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Huang Y, Yao K, Zhang Q, Huang X, Chen Z, Zhou Y, Yu X. Bioelectronics for electrical stimulation: materials, devices and biomedical applications. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:8632-8712. [PMID: 39132912 DOI: 10.1039/d4cs00413b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectronics is a hot research topic, yet an important tool, as it facilitates the creation of advanced medical devices that interact with biological systems to effectively diagnose, monitor and treat a broad spectrum of health conditions. Electrical stimulation (ES) is a pivotal technique in bioelectronics, offering a precise, non-pharmacological means to modulate and control biological processes across molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels. This method holds the potential to restore or enhance physiological functions compromised by diseases or injuries by integrating sophisticated electrical signals, device interfaces, and designs tailored to specific biological mechanisms. This review explains the mechanisms by which ES influences cellular behaviors, introduces the essential stimulation principles, discusses the performance requirements for optimal ES systems, and highlights the representative applications. From this review, we can realize the potential of ES based bioelectronics in therapy, regenerative medicine and rehabilitation engineering technologies, ranging from tissue engineering to neurological technologies, and the modulation of cardiovascular and cognitive functions. This review underscores the versatility of ES in various biomedical contexts and emphasizes the need to adapt to complex biological and clinical landscapes it addresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kuanming Yao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xingcan Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhenlin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xinge Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Bianconi S, Oliveira KMC, Klein KL, Wolf J, Schaible A, Schröder K, Barker J, Marzi I, Leppik L, Henrich D. Pretreatment of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Electrical Stimulation as a Strategy to Improve Bone Tissue Engineering Outcomes. Cells 2023; 12:2151. [PMID: 37681884 PMCID: PMC10487010 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation (EStim), whether used alone or in combination with bone tissue engineering (BTE) approaches, has been shown to promote bone healing. In our previous in vitro studies, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were exposed to EStim and a sustained, long-lasting increase in osteogenic activity was observed. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that pretreating MSC with EStim, in 2D or 3D cultures, before using them to treat large bone defects would improve BTE treatments. Critical size femur defects were created in 120 Sprague-Dawley rats and treated with scaffold granules seeded with MSCs that were pre-exposed or not (control group) to EStim 1 h/day for 7 days in 2D (MSCs alone) or 3D culture (MSCs + scaffolds). Bone healing was assessed at 1, 4, and 8 weeks post-surgery. In all groups, the percentage of new bone increased, while fibrous tissue and CD68+ cell count decreased over time. However, these and other healing features, like mineral density, bending stiffness, the amount of new bone and cartilage, and the gene expression of osteogenic markers, did not significantly differ between groups. Based on these findings, it appears that the bone healing environment could counteract the long-term, pro-osteogenic effects of EStim seen in our in vitro studies. Thus, EStim seems to be more effective when administered directly and continuously at the defect site during bone healing, as indicated by our previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Bianconi
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (K.-L.K.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Karla M. C. Oliveira
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (K.-L.K.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Kari-Leticia Klein
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (K.-L.K.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Jakob Wolf
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (K.-L.K.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Alexander Schaible
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (K.-L.K.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Katrin Schröder
- Vascular Research Centre, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - John Barker
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Ingo Marzi
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (K.-L.K.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Liudmila Leppik
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (K.-L.K.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Dirk Henrich
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (K.-L.K.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (D.H.)
