Amorphous TiO2nano-coating on stainless steel to improve its biological response.

This study delves into the potential of amorphous titanium oxide (aTiO2) nano-coating to enhance various critical aspects of non-Ti-based metallic orthopedic implants. These implants, such as medical-grade stainless steel (SS), are widely used for orthopedic devices that demand high strength and durability. The aTiO2nano-coating, deposited via magnetron sputtering, is a unique attempt to improve the osteogenesis, the inflammatory response, and to reduce bacterial colonization on SS substrates. The study characterized the nanocoated surfaces (SS-a TiO2) in topography, roughness, wettability, and chemical composition. Comparative samples included uncoated SS and sandblasted/acid-etched Ti substrates (Ti). The biological effects were assessed using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and primary murine macrophages. Bacterial tests were carried out with two aerobic pathogens (S. aureusandS. epidermidis) and an anaerobic bacterial consortium representing an oral dental biofilm. Results from this study provide strong evidence of the positive effects of the aTiO2nano-coating on SS surfaces. The coating enhanced MSC osteoblastic differentiation and exhibited a response similar to that observed on Ti surfaces. Macrophages cultured on aTiO2nano-coating and Ti surfaces showed comparable anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Most significantly, a reduction in bacterial colonization across tested species was observed compared to uncoated SS substrates, further supporting the potential of aTiO2nano-coating in biomedical applications. The findings underscore the potential of magnetron-sputtering deposition of aTiO2nano-coating on non-Ti metallic surfaces such as medical-grade SS as a viable strategy to enhance osteoinductive factors and decrease pathogenic bacterial adhesion. This could significantly improve the performance of metallic-based biomedical devices beyond titanium.

The multiple actions of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) and its pharmacological inhibition on bone metabolism: a review.

BACKGROUND: Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) plays a crucial role in breaking down various substrates. It also has effects on the insulin signaling pathway, contributing to insulin resistance, and involvement in inflammatory processes like obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Emerging effects of DPP-4 on bone metabolism include an inverse relationship between DPP-4 activity levels and bone mineral density, along with an increased risk of fractures. MAIN BODY: The influence of DPP-4 on bone metabolism occurs through two axes. The entero-endocrine-osseous axis involves gastrointestinal substrates for DPP-4, including glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptides 1 (GLP-1) and 2 (GLP-2). Studies suggest that supraphysiological doses of exogenous GLP-2 has a significant inhibitory effect on bone resorption, however the specific mechanism by which GLP-2 influences bone metabolism remains unknown. Of these, GIP stands out for its role in bone formation. Other gastrointestinal DPP-4 substrates are pancreatic peptide YY and neuropeptide Y-both bind to the same receptors and appear to increase bone resorption and decrease bone formation. Adipokines (e.g., leptin and adiponectin) are regulated by DPP-4 and may influence bone remodeling and energy metabolism in a paracrine manner. The pancreatic-endocrine-osseous axis involves a potential link between DPP-4, bone, and energy metabolism through the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), which induces DPP-4 expression in osteoclasts, leading to decreased GLP-1 levels and increased blood glucose levels. Inhibitors of DPP-4 participate in the pancreatic-endocrine-osseous axis by increasing endogenous GLP-1. In addition to their glycemic effects, DPP-4 inhibitors have the potential to decrease bone resorption, increase bone formation, and reduce the incidence of osteoporosis and fractures. Still, many questions on the interactions between DPP-4 and bone remain unanswered, particularly regarding the effects of DPP-4 inhibition on the skeleton of older individuals. CONCLUSION: The elucidation of the intricate interactions and impact of DPP-4 on bone is paramount for a proper understanding of the body's mechanisms in regulating bone homeostasis and responses to internal stimuli. This understanding bears significant implications in the investigation of conditions like osteoporosis, in which disruptions to these signaling pathways occur. Further research is essential to uncover the full extent of DPP-4's effects on bone metabolism and energy regulation, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions targeting these pathways, particularly in older individuals.

