Oscillatory fluid flow-induced shear stress decreases osteoclastogenesis through RANKL and OPG signaling

Oscillating Fluid Flow Activated Osteocyte Lysate-Based Hydrogel for Regulating Osteoblast/Osteoclast Homeostasis to Enhance Bone Repair

As major regulators on bone formation/resorption in response to mechanical stimuli, osteocytes have shown great promise for restoring bone injury. However, due to the unmanageable and unabiding cell functions in unloading or diseased environments, the efficacy of osteogenic induction by osteocytes has been enormously limited. Herein, a facile method of oscillating fluid flow (OFF) loading for cell culture is reported, which enables osteocytes to initiate only osteogenesis and not the osteolysis process. After OFF loading, multiple and sufficient soluble mediators are produced in osteocytes, and the collected osteocyte lysates invariably induce robust osteoblastic differentiation and proliferation while restraining osteoclast generation and activity under unloading or pathological conditions. Mechanistic studies confirm that elevated glycolysis and activation of the ERK1/2 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways are the major contributors to the initiation of osteoinduction functions induced by osteocytes. Moreover, an osteocyte lysate-based hydrogel is designed to establish a stockpile of "active osteocytes" to sustainably deliver bioactive proteins, resulting in accelerated healing through regulation of endogenous osteoblast/osteoclast homeostasis.

Potential for supraphysiologic fluid shear stresses in a rat cemented knee replacement model

The mechano-biologic environment associated with aseptic loosening of cemented joint replacements is not fully understood. The goal of this study was to use a preclinical rat knee arthroplasty model to explore the changes in cement-bone morphology and micromotion that occur with in vivo service. Narrow gaps between cement and bone under the tibial tray were present at early time points, and with even small magnitude micromotion, resulted in large micromotion-to-gap width ratios. These data were then used to develop models of fluid flow in the cement-bone gaps to estimate potential for high fluid shear stress (FSS). Modeling results revealed supraphysiologic (>4 Pa) FSS were possible, particularly for cases in which eccentric loading applied to the implant and if the fluid in the gap consisted of marrow or synovial fluid. The early, high FSS environment, could cause fluid-induced periprosthetic osteolysis locally, resulting in progressive loss of cement-bone fixation.

The Effect of Osteoblast Isolation Methods from Adult Rats on Osteoclastogenesis in Co-Cultures

Co-cultures of osteoblasts and osteoclasts are on the rise because they enable a more complex study. Diseases such as osteoporosis are related to a higher age. Thus, cell isolation from adult individuals is necessary. Osteoblasts can be isolated from the rat femur by three methods: explant culture, explant culture with enzymatic pre-treatment, or enzymatic treatment. The isolation methods yield different populations of osteoblasts which, in a co-culture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, might result in differences in osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, we examined the differences in osteogenic markers, cell proliferation, and the metabolic activity of isolated osteoblast-like cells in a growth and differentiation medium. We then evaluated the effect of the isolated populations of osteoblast-like cells on osteoclastogenesis in a subsequent co-culture by evaluating osteoclast markers, counting formed osteoclast-like cells, and analyzing their area and number of nuclei. Co-cultures were performed in the presence or absence of osteoclastogenic growth factors, M-CSF and RANKL. It was discovered that enzymatic isolation is not feasible in adult rats, but explant culture and explant culture with enzymatic pre-treatment were both successful. Explant culture with enzymatic pre-treatment yielded cells with a higher proliferation than explant culture in a growth medium. The differentiation medium reduced differences in proliferation during the culture. Some differences in metabolic activity and ALP activity were also found between the osteoblast-like cells isolated by explant culture or by explant culture with enzymatic pre-treatment, but only on some days of cultivation. According to microscopy, the presence of exogenous growth factors supporting osteoclastogenesis in co-cultures was necessary for the formation of osteoclast-like cells. In this case, the formation of a higher number of osteoclast-like cells with a larger area was observed in the co-culture with osteoblast-like cells isolated by explant culture compared to the explant culture with enzymatic pre-treatment. Apart from this observation, no differences in osteoclast markers were noted between the co-cultures with osteoblast-like cells isolated by explant culture and the explant culture with enzymatic pre-treatment. The TRAP and CA II activity was higher in the co-cultures with exogenous growth than that in the co-cultures without exogenous growth factors on day 7, but the opposite was true on day 14. To conclude, explant culture and explant culture with enzymatic pre-treatment are both suitable methods to yield osteoblast-like cells from adult rats capable of promoting osteoclastogenesis in a direct co-culture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Explant culture with enzymatic pre-treatment yielded cells with a higher proliferation. The explant culture yielded osteoblast-like cells which induced the formation of a higher number of osteoclast-like cells with a larger area compared to the explant culture with enzymatic pre-treatment when cultured with exogenous M-CSF and RANKL.

Mechanical regulation of bone remodeling

Bone remodeling is a lifelong process that gives rise to a mature, dynamic bone structure via a balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and resorption by osteoclasts. These opposite processes allow the accommodation of bones to dynamic mechanical forces, altering bone mass in response to changing conditions. Mechanical forces are indispensable for bone homeostasis; skeletal formation, resorption, and adaptation are dependent on mechanical signals, and loss of mechanical stimulation can therefore significantly weaken the bone structure, causing disuse osteoporosis and increasing the risk of fracture. The exact mechanisms by which the body senses and transduces mechanical forces to regulate bone remodeling have long been an active area of study among researchers and clinicians. Such research will lead to a deeper understanding of bone disorders and identify new strategies for skeletal rejuvenation. Here, we will discuss the mechanical properties, mechanosensitive cell populations, and mechanotransducive signaling pathways of the skeletal system.

The effect of impact exercise on bone mineral density: A longitudinal study on non-athlete adolescents

PURPOSE

High impact exercise is known to induce osteogenic effects in the skeleton. However, less is known about the systemic effect of exercise practice in a potential adaptive mechanism of the skeletal accrual. This research aimed to assess the effect of impact exercise on bone mineral density (BMD) in the radius throughout adolescence.

METHODS

This study evaluated 1137 adolescents, at 13 and 17 years old, as part of the population-based cohort EPITeen. BMD (g/cm²) was measured at the ultradistal and proximal radius of the non-dominant forearm by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a Lunar® Peripheral Instantaneous X-ray Image device. The practice of (extra-curricular) exercise was categorized as: no exercise, exercise with high impact and exercise with low impact. Regression coefficients (β) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI_95%) were used to estimate the association between exercise practice categories at 13 years old and BMD at 13 and 17 years old and BMD gain between evaluations.

RESULTS

In boys, at 13 years, BMD was similar between the ones not practicing exercise and those practicing exercise with low impact, and the gain of BMD was also similar in both groups. Still in boys, at 13 years, those who practiced exercise with high impact presented higher mean (standard-deviation) of BMD, comparing to the other two groups (no exercise and low impact exercise), and also significantly increased the BMD gain between 13 and 17 years (β = 0.013; CI_95%0.003;0.023). In girls, no statistically significant differences on BMD were found between the categories of exercise at 13 years and BMD at 17 years of age.

CONCLUSION

This research shows that the practice of high impact exercise could help to increase BMD more than low impact exercise even in a nonweight-bearing bone during adolescence.