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Chen JM, Huang QY, Zhao YX, Chen WH, Lin S, Shi QY. The Latest Developments in Immunomodulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Intrauterine Adhesions, Both Allogeneic and Autologous. Front Immunol 2021; 12:785717. [PMID: 34868069 PMCID: PMC8634714 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.785717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is an endometrial fibrosis disease caused by repeated operations of the uterus and is a common cause of female infertility. In recent years, treatment using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proposed by many researchers and is now widely used in clinics because of the low immunogenicity of MSCs. It is believed that allogeneic MSCs can be used to treat IUA because MSCs express only low levels of MHC class I molecules and no MHC class II or co-stimulatory molecules. However, many scholars still believe that the use of allogeneic MSCs to treat IUA may lead to immune rejection. Compared with allogeneic MSCs, autologous MSCs are safer, more ethical, and can better adapt to the body. Here, we review recently published articles on the immunomodulation of allogeneic and autologous MSCs in IUA therapy, with the aim of proving that the use of autologous MSCs can reduce the possibility of immune rejection in the treatment of IUAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ming Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Qiao-Yi Huang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yun-Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shenzhen Hospital of University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei-Hong Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.,Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Qi-Yang Shi
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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Deng Y, Guo F, Han X, Huang X. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation increases neurological function and endogenous neural stem cell migration via the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis after cerebral infarction in rats. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1037. [PMID: 34373723 PMCID: PMC8343462 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cell (NSC) migration is closely associated with brain development and is reportedly involved during recovery from ischaemic stroke. Chemokine signalling mediated by stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) and its receptor CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) has been previously documented to guide the migration of NSCs. Although repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can increase neurological function in a rat stroke model, its effects on the migration of NSCs and associated underlying mechanism remain unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of rTMS on ischaemic stroke following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). All rats underwent rTMS treatment 24 h after MCAO. Neurological function, using modified Neurological Severity Scores and grip strength test and NSC migration, which were measured using immunofluorescence staining, were analysed at 7 and 14 days after MCAO, before the protein expression levels of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis was evaluated using western blot analysis. AMD3100, a CXCR4 inhibitor, was used to assess the effects of SDF-1α/CXCR4 signalling. In addition, neuronal survival was investigated using Nissl staining at 14 days after MCAO. It was revealed that rTMS increased the neurological recovery of rats with MCAO, facilitated the migration of NSC, augmented the expression levels of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis and decreased neuronal loss. Furthermore, the rTMS-induced positive responses were significantly abolished by AMD3100. Overall, these results indicated that rTMS conferred therapeutic neuroprotective properties, which can restore neurological function after ischaemic stroke, in a manner that may be associated with the activation of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuguo Deng
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Han
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolin Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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Casagrande SM, Biondo-Simões MDLP, Ioshii S, Robes RR, Biondo-Simões R, Boeno BRDO. Histological evaluation of the effect of low-frequency electric stimulation on healing Achilles tendons in rats. Acta Cir Bras 2021; 36:e360103. [PMID: 33533827 PMCID: PMC7853699 DOI: 10.1590/acb360103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Histologically evaluate the effects of low frequency electrical stimulation in the treatment of Achilles tendon injuries in rats. METHODS Thirty-four rats underwent Achilles tendon tenotomy and tenorrhaphy. They were randomly allocated in two groups. Half of the sample constituted the experiment group, whose lesions were stimulated with 2 Hz, nonpolarized current and 1 mA, for 14 days. The other animals formed the control group. They were evaluated at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The histological study was carried out, the collagen density and the wound maturity index were measured. RESULTS The healing score was higher in the group stimulated at the 6th week (p = 0.018). The density collagen 1 was higher in the group treated at the three times (p = 0.004) and that collagen 3 was higher in the group treated at 6 weeks (p = 0.004). Together, collagen 1 and 3 were higher in the group stimulated at 4 and 6 weeks (p = 0.009, p = 0.004). The maturity index was higher in this group at the three moments (p = 0.017 p = 0.004 and p = 0.009). CONCLUSION Low frequency electric stimulation improved healing and increased the quantity of collagen.
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Ryan CNM, Doulgkeroglou MN, Zeugolis DI. Electric field stimulation for tissue engineering applications. BMC Biomed Eng 2021; 3:1. [PMID: 33397515 PMCID: PMC7784019 DOI: 10.1186/s42490-020-00046-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Electric fields are involved in numerous physiological processes, including directional embryonic development and wound healing following injury. To study these processes in vitro and/or to harness electric field stimulation as a biophysical environmental cue for organised tissue engineering strategies various electric field stimulation systems have been developed. These systems are overall similar in design and have been shown to influence morphology, orientation, migration and phenotype of several different cell types. This review discusses different electric field stimulation setups and their effect on cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N M Ryan
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), National University of Ireland Galway & USI, Galway, Ireland.,Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Meletios N Doulgkeroglou
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), National University of Ireland Galway & USI, Galway, Ireland.,Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), National University of Ireland Galway & USI, Galway, Ireland. .,Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. .,Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland.
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Casagrande SM, Biondo-Simões MDLP, Berti LF, Robes RR, Biondo-Simões R, Nakadomari TS, Henning Junior L. Tensiometric evaluation of the effect of lowfrequency electric stimulation on healing Achilles tendons in rats. Acta Cir Bras 2020; 35:e351103. [PMID: 33331453 PMCID: PMC7748081 DOI: 10.1590/acb351103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of low-frequency electric stimulation on biomechanics following surgical treatment of the Achilles tendon in rats. METHODS Forty-two rats were divided into two groups. One was given electric stimulation and the other was not. All were submitted to Achilles tenotomy and tenorrhaphy performed with a modified Kessler stitch. The experiment group underwent electric stimulation with 2 Hz, a nonpolarized current of 1 mA intensity for 14 days. The animals were euthanized at 2, 4 and 6 weeks for the biomechanical study. RESULTS The work performed, that is, the tendon's capacity to absorb energy until rupture, was greater in the electrically stimulated group in the 2nd (p = 0.032) and in the 6th week (p = 0.010). The maximum tension, which is the capacity to support a load, was higher in the treated group in the 2nd (p = 0.030) and the 6th week (p = 024). These results indicate greater resistance of the electrically stimulated tendons. An analysis of the elastic module showed no differences. CONCLUSION Low-frequency electric stimulation increased the resistance of the tendons at 2 and 6 weeks of evolution in rats.