Effects of photobiomodulation on different phases of in vitro osteogenesis.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) on different stages of osteogenesis in vitro. For this, osteoblastic-like cells (Saos-2 cell lineage) were irradiated in two different periods: during the Proliferation phase (PP; from the second to the fourth day) and during the Differentiation phase (DP; from the seventh to the ninth day). The energy density used in the study was 1.5 J/ cm2. The following parameters were evaluated: 1) quantification of collagen type 1 (COL 1), osteopontin (OPN), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2); 2) quantification of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity; and 3) quantification of  extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization. Non-irradiated cultures were used as controls. The data were analyzed using the Student's t-test or one-way ANOVA, considering a significance level of 5%. The results indicated that COL 1 and BMP-2 quantification was higher in Saos-2 irradiated during the DP in relation to the control group at day 10 (p < 0.05). No differences were observed for other comparisons at this time point (p > 0.05). OPN expression was greater in PP compared with the other experimental groups at day 10 (p < 0.05). Irradiation did not affect ALP activity in Saos-2 regardless of the exposure phase and the time point evaluated (p > 0.05). At day 14, ECM mineralization was higher in Saos-2 cultures irradiated during the DP in relation to the PP (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results suggested that the effects of PBM on osteoblastic cells may be influenced by the stage of cell differentiation.

National Trends in Inpatient Hospital Outcomes of Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and the Importance of Extraskeletal Manifestations: A Kids' Inpatient Database Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the extent of extraskeletal manifestations along with inpatient outcomes and complications associated with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study utilized the Kids' Inpatient Database as a part of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project to investigate inpatient hospital outcomes and management in patients with OI from 1997 through 2016. Data regarding hospital characteristics, cost of treatment, inpatient outcomes, and procedures were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 7291 admissions that listed OI as a diagnosis in the Kids' Inpatient Database from 1997 through 2016. Unexpectedly, more than one-third of all admissions in these children with OI presented with an extraskeletal manifestation. The rate of major complications was 3.85%. The rate of minor complications was 19.4%, most commonly respiratory problems. The mortality rate was 18.2% in the neonatal period and 1.0% in all other admissions. Total charges of hospital stay increased over the years. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a striking prevalence of extraskeletal manifestations in OI along with inpatient outcomes and complications associated with OI, of which respiratory complications were predominant. We observed a significant financial burden for patients with OI and identified additional risks for financial crisis, in addition to disparities in care identified among socioeconomic groups. These data contribute to a more holistic understanding of OI from diagnosis to management.

Determination of mandibular distraction osteogenesis most suitable parameters. An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Distraction osteogenesis is a process of induced bone generation. Various protocols have been described for the management of the latency period, distraction speed and consolidation period, with greater or lesser success. OBJECTIVE: To better understand the process of mandibular distraction and establish the determining factors and their optimal times. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven dogs were studied, which had 54 distractors placed and that underwent unidirectional, bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis. The distraction processes were applied using six variants, two for each factor: latency period, distraction period and distraction speed. The changes were examined by means of bone biopsies and X-rays of the area at 0, 7, 14, 21, 45 and 55 days of the process. RESULTS: The most efficient osteogenic distraction parameters were a latency period of five days, a consolidation period of six weeks, distraction speed of 1 mm/day for distances of less than 20 mm, and 3 mm/day for longer distances. CONCLUSIONS: The sequential histological study allowed to observe the appearance of cellular elements (osteocytes, osteoclasts, osteoid matrix, trabeculate, etc.) and their participation in granulation tissue, newly-formed bone and compact mature bone.