Nanovibrational stimulation inhibits osteoclastogenesis and enhances osteogenesis in co-cultures

Models of bone remodelling could be useful in drug discovery, particularly if the model is one that replicates bone regeneration with reduction in osteoclast activity. Here we use nanovibrational stimulation to achieve this in a 3D co-culture of primary human osteoprogenitor and osteoclast progenitor cells. We show that 1000 Hz frequency, 40 nm amplitude vibration reduces osteoclast formation and activity in human mononuclear CD14⁺ blood cells. Additionally, this nanoscale vibration both enhances osteogenesis and reduces osteoclastogenesis in a co-culture of primary human bone marrow stromal cells and bone marrow hematopoietic cells. Further, we use metabolomics to identify Akt (protein kinase C) as a potential mediator. Akt is known to be involved in bone differentiation via transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and it has been implicated in reduced osteoclast activity via Guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit α13 (Gα13). With further validation, our nanovibrational bioreactor could be used to help provide humanised 3D models for drug screening.

Methods for studying MLO-Y4 osteocytes in collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffolds in the rotary cell culture system

Purpose: The rotary cell culture system (RCCS) is a common clinorotation device for cell culture. It is also used as a low-shear suspension culture bioreactor to form functionalized 3D tissue constructs and to model microgravity. We sought to develop a 3D scaffold composed of type I collagen and hydroxyapatite (collagen-HA) to characterize MLO-Y4 osteocytes following suspension culture or clinorotation.Materials and Methods: MLO-Y4 cells were embedded in collagen-HA. The scaffold was formed into droplets for suspension culture or wall-adhered to the RCCS for clinorotation. AFM, rheometry, immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR were employed to measure the scaffold stiffness, cell viability and gene expression of cells in collagen-HA scaffolds. Dendritic cells were visualized and quantified and gene expression after suspension culture and clinorotation was compared to static controls.Results: The optimized scaffold for the RCCS consisted of collagen with 6 mg/mL HA which had a stiffness of < 1 kPa. MLO-Y4 cell viability was higher in collagen-HA scaffolds, compared to scaffolds without HA. Collagen-HA scaffolds induced higher osteocyte-specific gene expression compared to cells cultured on 2D plastic. Cells in the scaffold downregulated DMP1, E11, IL-6, and RANKL, and had fewer dendritic cells following suspension culture whereas clinorotation downregulated DMP1 and E11 genes, compared to static controls.Conclusions: Suspension culture for 3 days in collagen-HA stimulates growth of osteocytes but may also desensitize them to mechanical cues. Clinorotation for 3 days in collagen-HA does not stimulate proliferation or expression of mechanosensitive genes, indicating that it may be an effective mechanical unloading environment.

Alterations in osteocyte mediated osteoclastogenesis during estrogen deficiency and under ROCK-II inhibition: An in vitro study using a novel postmenopausal multicellular niche model

This study sought to derive an enhanced understanding of the complex intracellular interactions that drive bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporosis. We applied an in-vitro multicellular niche to recapitulate cell-cell signalling between osteocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts to investigate (1) how estrogen-deficient and mechanically loaded osteocytes regulate osteoclastogenesis and (2) whether ROCK-II inhibition affects these mechanobiological responses. We report that mechanically stimulated and estrogen-deficient osteocytes upregulated RANKL/OPG and M-CSF gene expression, when compared to those treated with 10 nM estradiol. Osteoclast precursors (RAW 264.7) cultured within this niche underwent significant reduction in osteoclastogenic gene expression (CTSK), and there was an increasing trend in the area covered by TRAP⁺ osteoclasts (24% vs. 19.4%, p = 0.06). Most interestingly, upon treatment with the ROCK-II inhibitor, RANKL/OPG and M-CSF gene expression by estrogen-deficient osteocytes were downregulated. Yet, this inhibition of the pro-osteoclastogenic factors by osteocytes did not ultimately reduce the differentiation of osteoclast precursors. Indeed, TRAP and CTSK gene expressions in osteoclast precursors were upregulated, and there was an increased trend for osteoclast area (30.4% vs. 24%, p = 0.07), which may have been influenced by static osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) that were included in the niche. We conclude that ROCK-II inhibition can attenuate bone loss driven by osteocytes during estrogen deficiency.

An Implanted Magnetic Microfluidic Pump for In Vivo Bone Remodeling Applications

Modulations of fluid flow inside the bone intramedullary cavity has been found to stimulate bone cellular activities and augment bone growth. However, study on the efficacy of the fluid modulation has been limited to external syringe pumps connected to the bone intramedullary cavity through the skin tubing. We report an implantable magnetic microfluidic pump which is suitable for in vivo studies in rodents. A compact microfluidic pump (22 mm diameter, 5 mm in thickness) with NdFeB magnets was fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using a set of stainless-steel molds. An external actuator with a larger magnet was used to wirelessly actuate the magnetic microfluidic pump. The characterization of the static pressure of the microfluidic pump as a function of size of magnets was assessed. The dynamic pressure of the pump was also characterized to estimate the output of the pump. The magnetic microfluidic pump was implanted into the back of a Fischer-344 rat and connected to the intramedullary cavity of the femur using a tube. On-demand wireless magnetic operation using an actuator outside of the body was found to induce pressure modulation of up to 38 mmHg inside the femoral intramedullary cavity of the rat.

A Comparison of Osteoblast and Osteoclast In Vitro Co-Culture Models and Their Translation for Preclinical Drug Testing Applications

As the population of western societies on average ages, the number of people affected by bone remodeling-associated diseases such as osteoporosis continues to increase. The development of new therapeutics is hampered by the high failure rates of drug candidates during clinical testing, which is in part due to the poor predictive character of animal models during preclinical drug testing. Co-culture models of osteoblasts and osteoclasts offer an alternative to animal testing and are considered to have the potential to improve drug development processes in the future. However, a robust, scalable, and reproducible 3D model combining osteoblasts and osteoclasts for preclinical drug testing purposes has not been developed to date. Here we review various types of osteoblast-osteoclast co-culture models and outline the remaining obstacles that must be overcome for their successful translation.

Fluid Shear Stress Suppresses Osteoclast Differentiation in RAW264.7 Cells through Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5 (ERK5) Signaling Pathway

Background

Although extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is known to be critical for osteoclast differentiation, there are few studies on how fluid shear stress (FSS) regulates osteoclast differentiation through the ERK5 signaling pathway. We examined the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) in RAW264.7 cells and its downstream factors, including cathepsin K (CTSK), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) and their relationship with ERK5.

Material/Methods

RAW264.7 cells were treated with RANKL, XMD8-92 (ERK5 inhibitor), and then loaded onto 12 dyn/cm² FSS for 4 days. Endpoints measured were osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption, and TRAP activity. Cell viability was detected by using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Western blot was used to analyze protein expression of phosphorylated-ERK5 (p-ERK5), NFATc1, CTSK, TRAP, and MMP-9.

Results

FSS inhibited osteoclast differentiation and expression of NFATc1, CTSK, TRAP, and MMP-9; cell viability was not affected. ERK5 expression increased by FSS but not by RANKL, and it was blocked by XMD8-92. Furthermore, FSS suppressed osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells through ERK5 pathway.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that FSS inhibited osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells via the ERK5 pathway through reduced NFATc1 expression and its downstream factors MMP-9, CTSK, and TRAP.

Inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by mechanically stimulated osteoblasts is attenuated during estrogen deficiency

Osteoporotic bone loss and fracture have long been regarded to arise upon depletion of circulating estrogen, which increases osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Osteoblasts from human osteoporotic patients also display deficient osteogenic responses to mechanical loading. However, while osteoblasts play an important role in regulating osteoclast differentiation, how this relationship is affected by estrogen deficiency is unknown. This study seeks to determine how mechanically stimulated osteoblasts regulate osteoclast differentiation and matrix degradation under estrogen deficiency. Here, we report that osteoblast-induced osteoclast differentiation (indicated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, cathepsin K, and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1) and matrix degradation were inhibited by estrogen treatment and mechanical loading. However, estrogen-deficient osteoblasts exacerbated osteoclast formation and matrix degradation in conditioned medium and coculture experiments. This was accompanied by higher expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor, but not osteoprotegerin, by osteoblasts under estrogen deficiency. Interestingly, this response was exacerbated under conditions that block the Rho-Rho-associated protein kinase signaling pathway. This study provides an important, but previously unrecognized, insight into bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporosis, whereby estrogen-deficient osteoblasts fail to produce inhibitory osteoprotegerin after mechanical stimulation but upregulate macrophage colony-stimulating factor and cyclooxygenase-2 expression and, thus, leave osteoclast activity unconstrained.

Poly(ethylene glycol) Grafting of Nanoparticles Prevents Uptake by Cells and Transport Through Cell Barrier Layers Regardless of Shear Flow and Particle Size

It has long been a central tenet of biomedical research that coating of nanoparticles with hydrated polymers can improve their performance in biomedical applications. However, the efficacy of the approach in vivo is still debated. In vitro model systems to test the performance of engineered nanoparticles for in vivo applications often use nonrepresentative cell lines and conditions for uptake and toxicity tests. We use our platform of monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles densely grafted with nitrodopamide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to probe cell interactions with a set of cell types and culture conditions that are relevant for applications in which nanoparticles are injected into the bloodstream. In the past, these particles have proved to have excellent stability and negligible interaction with proteins and membranes under physiological conditions. We test the influence of flow on the uptake of nanoparticles. We also investigate the transport through endothelial barrier cell layers, as well as the effect that PEG-grafted iron oxide nanoparticles have on cell layers relevant for nanoparticles injected into the bloodstream. Our results show that the dense PEG brush and resulting lack of nonspecific protein and membrane interaction lead to negligible cell uptake, toxicity, and transport across barrier layers. These results contrast with far less well-defined polymer-coated nanoparticles that tend to aggregate and consequently strongly interact with cells, for example, by endocytosis.

Bench-to-bedside strategies for osteoporotic fracture: From osteoimmunology to mechanosensation

Osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and strength, rendering people prone to osteoporotic fractures caused by low-energy forces. The primary treatment strategy for osteoporotic fractures is surgery; however, the compromised and comminuted bones in osteoporotic fracture sites are not conducive to optimum reduction and rigid fixation. In addition, these patients always exhibit accompanying aging-related disorders, including high inflammatory status, decreased mechanical loading and abnormal skeletal metabolism, which are disadvantages for fracture healing around sites that have undergone orthopedic procedures. Since the incidence of osteoporosis is expected to increase worldwide, orthopedic surgeons should pay more attention to comprehensive strategies for improving the poor prognosis of osteoporotic fractures. Herein, we highlight the molecular basis of osteoimmunology and bone mechanosensation in different healing phases of elderly osteoporotic fractures, guiding perioperative management to alleviate the unfavorable effects of insufficient mechanical loading, high inflammatory levels and pathogen infection. The well-informed pharmacologic and surgical intervention, including treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs and sufficient application of antibiotics, as well as bench-to-bedside strategies for bone augmentation and hardware selection, should be made according to a comprehensive understanding of bone biomechanical properties in addition to the remodeling status of osteoporotic bones, which is necessary for creating proper biological and mechanical environments for bone union and remodeling. Multidisciplinary collaboration will facilitate the improvement of overall osteoporotic care and reduction of secondary fracture incidence.

The role of physical forces in osteoclastogenesis

The movements of life at every level from organs, tissues, cells to sub-cells, are all conducted in certain physical environments. In the human body, skeletal tissue among all connective tissues is influenced the most by physical forces. Studying the biological behavior of bone cells under different physical environments is helpful in further understanding bone homeostasis and metabolism. Among all bone cells, osteoclast (OC) and OC steered bone remodeling is one of the key points in bone metabolism. In the past few decades, people's understanding of OC was mostly limited to its involvement of bone resorption under physiological and pathological conditions. However, more and more studies started to focus on how physical forces affect the formation and differentiation of OC. This review tries to illustrate the knowledge up to date about how osteoclastogenesis is regulated by physical forces through direct and indirect ways, including fluid shear force, compressive force, and microgravity. The direct way describes the straightforward effects produced by different forces in osteoclastogenesis, whereas the indirect way describes the effects of different forces in osteoclastogenesis through regulation of other bone cells when a certain force is applied. Molecular mechanisms were analyzed and reviewed in both direct and indirect regulation by different forces. Finally, we discussed the status quo and tendency of related research, as well as other unresolved issues, and some future prospects.

Distraction Sugosteogenesis: Its Biologic Bases and Therapeutic Principles

PURPOSE

Recently, the terms sugosteogenesis and distraction sugosteogenesis have been introduced to the scientific literature. While the former describes a biologic phenomenon, the latter refers to the clinical technique which relies on the accelerated normal bone healing process that takes place at the osseous walls surrounding a cystic cavity when active negative pressure is applied. The purpose of this study is to provide the biologic bases and the therapeutic principles of this emerging technique. Employing well-stablished biologic principles, clinical evidence from analogous techniques, emerging experimental data, and circumstantial evidence, this study presents the possible mechanism of action of the evacuator for odontogenic cysts (Evocyst), a closed, vacuum-like drain system intended to treat cystic conditions using negative pressure.

METHODS

A review of the literature was done. Keywords for the Medline search were: marsupialization, decompression, odontogenic cysts, effects of negative pressure on bone, and negative pressure wound therapy. In addition, relevant publications from the reference list of the retrieved studies were considered. The matches were evaluated for relevance and analyzed accordingly. Clinical reports used to illustrate the concept of distraction sugosteogenesis were performed following the Declaration of Helsinki on medical protocol and ethics.

RESULTS

Currently, the standard of care to manage odontogenic cystic lesions includes marsupialization, enucleation and curettage, decompression, and surgical resection. However, there is a need for an alternative option in which the entity could be treated while promoting bone formation. With large odontogenic cystic conditions treated in a short period of time, distraction sugosteogenesis appears to be a choice.

CONCLUSION

The application of negative pressure to osseous cells produces a stretching that creates mechanical cues that trigger signaling pathways, promotes fluid flow, and enhances angiogenesis. All of them, combined, may explain sugosteogenesis. The clinical application of such parameters may explain the good clinical results obtained with the Evocyst.

The expression profile of genes involved in osteoclastogenesis detected in whole blood of Arabian horses during 3 years of competing at race track

One of the most significant reason of economic loss on race track performance is lame in performed horses. Primarily, due to the failure within proper bone maintenance during conditioning in young horses. The training overload causes bone turnover disturbances in homeostasis between bone resorption and bone formation which promote the bone loss. Within our study we investigated training induced changes in transcript abundance of genes (NFATc1, CTSK, DAP12, CLEC5A, IL6ST, VAV3) involved in osteoclastogenesis hence bone resorption, in whole blood of Arabian horses. The expression pattern of all analysed genes varied depend of exercise intense activity. All training stages generate similar response to training whatever season was. The initial training had greater effect on expression pattern than increased, prolonged, established conditioning. Notwithstanding, the significant increase of transcript abundance of all investigated genes was observed during period of starts with racing competition. There is no biomarker known with highly significant accuracy according to degree of articular cartilage or bone disease in a single joint. Thus, the markers presented in our report, poses the potential to be further investigate as useful tool for bone turnover.

