Concentrated Growth Factors Promote hBMSCs Osteogenic Differentiation in a Co-Culture System With HUVECs

Development of gelatin-methacryloyl composite carriers for bone morphogenetic Protein-2 delivery: A potential strategy for spinal fusion

To reduce the risk of nonunion after spinal fusion surgery, the in situ transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) induced toward osteogenic differentiation by bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) has been proven effective. However, the current biological agents used for transplantation have limitations, such as a short half-life and low bioavailability. To address this, our study utilized a safe and effective gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) as a carrier for BMP2. In vitro, experiments were conducted to observe the ability of this composite vehicle to induce osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The results showed that the GelMA hydrogel, with its critical properties and controlled release performance of BMP2, exhibited a slow release of BMP2 over 30 days. Moreover, the GelMA hydrogel not only enhanced the proliferation activity of BMSCs but also significantly promoted their osteogenic differentiation ability, surpassing the BMP2 effects. To investigate the potential of the GelMA-BMP2 composite vehicle, a rabbit model was employed to explore its ability to induce in situ intervertebral fusion by BMSCs. Transplantation experiments in rabbits demonstrated the effective induction of intervertebral bone fusion by the GelMA-BMP2-BMSC composite vehicle. In conclusion, the GelMA-BMP2-BMSC composite vehicle shows promising prospects in preclinical translational therapy for spinal intervertebral fusion. It addresses the limitations of current biological agents and offers a controlled release of BMP2, enhancing the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

Clinical observation of concentrated growth factor (CGF) combined with iliac cancellous bone and composite bone material graft on postoperative osteogenesis and inflammation in the repair of extensive mandibular defects

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of concentrated growth factor (CGF), combined with a mixture of iliac cancellous and composite bone materials, on the repair of extensive mandibular defects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This clinical trial involved patients with mandibular defects caused by large cystic lesions. The test group comprised 16 patients who underwent CGF combined with iliac cancellous bone and composite bone materials to repair extensive mandibular defects, whereas the control group comprised eight patients who underwent vascularised free fibula grafts for mandibular segmental defects. Postoperative exudatum was collected from patients on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days postoperatively, and osteogenic factor, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (BGP), and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), and inflammatory cytokines were performed. Additionally, regular cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were conducted before and after surgery.

RESULTS

On postoperative days 1-4, the expression levels of ALP, BGP, and PINP were higher in the test group, while those of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, which were identified as co-differentially expressing inflammatory cytokines, were all down-regulated in the exudatum of the test group. Regular CBCT radiological scans revealed a significant osteogenic effect in the test group.

CONCLUSION

The use of CGF combined with iliac cancellous bone and composite bone materials to repair extensive mandibular jaw defects facilitates bone formation and reductions in inflammation in the defect area in the short term, which deserves further research in clinical practice.

BMSC-HNC Interaction: Exploring Effects on Bone Integrity and Head and Neck Cancer Progression

In recent research, the tumor microenvironment has been shown to attract mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which is of particular interest due to its implications for cancer progression. The study focused on understanding the interaction between bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) and head and neck cancer (HNC) cells. This interaction was found to activate specific markers, notably the osteogenic marker alkaline phosphatase and the oncogene Runx2. These activations corresponded with the release of collagenase enzymes, MMP9 and MMP2. To gain insights into bone resorption related to this interaction, bovine bone slices were used, supporting the growth of "heterogeneous spheroids" that contained both BMSCs and HNC cells. Through scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, it was observed that these mixed spheroids were linked to a notable increase in bone degradation and collagen fiber exposure, more so than spheroids of just BMSCs or HNC cells. Furthermore, the EDX results highlighted increased nitrogen content on bone surfaces with these mixed clusters. Overall, the findings underscore the significant role of BMSCs in tumor growth, emphasizing the need for further exploration in potential cancer treatment strategies.

Clinical Effect Evaluation of Concentrated Growth Factor in Endodontic Microsurgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Concentrated growth factor (CGF) is the third-generation platelet concentrate product. This study aimed to evaluate whether the use of CGF during endodontic microsurgery had a positive influence on surgical outcomes.

METHODS

Fifty-four patients who underwent endodontic microsurgery from January 2017 to November 2021 were enrolled. They were assigned to the CGF and the control group according to whether CGF was used during the surgery and followed up at 6, 12, and 18 months post-surgery. Preoperative classification of the cases and follow-up radiographic outcomes were based on Kim's classification and Molven's criteria respectively and evaluated by two calibrated endodontists. Student t-test and Chi-square test were used to assess the baseline of two groups. Rank sum test was used to determine whether CGF had an impact on the surgical outcome.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients (41 periapical lesion sites) were included in the CGF group, and twenty-three patients (26 periapical lesion sites) were included in the control group. The overall success rate of endodontic microsurgery was above 90%. The baseline of the two groups had no difference (P<0.05). In the CGF group, the success rate was always 100% in three follow-ups, while the success rate was 84.2%, 92.8%, and 90% respectively in the control group. The success rate between the CGF group and the control group was statistically significant in all three follow-up points (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of CGF during endodontic microsurgery might have a positive influence on surgical outcomes, thus, its prognosis. However, higher-grade evidence is needed to demonstrate its role.

Concentrated Growth Factors (CGF) Combined with Melatonin in Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR): A Case Report

During implant restorative dentistry, common and crippling postoperative complications are pain and swelling of perioral soft tissues which engraving on patient quality of life. Concentrated growth factors (CGF), a novel generation of autologous platelet concentrate, and melatonin, endogenous indoleamine with also bone regenerative properties, may be useful for reconstruction of bony defects as well as in prosthetic and esthetic rehabilitation. We report a clinical case in which guided bone regeneration was performed combining CGF, melatonin and heterologous biomaterial. Great postoperative recovery without any complications was reported. In conclusion, in restorative dentistry the combined use of CGF and melatonin may have important roles in restoring bone defect, in improving implant osteointegration and, not less important, in preventing postoperative complications.

DPA promotes hBMSCs osteogenic differentiation by miR-9-5p/ERK/ALP signaling pathway

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been reported potentiate osteogenic differentiation, while Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), another Omega-3 fatty acid, its contribution to the osteogenic differentiation of human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) is not entirely elucidated. The Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining and the expression of osteogenesis‑associated genes were analyzed during osteogenic induction by DPA. Then, bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assays were investigated to confirm the interactions between miR-9-5p and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). miR-9-5p mimics / inhibitor were transfected to human hBMSCs and the osteogenic assay above was also performed. Furthermore, DPA significantly promoted the phosphorylation of ERK via miR-9-5p. PD98059, a highly specific and potent ERK1/2 inhibitor, inhibited the activation of ALP and partially reversed the role of DPA during osteogenic differentiation. These data indicated that DPA promoted osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs potentially through miR-9-5p/ERK/ALP signaling pathway, providing a potentially useful therapeutic strategy for patients to improve bone loss.