ANTECEDENTES: Respecto a la distracción osteogénica (generación ósea inducida), con mayor o menor éxito han sido descritos diversos protocolos para el manejo del período de latencia, velocidad de distracción y período de consolidación. ­. OBJETIVO: Entender mejor el proceso de la distracción mandibular y establecer los factores determinantes y sus tiempos óptimos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron 27 perros sometidos a distracción osteogénica unidireccional, bilateral de la mandíbula. Los procesos de distracción se aplicaron con seis variantes, dos por cada factor (período de latencia, período de distracción y velocidad de distracción). Se estudiaron los cambios mediante biopsias del hueso y radiografías de la zona a los 0, 7, 14, 21, 45 y 55 días del proceso. RESULTADOS: Los parámetros de distracción osteogénica más eficientes fueron período de latencia de cinco días, período de consolidación de seis semanas, 1 mm diario de velocidad de distracción para distancias menores a 20 mm y 3 mm diarios para distancias mayores. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio histológico secuencial permitió observar la aparición de los elementos celulares (osteocitos, osteoclastos, matriz osteoide, trabeculado, etcétera) y su participación en el tejido de granulación, el hueso neoformado y el hueso maduro compacto.

Unraveling the genetic collagen connection: clinical and therapeutic insights on genetic connective tissue disorders.

Hereditary connective tissue disorders include more than 200 conditions affecting different organs and tissues, compromising the biological role of the extracellular matrix through interference in the synthesis, development, or secretion of collagen and/or its associated proteins. The clinical phenotype includes multiple signs and symptoms, usually nonspecific but of interest to rheumatologists because of musculoskeletal involvement. The patient´s journey to diagnosis is long, and physicians should include these disorders in their differential diagnoses of diseases with systemic involvement. In this review, insights for the diagnosis and treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta, hypermobility spectrum disorder/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and Stickler syndromes are presented.

IFITM5-related (type V) osteogenesis imperfecta with evidence of perinatal involvement: A case report.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by bone fragility and frequent fractures. While most cases are attributed to variations in collagen-coding genes COL1A1 and COL1A2, other genes such as IFITM5 have also been associated with the disease, accounting for up to 5 % of cases. Here, we report a case of a 3-month-old female with a femur fracture and limb deformity. X-rays revealed evidence of osteopenia and previous fractures in the arms, clavicle, ribs, and left limb, alongside prenatal bone deformities detected by ultrasound. Initial clinical evaluation suggested progressively deforming (Sillence's type III) osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Molecular testing led to the diagnosis of IFITM5-related OI, identifying the c.-14C>T (rs587776916) variant. Although this variant has been previously reported in patients with IFITM5-related OI, prenatal involvement had not been associated with this variant.

Brachymetatarsia.

Brachymetatarsia involves a reduction in length of one or more metatarsals. The affected metatarsal is shortened by 5 mm or more, altering the normal metatarsal parabola. In addition to being an aesthetic deformity, it can present with pain due to transfer metatarsalgia. A possible association with genetic disorders needs to be investigated during clinical evaluation. Surgical treatment may involve a one-stage lengthening procedure or progressive distraction, each having its advantages and limitations.

The impact of craniofacial and dental osteogenesis imperfecta manifestations on oral health-related quality of life of children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Craniofacial and oral manifestations of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) can affect the functioning of the stomatognathic system and impact the patient's quality of life. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between craniofacial and oral manifestations and the Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of OI children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 OI patients aged eight to fourteen years old followed up at the Oral Care Center for Inherited Diseases were enrolled in the research. OHRQoL was assessed using the short form of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) for eight to ten-year-olds (CPQ8-10) and 11 to 14-year-olds (CPQ11-14). The relationship between the OHRQoL index and its assessment domains, OI types, and the presence of dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI), class III malocclusion, and dental agenesis were evaluated. RESULTS: The median CPQ score of patients was 5, and there was no significant difference in OHRQoL between children and adolescents, nor associated with the disease severity or the presence of DI. The oral manifestations evaluated did not directly impact the patients' OHRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that the perception of OHRQoL is similar for both adolescents and children. The oral symptom was the most relevant domain for the index among patients aged eight to fourteen years while the emotional well-being was the most impacted. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: this study makes contributions by indicating that addressing dental care for children and adolescents with OI is important in clinical management and better OHRQoL for this population.

