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Reinhard Gruber

Publications and source records attributed to Reinhard Gruber.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Osteogenic differentiation induced by bone morphogenetic proteins can be suppressed by platelet-released supernatant in vitro.

Both bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and growth factors released from activated platelets both occur at sites of bone regeneration but their functional relationship to regulate the temporal and spatial sequence of cellular events is not well defined. Here we investigated whether supernatants derived from activated platelets can modulate the response of the osteogenic cell line MC3T3-E1 to BMPs, and whether BMPs have an effect on MC3T3-E1 cells stimulated with platelet-released supernatant. Platelet-released supernatant suppressed BMP-2-, BMP-6-, and BMP-7-induced osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, as indicated by the significant decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity and lower levels of osteocalcin transcripts, whereas BMP-2, BMP-6, and BMP-7 did not modulate migration and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, which were stimulated with platelet-released supernatant. Osteogenic differentiation in response to BMPs was not affected after precultivation of MC3T3-E1 cells with platelet-released supernatant. These data suggest that activated platelets can provide a microenvironment that temporarily suppresses the differentiation of osteogenic cells in the presence of BMPs. Future strategies to stimulate bone regeneration should take the suppression of BMP-induced osteogenic differentiation during the existence of the blood clot into account.

3T3 Cells↗

Cathepsin K levels in the crevicular fluid of dental implants: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentration of cathepsin K secreted into the crevicular fluid around dental implants and its correlation with clinical parameters of healthy implants and implants showing clinical signs of peri-implantitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with 40 implants with and without peri-implantitis were enrolled in the study. Peri-implantitis was diagnosed by the pocket probing depth (PD), the modified bleeding index (MBI), the modified plaque index (MPI) and by radiographic signs of bone loss. Gingival crevicular fluid collected from the buccal and lingual sites was adsorbed to filter strips. Cathepsin K levels and total protein within the crevicular fluid were determined by immunoassay and the bicinchoninic method, respectively. RESULTS: Cathepsin K per filter strip normalized to the time of collection was 10.1 (0-33.5) pmol/sample around control implants and 22.4 (3.7-56.3) pmol/sample in the peri-implantitis group. The difference between the medians was significant (p < 0.01). Absolute cathepsin K levels in the crevicular fluid of all implants investigated showed a positive correlation with PD (R = 0.25; p = 0.03), MPI (R = 0.28; p = 0.01) and MBI (R = 0.32; p < 0.01). Absolute cathepsin K levels in the crevicular fluid also correlated with the adsorbed volume of gingival crevicular fluid (R = 0.51; p < 0.01). When normalized to the adsorbed volume of gingival crevicular fluid, the concentration of cathepsin K was 2.2 (0.01-6.4) nM around control implants and 1.7 (0.4-4.6) nM in the peri-implantitis group (p = 0.33). Patients' age correlated with sample volume and with cathepsin K normalized to the adsorbed volume of gingival crevicular fluid (R = 0.39; p < 0.01). Moreover, significant differences between male and female (p < 0.01, p < 0.01), and between mandible and maxilla (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), but not between buccal and lingual sites (p = 0.99, p= 0.93), were observed when analysed for the parameters adsorbed volume and absolute cathepsin K levels. CONCLUSION: Clinical parameters of peri-implantitis are associated with a higher amount of cathepsin K and a higher volume adsorbed to filters strips. To establish cathepsin K as a biochemical parameter to monitor peri-implant tissue health, age, sex and collection site should be considered to avoid interfering influences because of sample inhomogenity. Also a prospective study over time including more patients would be necessary.

