Effects of bisphenol F, bisphenol S, and bisphenol AF on cultured human osteoblasts

Bisphenol A (BPA) analogs, like BPA, could have adverse effects on human health including bone health. The aim was to determine the effect of BPF, BPS and BPAF on the growth and differentiation of cultured human osteoblasts. Osteoblasts primary culture from bone chips harvested during routine dental work and treated with BPF, BPS, or BPAF for 24 h at doses of 10-5, 10-6, and 10-7 M. Next, cell proliferation was studied, apoptosis induction, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In addition, mineralization was evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days of cell culture in an osteogenic medium supplemented with BP analog at the studied doses. BPS treatment inhibited proliferation in a dose-dependent manner at all three doses by inducing apoptosis; BPF exerted a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation at the highest dose alone by an increase of apoptosis; while BPAF had no effect on proliferation or cell viability. Cell differentiation was adversely affected by treatment with BPA analogs in a dose-dependent, observing a reduction in calcium nodule formation at 21 days. According to the results obtained, these BPA analogs could potentially pose a threat to bone health, depending on their concentration in the organism.

The Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin Health: Study on the Effect of Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol, and Oleocanthal on Human Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts contribute to maintaining tissue integrity and homeostasis and are a key cell population in wound healing. This cell population can be stimulated by some bioactive compounds such as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) polyphenols. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of hydroxytyrosol (htyr), tyrosol (tyr), and oleocanthal (ole) phenolic compounds present in EVOO on the proliferation, migration, cell cycle, and antigenic profile of cultured human fibroblasts. CCD-1064Sk human fibroblast cells were treated for 24 h with each polyphenol at doses ranging 10^-5 to 10^-9 M. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT spectrophotometric technique, migration capacity by culture insert assay, and cell cycle and antigenic profile with flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was significantly increased by treatment with all compounds. The highest increases followed treatments with htyr or tyr at doses of 10^-5 or 10^-6 M and with ole at 10^-6 and 10^-7 M, and these compounds and doses were used for assays of antigenic profile, cell cycle, and migration. During the first few hours after treatment, increased fibronectin and α-actin expressions and greater cell migration were observed, with no cell cycle changes. In conclusion, these in vitro results suggest that phenolic compounds in EVOO might contribute to wound healing through action on fibroblasts related to tissue regeneration.

Modulation of Osteogenic Gene Expression by Human Osteoblasts Cultured in the Presence of Bisphenols BPF, BPS, or BPAF

Bone effects attributed to bisphenols (BPs) include the inhibition of growth and differentiation. This study analyzes the effect of BPA analogs (BPS, BPF, and BPAF) on the gene expression of the osteogenic markers RUNX2, osterix (OSX), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), BMP-7, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen-1 (COL-1), and osteocalcin (OSC). Human osteoblasts were obtained by primary culture from bone chips harvested during routine dental work in healthy volunteers and were treated with BPF, BPS, or BPAF for 24 h at doses of 10^-5, 10^-6, and 10^-7 M. Untreated cells were used as controls. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression of the osteogenic marker genes RUNX2, OSX, BMP-2, BMP-7, ALP, COL-1, and OSC. The expression of all studied markers was inhibited in the presence of each analog; some markers (COL-1; OSC, BMP2) were inhibited at all three doses and others only at the highest doses (10^-5 and 10^-6 M). Results obtained for the gene expression of osteogenic markers reveal an adverse effect of BPA analogs (BPF, BPS, and BPAF) on the physiology of human osteoblasts. The impact on ALP, COL-1, and OSC synthesis and therefore on bone matrix formation and mineralization is similar to that observed after exposure to BPA. Further research is warranted to determine the possible contribution of BP exposure to the development of bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

The current status of COVID-19 vaccines. A scoping review

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new disease that has led to a worldwide pandemic, resulting in millions of deaths and a high economic burden. Here, we analyze the current status of preventive vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Published clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of mRNA (BNT162b2 and Spikevax), adenovirus vector-based (Ad26.COV2.S and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19), and recombinant protein S (NVX-CoV2373) vaccines to be between 52.9% and 100%. The most-frequent adverse effects include local pain, fatigue, headache, or chills. Serious events are associated with Ad26.COV2.S and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccines.

Repercussions of Bisphenol A on the Physiology of Human Osteoblasts

(1) Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that is widely present in the environment and exerts adverse effects on various body tissues. The objective of this study was to determine its repercussions on bone tissue by examining its impact on selected functional parameters of human osteoblasts. (2) Methods: Three human osteoblast lines were treated with BPA at doses of 10^-5, 10^-6, or 10^-7 M. At 24 h post-treatment, a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization was observed. (4) Results: The expression of CD54 and CD80 antigens was increased at doses of 10^-5 and 10^-6 M, while the phagocytic capacity and the expression of osteogenic genes (ALP, COL-1, OSC, RUNX2, OSX, BMP-2, and BMP-7) were significantly and dose-dependently reduced in the presence of BPA. (5) Conclusions: According to these findings, BPA exerts adverse effects on osteoblasts by altering their differentiation/maturation and their proliferative and functional capacity, potentially affecting bone health. Given the widespread exposure to this contaminant, further human studies are warranted to determine the long-term risk to bone health posed by BPA.