Development, characterization, and biological study of bioglass coatings 45S5 and BioK on zirconia implant surfaces.

Zirconia implants are gaining attention as a viable alternative to titanium implants due to their comparable osseointegration development, improved soft tissue adaptation, and enhanced aesthetics. An encouraging avenue for improving zirconia implant properties involves the potential application of bioactive coatings to their surfaces. These coatings have shown potential for inducing hydroxyapatite formation, crucial for bone proliferation, and improving implant mechanical properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of coating zirconia implants with two bioactive glasses, 45S5 and BioK, on osteogenesis in vitro and osseointegration in vivo. Zirconia samples and implants were prepared using Zpex zirconia powder and blocks, respectively. The samples were divided into three groups: polished zirconia (ZRC), zirconia coated with 45S5 bioglass (Z + 45S5), and zirconia coated with BioK glass (Z + BK). Coatings were applied using a brush and sintered at 1200°C. Chemical analysis of the coatings was carried out using x-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Surface topography and roughness were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and a roughness meter. In vitro experiments used mesenchymal cells from Wistar rat femurs, and the coated zirconia implants were found to promote cell viability, protein synthesis, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization, indicating enhanced osteogenesis. In vivo experiments with 18 rats showed positive results for bone formation and osseointegration through histological and histomorphometric analysis and a push-out test. The findings indicate that bioactive glass coatings have the potential to improve cell differentiation, bone formation, and osseointegration in zirconia implants.

Unveiling Polysomal Long Non-Coding RNA Expression on the First Day of Adipogenesis and Osteogenesis in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

Understanding the intricate molecular mechanisms governing the fate of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) is essential for elucidating the delicate balance between adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in both healthy and pathological conditions. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators involved in lineage commitment and differentiation of stem cells, operating at various levels of gene regulation, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational processes. To gain deeper insights into the role of lncRNAs' in hASCs' differentiation, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the lncRNA transcriptome (RNA-seq) and translatome (polysomal-RNA-seq) during a 24 h period of adipogenesis and osteogenesis. Our findings revealed distinct expression patterns between the transcriptome and translatome during both differentiation processes, highlighting 90 lncRNAs that are exclusively regulated in the polysomal fraction. These findings underscore the significance of investigating lncRNAs associated with ribosomes, considering their unique expression patterns and potential mechanisms of action, such as translational regulation and potential coding capacity for microproteins. Additionally, we identified specific lncRNA gene expression programs associated with adipogenesis and osteogenesis during the early stages of cell differentiation. By shedding light on the expression and potential functions of these polysome-associated lncRNAs, we aim to deepen our understanding of their involvement in the regulation of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, ultimately paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies and insights into regenerative medicine.

Determinación de los parámetros idóneos de la distracción osteogénica de la mandíbula. Estudio experimental / Determination of mandibular distraction osteogenesis most suitable parameters. An experimental study

Resumen Antecedentes: Respecto a la distracción osteogénica (generación ósea inducida), con mayor o menor éxito han sido descritos diversos protocolos para el manejo del período de latencia, velocidad de distracción y período de consolidación. Objetivo: Entender mejor el proceso de la distracción mandibular y establecer los factores determinantes y sus tiempos óptimos. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 27 perros sometidos a distracción osteogénica unidireccional, bilateral de la mandíbula. Los procesos de distracción se aplicaron con seis variantes, dos por cada factor (período de latencia, período de distracción y velocidad de distracción). Se estudiaron los cambios mediante biopsias del hueso y radiografías de la zona a los 0, 7, 14, 21, 45 y 55 días del proceso. Resultados: Los parámetros de distracción osteogénica más eficientes fueron período de latencia de cinco días, período de consolidación de seis semanas, 1 mm diario de velocidad de distracción para distancias menores a 20 mm y 3 mm diarios para distancias mayores. Conclusiones: El estudio histológico secuencial permitió observar la aparición de los elementos celulares (osteocitos, osteoclastos, matriz osteoide, trabeculado, etcétera) y su participación en el tejido de granulación, el hueso neoformado y el hueso maduro compacto.