Adult↗

Soluble RANKL in crevicular fluid of dental implants: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, is a key mediator of osteoclast formation, activation, and survival. Thus, it is reasonable to hypothesize that there might be a functional relationship between RANKL expression and peri-implantitis. PURPOSE: This pilot study was performed to determine the reference levels for soluble RANKL (sRANKL) in peri-implant crevicular fluid and to correlate them with the clinical parameters associated with inflammatory reactions and bone destruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical parameters probing depth (PD), modified bleeding index (MBI), and modified plaque index (MPI) served as indicators for bone resorption and inflammation. Exclusion criteria for calculations were the detection limit of the immunoassay and the minimum acceptable crevicular volume for measurement. From the 84 collected samples of 16 patients, 30-84 years of age, with a total of 19 implants, 29 met these criteria. The absolute amount of sRANKL within crevicular fluid adsorbed to filter strips was a median of 0.18 femtomol (fmol; range, 0.08-0.53) and 0.26 nM (range, 0.09-1.21) when normalized by volume. PD was 4 mm in median and varied within a range between 2 and 12 mm. RESULTS: Absolute amounts of sRANKL showed no correlation with the adsorbed volume and the clinical parameters PD, MBI, and MPI. When sRANKL was normalized by volume, no correlation with the clinical parameters PD, MBI, and MPI was observed either. The patients' age was not associated with total sRANKL and the concentration of RANKL within crevicular fluid. Absolute levels of sRANKL and sRANKL concentration did not show any differences based on the sampling sites buccal and lingual, or on the patients' gender. A significant difference in sRANKL concentration was detectable when samples from maxillary implants (0.31 nM median; range, 0.12-1.21) were compared with samples from mandibular implants (0.21 nM median; range, 0.09-0.6) (p=.03). Absolute levels of sRANKL were not different between the maxilla and the mandible. CONCLUSION: Given the limited sample size, our data provide a basis for future prospective longitudinal studies on the possible relevance of sRANKL as a prognostic marker in peri-implantitis, and for an understanding of the pathophysiologic process of the disease as a prerequisite for the design of treatment strategies.

Adult↗

Bone marrow stromal cells of young and adult rats respond similarly to platelet-released supernatant and bone morphogenetic protein-6 in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Age-related changes in periodontal bone regeneration, osseointegration of dental implants, and graft consolidation are increasingly considered in treatment planning. This study was intended to show whether aging is associated with a diminished responsiveness of osteoprogenitor cells to growth and differentiation factors. METHODS: We compared the capacity of bone marrow stromal cells harvested from young and adult rats to proliferate, migrate, and differentiate into the osteogenic lineage following exposure to platelet-released supernatant (PRS) or bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6). Bone marrow stromal cells were isolated from 12 young rats aged 6 weeks and 12 adult rats aged 9 months. Proliferation was assessed by 3[H]thymidine incorporation, migration was evaluated with the Boyden chamber assay, and osteogenic differentiation was deduced from alkaline phosphatase activity. RESULTS: Irrespective of the donor age, bone marrow stromal cells showed increased mitogenic activity and chemotactic motility when exposed to PRS. Adult bone marrow stromal cells had higher alkaline phosphatase activities at baseline and upon incubation with BMP-6 than cells obtained from young animals. There was no difference between the two groups in the slope of the alkaline phosphatase activity curve following stimulation with BMP-6. CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that, irrespective of their age, bone marrow stromal cells respond similarly to PRS and BMP-6 under in vitro conditions. These findings suggest that osteoprogenitor cells within the bone marrow of adult rats retain their juvenile potential to respond to growth and differentiation factors, which are released naturally or are applied therapeutically at sites of bone regeneration.

Aging↗

Platelets can neutralize hydrogen peroxide in an acute toxicity model with cells involved in granulation tissue formation.

Platelets play a key role in the replacement of the blood clot with granulation tissue during the early steps of bone regeneration. We hypothesized that activated platelets can neutralize locally produced reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting cells involved in granulation tissue formation. The potential of platelet-released supernatant (PRS) to neutralize hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) was tested in an acute toxicity model with osteogenic, inflammatory, and endothelial cells. In the human fetal osteoblastic cell line 1.19 (hFOB), considerable morphological changes, cell shedding, and dysfunction of the respiratory chain were observed when cells were exposed to 3 mM H(2)O(2). Caspase-3 and poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase were not activated, suggesting that cell death occurred by necrosis. Preincubation of osteogenic cells, leukocytes, or endothelial cells with PRS decreased the acute toxicity of H(2)O(2). The capacity of platelets to release H(2)O(2)-detoxifying activity was retained for up to 72 h. Aminotriazole, an inhibitor of catalase, decreased the cytoprotective activity of PRS, whereas blocking of glutathione peroxidase by mercaptosuccinate had no effect. These results suggest that platelet-released catalase can rapidly neutralize cytotoxic amounts of H(2)O(2), a process that may play a role during the early stages of bone regeneration.

