteoblasts but not in primary spongiosa near the growth plate. Osteopontin mRNA was strongly expressed in cells present on the bone resorption surface, osteocytes, and hypertrophic chondrocytes, but not in cuboidal osteoblasts on the formation surface. Osteopontin and osteocalcin mRNAs were expressed independently and the distribution of cells expressing osteopontin mRNA corresponded with acid phosphatase-positive mononuclear cells and osteoclasts. Expression of MGP mRNA was noted only in hypertrophic chondrocytes. In newborn rat bone tissues, expression of osteocalcin mRNA was much weaker than in adult rat bone tissues. These results clearly indicate the differential expression of mRNAs of non-collagenous bone matrix proteins in adult rat bone tissues.     

甲状旁腺素和胰岛素样生长因子促成骨样细胞ROS 17/2.8增殖分化中的协同作用

 间歇性小剂量地给予甲状旁腺素 (parathyroid hormone,PTH)可促进成骨 .胰岛素样生长因子 - I(insulin- like growth factor- I,IGF- I)由成骨细胞所产生并贮存于骨基质中 ,可促进成骨细胞的增殖分化 .为进一步了解向钙性激素和骨源性生长因子对骨生长的影响 ,利用成骨样细胞 ROS1 7/ 2 .8进行体外实验 ,观察了 PTH和 IGF- I这两种在骨生长和代谢中有重要作用的激素和因子相互作用的效果 ,并对其相互作用机制作出初步探讨 .结果显示 :联合使用 IGF- I及 PTH(间歇性给药 )时 ,(1 ) SRB(sodium rhodamine B,SRB)染色显示经 PTH(1 0 -9mol/ L,间歇给药 )和 IGF- I(1 0 -9mol/ L)联合处理的细胞 ,其数目明显增加 ,且明显高于单独处理组 ;(2 ) 3H- Td R参入增加 ,也明显高于单独处理组 ;(3)与增殖相关的原癌基因 (c- fos,c- jun,c- ki- ras)的表达增强 ,明显高于单独处理组 ;(4)骨钙素 (osteocalcin)基因 m RNA表达增强 ,明显高于单独处理组 ;(5) IGF- I(1 0 -8mol/L,1 0 -9mol/ L)可使 PTH受体基因 m RNA表达增强 .这些结果提示 PTH和 IGF- I在成骨样细胞ROS 1 7/ 2 .8增殖分化中具有协同作用 ,原癌基因的表达增强可能是其作用的一个环节 .此外 ,IGF- I可能通过增强 PTH受体表达 ,使细胞对 PTH的反应性增强     

甲状旁腺素、胰岛素样生长因子-Ⅰ对骨特征性标志蛋白的影响

为了阐明甲状旁腺素（ｐａｒａｔｈｙｒｏｉｄｈｏｒｍｏｎｅ,ＰＴＨ）、胰岛素样生长因子－Ⅰ（ｉｎｓｕｌｉｎ－ｌｉｋｅｇｒｏｗｔｈｆａｃｔｏｒ－Ⅰ,ＩＧＦ－Ⅰ）在促成骨样细胞ＲＯＳ１７／２．８增殖的同时对其分化状况的影响,研究了ＰＴＨ、ＩＧＦ－Ⅰ对骨特征性标志蛋白碱性磷酸酶（ａｌｋａｌｉｎｅｐｈｏｓｐｈａｔａｓｅ,ＡＬＰ）活性、骨钙素（ｏｓｔｅｏｃａｌ－ｃｉｎ）ｍＲＮＡ表达及骨胶原蛋白（ｃｏｌａｇｅｎ）合成的影响．结果表明,ＰＴＨ、ＩＧＦ－Ⅰ均可抑制ＡＬＰ活性,ＰＴＨ的抑制作用强于ＩＧＦ－Ⅰ,抑制作用具有时间剂量依赖性;ＰＴＨ、ＩＧＦ－Ⅰ均可诱导骨钙素ｍＲＮＡ表达增加;ＰＴＨ能够促进３Ｈ－脯氨酸参入新生小鼠颅骨组织,既ＰＴＨ能够骨胶原蛋白合成增加．这些结果提示,ＰＴＨ、ＩＧＦ－Ⅰ在促成骨样细胞ＲＯＳ１７／２．８增殖的同时也促进其分化,表明在成骨细胞的生发成熟过程中,增殖、分化现象相辅相成,相伴而行．