Effect of the most common wound antiseptics on human skin fibroblasts

Background

Antiseptics are used for the cleansing of acute or chronic wounds to eliminate micro‐organisms from the wound bed. However, they have effects on the skin cells.

Aim

To determine the effects of hexetidine, povidone–iodine (PI), undecylenamidopropyl‐betaine/polyhexanide (UBP), chlorhexidine, disodium eosin and hydrogen peroxide on human skin fibroblasts.

Methods

CCD‐1064Sk cells were treated with hexetidine, PI, UBP, chlorhexidine, disodium eosin or hydrogen peroxide. Spectrophotometry was used to measure cell viability and flow cytometry was used to study apoptosis and necrosis after the treatment. In vitro wound scratch assays were performed to determine the gap closure.

Results

All antiseptics significantly reduced the viability of human skin fibroblasts compared with controls. The percentage wound closure was lower with hexetidine, PI and UBP. The scratch assay could not be measured after treatments with chlorhexidine, disodium eosin or hydrogen peroxide, owing to their cytotoxicity. The apoptosis/necrosis experiments evidenced a significant reduction in viable cells compared with controls. An increased percentage of apoptotic cells was observed after treatment with all antiseptics. Compared with controls, the percentage of necrotic cells was significantly increased with all antiseptics except for hexetidine.

Conclusion

The proliferation, migration and viability of human skin fibroblasts are reduced by treatment with hexetidine, PI, UBP, chlorhexidine, disodium eosin and hydrogen peroxide.

Biological properties and therapeutic applications of garlic and its components

Garlic is one of the most widely employed condiments in cooking. It has also been used since ancient times in traditional plant-based medicine, largely based on its organosulfur compounds. The objective of this study was to provide updated information on the biological and therapeutic garlic properties. Garlic has been found to possess important biological properties with high therapeutic potential, which is influenced by the mode of its utilization, preparation, and extraction. It has been attributed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory capacities. Garlic, in particular its organosulfur compounds, can maintain immune system homeostasis through positive effects on immune cells, especially by regulating cytokine proliferation and expression. This may underlie their usefulness in the treatment of infectious and tumor processes. These compounds can also offer vascular benefits by regulating lipid metabolism or by exerting antihypertensive and antiaggregant effects. However, further clinical trials are warranted to confirm the therapeutic potential of garlic and its derivatives.

Doxycycline-doped membranes induced osteogenic gene expression on osteoblastic cells

OBJECTIVES

To analyze how novel developed silicon dioxide composite membranes, functionalized with zinc or doxycycline, can modulate the expression of genes related to the osteogenic functional capacity of osteoblastic cells.

METHODS

The composite nanofibers membranes were manufactured by using a novel polymeric blend and 20 nm silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂-NPs). To manufacture the membranes, 20 nm SiO₂-NPs were added to the polymer solution and the resulting suspension was processed by electrospinning. In a second step, the membranes were functionalized with zinc or doxycycline. Then, they were subjected to MG63 osteoblast-like cells culturing for 48 h. After this time, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was carried out to study the expression of Runx-2, OSX, ALP, OSC, OPG, RANKL, Col-I, BMP-2, BMP-7, TGF-β1, VEGF, TGF-βR1, TGF- βR2, and TGF-βR3. Mean comparisons were conducted by One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

In general, the blending of SiO₂-NPs in the tested non-resorbable polymeric scaffold improves the expression of osteogenic genes over the control membranes. Doxycycline doping of experimental scaffolds attained the best results, encountering up-regulation of BMP-2, ALP, OPG, TGFβ-1 and TGFβ-R1. Membranes with zinc induced a significant increase in the expression of Col-I, ALP and TGF β1. Both, zinc and doxycycline functionalized membranes enormously down-regulated the expression of RANKL.

CONCLUSIONS

Zinc and doxycycline doped membranes are bioactive inducing overexpression of several osteogenic gene markers.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Doxycycline doped membranes may be a potential candidate for use in GBR procedures in several challenging pathologies, including periodontal diseases.