Abstract Background: Distraction osteogenesis is a process of induced bone generation. Various protocols have been described for the management of the latency period, distraction speed and consolidation period, with greater or lesser success. Objective: To better understand the process of mandibular distraction and establish the determining factors and their optimal times. Material and methods: Twenty-seven dogs were studied, which had 54 distractors placed and that underwent unidirectional, bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis. The distraction processes were applied using six variants, two for each factor: latency period, distraction period and distraction speed. The changes were examined by means of bone biopsies and X-rays of the area at 0, 7, 14, 21, 45 and 55 days of the process. Results: The most efficient osteogenic distraction parameters were a latency period of five days, a consolidation period of six weeks, distraction speed of 1 mm/day for distances of less than 20 mm, and 3 mm/day for longer distances. Conclusions: The sequential histological study allowed to observe the appearance of cellular elements (osteocytes, osteoclasts, osteoid matrix, trabeculate, etc.) and their participation in granulation tissue, newly-formed bone and compact mature bone.

Spectrum of Disease in Hospitalized Newborns with Congenital Micrognathia: A Cohort of 3,236 Infants at North American Tertiary-Care Intensive Care Units.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the spectrum of disease and burden of care in infants with congenital micrognathia from a multicenter cohort hospitalized at tertiary care centers. STUDY DESIGN: The Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database was queried from 2010 through 2020 for infants diagnosed with micrognathia. Demographics, presence of genetic syndromes, and cleft status were summarized. Outcomes included death, length of hospitalization, neonatal surgery, and feeding and respiratory support at discharge. RESULTS: Analysis included 3,236 infants with congenital micrognathia. Cleft palate was identified in 1266 (39.1%). A genetic syndrome associated with micrognathia was diagnosed during the neonatal hospitalization in 256 (7.9%). Median (IQR) length of hospitalization was 35 (16, 63) days. Death during the hospitalization (n = 228, 6.8%) was associated with absence of cleft palate (4.4%, P < .001) and maternal Black race (11.6%, P < .001). During the neonatal hospitalization, 1289 (39.7%) underwent surgery to correct airway obstruction and 1059 (32.7%) underwent gastrostomy tube placement. At the time of discharge, 1035 (40.3%) were exclusively feeding orally. There was significant variability between centers related to length of stay and presence of a feeding tube at discharge (P < .001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Infants hospitalized with congenital micrognathia have a significant burden of disease, commonly receive surgical intervention, and most often require tube feedings at hospital discharge. We identified disparities based on race and among centers. Development of evidence-based guidelines could improve neonatal care.

Hidrogel 3D incorporado com biovidro para sistema drug delivery: caracterização e estudo in vitro / 3D Hydrogel Incorporated with bioactive glass and drug delivery system: characterization and In vitro study