Blood Platelets↗

Proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of cells from cortical bone cylinders, bone particles from mill, and drilling dust.

PURPOSE: The osteogenic potential of a graft is based on the parallel lines ability of cells to survive transplantation and to respond to local factors that stimulate new bone formation. Here we investigated the potential of cells that had grown out of porcine cortical bone grafts obtained by 3 preparation techniques to respond to mitogenic and osteogenic stimuli. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone grafts were harvested from 2 pigs. Cortical bone was taken in cylindrical form and ground in a bone mill or harvested via drilling and aspiration. RESULTS: Cell outgrowth was observed in all cortical bone cylinders, bone cylinders homogenized by mill, and 5 of 10 explants of bone dust collected upon drilling. After a 2-week culture period, the number of outgrown cells did not significantly differ among the 3 preparations. Bone cells showed increased proliferation in response to platelet-released supernatants as determined by 3 [H]-thymidine incorporation assay. When cultured under conditions that favor the expression of an osteogenic phenotype, the outgrown cells expressed alkaline phosphatase activity and transcripts of the osteoblast-specific marker osteocalcin. Individual cell preparations showed accumulation of mineral salts in their extracellular matrix. Bone cells also increased alkaline phosphatase activity in response to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, BMP-6, and BMP-7. The mitogenic and osteogenic response was obtained with cells from the mandible as well as from the maxilla, irrespective of the preparation technique. CONCLUSION: These data show that cortical bone grafts contain cells that have the ability to proliferate and differentiate into the osteogenic lineage, suggesting that these cells can contribute to bone regeneration following transplantation.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Effects of fibrin sealant protein concentrate with and without platelet-released growth factors on bony healing of cortical mandibular defects. An experimental study in minipigs.

In this study, the effects of fibrin sealant protein concentrate (FSPC; from the Tissucol Kit, Baxter, Vienna, Austria) with and without platelet-released growth factors (PRGF) on bony healing of cortical mandibular defects were investigated. Defects made in the facial mandibular wall of eight adult minipigs with a hollow drill were filled with FSPC alone, a mix of FSPC+PRGF or left untreated as controls. The animals were killed 4 and 8 weeks later. Specimens were processed for histology with the Donath method (1988) and stained with the Levai-Laczko stain. On histology, periosteal osteoneogenesis exceeded endosteal bone formation. No difference was seen in bone formation between FSPC alone, FSPC+PRGF and the controls at 4 and 8 weeks. On histomorphometry, there was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of the percent of newly formed bone at 4 and 8 weeks (P=0.6977). This study showed that FSPC neither increased nor decreased the amount of newly formed bone vs. controls and that the addition of PRGF had no effects on bone regeneration of cortical minipig bone at 4 and 8 weeks.

Animals↗

Platelet-released supernatants increase migration and proliferation, and decrease osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells under in vitro conditions.

Platelet-rich plasma is currently promoted to serve as an adjuvant for bone grafts to enhance quantity and quality of newly forming bone; however, the underlying cellular mechanisms are not fully understood. We show here that supernatants of leukocyte-depleted thrombin-activated platelets increase migration and proliferation, and decrease osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells under in vitro conditions. Using neutralizing antibodies raised against platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), the observed effects of platelet-released supernatants were diminished. The mitogenic response was also decreased when extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signalling was inhibited by PD98059; however, PD98059 did not reverse the effects of platelet-released supernatants on migration and osteogenic differentiation. Consistent with an ERK-mediated mitogenic activity, incubation of serum-starved mesenchymal cell progenitors with platelet-released supernatants increased phosphorylation of the kinase. Together, these observations indicate that PDGF is a key factor released upon platelet activation that can increase migration and proliferation, and decreases osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells under in vitro conditions. The results further suggest that ERK signalling is required to mediate the mitogenic response to platelet-released supernatants.

Adult↗

Porcine sinus mucosa holds cells that respond to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-6 and BMP-7 with increased osteogenic differentiation in vitro.