Wnt Signaling-Related Osteokines at Rest and Following Plyometric Exercise in Prepubertal and Early Pubertal Boys and Girls

PURPOSE

This study examined osteokines related to Wnt signaling at rest and in response to plyometric exercise in 12 boys [10.2 (0.4) y] and 12 girls [10.5 (0.4) y].

METHODS

One resting (preexercise) and 3 postexercise (5 min, 1 h, and 24 h) blood samples were analyzed for sclerostin, dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL).

RESULTS

Girls had higher resting sclerostin than boys [187.1 (40.1) vs 150.4 (36.4) pg·mL^-1, respectively; P = .02]. However, boys had higher DKK-1 [427.7 (142.3) vs 292.8 (48.0) pg·mL^-1, respectively; P = .02] and RANKL [3.9 (3.8) vs 1.0 (0.4) pg·mL^-1, respectively; P < .01] than girls. In girls, sclerostin significantly decreased 5-minute and 1-hour postexercise (χ² = 12.7, P = .01), and RANKL significantly decreased 5-minute postexercise (χ² = 19.1, P < .01) and continued to decrease up to 24-hour postexercise, with large effect sizes. In boys, DKK-1 significantly decreased 1-hour postexercise and remained lower than preexercise 24-hour postexercise (χ² = 13.0, P = .01). OPG increased in both boys (χ² = 13.7, P < .01) and girls (χ² = 11.4, P = .01), with boys having significantly higher OPG at 5-minute and 1-hour postexercise, whereas in girls, this increase was only seen 24-hour postexercise.

CONCLUSION

Plyometric exercise induces an overall anabolic osteokine response favoring osteoblastogenesis over osteoclastogenesis in both boys and girls although the timeline and mechanism(s) may be different.

Influence of static forces on the expression of selected parameters of inflammation in periodontal ligament cells and alveolar bone cells in a co-culture in vitro model

OBJECTIVE

Aim of this study was to investigate the impact of human PDL-derived fibroblasts (HPDF) and human alveolar bone-derived osteoblasts (HABO) co-culture on the expression of cytokines involved in tissue remodeling using an in vitro compressive force (CF) model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Static compressive force (CF) of 47.4 g/cm² was applied on mono- and co-cultured HPDFs and HABOs for 1, 2, or 4 h at 30 °C. TNFA, PTGS2, and IL6 gene expressions were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. TNF, PGE₂, and IL6 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

In mono-culture, TNFA, PTGS2, and IL6 gene expressions were upregulated under CF as compared to controls for each time period in both cell types. PGE₂ increased at 1 and 2 h in both cell types, and IL6 increased only at 2 and 4 h in HPDFs. Co-culture alleviated the force-induced increase of the expression of TNFA, PTGS2, IL6, PGE2, and IL6 in HPDFs at any time point. In HABOs, co-cultivation decreased the expression of PGE₂ after 1 h and 4 h, and that of IL6 after 1 h compared to mono-culture.

CONCLUSIONS

CF application on co-cultures of HPDFs and HABOs causes significant changes of TNFA, PTGS2, and IL6 gene expressions and PGE₂ and IL6 production in comparison to mono-culture indicating intercellular communication.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Mechanical stimulation of HPDFs and HABOs in co-culture induces a different gene expression pattern than stimulation of individual cell types alone. Co-culture might therefore be a relevant method to elucidate periodontal regeneration during orthodontic therapy.

In vitro Models of Bone Remodelling and Associated Disorders

Disruption of bone remodelling by diseases such as osteoporosis results in an imbalance between bone formation by osteoblasts and resorption by osteoclasts. Research into these metabolic bone disorders is primarily performed in vivo; however, in the last decade there has been increased interest in generating in vitro models that can reduce or replace our reliance on animal testing. With recent advances in biomaterials and tissue engineering the feasibility of laboratory-based alternatives is growing; however, to date there are no established in vitro models of bone remodelling. In vivo, remodelling is performed by organised packets of osteoblasts and osteoclasts called bone multicellular units (BMUs). The key determinant of whether osteoclasts form and remodelling occurs is the ratio between RANKL, a cytokine which stimulates osteoclastogenesis, and OPG, its inhibitor. This review initially details the different circumstances, conditions, and factors which have been found to modulate the RANKL:OPG ratio, and fundamental factors to be considered if a robust in vitro model is to be developed. Following this, an examination of what has been achieved thus far in replicating remodelling in vitro using three-dimensional co-cultures is performed, before overviewing how such systems are already being utilised in the study of associated diseases, such as metastatic cancer and dental disorders. Finally, a discussion of the most important considerations to be incorporated going forward is presented. This details the need for the use of cells capable of endogenously producing the required cytokines, application of mechanical stimulation, and the presence of appropriate hormones in order to produce a robust model of bone remodelling.

Physical stimulations and their osteogenesis-inducing mechanisms

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.

Bone marrow mechanotransduction in porcine explants alters kinase activation and enhances trabecular bone formation in the absence of osteocyte signaling

Bone is a dynamic tissue that can adapt its architecture in response to mechanical signals under the control of osteocytes, which sense mechanical deformation of the mineralized bone. However, cells in the marrow are also mechanosensitive and may contribute to load-induced bone adaptation, as marrow is subjected to mechanical stress during bone deformation. We investigated the contribution of mechanotransduction in marrow cells to trabecular bone formation by applying low magnitude mechanical stimulation (LMMS) to porcine vertebral trabecular bone explants in an in situ bioreactor. The bone formation rate was higher in stimulated explants compared to unloaded controls which represent a disuse condition (CNT). However, sclerostin protein expression in osteocytes was not different between groups, nor was expression of osteocytic mechanoregulatory genes SOST, IGF-1, CTGF, and Cyr61, suggesting the mechanoregulatory program of osteocytes was unaffected by the loading regime. In contrast, c-Fos, a gene indicative of mechanical stimulation, was upregulated in the marrow cells of mechanically stimulated explants, while the level of activated c-Jun decreased by 25%. The activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor is a heterodimer of c-Fos and c-Jun, which led us to investigate the expression of the downstream target gene cyclin-D1, a gene associated with cell cycle progression and osteogenesis. Cyclin-D1 gene expression in the stimulated marrow was approximately double that of the controls. The level of phosphorylated PYK2, a purported inhibitor of osteoblast differentiation, also decreased in marrow cells from stimulated explants. Taken together, mechanotransduction in marrow cells induced trabecular bone formation independent of osteocyte signaling. Identifying the specific cells and signaling pathways involved, and verifying them with inhibition of specific signaling molecules, could lead to potential therapeutic targets for diseases characterized by bone loss.

Local injection of carrageenan accelerates orthodontic tooth movement: A preliminary experimental animal study

BACKGROUND

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) can be accelerated by increasing bone turnover. Carrageenan is a common food additive, which can induce inflammation. Hence, it might accelerate OTM. However, it has not been investigated to date.

