The influence of strontium on characteristic factors of bone

Pulsed laser deposition temperature effects on strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite thin films for biomedical implants

Substituting small molecule drugs with abundant and easily affordable ions may have positive effects on the way countless disease treatments are approached. The interest in strontium cation in bone therapies soared in the wake of the success of strontium ranelate in the treatment of osteoporosis. A new method for producing thin strontium-containing hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA, Ca₉Sr(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) films as coatings that render bioinert titanium implant bioactive is reported here. The method is based on the combination of a mechanochemical synthesis of Sr-HA targets and their deposition in form of thin films on top of titanium with the use of laser ablation at low pressure. The films were 1-2 μm in thickness and their formation was studied at different temperatures, including 25, 300, and 500 °C. Highly crystalline Sr-HA target transformed during pulsed laser deposition to a fully amorphous film, whose degree of long-range order recovered with temperature. Particle edges became somewhat sharper and surface roughness moderately increased with temperature, but the (Ca+Sr)/P atomic ratio, which increased 1.5 times during the film formation, remained approximately constant at different temperatures. Despite the mostly amorphous structure of the coatings, their affinity for capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and accommodating it as carbonate ions that replace both phosphates and hydroxyls of HA was confirmed in an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis. As the film deposition temperature increased, the lattice voids got reduced in concentration and the structure gradually "closed," becoming more compact and entailing a linear increase in microhardness with temperature, by 0.03 GPa/°C for the entire 25-500 °C range. Biocompatibility and bioactivity of Sr-HA thin films deposited on titanium were confirmed in an interaction with dental pulp stem cells, suggesting that these coatings, regardless of the processing temperature, may be viable candidates for the surface components of metallic bone implants.

The effect of Mg and Sr on the crystallinity of bones evaluated through Raman spectroscopy and laser ablation-ICPMS analysis

We investigated the possible linkage between the crystallinity and elemental ratios (Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca) of the femoral cortical bones of rats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or diabetes mellitus (DM).

Combination of Micronutrients for Bone (COMB) Study: bone density after micronutrient intervention

Along with other investigations, patients presenting to an environmental health clinic with various chronic conditions were assessed for bone health status. Individuals with compromised bone strength were educated about skeletal health issues and provided with therapeutic options for potential amelioration of their bone health. Patients who declined pharmacotherapy or who previously experienced failure of drug treatment were offered other options including supplemental micronutrients identified in the medical literature as sometimes having a positive impact on bone mineral density (BMD). After 12 months of consecutive supplemental micronutrient therapy with a combination that included vitamin D(3), vitamin K(2), strontium, magnesium and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), repeat bone densitometry was performed. The results were analyzed in a group of compliant patients and demonstrate improved BMD in patients classified with normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic bone density. According to the results, this combined micronutrient supplementation regimen appears to be at least as effective as bisphosphonates or strontium ranelate in raising BMD levels in hip, spine, and femoral neck sites. No fractures occurred in the group taking the micronutrient protocol. This micronutrient regimen also appears to show efficacy in individuals where bisphosphonate therapy was previously unsuccessful in maintaining or raising BMD. Prospective clinical trials are required to confirm efficacy.

Strontium administration in young chickens improves bone volume and architecture but does not enhance bone structural and material strength

Genetic selection for rapid body growth in broiler chickens has resulted in adverse effects on the skeletal system exemplified by a higher rate of cortical fractures in leg bones. Strontium (Sr) has been reported to have beneficial effects on bone formation and strength. We supplemented the diet of 300-day-old chicks with increasing dosages of Sr (0%, 0.12%, or 0.24%) to study the capacity of the element to improve bone quality and mechanical integrity. Treatment with Sr increased cortical bone volume and reduced bone porosity as measured by micro-computed tomography. The higher level of Sr significantly reduced bone Ca content (34.7%) relative to controls (37.2%), suggesting that Sr replaced some of the Ca in bone. Material properties determined by the three-point bending test showed that bone in the Sr-treated groups withstood greater deformation prior to fracture. Load to failure and ultimate stress were similar across groups. Our results indicate that Sr treatment in rapidly growing chickens induced positive effects on bone volume but did not improve the breaking strength of long bones.

Effects of strontium on bone strength, density, volume, and microarchitecture in laying hens

Strontium has been reported to have beneficial effects on bone. Treatment of laying hens, which are susceptible to osteoporosis and bone fracture, with strontium increased DXA measurements of BMD and BMC and microCT measurements of bone volume and microarchitecture and improved the mechanical performance of whole bone, but had no effect on the estimated material properties of the bone tissue.

INTRODUCTION

Strontium (Sr) has been reported to dissociate bone remodeling and have positive influences on bone formation. We supplemented the diet of laying hens, which are susceptible to osteoporosis and bone fracture, with Sr to study the capacity of the element to improve bone mechanical integrity and resistance to fracture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Increasing dosages of Sr (0, 3000, 4500, and 6000 ppm) were fed to 196 13-week-old pullets for 11 months. BMD and BMC, as measured by conventional and DXA methods, microarchitectural parameters derived from microCT, and structural and material properties as determined by three-point bending test, were studied. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and Sr levels in plasma and bone, as well as egg output, shell quality, and composition, were assessed.

RESULTS

Sr concentrations in plasma and bone increased in a dose-dependent manner without affecting Ca and P. Treatment with Sr increased BMD and BMC as measured by DXA, increased cortical and medullary bone volume, trabecular thickness, number, and surface, and improved whole bone ultimate load, but had no effect on the estimated material properties of diaphyseal bone. Sr also increased the ash content of eggshells and did not affect egg output and shell quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Sr supplementation induced large positive effects on bone density, volume, and microarchitecture as measured by radiographic methods. Sr treatment also improved the structural strength of diaphyseal bone but had no effect on the estimated material properties of the bone tissue.