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Oliveira KMC, Leppik L, Keswani K, Rajeev S, Bhavsar MB, Henrich D, Barker JH. Electrical Stimulation Decreases Dental Pulp Stem Cell Osteo-/Odontogenic Differentiation. Biores Open Access 2020; 9:162-173. [PMID: 32642331 PMCID: PMC7337168 DOI: 10.1089/biores.2020.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have great potential for use in tissue engineering (TE)-based dental treatments. Electrical stimulation (EStim) has been shown to influence cellular functions that could play an important role in the success of TE treatments. Despite many recent studies focused on DPSCs, few have investigated the effect EStim has on these cells. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of direct current (DC) EStim on osteo-/odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. To do so cells were isolated from male Sprague Dawley rats (7-8 weeks old), and phenotype characterization and multilineage differentiation analysis were conducted to verify their "stemness." Different voltages of DC EStim were administrated 1 h/day for 7 days, and the effect of EStim on DPSC osteo-/odontogenic differentiation was assessed by measuring calcium and collagen deposition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and expression of osteo- and odontogenic marker genes at days 7 and 14 of culture. We found that while 10 and 50 mV/mm of EStim had no effect on cell number or metabolic activity, 100 mV/mm caused a significant reduction in cell number, and 150 mV/mm resulted in cell death. Despite increased gene expression of osteo-/odontogenic gene markers, Osteocalcin, RunX2, BSP, and DMP1, at day 7 in EStim treated cells, 50 mV/mm of EStim decreased collagen deposition and ALP activity at both time points, and calcium deposition was found to be lower at day 14. In conclusion, under the conditions tested, EStim appears to impair DPSC osteo-/odontogenic differentiation. Additional studies are needed to further characterize and understand the mechanisms involved in DPSC response to EStim, with an eye toward its potential use in TE-based dental treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liudmila Leppik
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Khyati Keswani
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Sreeraj Rajeev
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Mit B. Bhavsar
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Dirk Henrich
- Department of Trauma-, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - John H. Barker
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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Leppik L, Oliveira KMC, Bhavsar MB, Barker JH. Electrical stimulation in bone tissue engineering treatments. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2020; 46:231-244. [PMID: 32078704 PMCID: PMC7113220 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-020-01324-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation (EStim) has been shown to promote bone healing and regeneration both in animal experiments and clinical treatments. Therefore, incorporating EStim into promising new bone tissue engineering (BTE) therapies is a logical next step. The goal of current BTE research is to develop combinations of cells, scaffolds, and chemical and physical stimuli that optimize treatment outcomes. Recent studies demonstrating EStim's positive osteogenic effects at the cellular and molecular level provide intriguing clues to the underlying mechanisms by which it promotes bone healing. In this review, we discuss results of recent in vitro and in vivo research focused on using EStim to promote bone healing and regeneration and consider possible strategies for its application to improve outcomes in BTE treatments. Technical aspects of exposing cells and tissues to EStim in in vitro and in vivo model systems are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liudmila Leppik
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
| | - Karla Mychellyne Costa Oliveira
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Mit Balvantray Bhavsar
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - John Howard Barker
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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Oliveira KMC, Barker JH, Berezikov E, Pindur L, Kynigopoulos S, Eischen-Loges M, Han Z, Bhavsar MB, Henrich D, Leppik L. Electrical stimulation shifts healing/scarring towards regeneration in a rat limb amputation model. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11433. [PMID: 31391536 PMCID: PMC6685943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47389-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Different species respond differently to severe injury, such as limb loss. In species that regenerate, limb loss is met with complete restoration of the limbs’ form and function, whereas in mammals the amputated limb’s stump heals and scars. In in vitro studies, electrical stimulation (EStim) has been shown to promote cell migration, and osteo- and chondrogenesis. In in vivo studies, after limb amputation, EStim causes significant new bone, cartilage and vessel growth. Here, in a rat model, the stumps of amputated rat limbs were exposed to EStim, and we measured extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, macrophage distribution, cell proliferation and gene expression changes at early (3 and 7 days) and later stages (28 days). We found that EStim caused differences in ECM deposition, with less condensed collagen fibrils, and modified macrophage response by changing M1 to M2 macrophage ratio. The number of proliferating cells was increased in EStim treated stumps 7 days after amputation, and transcriptome data strongly supported our histological findings, with activated gene pathways known to play key roles in embryonic development and regeneration. In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that EStim shifts injury response from healing/scarring towards regeneration. A better understanding of if and how EStim controls these changes, could lead to strategies that replace scarring with regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M C Oliveira
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics & Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - J H Barker