METHODS

This 2-phase preliminary animal experimental study was conducted on 28 Wistar rats. A pilot study on 5 mice was done to estimate the experimental dose of carrageenan. The first phase evaluated the effect of a 40μL carrageenan 1% injection on inflammation status in 7 rats versus 7 control rats, 6hours after the injection. The second phase examined the effect of the same dose of carrageenan on OTM speed during 21 days of incisor retraction in rat, in two groups: control (normal saline) and carrageenan (n=7×2). This sample size was pre-determined based on a priori power calculations. In phase II, osteoclastic activity was also evaluated, 21 days after the injection. The groups were compared statistically (α=0.05).

RESULTS

Six hours after carrageenan injection, 1, 3, and 3 rats had inflammation scores of 3 to 1, respectively. Six hours after saline injection, 1 rat had a score of 1 and the remainder had no inflammation (P=0.0023, Mann-Whitney). Twenty-one days after saline and carrageenan injection, OTMs were 0.7±0.3 and 1.1±0.4mm, respectively, (P=0.053, Mann-Whitney). Twenty-one days after saline and carrageenan injection, mean osteoclast counts were, respectively, 4.87±1.849 and 7.143±1.727 per field (P=0.025, Mann-Whitney).

CONCLUSION

Local injection of carrageenan can induce inflammation after 6hours. It can increase approximately 1.6-fold the speed of OTM, and increase the osteoclast count 1.5-fold after 21 days of space closure.

Wnt Signaling-Related Osteokines and Transforming Growth Factors Before and After a Single Bout of Plyometric Exercise in Child and Adolescent Females

This study examined resting levels of catabolic and anabolic osteokines related to Wnt signaling and their responses to a single bout of plyometric exercise in child and adolescent females. Fourteen premenarcheal girls [10.5 (1.8) y old] and 12 postmenarcheal adolescent girls [15.0 (1.0) y old] performed a plyometric exercise trial. One resting and 3 postexercise blood samples (5 min, 1 h, and 24 h postexercise) were analyzed for sclerostin, dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL), and transforming growth factors (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3). Premenarcheal girls had significantly higher resting sclerostin, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 than the postmenarcheal girls, with no significant time effect or group-by-time interaction. DKK-1 was higher in premenarcheal compared with postmenarcheal girls. There was an overall significant DKK-1 decrease from baseline to 1 h postexercise, which remained lower than baseline 24 h postexercise in both groups. There was neither a significant group effect nor group-by-time interaction in OPG, RANKL, and their ratio. RANKL decreased 5 min postexercise compared with baseline and remained significantly lower from baseline 24 h following the exercise. No changes were observed in OPG. OPG/RANKL ratio was significantly elevated compared with resting values 1 h postexercise. In young females, high-impact exercise induces an overall osteogenic effect through a transitory suppression of catabolic osteokines up to 24 h following exercise.

Shear stress inhibits IL-17A-mediated induction of osteoclastogenesis via osteocyte pathways

Interleukin (IL)-17 is crucial to osteoclast differentiation and activation. Osteocytes support osteoclast formation and are thought to orchestrate bone remodeling in response to fluid flow. The contribution of IL-17 to osteocyte-related bone resorption remains unclear. Here, we used the osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cell line to examine the role of IL-17 and fluid flow in osteoclastogenesis. It was the first time to demonstrate that IL-17A promoted MLO-Y4 cell proliferation, enhanced expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and induced osteoclastogenesis when MLO-Y4 cells were co-cultured with bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMM) cells. Additionally, shear stress upregulated osteoprotegerin expression in osteocytes, downregulated the effect of IL-17A on RANKL and TNF-α expression, and attenuated IL-17A-activated osteoclastic differentiation in the co-culture system of MLO-Y4 and BMM cells. Furthermore, we explored the signaling pathways that potentially mediate these effects in osteocytes, and found that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) pathways were suppressed by IL-17A but induced by fluid flow. EphA2 signaling enhances osteoclastogenesis in osteocytes, and the intercellular reversed EphA2-ephrinA2 signaling from osteocytes to BMM play an important role in IL-17A-dependent osteoclastic differentiation. EphB4 signaling inhibits osteoclastogenesis in osteocytes, and the intercellular reversed EphB4-ephrinB2 signaling from osteocytes to BMM could inhibit IL-17A-dependent osteoclastic differentiation. The current findings suggest that IL-17A as a promoter of bone resorption and fluid shear stress critically regulate bone remodeling via osteocyte-specific signaling pathways. IL-17 modulation-based approaches may be developed as a novel therapeutic strategy for enhancing bone remodeling efficiency and stability.

High glucose alters the secretome of mechanically stimulated osteocyte-like cells affecting osteoclast precursor recruitment and differentiation

Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces bone deterioration, while mechanical stimulation promotes osteocyte-driven bone formation. We aimed to evaluate the interaction of acute exposure (24 h) to high glucose (HG) with both the pro-survival effect conferred to osteocytic MLO-Y4 cells and osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells by mechanical stimulation and the interaction of these cells with osteoclast precursor RAW264.7 cells. We found that 24 h of HG (25 mM) pre-exposure prevented both cell survival and ERK and β-catenin nuclear translocation upon mechanical stimulation by fluid flow (FF) (10 min) in both MLO-Y4 and MC3T3-E1 cells. However, migration of RAW 264.7 cells was inhibited by MLO-Y4 cell-conditioned medium (CM), but not by MC3T3-E1 cell-CM, with HG or FF. This inhibitory effect was associated with consistent changes in VEGF, RANTES, MIP-1α, MIP-1β MCP-1, and GM-CSF in MLO-Y4 cell-CM. RAW264.7 proliferation was inhibited by MLO-Y4 CM under static or HG conditions, but it increased by FF-CM with or without HG. In addition, both FF and HG abrogated the capacity of RAW 264.7 cells to differentiate into osteoclasts, but in a different manner. Thus, HG-CM in static condition allowed formation of osteoclast-like cells, which were unable to resorb hydroxyapatite. In contrast, FF-CM prevented osteoclastogenesis even in HG condition. Moreover, HG did not affect basal RANKL or IL-6 secretion or their inhibition induced by FF in MLO-Y4 cells. In conclusion, this in vitro study demonstrates that HG exerts disparate effects on osteocyte mechanotransduction, and provides a novel mechanism by which DM disturbs skeletal metabolism through altered osteocyte-osteoclast communication.

Responses of MSCs to 3D Scaffold Matrix Mechanical Properties under Oscillatory Perfusion Culture

Both fluid shear stress and matrix stiffness are implicated in bone metabolism and functional adaptation, but the synergistic action of these mechanical cues on the biological behaviors of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is still not well-known. In the present work, a homemade oscillatory flow device was applied to investigate the effects of matrix stiffness on MSCs survival, distribution, and osteogenic differentiation in three-dimensional (3D) conditions. Furthermore, the flow field and cell growth in this bioreactor were theoretically simulated. The results demonstrated that oscillatory shear stress significantly increased the viability and distribution uniformity of MSCs throughout the scaffold after culture for 3 weeks. Compared to static culture, oscillatory shear stress could promote the collagen secretion, mineral deposits, and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. The findings obtained from this work indicate that the oscillatory perfusion not only provides a higher survival rate and a more uniform distribution of cells but also facilitates osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Oscillating perfusion bioreactor culture of MSCs in 3D scaffold with optimal matrix stiffness could offer an easy-to-use but efficient bioreactor for bone tissue engineering.