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine whether the sinus mucosa holds cells with an osteogenic potential. Frozen sections of sinus mucosa from three adult pigs were investigated for the expression of STRO-1, a marker of mesenchymal progenitor cells, and alkaline phosphatase activity, an enzyme expressed by cells committed to the osteogenic lineage and by mature osteoblasts. To determine their osteogenic potential, mucosa-derived cells were incubated with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-6 and BMP-7, and alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin expression, and mineralization of the extracellular matrix was measured. We found sinus mucosa cells staining positive for STRO-1 and alkaline phosphatase activity. When sinus mucosa tissue was placed in culture, alkaline phosphatase positive cells grew out from the explants and further increased alkaline phosphatase activity in response to BMP-6 and BMP-7. The expression level of the osteoblast-specific extracellular matrix protein osteocalcin, and the amount of calcium accumulation within the extracellular matrix was also increased in response to BMPs. We conclude that the sinus mucosa holds mesenchymal progenitor cells and cells committed to the osteogenic lineage that can respond to BMP-6 and BMP-7 by an increase of their osteogenic differentiation.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Bone formation following sinus grafting with autogenous bone-derived cells and bovine bone mineral in minipigs: preliminary findings.

Bone formation in a sinus grafted with a cell-free scaffold requires the presence of local progenitor cells that differentiate into osteoblasts. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of culture expanded autogenous bone-derived cells (ABC) with bovine bone mineral (BBM) on bone formation after single-stage sinus grafting in minipigs. Bone biopsies from the iliac crest were harvested 4 weeks prior to sinus grafting and ABC were culture expanded in vitro. The sinuses of five adult minipigs were grafted. In one sinus of each minipig the space between Schneider's membrane (SM) and the sinus wall was grafted with ABC (325,000 cells per sinus, on average) and BBM. In the other sinus, BBM alone was used. The animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks. One block of each grafted area was prepared by saw cutting and the amount of newly formed bone was analysed by micro-computed tomography (mu-CT). The addition of ABC to BBM significantly increased the amount of newly formed bone compared with BBM alone on mu-CT analysis (ABC+BBM: 29.86+/-6.45% vs. BBM: 22.51+/-7.28% (P=0.016)). Bone formation was increased near SM (ABC+BBM: 20.7+/-4.5% vs. BBM: 15.43+/-3.62% (P=0.009)) and in the middle zone of the grafting material (ABC+BBM: 31.63+/-7.74% vs. BBM: 22.5+/-7.91% (P=0.001)), but not near the local host bone (ABC+BBM: 37.23+/-8.23% vs. BBM: 28.42+/-12.54% (P=0.15)). These preliminary findings indicate that supplementation of cell-free grafting material with culture expanded ABC can stimulate bone formation in areas with low bone-forming capacity.

Animals↗

Platelet-released supernatant increases matrix metalloproteinase-2 production, migration, proliferation, and tube formation of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Local application of platelets represents a promising tool to enhance bone regeneration. New bone formation strictly requires blood vessel formation, a sequential process involving matrix degradation, migration, proliferation, and tube formation of endothelial cells. Here we investigated the impact of secreted granula products from activated platelets on endothelial cells, and determined the involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. METHODS: The effects of platelet-released supernatant on endothelial cells were investigated using in vitro models. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) release, migration, proliferation, and tube formation of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) were determined in response to platelet-released supernatant by gelatine zymography, Boyden chamber assay, 3[H]thymidine incorporation, and basement membrane assay, respectively. All experiments were performed in the presence of the ERK signaling inhibitor PD98059. ERK phosphorylation was detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Incubation with platelet-released supernatant increased the production of MMP-2, migration, proliferation, and tube formation of HUVEC. Platelet-released supernatant also stimulated ERK phosphorylation in HUVEC. Inhibition of ERK signaling decreased platelet-released supernatant-stimulated endothelial cell proliferation, but not MMP-2 activity, migration, and the formation of capillary tubes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that secreted granula products from platelets can enhance different stages of blood vessel formation, and that ERK signaling is required to mediate the mitogenic effects of the supernatant. These findings support the hypothesis of a potential link between platelet activation and blood vessel formation during bone regeneration.

Basement Membrane↗

Platelets are mitogenic for periosteum-derived cells.