Atualmente há diversos tratamentos para a osteoporose, porém a maioria deles pode corroborar com o surgimento de outras complicações sistêmicas, para isso é de suma importância o desenvolvimento de terapias locais, visando diminuir ou eliminar os efeitos colateriais causados por medicamentos de uso oral. O objetivo nesse projeto foi avaliar a influência de hidrogéis, com sistema drug delivery, incorporados com partículas de vidro bioativo funcionalizadas com diferentes medicamentos, na osteogênese in vitro. Partículas de vidro bioativo foram sintetizadas e caracterizadas. Em seguida, foram funcionalizadas com os fármacos raloxifeno e ranelato de estrôncio usando a técnica sonoquímica. Hidrogéis de alginato foram sintetizados e incorporados com as partículas funcionalizadas usando impressão 3D em dimensões específicas. Os hidrogéis foram caracterizados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, análise de intumescimento e molhabilidade. Em testes in vitro, os hidrogéis foram cortados em medidas menores e usados para culturas de células para avaliar a atividade e diferenciação celular para osteogênese. Células mesenquimais foram isoladas de ratas ovariectomizadas, diferenciadas em osteoblastos e co-cultivadas com os hidrogéis. Viabilidade celular, conteúdo de proteína total, atividade de fosfatase alcalina, morfologia celular e formação de nódulos de mineralização foram analisados em intervalos de tempo definidos. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos aos testes estatísticos de normalidade Kolmogorov-Smirnov, seguidos pelo teste não paramétrico Kruskal Walis e teste multiplo de Dunn, com nível de significância de 5%. A caracterização morfológica e físico-química evidenciou o sucesso da referida metodologia em confeccionar o novo biomaterial. Nos testes in vitro, todos os grupos de hidrogéis impressos 3D não se mostraram citotóxicos e permitiram a diferenciação celular. A atividade de fosfatase alcalina não apresentou diferença entre os grupos. Por meio da análise da morfologia celular por fluorencência direta foi possível observar que em todos os grupos com excessão ao HBRx as células exibiam morfologia poligonal de forma íntegra, todos os grupos apresentaram células aderidas na superfície dos materiais, sendo que a maior quantidade de células foi observada no grupo hidrogel com vidro bioativo incorporado com ranelato de estrôncio. Na análise da formação de nódulos de mineralização, todos os grupos apresentaram a formação dos nódulos, exceto o grupo HBRx. Os resultados evidenciaram sucesso na produção de todos os novos biomateriais, HP, HB HBRx e HBSr tanto na síntese quanto na impressão 3D, conforme verificado nos testes de MEV, EDS e Raman, enquanto nos testes in vitro os grupos com vidro bioativo, em sua maioria, apresentaram resultados positivos para o uso na engenharia tecidual. De modo geral hidrogéis impresso 3D com vidro bioativo sem fármaco (HB) e incorporado com fármaco ranelato de estrôncio (HBSr) são os biomateriais que se mostraram mais promissores em comparação aos demais grupos. (AU)

Currently, there are several treatments for osteoporosis; however, most of them can lead to the emergence of other systemic complications. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to develop local therapies aiming to reduce or eliminate the side effects caused by orally administered medications. The objective of this project was to evaluate the influence of hydrogels with drug delivery systems incorporated with bioactive glass particles functionalized with different drugs on in vitro osteogenesis. Bioactive glass particles were synthesized and characterized. Subsequently, they were functionalized with the drugs raloxifene and strontium ranelate using sonochemical technique. Alginate hydrogels were synthesized and incorporated with the functionalized particles using 3D printing in specific dimensions. The hydrogels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, swelling analysis, and wettability assessment. In in vitro tests, the hydrogels were cut into smaller sizes and used for cell cultures to assess cell activity and differentiation for osteogenesis. Mesenchymal cells were isolated from ovariectomized rats, differentiated into osteoblasts, and co-cultured with the hydrogels. Cell viability, total protein content, alkaline phosphatase activity, cellular morphology, and mineralization nodule formation were analyzed at defined time intervals. Quantitative data were subjected to Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality tests, followed by non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and multiple Dunn tests, with a significance level of 5%. The morphological and physicochemical characterization demonstrated the success of the methodology in fabricating the new biomaterial. In the in vitro tests, all groups of 3D-printed hydrogels were non-cytotoxic and allowed cell differentiation. Alkaline phosphatase activity showed no difference among the groups. Through direct fluorescence-based cellular morphology analysis, it was observed that cells in all groups except HBRx exhibited intact polygonal morphology, with cells adhering to the material surfaces in all groups. The highest quantity of cells was observed in the hydrogel group incorporating bioactive glass with strontium ranelate. In the mineralization nodule formation analysis, all groups showed nodule formation except for the HBRx group. The results demonstrated successful production of all new biomaterials (HP, HB, HBRx, and HBSr) in both synthesis and 3D printing, as verified by SEM, EDS, and Raman tests. Meanwhile, in vitro testing showed that groups with bioactive glass mostly exhibited positive results for tissue engineering purposes. Overall, 3D-printed hydrogels with bioactive glass without drugs (HB) and incorporated with strontium ranelate (HBSr) proved to be the most promising biomaterials compared to the other groups (AU)

