It has been established that mechanical stimulation benefits tendon-bone (T-B) healing, and macrophage phenotype can be regulated by mechanical cues; moreover, the interaction between macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) plays a fundamental role in tissue repair. This study aimed to investigate the role of macrophage-mediated MSC chondrogenesis in load-induced T-B healing in depth. C57BL/6 mice rotator cuff (RC) repair model was established to explore the effects of mechanical stimulation on macrophage polarization, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 generation, and MSC chondrogenesis within T-B enthesis by immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Macrophage depletion was performed by clodronate liposomes, and T-B healing quality was evaluated by histology and biomechanics. In vitro, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were stretched with CELLOAD-300 load system and macrophage polarization was identified by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). MSC chondrogenic differentiation was measured by histochemical analysis and qRT-PCR. ELISA and qRT-PCR were performed to screen the candidate molecules that mediated the pro-chondrogenic function of mechanical stimulated BMDMs.Aims
Methods
Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased trabecular bone volume, and microarchitectural deterioration in the medullary cavity. Blood and femoral bone marrow suspension Aims
Methods
The involvement of cyclin D1 in the proliferation of microglia, and the generation and maintenance of bone cancer pain (BCP), have not yet been clarified. We investigated the expression of microglia and cyclin D1, and the influences of cyclin D1 on pain threshold. Female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used to establish a rat model of BCP, and the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) and cyclin D1 were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot, respectively. The proliferation of spinal microglia was detected by immunohistochemistry. The pain behaviour test was assessed by quantification of spontaneous flinches, limb use, and guarding during forced ambulation, mechanical paw withdrawal threshold, and thermal paw withdrawal latency.Aims
Methods
The effects of remnant preservation on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and its relationship with the tendon graft remain unclear. We hypothesized that the co-culture of remnant cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) decreases apoptosis and enhances the activity of the hamstring tendons and tenocytes, thus aiding ACL reconstruction. The ACL remnant, bone marrow, and hamstring tendons were surgically harvested from rabbits. The apoptosis rate, cell proliferation, and expression of types I and III collagen, transforming growth factor-β (Aims
Methods
Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in osteocytes is impaired by oxidative stress, which is associated with age-related bone loss. Ageing is accompanied by the accumulation of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs). However, it is still unknown whether AOPP accumulation is involved in the impairment of osteocytes’ GJIC. This study aims to investigate the effect of AOPP accumulation on osteocytes’ GJIC in aged male mice and its mechanism. Changes in AOPP levels, expression of connexin43 (Cx43), osteocyte network, and bone mass were detected in 18-month-old and three-month-old male mice. Cx43 expression, GJIC function, mitochondria membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activation were detected in murine osteocyte-like cells (MLOY4 cells) treated with AOPPs. The Cx43 expression, osteocyte network, bone mass, and mechanical properties were detected in three-month-old mice treated with AOPPs for 12 weeks.Aims
Methods
The use of 3D printing has become increasingly popular and has been widely used in orthopaedic surgery. There has been a trend towards an increasing number of publications in this field, but existing literature incorporates limited high-quality studies, and there is a lack of reports on outcomes. The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review with Level I evidence on the application and effectiveness of 3D printing. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The keywords used for the search criteria were ((3d print*) OR (rapid prototyp*) OR (additive manufactur*)) AND (orthopaedic). The inclusion criteria were: 1) use of 3D printing in orthopaedics, 2) randomized controlled trials, and 3) studies with participants/patients. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Collaboration Tool and PEDro Score. Pooled analysis was performed.Aims
Methods
Experimental studies indicate that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may have negative effects on fracture healing. This study aimed to assess the effect of immediate and delayed short-term administration of clinically relevant parecoxib doses and timing on fracture healing using an established animal fracture model. A standardized closed tibia shaft fracture was induced and stabilized by reamed intramedullary nailing in 66 Wistar rats. A ‘parecoxib immediate’ (Pi) group received parecoxib (3.2 mg/kg bodyweight twice per day) on days 0, 1, and 2. A ‘parecoxib delayed’ (Pd) group received the same dose of parecoxib on days 3, 4, and 5. A control group received saline only. Fracture healing was evaluated by biomechanical tests, histomorphometry, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at four weeks.Objectives
Methods
Osteoporosis is a systemic bone metabolic disease, which often occurs among the elderly. Angelica polysaccharide (AP) is the main component of angelica sinensis, and is widely used for treating various diseases. However, the effects of AP on osteoporosis have not been investigated. This study aimed to uncover the functions of AP in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation and osteoblast differentiation. MSCs were treated with different concentrations of AP, and then cell viability, Cyclin D1 protein level, and the osteogenic markers of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) were examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and western blot assays, respectively. The effect of AP on the main signalling pathways of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and Wnt/β-catenin was determined by western blot. Following this, si-H19#1 and si-H19#2 were transfected into MSCs, and the effects of H19 on cell proliferation and osteoblast differentiation in MSCs were studied. Finally, Objectives
Methods
Long bone defects often require surgical intervention for functional restoration. The ‘gold standard’ treatment is autologous bone graft (ABG), usually from the patient’s iliac crest. However, autograft is plagued by complications including limited supply, donor site morbidity, and the need for an additional surgery. Thus, alternative therapies are being actively investigated. Autologous bone marrow (BM) is considered as a candidate due to the presence of both endogenous reparative cells and growth factors. We aimed to compare the therapeutic potentials of autologous bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and ABG, which has not previously been done. We compared the efficacy of coagulated autologous BMA and ABG for the repair of ulnar defects in New Zealand White rabbits. Segmental defects (14 mm) were filled with autologous clotted BM or morcellized autograft, and healing was assessed four and 12 weeks postoperatively. Harvested ulnas were subjected to radiological, micro-CT, histological, and mechanical analyses.Objectives
Methods
Cortical and cancellous bone healing processes appear to be histologically different. They also respond differently to anti-inflammatory agents. We investigated whether the leucocyte composition on days 3 and 5 after cortical and cancellous injuries to bone was different, and compared changes over time using day 3 as the baseline. Ten-week-old male C56/Bl6J mice were randomized to either cancellous injury in the proximal tibia or cortical injury in the femoral diaphysis. Regenerating tissues were analyzed with flow cytometry at days 3 and 5, using panels with 15 antibodies for common macrophage and lymphocyte markers. The cellular response from day 3 to 5 was compared in order to identify differences in how cancellous and cortical bone healing develop.Objectives
Methods
This study aimed to assess the effect of age and osteoporosis on the proliferative and differentiating capacity of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in female rats. We also discuss the role of these factors on expression and migration of cells along the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR-4) / stromal derived factor 1 (SDF-1) axis. Mesenchymal stem cells were harvested from the femora of young, adult, and osteopenic Wistar rats. Cluster of differentiation (CD) marker and CXCR-4 expression was measured using flow cytometry. Cellular proliferation was measured using Alamar Blue, osteogenic differentiation was measured using alkaline phosphatase expression and alizarin red production, and adipogenic differentiation was measured using Oil red O. Cells were incubated in Boyden chambers to quantify their migration towards SDF-1. Data was analyzed using a Student’s Objectives
Methods