The early stages of bone regeneration are associated with a high mitogenic activity of periosteal cells. Here we addressed the question of whether platelets that accumulate within the developing haematoma can account for this tissue response. Addition of platelets, platelet-released supernatants, platelet membranes, and microparticles to bovine periosteum-derived cells resulted in an increase in 3H-thymidine incorporation; lipid extracts had no effect. Platelet-released supernatants retained their activity after incubation at 56 degrees C, but not at 100 degrees C. Gel chromatographic analysis revealed the highest mitogenic activity at approximately 35 kD. Of the factors released from activated platelets, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) increased 3H-thymidine incorporation. The mitogenic activity of platelet-released supernatants was decreased by anti-PDGF, and anti-bFGF antibodies. Platelet-released supernatants increased the number of proliferating periosteum-derived cells as determined by the expression pattern of Ki67. Platelet-released supernatants also resulted in a stimulation of cell proliferation in periosteal explants. These results suggest that platelets have the potential to stimulate the mitogenic response of the periosteum during bone repair.

Animals↗

The stable analog carbocyclic TXA2 but not platelet-released TXA2 induces osteoclast-like cell formation.

Thromboxan A(2) (TXA(2)) is the main product of arachidonic acid metabolism in activated platelets. Platelet-released supernatants (PRS) can induce osteoclast-like cell formation in murine bone marrow cultures via a cyclooxygenase (COX)/receptor activator of NF-kB-ligand (RANKL)-dependent pathway. Here we investigated a possible linkage between platelet-released TXA(2) and osteoclastogenesis. The stable analog of TXA(2), carbocyclic TXA(2) (CTXA(2)) can induce the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive multinucleated cells in murine bone marrow cultures via a RANKL-dependent pathway and requires the presence of stromal cells. Interestingly, the platelet-released instable TXA(2) does not account for osteoclastogenic effects as: (a) PRS-induced osteoclastogenesis in the presence of the TXA(2) receptor antagonist SQ29548; (b) inhibition of platelet TXA(2) synthesis by indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid failed to decrease the osteoclastogenic potential of the corresponding supernatants; and (c) CTXA(2)-induced osteoclast-like cell formation independent of indomethacin and the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS398.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Sinus grafting with autogenous platelet-rich plasma and bovine hydroxyapatite. A histomorphometric study in minipigs.

In this study, bovine hydroxyapatite (HA) alone or in combination with activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was examined for its usefulness for single-stage sinus grafting in minipigs. In 12 adult minipigs, Schneider's membrane of 24 sinuses was elevated bilaterally through an extra-oral approach. The material was divided into two groups of 12 sinuses. In one of these groups, the space between Schneider's membrane and the sinus wall was grafted with activated autogenous PRP and HA (PRP side). In the other, HA alone was used for grafting (control side). At the same time two dental implants with a machined surface were inserted into the grafting material through the facial sinus wall. Four animals of each group were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 12 weeks, and undecalcified thin-cut and ground sections (Donath 1988) stained with toluidine blue were prepared. In the facial sinus wall, fewer bone-to-implant contacts were present on the PRP side at 3 and 6 weeks than on the control side. At 12 weeks, the PRP side had caught up with the control side. In grafted bone, contacts on the PRP side were more extensive than on the control side at 3 weeks, had dropped below control side levels at 6 weeks and surpassed these at 12 weeks. This study showed that PRP has a differential effect on osseointegration in grafted bone and local host bone. Combined with HA it was not demonstrably superior to HA alone.

Alveolar Ridge Augmentation↗

Platelet-released supernatants stimulate formation of osteoclast-like cells through a prostaglandin/RANKL-dependent mechanism.

Platelets are activated at fracture sites or upon the insertion of implants as a consequence of vascular disruption and secrete the contents of their granules into the developing hematoma. The regeneration of injured tissue requires bone remodeling and the resorbing activity of osteoclasts. To test our hypothesis that platelets can stimulate osteoclastogenesis, we examined the effects of supernatants released from thrombin-activated platelets on osteoclast-like cell formation in murine bone marrow cultures. Histochemical analysis indicated the presence of bone-resorbing, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells. Transcripts that are characteristically expressed in native osteoclasts were increased in these cultures, as determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. The inhibition of both cyclooxygenases with indomethacin, as well as the addition of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-selective antagonist, NS398, completely blocked osteoclast-like cell formation and decreased endogenous prostaglandin E(2) production. Platelet-released supernatants stimulated the expression of receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), whereas mRNA levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) were decreased. The formation of osteoclast-like cells was prevented by recombinant OPG. Our results suggest that COX-2 activity is necessary for osteoclast-like cell formation in response to platelet-released supernatants, and that endogenously produced prostaglandin E(2) can, in turn, increase the RANKL:OPG ratio, indicating that platelets can contribute to bone remodeling by stimulation of osteoclastogenesis.