Maturation of Adipocytes is Suppressed by Fluid Shear Stress

Preadipocytes are mechano-responsive cells and their differentiation to adipocytes may be regulated by various types of physical stimulation. Understanding the mechanism of differentiation, which increases the number of adipocytes and lipid accumulation is important in the study of obesity-related diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of physical stimulation at different stages of adipogenic differentiation using physiological levels of fluid shear stress. Preadipocytes were treated with dexamethasone, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and insulin for 3 days (induction period) and incubated for additional 6 days for maturation. Fluid shear stress of 1 Pa at 1 Hz was applied for 1 h at different stages of differentiation. Fluid shear stress applied at the maturation period significantly reduced the expressions of C/enhancer binding protein (EBP)α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ2 leading to reduced lipid accumulation. Fluid shear stress applied at the early or late stages of the induction period only decreased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 expression without any significant changes in lipid accumulation. Stimulation at multiple days during the induction period did not result in changes in lipid accumulation compared to stimulation at a single day. These results suggest that lipid droplet accumulation is effectively decreased by fluid shear stress applied during the cell maturation period. Understanding the cellular response to physical stimulation throughout the entire adipocyte differentiation period may be important in controlling adipogenesis by physical stimulation.

Experimental studies of bone mechanoadaptation: bridging in vitro and in vivo studies with multiscale systems

Despite advancements in technology and science over the last century, the mechanisms underlying Wolff's law-bone structure adaptation in response to physical stimuli-remain poorly understood, limiting the ability to effectively treat and prevent skeletal diseases. A challenge to overcome in the study of the underlying mechanisms of this principle is the multiscale nature of mechanoadaptation. While there exist in silico systems that are capable of studying across these scales, experimental studies are typically limited to interpretation at a single dimension or time point. For instance, studies of single-cell responses to defined physical stimuli offer only a limited prediction of the whole bone response, while overlapping pathways or compensatory mechanisms complicate the ability to isolate critical targets in a whole animal model. Thus, there exists a need to develop experimental systems capable of bridging traditional experimental approaches and informing existing multiscale theoretical models. The purpose of this article is to review the process of mechanoadaptation and inherent challenges in studying its underlying mechanisms, discuss the limitations of traditional experimental systems in capturing the many facets of this process and highlight three multiscale experimental systems which bridge traditional approaches and cover relatively understudied time and length scales in bone adaptation.

Bone's responses to mechanical loading are impaired in type 1 diabetes

Diabetes adversely impacts many organ systems including the skeleton. Clinical trials have revealed a startling elevation in fracture risk in diabetic patients. Bone fractures can be life threatening: nearly 1 in 6 hip fracture patients die within one year. Because physical exercise is proven to improve bone properties and reduce fracture risk in non-diabetic subjects, we tested its efficacy in type 1 diabetes. We hypothesized that diabetic bone's response to anabolic mechanical loading would be attenuated, partially due to impaired mechanosensing of osteocytes under hyperglycemia. Heterozygous C57BL/6-Ins2(Akita)/J (Akita) male and female diabetic mice and their age- and gender-matched wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J controls (7-month-old, N=5-7 mice/group) were subjected to unilateral axial ulnar loading with a peak strain of 3500 με at 2 Hz and 3 min/day for 5 days. The Akita female mice, which exhibited a relatively normal body weight and a mild 40% elevation of blood glucose level, responded with increased bone formation (+6.5% in Ct.B.Ar, and 4 to 36-fold increase in Ec.BFR/BS and Ps.BFR/BS), and the loading effects, in terms of changes of static and dynamic indices, did not differ between Akita and WT females (p ≥ 0.1). However, loading-induced anabolic effects were greatly diminished in Akita males, which exhibited reduced body weight, severe hyperglycemia (+230%), diminished bone formation (ΔCt.B.Ar: 0.003 vs. 0.030 mm(2), p=0.005), and suppressed periosteal bone appositions (ΔPs.BFR/BS, p=0.02). Hyperglycemia (25 mM glucose) was further found to impair the flow-induced intracellular calcium signaling in MLO-Y4 osteocytes, and significantly inhibited the flow-induced downstream responses including reduction in apoptosis and sRANKL secretion and PGE2 release. These results, along with previous findings showing adverse effects of hyperglycemia on osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells, suggest that failure to maintain normal glucose levels may impair bone's responses to mechanical loading in diabetics.

The role of the sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling pathway in osteocyte mechanotransduction

Osteocytes are proposed to be the mechanosensory cells that translate mechanical loading into biochemical signals during the process of bone adaptation. The lipid mediator sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been reported to play a role in the mechanotransduction process of blood vessels and also in the dynamic control of bone mineral homeostasis. Nevertheless, the potential role of S1P in bone mechanotransduction has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we hypothesized that a S1P cascade is involved in the activation of osteocytes in response to loading-induced oscillatory fluid flow (OFF) in bone. MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells express the necessary components of a functional S1P cascade. To examine the involvement of S1P signaling in osteocyte mechanotransduction, we applied OFF (1 Pa, 1 Hz) to osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells under conditions where the S1P signaling pathway was modulated. We found that decreased endogenous S1P levels significantly suppressed the OFF-induced intracellular calcium response. Addition of extracellular S1P to MLO-Y4 cells enhanced the synthesis and release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) under static cells and amplified OFF-induced PGE2 release. The stimulatory effect of OFF on the gene expression levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator for nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) was S1P dependent. Furthermore, the S1P2 receptor subtype was shown to be involved in OFF-induced PGE2 synthesis and release, as well as down-regulation of RANKL/OPG gene expression ratio. In summary, our data suggest that S1P cascade is involved in OFF-induced mechanotransduction in MLO-Y4 cells and that extracellular S1P exerts its effect partly through S1P2 receptors.

Hyaluronan in the healthy and malignant hematopoietic microenvironment

The fate of both endogenous and transplanted stem cells is dependent on the functional status of the regulatory local microenvironment, which is compromised by disease and therapeutic intervention. The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) is a critical component of the hematopoietic microenvironment. We summarize recent advances in our understanding of the role of HA in regulating mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelium in bone marrow (BM) and their crosstalk within the hematopoietic microenvironment. HA not only determines the volume, hydration, and microfluidics of the BM interstitial space, but also, via interactions with specific receptors, regulates multiple cell functions including differentiation, migration, and production of regulatory factors. The effects of HA are dependent on the polymer size and are influenced by the formation of complexes with other molecules. In healthy BM, HA synthases and hyaluronidases form a molecular network that maintains extracellular HA levels within a discrete physiological window, but HA homeostasis is often perturbed in pathological conditions, including hematological malignancies. Recent studies have suggested that HA synthases may have functions beyond HA production and contribute to the intracellular regulatory machinery. We discuss a possible role for HA synthases, intracellular and extracellular HA in the malignant BM microenvironment, and resistance to therapy.

Blood and interstitial flow in the hierarchical pore space architecture of bone tissue

There are two main types of fluid in bone tissue, blood and interstitial fluid. The chemical composition of these fluids varies with time and location in bone. Blood arrives through the arterial system containing oxygen and other nutrients and the blood components depart via the venous system containing less oxygen and reduced nutrition. Within the bone, as within other tissues, substances pass from the blood through the arterial walls into the interstitial fluid. The movement of the interstitial fluid carries these substances to the cells within the bone and, at the same time, carries off the waste materials from the cells. Bone tissue would not live without these fluid movements. The development of a model for poroelastic materials with hierarchical pore space architecture for the description of blood flow and interstitial fluid flow in living bone tissue is reviewed. The model is applied to the problem of determining the exchange of pore fluid between the vascular porosity and the lacunar-canalicular porosity in bone tissue due to cyclic mechanical loading and blood pressure. These results are basic to the understanding of interstitial flow in bone tissue that, in turn, is basic to understanding of nutrient transport from the vasculature to the bone cells buried in the bone tissue and to the process of mechanotransduction by these cells.