Hidrogel associado a biovidro funcionalizado com ranelato de estrôncio: análise do sobrenadante in vitro / Hydrogel associated with bioglass functionalized with strontium ranelate: in vitro supernatant analysis

A utilização de sistemas de liberação de fármacos para evitar complicações sistêmicas foi o enfoque do trabalho apresentado. O fármaco utilizado foi o ranelato de estrôncio (SrR), medicamento indicado para osteoporose que auxilia na prevenção de fraturas ósseas. Incorporou-se ao sistema biomateriais que estimulam a formação de tecido ósseo, como o hidrogel e o biovidro. O hidrogel é um material polimérico que possui alta capacidade de retenção de água e pode ser injetado no local da lesão, preenchendo o defeito ósseo. O biovidro é um material cerâmico que possui propriedades osteocondutoras e osteoindutoras, ou seja, favorece a adesão e a diferenciação de células ósseas. O biovidro foi funcionalizado com o fármaco por meio da rota sonoquímica e incorporado aos hidrogéis produzidos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a presença de citocinas, pró e anti-inflamatórias que participam da remodelação óssea, utilizando hidrogéis incorporados com partículas de biovidro funcionalizadas com medicamento sobre células mesenquimais in vitro. Foram preparados três tipos de materiais: hidrogel puro (HP), hidrogel com biovidro (HB) e hidrogel com biovidro funcionalizado com ranelato de estrôncio (HBR). Os materiais foram caracterizados por técnicas físico-químicas e biológicas, ensaio de viabilidade celular, ensaio de intumescimento e degradação. Foram realizados testes de cultura celular, utilizando células mesenquimais diferenciadas em osteoblastos, isoladas de fêmures de ratas ovariectomizadas. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos ao teste de normalidade para a seleção do teste estatístico apropriado, com nível de significância de 5%. Os resultados mostraram que os materiais apresentaram boa interação entre os componentes, formando uma rede tridimensional porosa e homogênea. O ensaio de intumescimento e degradação mostrou a compatibilidade do hidrogel proposto para sistemas de ação local, curva de crescimento compatível com tempo de resposta celular. No teste ELISA evidenciou-se a presença das citocinas IL1ß, IL-6, IL-10 e IL-17, sua expressão nas células mesenquimais analisadas e sua possível influência na remodelação óssea (AU)

The use of drug delivery systems to avoid systemic complications was the focus of the work presented. The drug used was strontium ranelate (SrR), a medication indicated for osteoporosis that helps prevent bone fractures. Biomaterials that stimulate the formation of bone tissue, such as hydrogel and bioglass, were incorporated into the system. The hydrogel is a polymeric material that has a high-water retention capacity and can be injected into the injury site, filling the bone defect. Bioglass is a ceramic material that has osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, that is, it favors the adhesion and differentiation of bone cells. The bioglass was functionalized with the drug through the sonochemical route and incorporated into the hydrogels produced. The objective of this work was to evaluate the presence of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that participate in bone remodeling, using hydrogels incorporated with bioglass particles functionalized with medication on mesenchymal cells in vitro. Three types of materials were prepared: pure hydrogel (HP), hydrogel with bioglass (HB) and hydrogel with bioglass functionalized with strontium ranelate (HBR). The materials were characterized by physicochemical and biological techniques, cell viability testing, swelling and degradation testing. Cell culture tests were carried out using mesenchymal cells differentiated into osteoblasts, isolated from the femurs of ovariectomized rats. Quantitative data were subjected to the normality test to select the appropriate statistical test, with a significance level of 5%. The results showed that the materials showed good interaction between the components, forming a porous and homogeneous three-dimensional network. The swelling and degradation test showed the compatibility of the proposed hydrogel for local action systems, a growth curve compatible with cellular response time. The ELISA test revealed the presence of the cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17, their lower expression in cells from ovariectomized animals and their possible influence on bone remodeling. (AU)