Animals↗

Platelets stimulate proliferation of bone cells: involvement of platelet-derived growth factor, microparticles and membranes.

Platelets have been implicated in accelerated bone regeneration in grafting applications. The beneficial effects of platelets may involve their ability to stimulate the proliferation of osteoblasts. We therefore determined the mitogenic response of human trabecular bone-derived cells to human platelets and supernatants of thrombin-activated platelets. We can show a approximately 50-fold increase in DNA-synthesis of bone cells (BC) cultured in the presence of platelets as determined by [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Preventing cell-to-cell contact by a membrane filter did not abrogate the stimulatory effect, indicating the release of soluble factor(s) that are mitogenic for BC. The lipid fraction of the platelets had no effect on [3H]-thymidine uptake into the DNA of BC. Platelet-released supernatant (PRS) increased the rate of [3H]-thymidine incorporation to approximately 20-fold and retained 56% of their activity after incubation at 56 degrees C, and 27% at 100 degrees C, respectively. Neutralizing antibodies raised against platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) partially suppressed the mitogenic potential of PRS. Gel exclusion chromatography analysis showed that molecules ranging from 25 kDa to more than 70 kDa within the PRS can stimulate BC proliferation. The highest amount of PDGF was detected in fractions corresponding to a molecular weight of 28-37 kDa as determined by immunoassay. The mitogenic activity was not restricted to soluble growth factors because microparticles in the PRS and platelet membranes also increased BC proliferation. Our data indicate that native platelets, the respective PRS, microparticles, and platelet membranes can stimulate the mitogenic activity of BC, thereby contributing to the regeneration of mineralized tissue.

Aged↗

BMP-6-induced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal cell lines is not modulated by sex steroids and resveratrol.

Bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6) is a potent inducer of osteogenic differentiation and its expression is stimulated by 17beta-estradiol. The existence of a regulatory loop between sex steroids and BMP-6 is therefore reasonable to hypothesize. Here we determined whether the sex steroids 17beta-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone, and the phytoestrogen resveratrol can modulate BMP-6-induced alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin expression. Mesenchymal cells of murine (osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, preadipogenic ST2 cells, prechondrogenic ATDC5 cell) and human origin (osteosarcoma SaOS and HOS cells, primary bone marrow stromal cells) were cultured in the presence of recombinant BMP-6 under serum-free conditions. BMP-6 dose-, and time-dependently increased alkaline phosphatase activity in murine cell lines, but not in human cells. Osteocalcin expression was also increased upon stimulation with BMP-6. The presence of 17beta-estradiol, dihydrotestosterone, and resveratrol had no effect on BMP-6-induced alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin expression. These data suggest that osteogenic differentiation in response to BMP-6 occurs independent of steroid hormones and resveratrol in mesenchymal cells that express basal receptor levels.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Bone marrow stromal cells can provide a local environment that favors migration and formation of tubular structures of endothelial cells.

Findings suggest that mesenchymal progenitor cells can support the process of blood vessel formation, which may be relevant during granulation tissue formation at defect sites. The aim of this study was to investigate possible mechanisms of the angiogenic process that can be stimulated by mesenchymal progenitor cells. In the in vivo-like model of the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay, we observed blood vessel ingrowth into collagen sponges containing conditioned medium from undifferentiated bone marrow stromal cells. In the Boyden chamber assay, the conditioned medium was chemotactic for human umbilical vascular endothelial cells and human uterus microvascular endothelial cells, and when cells were placed on Matrigel-coated culture dishes, formation of tubular structures was enhanced. The presence of vascular endothelial growth factor-neutralizing antibodies did not affect the outcome of the two in vitro assays. Bone marrow stromal cell-conditioned medium had no effect on proliferation of endothelial cells, as determined by measuring [3H]thymidine incorporation, and on matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression, as evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and gelatin zymography. These data indicate that mesenchymal progenitor cells can provide a local environment that supports the ingrowth of blood vessels into a defect site.

Adult↗