Dose-dependent effects of strontium on bone of chronic renal failure rats

BACKGROUND

We previously reported on increased bone strontium (Sr) levels in dialysis patients with osteomalacia versus those presenting other types of renal osteodystrophy. A causal role of strontium in the development of osteomalacia was established in a chronic renal failure (CRF) rat model.

METHODS

In the present study we investigated whether the effect of Sr on bone was related to dosage. Four groups of CRF rats were studied: a control group (control-CFR; N=6) not receiving strontium and three groups of animals loaded orally with Sr during 18 weeks by adding the element as the SrCl2. H20 compound to the drinking water at concentrations of 0.03 g/100mL (Sr-30; N=6), 0.075 g/100mL (Sr-75; N=6), or 0.15 g/100mL (Sr-150; N=6) respectively. A fifth group consisting of seven animals with intact renal function (control-NRF), not receiving Sr served as controls for the effect of CRF on bone histology.

RESULTS

As compared to the control-NRF and control-CRF groups, Sr administration resulted in a dose-dependent increase in bone and serum Sr levels. No difference in body weight and biochemical serum and urinary parameters [i.e., calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and creatinine] was noted between the various CRF groups. At sacrifice, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels of CRF groups were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the values measured in the control-NRF group indicating the development of hyperparathyroidism secondary to the installation of the CRF. This is further supported by the differences in bone histomorphometry between the control-CRF and control-NRF animals, which, respectively, showed an increased amount of osteoid (mean +/- SEM 3.4 +/- 1.2% vs. 0.37 +/- 0.14%, P < 0.05) in combination with a distinct osteoblastic activity (35 +/- 11% vs. <2%, P < 0.05) and an increased bone formation rate [(BFR), 677 +/- 177 microm 2/mm2/day vs. 130 +/- 50 microm 2/mm2/day, P < 0.05]. Bone surface area and erodic perimeter did not differ between the various study groups. In the Sr-30 group, Sr loading went along with a dramatic reduction of the BFR as indicated by the total absence of double tetracyclin labels and osteoblastic activity, which in the presence of a low to normal amount of osteoid (2.7 +/- 1.9%) points to the development of the adynamic type of renal osteodystrophy. Interestingly, compared to the control-CRF group, histodynamic and histologic parameters of the Sr-75 group did not differ significantly and a substantial osteoblastic activity (7.6 +/- 4.0%) was seen also. In the Sr-150 group, the various osteoid parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) increased vs. all other groups and were accompanied by a reduced BFR and mineral apposition rate (MAR) and an increased mineralization lag time (MLT), indicating a mineralization defect and the development of osteomalacia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the role of Sr in the development of bone lesions in renal failure is complex and that, depending on the dose, the element may act via multiple pathways.

Age and disease-related changes in the mineral of bone

Bone mineralization changes with age and disease. The distribution of mineral particles in a given bone (mineralization profile) has been studied using density fractionation as well as microradiography and electron backscattering imaging. The biological determinant of mineralization is the rate of turnover. During rapid growth and periods of high remodeling, mineralization is shifted towards lower mineral density (hypomineralization). During aging and periods of low remodeling, mineralization is shifted towards higher mineral densities (hypermineralization). Chemicals can also influence the mineralization profile of bone. Fluoride induces hypermineralization by stabilizing the apatite lattice and reducing bone mineral solubility, whereas strontium induces hypomineralization by loosening the apatite lattice and increasing bone mineral solubility. Drugs such as bisphosphonates induce hypermineralization by inhibiting resorption and acting as crystal poison. Finally, mineralization can be impaired by defects as in rickets and osteomalacia or made excessive by continuous accretion of mineral without resorption as in osteopetrosis.

Effects of low doses of strontium on bone quality and quantity in rats

Strontium (Sr) has been shown to increase bone mass when given at low doses. In this study, the diets of rats containing 0.50% calcium were supplemented with Sr (0.19 and 0.40% of SrCl2 orally) for periods of four and eight weeks. Long bones and vertebrae were studied by density fractionation and each fraction was analyzed chemically. X-ray diffraction was used to determine crystal size. Static and dynamic histomorphometric parameters of bone formation were also measured. We found a shift towards lower density in the mineralization profiles of Sr supplemented rats (0.40%), as well as a decrease in bone crystal size at the larger dose of Sr. The CO3 content and the Ca/Sr ratio of the bone decreased with increasing Sr content. We found an increase in the vertebral trabecular bone volume together with an increase in osteoid volume in Sr supplemented rats. This study shows that Sr at the larger dose induces bone hypomineralization as well as an increase in bone mass in rats fed a relatively low calcium diet.

The effects of inorganic ions situated at the enamel surface on the adsorption and activity of acid phosphatase

This study has demonstrated, first, that the affinity of the enamel surface for a biologically active protein-in this case, acid phosphatase-may be modified by first impregnating the mineral with particular inorganic ions. Second, enzymic activity is altered as a function of the inorganic ion incorporated into the enamel surface. Third, strong inhibition of acid phosphatase is demonstrated by ions expected to be released during the carious process which contradicts the postulation that phosphatases are actively hydrolyzing enamel matrix-bound phosphate during the carious attack. Fourth, these results suggest that by incorporating a particular ion into the enamel mineral, a surface with assigned properties may be created which offers some degree of control over subsequent adsorption of organic matter. Thus, it is apparent that by proper selection of inorganic ions and organic macromolecules, both structural properties and biological activities at the enamel-oral fluid interface may be predictably modified.