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics & Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - E Berezikov
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - L Pindur
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics & Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Frankfurt am Main gGmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - S Kynigopoulos
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics & Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - M Eischen-Loges
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics & Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Z Han
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics & Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - M B Bhavsar
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics & Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - D Henrich
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - L Leppik
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Experimental Orthopedics & Trauma Surgery, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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11
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Establishment of a Numerical Model to Design an Electro-Stimulating System for a Porcine Mandibular Critical Size Defect. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9102160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation is a promising therapeutic approach for the regeneration of large bone defects. Innovative electrically stimulating implants for critical size defects in the lower jaw are under development and need to be optimized in silico and tested in vivo prior to application. In this context, numerical modelling and simulation are useful tools in the design process. In this study, a numerical model of an electrically stimulated minipig mandible was established to find optimal stimulation parameters that allow for a maximum area of beneficially stimulated tissue. Finite-element simulations were performed to determine the stimulation impact of the proposed implant design and to optimize the electric field distribution resulting from sinusoidal low-frequency ( f = 20 Hz ) electric stimulation. Optimal stimulation parameters of the electrode length h el = 25 m m and the stimulation potential φ stim = 0.5 V were determined. These parameter sets shall be applied in future in vivo validation studies. Furthermore, our results suggest that changing tissue properties during the course of the healing process might make a feedback-controlled stimulation system necessary.
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12
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Eischen-Loges M, Oliveira KMC, Bhavsar MB, Barker JH, Leppik L. Pretreating mesenchymal stem cells with electrical stimulation causes sustained long-lasting pro-osteogenic effects. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4959. [PMID: 29910982 PMCID: PMC6001709 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Electrical stimulation (ES) has a long history of successful use in the clinical treatment of refractory, non-healing bone fractures and has recently been proposed as an adjunct to bone tissue-engineering treatments to optimize their therapeutic potential. This idea emerged from ES’s demonstrated positive effects on stem cell migration, proliferation, differentiation and adherence to scaffolds, all cell behaviors recognized to be advantageous in Bone Tissue Engineering (BTE). In previous in vitro experiments we demonstrated that direct current ES, administered daily, accelerates Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) osteogenic differentiation. In the present study, we sought to define the optimal ES regimen for maximizing this pro-osteogenic effect. Methods Rat bone marrow-derived MSC were exposed to 100 mV/mm, 1 hr/day for three, seven, and 14 days, then osteogenic differentiation was assessed at Day 14 of culture by measuring collagen production, calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic marker gene expression. Results We found that exposing MSC to ES for three days had minimal effect, while seven and 14 days resulted in increased osteogenic differentiation, as indicated by significant increases in collagen and calcium deposits, and expression of osteogenic marker genes Col1a1, Osteopontin, Osterix and Calmodulin. We also found that cells treated with ES for seven days, maintained this pro-osteogenic activity long (for at least seven days) after discontinuing ES exposure. Discussion This study showed that while three days of ES is insufficient to solicit pro-osteogenic effects, seven and 14 days significantly increases osteogenic differentiation. Importantly, we found that cells treated with ES for only seven days, maintained this pro-osteogenic activity long after discontinuing ES exposure. This sustained positive osteogenic effect is likely due to the enhanced expression of RunX2 and Calmodulin we observed. This prolonged positive osteogenic effect, long after discontinuing ES treatment, if incorporated into BTE treatment protocols, could potentially improve outcomes and in doing so help BTE achieve its full therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eischen-Loges
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | - Karla M C Oliveira
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | - Mit B Bhavsar
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | - John H Barker
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | - Liudmila Leppik
- Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