Anti-Fibronectin Aptamer Modifies Blood Clot Pattern and Stimulates Osteogenesis: An Ex Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: Scaffold (SCA) functionalization with aptamers (APT) provides adsorption of specific bioactive molecules on biomaterial surfaces. The aim of this study was to observe if SCA enriched with anti-fibronectin APT can favor coagulum (PhC) and osteoblasts (OSB) differentiation. METHODS: 20 µg of APT was functionalized on SCA by simple adsorption. For PhC formation, SCAs were inserted into rat calvaria defects for 17 h. Following proper transportation (buffer solution PB), OSBs (UMR-106 lineage) were seeded over PhC + SCAs with and without APT. Cells and PhC morphology, PhC cell population, protein labeling and gene expression were observed in different time points. RESULTS: The APT induced higher alkaline phosphatase and bone sialoprotein immunolabeling in OSB. Mesenchymal stem cells, leukocytes and lymphocytes cells were detected more in the APT group than when scaffolds were not functionalized. Additionally, an enriched and dense fibrin network and different cell types were observed, with more OSB and white blood cells in PhC formed on SCA with APT. The gene expression showed higher transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-b1) detection in SCA with APT. CONCLUSIONS: The SCA functionalization with fibronectin aptamers may alter key morphological and functional features of blood clot formation, and provides a selective expression of proteins related to osteo differentiation. Additionally, aptamers increase TGF-b1 gene expression, which is highly associated with improvements in regenerative therapies.

A Synergic Strategy: Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Spheroids Seeded on 3D-Printed PLA/CHA Scaffolds Implanted in a Bone Critical-Size Defect Model.

Bone critical-size defects and non-union fractures have no intrinsic capacity for self-healing. In this context, the emergence of bone engineering has allowed the development of functional alternatives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of ASC spheroids in bone regeneration using a synergic strategy with 3D-printed scaffolds made from poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and nanostructured hydroxyapatite doped with carbonate ions (CHA) in a rat model of cranial critical-size defect. In summary, a set of results suggests that ASC spheroidal constructs promoted bone regeneration. In vitro results showed that ASC spheroids were able to spread and interact with the 3D-printed scaffold, synthesizing crucial growth factors and cytokines for bone regeneration, such as VEGF. Histological results after 3 and 6 months of implantation showed the formation of new bone tissue in the PLA/CHA scaffolds that were seeded with ASC spheroids. In conclusion, the presence of ASC spheroids in the PLA/CHA 3D-printed scaffolds seems to successfully promote bone formation, which can be crucial for a significant clinical improvement in critical bone defect regeneration.

Case Report: A prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta in a patient with a novel pathogenic variant in COL1A2.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is considered a rare genetic condition which is characterized by bone fragility. In 85% of cases, it is caused by mutations in COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes which are essential to produce type I collagen. We report the case of a female neonate delivered to a 27-year-old women at San Bartolomé Teaching Hospital with a family history of clavicle fracture. A prenatal control with ultrasound was performed to the mother at 29 weeks. A fetus with altered morphology and multiple fractures was found. Therefore, a prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta was performed. The neonate was born with a respiratory distress syndrome and an acyanotic congenital heart disease. Therefore, she remained in NICU until her death. We highlight the importance of prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling and a multidisciplinary evaluation in this type of pathologies and report a new probably pathogenic variant in the COL1A2 gene detected by exomic sequencing in amniotic fluid.