In vitro observation of macrophage polarization and gingival fibroblast behavior on three‐dimensional xenogeneic collagen matrixes

Morpho-Functional Effect of a New Collagen-Based Medical Device on Human Gingival Fibroblasts: An In Vitro Study

Maintaining periodontal and peri-implant soft tissues health is crucial for the long-term health of teeth and dental implants. New biomedical strategies aimed at avoiding connective tissue alterations and related diseases (e.g., periodontitis and peri-implantitis) are constantly evolving. Among these, collagen-based medical products have proven to be safe and effective. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Dental SKIN BioRegulation (Guna S.p.a., Milan, Italy), a new injectable medical device composed of type I collagen of porcine origin, on primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts (hGF). To this end, hGF were cultured on collagen-coated (COL, 100 µg/2 mL) or uncoated plates (CTRL) before evaluating cell viability (24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7 d), wound healing properties (3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h), and the activation of mechanotransduction markers, such as FAK, YAP, and TAZ (48 h). The results proved a significant increase in cell viability at 48 h (p < 0.05) and wound closure at 24 h (p < 0.001) of hGF grown on COL, with an increasing trend at all time-points. Furthermore, COL significantly induced the expression of FAK and YAP/TAZ (p < 0.05), thereby promoting the activation of mechanotransduction signaling pathways. Overall, these data suggest that COL, acting as a mechanical bio-scaffold, could represent a useful treatment for gingival rejuvenation and may possibly help in the resolution of oral pathologies.

Secreted PEDF modulates fibroblast collagen synthesis through M1 macrophage polarization under expanded condition

Tissue expansion is widely used to obtain new skin tissue for repairing defects in the clinical practice of plastic surgery. One major complication can be dermal thinning during expansion, which usually leads to skin rupture. Collagen synthesis can determine dermal thickness and can be influenced by macrophage polarization during expansion. The aim of the study was to test whether pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) could be a modulator of collagen synthesis in fibroblasts by regulating macrophage polarization during skin expansion. Our results showed that PEDF mRNA expression was increased in expanded human and mouse epidermis. PEDF protein levels were elevated in the subcutaneous exudates of a rat skin expansion model. Increased PEDF mRNA expression was accompanied by dermal thinning during a three-week expansion protocol. Subcutaneous injection of PEDF in vivo further resulted in dermal thinning and cell number increase of M1 macrophage in the expanded skin. PEDF also promoted macrophage polarization in vitro to the M1 subtype under hypoxic conditions. PEDF did not influence collagen gene expression in fibroblasts directly, but attenuated collagen synthesis in a macrophage-mediated manner. Additionally, blockage of PEDF receptors on macrophages with inhibitors rescued collagen synthesis in fibroblasts. Our research demonstrated PEDF elevation in expanded skin leads to dermal thinning through M1 macrophage-mediated collagen synthesis inhibition in fibroblasts. Our results could form a basis for the development of novel strategies to improve skin integrity in expanded skin by using PEDF.

Impact of Cross-Linking of Collagen Matrices on Tissue Regeneration in a Rabbit Calvarial Bone Defect

The cross-linking of collagen matrices (Cl_CM) may provide volume-stable enhanced defect regeneration when compared to non-cross-linked matrices (Ncl_CM). The aim of the present study was to investigate the bone forming potential of collagen matrices (CMs) and the effects of cross-linking CMs in a rabbit calvaria defect model. (1) Empty controls (n = 6), (2) Ncl_CM (n = 8), and (3) Cl_CM (n = 8) were selected to be observed for the healing in 10 mm critical-sized calvarial bone defects. The potential for the bone as well as the connective tissue formation were evaluated by micro-CT and histomorphometry at three months post-surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of new bone volume in the defects between the groups. However, the Cl_CM induced significantly greater fibrous tissue regeneration (5.29 ± 1.57 mm²) when compared to the controls (3.51 ± 0.93 mm²) by histomorphometry. The remnants of collagen fibers with immune cells, including macrophages and giant cells, were occasionally observed in the Cl_CM group but not in the Ncl_CM group. In conclusion, the cross-linking of collagen did not influence the potential for bone formation. Nevertheless, Cl_CM might be advantageous for the maintenance of fibrous tissue volume without disturbing bone formation in the defects.

Nanostructured Zirconia Surfaces Regulate Human Gingival Fibroblasts Behavior Through Differential Modulation of Macrophage Polarization

Zirconia exhibits excellent biocompatibility and is widely used as dental implant materials in prosthodontics. Over the past years, research and development of dental implant biomaterials has focused on osseointegration, but few reports exist regarding the role of the immune environment on cellular responses to these materials. The present study investigates the effect of different nanostructured zirconia surface topographies on macrophage phenotypes and their influence on gingival fibroblast behavior. Three different nanostructured zirconia surfaces are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and water contact angle. Blank-machined zirconia (BMZ) surfaces were superior to RAW264.7 cell proliferation and adhesion. RAW264.7 seeded on all nanostructured zirconia surfaces polarized toward both inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages with more M2 macrophage phenotype on BMZ surfaces. Meanwhile, conditioned media (CM) from RAW264.7 culture on three nanostructured zirconia surfaces inhibited cell apoptosis to human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) but promoted HGF proliferation and secretion. Under modulation of RAW264.7 culture, HGFs cultured on BMZ surfaces significantly secreted more extracellular matrix with a higher expression of collagen-I (COL-I), vinculin (VCL), and fibronectin (FN) than those coated on self-glazed zirconia (CSGZ) and self-glazed zirconia (SGZ) surfaces. After being coated with a nano zirconia film, CSGZ surfaces showed certain changes in cell proliferation, adhesion, and protein production compared with SGZ surfaces. These findings will provide an overview of manipulating surface topography to modulate macrophage phenotypes in order to create an effective macrophage immune response and reinforce soft tissue integration.

In Vitro Comparison of Macrophage Polarization and Osteoblast Differentiation Potentials between Granules and Block Forms of Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral

Deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) bone grafts are commonly utilized for guided bone regeneration (GBR) techniques in regenerative dentistry. It has been hypothesized that different forms (blocks versus particulates) might demonstrate the varying properties of cell behavior during the regenerative process. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate DBBM granules and blocks for their effects on osteoblasts and macrophages (Mφs). DBBM granules and blocks were filled to the same size (φ6.4 mm in diameter × 2.0 mm in height) in cell culture wells and assessed for cell viability and cell differentiation of human osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells, and Mφs derived from human monocyte THP-1 cells. The two groups were first characterized by micro-CT analysis, which demonstrated that DBBM granules had a two-fold greater material volume and a four-fold larger surface area than the blocks. DBBM blocks showed superior viability for both osteoblasts and Mφs. Osteoblast experiments were then utilized to better characterize the influence of DBBM shapes/forms on osteoblast differentiation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining on the undecalcified frozen sections was observed throughout the DBBM granule surface, yet this staining was only observed on the upper portion of the DBBM blocks. Furthermore, DBBM blocks showed M1-Mφ polarization trends with higher IL-1 and IL-6 mRNA expression in Mφs, while the conditioned media from Mφs cultured on DBBM granules promoted osteoblast differentiation with higher mRNA levels of Runx 2, ALP and osteocalcin. In conclusion, the DBBM granules showed more regenerative effects, lower M1 marker expression, and higher osteoblast differentiation potential when compared with the blocks, which might be related to the larger material volume, higher surface area and greater ability for the cells to penetrate through the scaffold.