Stimulation of brown adipose tissue by polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil

Obesity is one of the main public health problems of the 21^st century resulting from an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure. Currently, the search for new treatments against this pathology has become a priority. One of the therapeutic strategies against obesity could be the activation of brown adipose tissue through different molecules such as the phenolic compounds of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The objective of this review was to provide an update of scientific knowledge on the relationship between EVOO phenolic compounds and brown adipose tissue.According to this review, it has been demonstrated that extra virgin olive oil phenolic compounds can have beneficial effects on obesity by activating brown adipose tissue and enhance thermogenesis through different signaling pathways mediated by molecules such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) or sirtuin 1 (Sirt1).

Effects of Therapeutic Doses of Celecoxib on Several Physiological Parameters of Cultured Human Osteoblasts

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-selective NSAIDs, are associated with adverse effects on bone tissue. These drugs are frequently the treatment of choice but are the least studied with respect to their repercussion on bone. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of celecoxib on cultured human osteoblasts. Human osteoblasts obtained by primary culture from bone samples were treated with celecoxib at doses of 0.75, 2, or 5μM for 24 h. The MTT technique was used to determine the effect on proliferation; flow cytometry to establish the effect on cell cycle, cell viability, and antigenic profile; and real-time polymerase chain reaction to measure the effect on gene expressions of the differentiation markers RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OSC), and osterix (OSX). Therapeutic doses of celecoxib had no effect on osteoblast cell growth or antigen expression but had a negative impact on the gene expression of RUNX2 and OSC, although there was no significant change in the expression of ALP and OSX. Celecoxib at therapeutic doses has no apparent adverse effects on cultured human osteoblasts and only inhibits the expression of some differentiation markers. These characteristics may place this drug in a preferential position among NSAIDs used for analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy during bone tissue repair.

Infectious processes and systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, although genetic and environmental factors appear to contribute to its pathogenesis. Specifically, infectious processes are associated with SLE onset and exacerbation. However, we are far from a complete understanding of the interactions between infectious agents and the host, explaining the interest in gathering updated scientific information on this topic. According to the literature, the pathogens most frequently associated with SLE are viruses, notably human endogenous retroviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, parvovirus B19, cytomegalovirus and human immunodeficiency virus type 1, alongside certain bacterial components that can also trigger activation of the immune system. The mechanisms underlying autoreactivity remain unclear but various explanations have been proposed, including immunological changes responsible for infectious processes or molecular mimicry between host structures and those of infectious agents.

Vitamin D and autoimmune diseases

The prevalence of autoimmune diseases (ADs) has increased over the past few decades. Vitamin D deficiency is a common factor in many of these diseases, whose etiology remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to review published data on the role of vitamin D in ADs. Vitamin D insufficiency has been described as an important factor in the development of some ADs, generally attributed to the key role of this vitamin in the immune system. Most studies show that adequate supplementation can prevent and improve the development of some of these diseases, although the optimal vitamin D dose remains controversial. We highlight the importance of measuring serum vitamin D levels of the population and developing strategies to improve and maintain levels with no health risks.

Repercussion of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the gene expression of human osteoblasts

Background

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used in clinical practice, which can have adverse effects on the osteoblast. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of NSAIDs on the osteoblast by analyzing the gene expression of different markers related to osteoblast maturation and function when treated in vitro with different NSAIDs.

Methods

Three human osteoblast lines from bone samples of three healthy volunteers were treated with 10 µM acetaminophen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketorolac, naproxen, and piroxicam. The gene expression of different markers (run related transcription factor 2 [RUNX-2], type 1 collagen [COL-I], osterix [OSX], osteocalcin [OSC], bone morphogenetic protein 2 [BMP-2] and 7 [BMP-7], transforming growth factor β1 [TGF-β1], and TGFβ receptors [TGFβR1, TGFβR2; TGFBR3]) were analyzed by real-time PCR at 24 h of treatment.

Results

Expression of RUNX-2, COL-I, OSX, was reduced by treatment with all studied NSAIDs, OSC expression was reduced by all NSAIDs except for ketoprofen, naproxen, or piroxicam. Expression of BMP-7 was reduced by all NSAIDs; BMP-2 was reduced by all except for naproxen. In general, NSAID treatment increased the expression of TGF-β1, but not of its receptors (TGFβ-R1, TGFβ-R2, andTFGβ-R3), which was either unchanged or reduced by the treatment.

Conclusion

These data confirm that NSAIDs can affect osteoblast physiology, suggesting their possible impact on bone.

Role of mast cells in autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases result from an immune response against structures of the organism itself. Their etiology is unknown, although they have been associated with genetic and environmental factors and the participation of mast cells has recently been proposed. The objective of this review was to provide an update on the role of mast cells in these diseases. According to the literature, mast cells not only intervene in immune processes as a defense mechanism but are also involved in the development of disease. Thus, mast cells may participate in important ways in autoimmune diseases through the secretion of cytokines or release of enzymes from their cytoplasmic granules or through the activity of proinflammatory mediators released by these cells. Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of mast cells in autoimmune diseases.