Simvastatin increases osteoblasts and osteogenic proteins in ovariectomized rats

Simvastatin-loaded macroporous calcium phosphate cement: preparation, in vitro characterization, and evaluation of in vivo performance

The aim of our study was to construct macroporous calcium phosphate bone cements (CPCs) with enhanced osteogenic potential. For this purpose, 300 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as an air-entraining agent was added to the liquid phase and 1, 5, and 10% simvastatin (SIM) was homogenized with the solid phase. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the test samples were investigated. Biological properties of the new CPCs were examined after intramuscular and endosteal implantation in rabbits. The introduction of SDS produced interconnected macropores and did not significantly affect initial setting time, transformation of solid phase to hydroxyapatite, and biocompatibility of CPCs. Large amounts (10 wt %) of SIM could decrease the compressive strength and induce severe muscular necrosis and inflammatory reaction. Small amounts (1 wt %) of SIM were compatible with the CPCs did not affect the physico-chemical properties or biocompatibility and were sufficient to enhance the osteogenic potential of macroporous CPCs.

Protection against osteoporosis by statins is linked to a reduction of oxidative stress and restoration of nitric oxide formation in aged and ovariectomized rats

Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, have been used as a cholesterol-lowering drug to treat hyperlipidemia clinically. In recent years, accumulating evidence indicates the possible beneficial effect of statins on osteoporosis. The aim of present study was to investigate whether protection against osteoporosis by statins is linked to a reduction of oxidative stress and restoration of nitric oxide (NO) formation in aged and ovariectomized rats. The aged and ovariectomized rats were used as two models of osteoporosis for evaluation of the effect of simvastatin. It was found that simvastatin abated oxidative stress, increased NO production, subsequently attenuating osteoporosis in two models. In the in vitro studies, the protective effects against H(2)O(2)-induced cell injury were examined in the MG-63 human osteoblastic cells. It was found that simvastatin ameliorated H(2)O(2)-induced cell loss and cell apoptosis and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in osteoblastic cells. Simvastatin abated oxidative stress through enhancing catalase, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and suppressing NADPH oxidase activity. In addition, simvastatin raised nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and eNOS expression at basal condition; inhibited NOS activity and iNOS expression when treated with H(2)O(2). In conclusion, protection against osteoporosis by statins is linked to a reduction of oxidative stress and restoration of NO formation in aged and ovariectomized rats.

Gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cell-mediated therapeutic approach for bone tissue regeneration

Up to now, the gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) as a new postnatal stem cells have been isolated and characterized with multipotential differentiation capabilities in vitro. However, the in vivo efficacy of utilizing the GMSCs in bone regeneration remains obscure. First of all, we identified canonical MSCs in human gingival tissue, which possessed homogenous immunophenotype (CD34(-)CD45(-)CD29(+)CD105(+)CD90(+) STRO-1(+)) and had tri-lineage differentiation potential (osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes). Next, we examined the efficacy of utilizing these stem cells in bone tissue regeneration; the enhanced green fluorescent protein-labeled GMSCs seeded on type I collagen gel were implanted into the mandibular defects as well as the critical-sized calvarial defects in Sprague Dawley rats. We first demonstrated that GMSCs could repair the mandibular wounds and calvarial defects at 2 months in rats postsurgical reconstruction. Histomorphological analysis and image of fluorescence microscope certified that new bone in the defect areas was derived from the transplanted GMSCs. Immunohistochemical analysis of green fluorescent protein, human collagen I, and osteopontin further confirmed our conclusion. The above results implied that mesenchymal stem cells derived from gingival tissue could be a novel source for stem cell-based therapy in bone reconstruction in clinical applications.

Statins and the joint: multiple targets for a global protection?

OBJECTIVES

Evidence exists that the pleiotropic properties of the hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl Coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) are not restricted to the cardiovascular system, as they can also favorably affect the joints, with intriguing implications for the treatment of many rheumatic diseases. In the view of the increasing interest on this topic, we here review the current state of the art.

METHODS

The PubMed database was searched for articles published between 1966 and 2010 for key words referring to statins and joint diseases. All relevant English-written articles were reviewed.

RESULTS

Many pivotal studies clearly demonstrated that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors exert a wide spectrum of beneficial effects on the 3 main compartments of the joint, ie, the synovium, the cartilage, and the subchondral bone. Such (1) anti-inflammatory, (2) immunomodulating, and (3) anabolic effects strongly support a potential role of these drugs in the treatment and/or the prevention of the most important chronic joint diseases. However, although the majority of the in vivo studies with statins on animal models of inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases showed a marked protective activity substantially confirming the in vitro experiments, data arising from clinical trials are less probative and more conflicting.

CONCLUSIONS

Statins display multiple joint-protective effects. Since oral administration of statins could result in a relatively low drug bioavailability to the joints, alternative routes of administration of the drug (transdermal, intra-articular) and/or specific delivery systems should be developed to establish the entire therapeutic potential of statins in this clinical setting.

Simvastatin promotes osteoblast viability and differentiation via Ras/Smad/Erk/BMP-2 signaling pathway

Statins inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, which catalyzes the conversion of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A to mevalonate, a rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis. Statins are able to reduce cardiovascular risk in hypercholesterolemic patients. In recent years, the possible effect of statins on bone tissue has received particular attention. The present study was undertaken to understand the events of osteoblast differentiation induced by statins. Our hypothesis is that simvastatin promotes osteoblast viability and differentiation via Ras/Smad/Erk/bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-2 signaling pathway. The viability and differentiation of osteoblasts were examined by mitochondrial activity assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and gene expression. The associated signaling pathways were analyzed by cytoplasmic and membrane proteins manifestation. After administration of 10(-6) M simvastatin, the ALP activity was significantly enhanced, and the expression of BMP-2, ALP, sialoprotein, and type I collagen genes were up-regulated. After simvastatin treatment, both the RasGRF1 and phospho-RasGRF1 in the cytoplasm decreased significantly, whereas those on the plasma membrane increased. A marked increase in membranous GAP-associated protein (P190) and the activated form of both phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 and phospho-Smad1 were also noted. In conclusion, this study shows that statins pose a positive effect on the metabolism of osteoblasts. Simvastatin can promote osteoblast viability and differentiation via membrane-bound Ras/Smad/Erk/BMP-2 pathway. Statins stimulate osteoblast differentiation in vitro and may be a promising drug for the treatment of osteoporosis in the future.