ABSTRACT
To observe the effect of extracorporeal shock waves (ESWs) on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head, we collected bone marrow donated by patients and then cultivated and passaged MSCs in vitro using density gradient centrifugation combined with adherence screening methods. The P3 generation MSCs were divided into the ESW group and the control group. The cell counting kit for MSCs detected some proliferation differences. Cytochemistry, alkaline phosphatase staining and Alizarin red staining were used to determine alkaline phosphatase content. Simultaneously, real-time polymerase factor α1, osteocalcin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. Together, the results of our study first indicate that moderate ESW intensity, which is instrumental in enhancing MSC proliferation, inducing conversion of MSCs into osteoblasts, and inhibiting differentiation of MSCs into adipocytes from MSCs, is one of the effective mechanisms for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
Subject(s)
Femur Head Necrosis/pathology , Femur Head Necrosis/therapy , Lithotripsy/methods , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/pathology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/radiation effects , Adult , Bone Marrow Cells/pathology , Bone Marrow Cells/radiation effects , Cell Differentiation/radiation effects , Cell Size/radiation effects , Cell Survival , Female , High-Energy Shock Waves/therapeutic use , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Radiation Dosage , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Osteosarcoma (OS) remains one deadly disease for many affected patients. The search for novel and more efficient anti-OS agents is urgent. In the current study, we demonstrated that liposome-packed C6 ceramide exerted potent cytotoxic effect against established (U2OS and MG-63 lines) and primary human OS cells. Meanwhile, the liposomal C6 (ceramide) induced caspase-mediated apoptotic death in OS cells. Liposomal C6 was significantly more potent than conventional free C6 in inhibiting OS cells, yet it was safe to non-cancerous bone cells (primary murine osteoblasts or human MLO-Y4 osteocytic cells). At the signaling level, we showed that liposomal C6 potently inhibited Akt activation in OS cells. Further studies revealed that a low dose of liposomal C6 dramatically sensitized the in vitro anti-OS activity of two conventional chemodrugs: methotrexate (MTX) and doxorubicin. In vivo, intravenous injection of liposomal C6 inhibited Akt activation and suppressed U2OS xenograft growth in nude mice without causing apparent toxicities. Meanwhile, when given at a low-dose (5 mg/kg body weight), liposomal C6 dramatically sensitized MTX's anti-U2OS activity in vivo. Collectively, our data demonstrate that liposomal C6 exerts potent anti-tumor activity in preclinical OS models.