Biomechanical forces in the skeleton and their relevance to bone metastasis: biology and engineering considerations

Bone metastasis represents the leading cause of breast cancer related-deaths. However, the effect of skeleton-associated biomechanical signals on the initiation, progression, and therapy response of breast cancer bone metastasis is largely unknown. This review seeks to highlight possible functional connections between skeletal mechanical signals and breast cancer bone metastasis and their contribution to clinical outcome. It provides an introduction to the physical and biological signals underlying bone functional adaptation and discusses the modulatory roles of mechanical loading and breast cancer metastasis in this process. Following a definition of biophysical design criteria, in vitro and in vivo approaches from the fields of bone biomechanics and tissue engineering that may be suitable to investigate breast cancer bone metastasis as a function of varied mechano-signaling will be reviewed. Finally, an outlook of future opportunities and challenges associated with this newly emerging field will be provided.

Effects of neuropeptides and mechanical loading on bone cell resorption in vitro

Neuropeptides such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are present in nerve fibers of bone tissues and have been suggested to potentially regulate bone remodeling. Oscillatory fluid flow (OFF)-induced shear stress is a potent signal in mechanotransduction that is capable of regulating both anabolic and catabolic bone remodeling. However, the interaction between neuropeptides and mechanical induction in bone remodeling is poorly understood. In this study, we attempted to quantify the effects of combined neuropeptides and mechanical stimuli on mRNA and protein expression related to bone resorption. Neuropeptides (VIP or CGRP) and/or OFF-induced shear stress were applied to MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells and changes in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA and protein levels were quantified. Neuropeptides and OFF-induced shear stress similarly decreased RANKL and increased OPG levels compared to control. Changes were not further enhanced with combined neuropeptides and OFF-induced shear stress. These results suggest that neuropeptides CGRP and VIP have an important role in suppressing bone resorptive activities through RANKL/OPG pathway, similar to mechanical loading.

Integrative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of osteocytic cells exposed to fluid flow reveals novel mechano-sensitive signaling pathways

Osteocytes, positioned within bone׳s porous structure, are subject to interstitial fluid flow upon whole bone loading. Such fluid flow is widely theorized to be a mechanical signal transduced by osteocytes, initiating a poorly understood cascade of signaling events mediating bone adaptation to mechanical load. The objective of this study was to examine the time course of flow-induced changes in osteocyte gene transcript and protein levels using high-throughput approaches. Osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells were subjected to 2h of oscillating fluid flow (1Pa peak shear stress) and analyzed following 0, 2, 8, and 24h post-flow incubation. Transcriptomic microarray analysis, followed by gene ontology pathway analysis, demonstrated fluid flow regulation of genes consistent with both known and unknown metabolic and inflammatory responses in bone. Additionally, two of the more highly up-regulated gene products - chemokines Cxcl1 and Cxcl2, supported by qPCR - have not previously been reported as responsive to fluid flow. Proteomic analysis demonstrated greatest up-regulation of the ATP-producing enzyme NDK, calcium-binding Calcyclin, and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6. Finally, an integrative pathway analysis merging fold changes in transcript and protein levels predicted signaling nodes not directly detected at the sampled time points, including transcription factors c-Myc, c-Jun, and RelA/NF-κB. These results extend our knowledge of the osteocytic response to fluid flow, most notably up-regulation of Cxcl1 and Cxcl2 as possible paracrine agents for osteoblastic and osteoclastic recruitment. Moreover, these results demonstrate the utility of integrative, high-throughput approaches in place of a traditional candidate approach for identifying novel mechano-sensitive signaling molecules.

Mechanoadaptation of developing limbs: shaking a leg

The proportion of total limb length taken up by the individual skeletal elements (limb proportionality), varies widely between species. These diverse skeletal forms have evolved to allow for a range of limb uses and they first emerge as the embryo develops, to achieve the characteristic skeletal architecture of each species. During this time, the developing skeleton experiences mechanical loading as a result of embryonic muscle contraction. The possibility that adaptation to such mechanical input may allow embryos to coordinate the appearance of skeletal design with their expanding range of movements has so far received little attention. This is surprising, given the critical role exerted by embryo movement in normal skeletal development; stage-specific in ovo immobilisation of embryonic chicks results in joint contractures and a reduction in longitudinal bone growth in the limbs. Epigenetic mechanisms allow for selective activation of genes in response to environmental signals, resulting in the production of phenotypic complexity in morphogenesis; mechanical loading of bone during movement appears to be one such signal. It may be that 'mechanosensitive' genes under regulation of mechanical input adjust proportionality along the bone's proximo-distal axis, introducing a level of phenotypic plasticity. If this hypothesis is upheld, species with more elongated distal limb elements will have a greater dependence on mechanical input for the differences in their growth, and mechanosensitive bone growth in the embryo may have evolved as an additional source of phenotypic diversity during skeletal development.

Functions and mechanisms of intermittent negative pressure for osteogenesis in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

The present study aimed to determine the mechanism by which low‑intensity intermittent negative pressure affects the differentiation and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, type I collagen and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected to analyze differentiation. MTT and flow cytometry were employed to measure proliferation and apoptosis. Western blot analysis was used to examine endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‑associated factors. This study was divided into two groups, including a normal group (without any treatment) and vacuum group (treated with a vacuum). There was a significant decrease in the proliferation of cells in the vacuum group. The number of cells in S phase was reduced significantly, while the rate of apoptosis and the activity of ALP were markedly increased under vacuum conditions. Expression of collagen type I and VEGF was significantly increased, and the ratio of osteoprotegrin to osteoprotegrin ligand was decreased significantly in the vacuum group. ER stress‑associated proteins, p‑PRKR‑like ER kinase, inositol‑requiring enzyme 1 and cleaved activating transcription factor 6, as well as the downstream factors, were activated when treated with negative pressure. In conclusion, treatment with low‑intensity and intermittent negative pressure may inhibit the proliferation of MSCs and trigger ER stress‑associated cellular apoptosis, further enhancing osteogenesis activity and inducing differentiation to osteoblasts.

Oscillatory shear stress induced calcium flickers in osteoblast cells

The dynamic physical microenvironment of bone affects the activity of osteoblast cells, yet little is known about how osteoblast mechanotransduction depends on different features of a dynamic stimulus. Here we investigated the effect of physiologically relevant oscillatory flow shear stress on the calcium mobility in osteoblast cells within a microfluidic platform that mimics the confined environment of bone matrix. We characterized the spatiotemporal evolution of intracellular calcium 'flickers', an important signature of cell activation, in response to steady, pulsatile, and oscillatory shear stress. We found that oscillatory flow induces surprisingly higher flicker activity than other flow types. We could further attribute this phenomenon to the opening of a stretch activated ion channel, namely TRPM7. We also found that localization of TRPM7 within the cholesterol-enriched lipid raft domains of plasma membranes is essential for its activity. Collectively our findings elucidated a candidate mechanism for the flow mediated stimulation of osteoblast cells. They therefore have implications towards unveiling various facets of bone formation and remodelling in healthy and diseased conditions, including bone-metastasis of various cancer types, diabetes, and inflammatory autoimmune diseases.