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Shuai C, Yang W, Peng S, Gao C, Guo W, Lai Y, Feng P. Physical stimulations and their osteogenesis-inducing mechanisms. Int J Bioprint 2018; 4:138. [PMID: 33102916 PMCID: PMC7581999 DOI: 10.18063/ijb.v4i2.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical stimulations such as magnetic, electric and mechanical stimulation could enhance cell activity and promote bone formation in bone repair process via activating signal pathways, modulating ion channels, regulating bonerelated gene expressions, etc. In this paper, bioeffects of physical stimulations on cell activity, tissue growth and bone healing were systematically summarized, which especially focused on their osteogenesis-inducing mechanisms. Detailedly, magnetic stimulation could produce Hall effect which improved the permeability of cell membrane and promoted the migration of ions, especially accelerating the extracellular calcium ions to pass through cell membrane. Electric stimulation could induce inverse piezoelectric effect which generated electric signals, accordingly up-regulating intracellular calcium levels and growth factor synthesis. And mechanical stimulation could produce mechanical signals which were converted into corresponding biochemical signals, thus activating various signaling pathways on cell membrane and inducing a series of gene expressions. Besides, bioeffects of physical stimulations combined with bone scaffolds which fabricated using 3D printing technology on bone cells were discussed. The equipments of physical stimulation system were described. The opportunities and challenges of physical stimulations were also presented from the perspective of bone repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cijun Shuai
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuping Peng
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chengde Gao
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuxiao Lai
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Pei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
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14
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Zhou Q, Wu X, Hu J, Yuan R. Abnormal expression of fibrosis markers, estrogen receptor α and stromal derived factor‑1/chemokine (C‑X‑C motif) receptor‑4 axis in intrauterine adhesions. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:81-90. [PMID: 29568895 PMCID: PMC5979937 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) are mainly derived from fibrous tissue formation following endometrial damage. The aim of the present study was to assess whether fibrosis markers, estrogen receptor (ER)α and the stromal derived factor (SDF)-1/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR-4) axis are abnormally expressed in IUA endometrium. A total of 76 human endometrial biopsy samples (normal, n=20; mild-to-moderate IUAs, n=40; and severe IUAs, n=16) were employed, and Sprague-Dawley rat IUA models at different time points were constructed. Subsequently, the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, ERα and the SDF-1/CXCR-4 axis was evaluated in human and rat IUAs using histology, immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. In patients and rats with IUA formation, the expression of TGF-β1, MMP-9 and ERα was significantly higher compared with the control group at the mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05); in addition, in patients, the TGF-β1, MMP-9 and ERα levels were significantly higher in severe IUAs compared with those in mild-to-moderate IUA endometrium (P<0.05). Although the chemokine SDF-1 level in rats increased significantly during the early postoperative phase (reaching a peak at the second estrus phase) in rat endometrium (P<0.05), its special receptor CXCR-4 expression did not differ significantly compared with the control group in rats or patients (P>0.05). Our findings indicated that aberrant activation of fibrosis and expression of ERα may be involved in the pathology of IUA formation. The role of the SDF-1/CXCR-4 axis in IUAs as inflammatory medium in the short-term or special homing factors for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells requires further verification in in vivo animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Xixi Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Jianguo Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Rui Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
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15
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Zhou Q, Wu X, Dai X, Yuan R, Qi H. The different dosages of estrogen affect endometrial fibrosis and receptivity, but not SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in the treatment of intrauterine adhesions. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018; 34:49-55. [PMID: 28531361 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1328050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study was to evaluate whether fibrotic markers, endometrial receptivity markers and SDF-1/CXCR4 had been changed in the treatment of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) by different dosages of estrogen. STUDY DESIGN A total of 39 patients with IUAs were treated with EV 4 mg or 9 mg randomly post-surgery. TGF-β1/MMP-9, VEGF/αvβ3 and SDF-1/CXCR4 were detected in endometrial tissue before and after treatment by real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS TGF-β1 and MMP-9 expression significantly decreased after treatment for 3 months than before (p < .05), the falling range was larger with EV 4 mg than 9 mg in the mild-moderate degree IUAs (p < .05); Integrin avβ3 expression significantly increased after treatment for 3 months than before (p < .05), the variation range was larger with EV 4 mg than 9 mg (p < .05); CXCR4 expression had no significant change after treatment 3 months compared to that before treatment (p > .05). SDF-1 presented an upward tendency at early phase, and it came back to the level of pre-surgery. But there were no significant difference between treatment with 4 mg and 9 mg in the rate of menstrual restoration and pregnancy follow-up 3 months after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS Endometrium fibrosis may be inhibited and endometrium receptivity may be improved by estrogen with moderate dosage therapy. Compared to the large one, it seems to be advantageous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhou
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Xixi Wu
- b First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Xuelin Dai
- b First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Rui Yuan
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- b First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
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