A novel in vitro loading system to produce supraphysiologic oscillatory fluid shear stress

A multi-well fluid loading (MFL) system was developed to deliver oscillatory subphysiologic to supraphysiologic fluid shear stresses to cell monolayers in vitro using standard multi-well culture plates. Computational fluid dynamics modeling with fluid-structure interactions was used to quantify the squeeze film fluid flow between an axially displaced piston and the well plate surface. Adjusting the cone angle of the piston base modulated the fluid pressure, velocity, and shear stress magnitudes. Modeling results showed that there was near uniform fluid shear stress across the well with a linear drop in pressure across the radius of the well. Using the MFL system, RAW 264.7 osteoclastic cells were exposed to oscillatory fluid shear stresses of 0, 0.5, 1.5, 4, 6, and 17 Pa. Cells were loaded 1 h per day at 1 Hz for two days. Compared to sub-physiologic and physiologic levels, supraphysiologic oscillatory fluid shear induced upregulation of osteoclastic activity as measured by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity and formation of mineral resorption pits. Cell number remained constant across all treatment groups.

Slight changes in the mechanical stimulation affects osteoblast- and osteoclast-like cells in co-culture

BACKGROUND

Osteoblast- and osteoclast-like cells are responsible for coordinated bone maintenance, illustrated by a balanced formation and resorption. Both parameters appear to be influenced by mechanical constrains acting on each of these cell types individually. We hypothesized that the interactions between both cell types are also influenced by mechanical stimulation.

METHODS

Co-cultures of osteoblast- and osteoclast-like cells were stimulated with 1,100 µstrain, 0.1 or 0.3 Hz for 1-5 min/day over 5 days. Two different setups depending on the differentiation of the osteoclast-like cells were used: i) differentiation assay for the fusion of pre-osteoclasts to osteoclasts, ii) resorption assay to determine the activity level of osteoclast-like cells.

RESULTS

In the differentiation assay (co-culture of osteoblasts with unfused osteoclast precursor cells) the mechanical stimulation resulted in a significant decrease of collagen-1 and osteocalcin produced by osteoblast-like cells. Significantly more TRAP-iso5b was measured after stimulation for 3 min with 0.1 Hz, indicating enhanced osteoclastogenesis. In the resorption assay (co-culture of osteoblasts with fused osteoclasts) the stimulation for 3 min with 0.3 Hz significantly increased the resorption activity of osteoclasts measured by the pit formation and the collagen resorption. The same mechanical stimulation resulted in an increased collagen-1 production by the osteoblast-like cells. The ratio of RANKL/OPG was not different between the groups.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that already small changes in duration or frequency of mechanical stimulation had significant consequences for the behavior of osteoblast- and osteoclast-like cells in co-culture, which partially depend on the differentiation status of the osteoclast-like cells.

Peripubertal female athletes in high-impact sports show improved bone mass acquisition and bone geometry

OBJECTIVE

Intensive physical training may have a sport-dependent effect on bone mass acquisition. This cross-sectional study evaluated bone mass acquisition in girls practicing sports that put different mechanical loads on bone.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Eighty girls from 10.7 to 18.0 years old (mean 13.83 ± 1.97) were recruited: 20 artistic gymnasts (AG; high-impact activity), 20 rhythmic gymnasts (RG; medium-impact activity), 20 swimmers (SW, no-impact activity), and 20 age-matched controls (CON; leisure physical activity <3h/wk). Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was determined using DEXA. Hip structural analysis applied at the femur evaluated cross-sectional area (CSA, cm(2)), section modulus (Z, cm(3)), and buckling ratio. Bone turnover markers and OPG/RANKL levels were analyzed.

RESULTS

AG had higher aBMD than SW and CON at all bone sites and higher values than RG in the lumbar spine and radius. RG had higher aBMD than SW and CON only in the femoral region. CSA and mean cortical thickness were significantly higher and the buckling ratio was significantly lower in both gymnast groups compared with SW and CON. In RG only, endocortical diameter and width were reduced, while Z was only increased in AG compared with SW and CON. Reduced bone remodeling was observed in RG compared with AG only when groups were subdivided according to menarcheal status. All groups showed similar OPG concentrations, while RANKL concentrations increased with age and were decreased in SW.

CONCLUSION

High-impact activity clearly had a favorable effect on aBMD and bone geometry during the growth period, although the bone health benefits seem to be more marked after menarche.

Mechanical forces regulate stem cell response to surface topography

The interactions between bone tissue and orthopedic implants are strongly affected by mechanical forces at the bone-implant interface, but the interplay between surface topographies, mechanical stimuli, and cell behavior is complex and not well understood yet. This study reports on the influence of mechanical stretch on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) attached to metallic substrates with different roughness. Controlled forces were applied to plasma membrane of hMSCs cultured on smooth and rough stainless steel surfaces using magnetic collagen-coated particles and an electromagnet system. Degree of phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) on the active form (Tyr-397), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels increased on rough samples under static conditions. Cell viability and fibronectin production decreased on rough substrates, while hMSCs maturated to the osteoblastic lineage to a similar extent on both surfaces. PGE2 production and osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand ratio increased after force application on both surfaces, although to a greater extent on smooth substrates. p-FAK on Tyr-397 was induced fairly rapidly by mechanical stimulation on rough surfaces while cells cultured on smooth samples failed to activate this kinase in response to tensile forces. Mechanical forces enhanced VEGF secretion and reduced cell viability, fibronetin levels and osteoblastic maturation on smooth surfaces but not on rough samples. The magnetite beads model used in this study is well suited to characterize the response of hMSCs cultured on metallic surfaces to tensile forces and collected data suggest a mechanism whereby mechanotransduction driven by FAK is essential for stem cell growth and functioning on metallic substrates.

Fluid-structure interactions in micro-interlocked regions of the cement-bone interface

Experimental tests and computational modelling were used to explore the fluid dynamics at the trabeculae-cement interlock regions found in the tibial component of total knee replacements. A cement-bone construct of the proximal tibia was created to simulate the immediate post-operative condition. Gap distributions along nine trabeculae-cement regions ranged from 0 to 50.4 μm (mean = 12 μm). Micro-motions ranged from 0.56 to 4.7 μm with a 1 MPa compressive load to the cement. Fluid-structure analysis between the trabeculae and the cement used idealised models with parametric evaluation of loading direction, gap closing fraction (GCF), gap thickness, loading frequency and fluid viscosity. The highest fluid shear stresses (926 Pa) along the trabecular surface were found for conditions with very thin and large GCFs, much larger than reported physiological levels (~1-5 Pa). A second fluid-structure model was created with a provision for bone resorption using a constitutive model with resorption velocity proportional to fluid shear rate. A lower cut-off was used, below which bone resorption would not occur (50 s(-1)). Results showed that there was initially high shear rates (>1000 s(-1)) that diminished after initial trabecular resorption. Resorption continued in high shear rate regions, resulting in a final shape with bone left deep in the cement layer, and is consistent with morphology found in post-mortem retrievals. Small gaps between the trabecular surface and the cement in the immediate post-operative state produce fluid flow conditions that appear to be supra-physiologic; these may cause fluid-induced lysis of trabeculae in the micro-interlock regions.