Bioglass/collagen scaffolds combined with bone marrow stromal cells on bone healing in an experimental model in cranial defects in rats.

This study aimed to develop bone regenerative therapeutic strategies, based on the addition of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) on bioglass/collagen (BG/COL) scaffolds. For this purpose, an in vivo study was conducted using tissue response of the BG/COL scaffolds combined with BMSC in a critical-size defects. Wistar rats were submitted to the surgical procedure to perform the cranial critical size bone defects and distributed in four groups (20 animals per group): Control Group (CG) (rats submitted to the cranial bone defect surgery without treatment), Bioglass Group (BG) (rats treated with BG), BG/COL Group (rats treated with BG/COL) and Bioglass/Collagen and BMSC Group (BG/COL/BMSC) (rats treated with BG/COL scaffolds enriched with BMSCs). Animals were euthanized 15 and 30 days after surgery. Scanning electron microscopy, histopathological and immunohistochemistry analysis were used. SEM analysis demonstrated that porous scaffolds were obtained, and Col fibers were successfully impregnated to BG matrices. The implantation of the BMSC on BG/COL based scaffolds was effective in stimulating newly bone formation and produced an increased immunoexpression of markers related to the bone repair. These results highlight the potential of BG/COL scaffolds and BMSCs to be used as a therapeutic approach for bone regeneration.

Marine collagen scaffolds and photobiomodulation on bone healing process in a model of calvaria defects.

INTRODUCTION: Collagen from marine esponges has been used as a promising material for tissue engineering proposals. Similarly, photobiomodulation (PBM) is able of modulating inflammatory processes after an injury, accelerating soft and hard tissue healing and stimulating neoangiogenesis. However, the effects of the associated treatments on bone tissue healing have not been studied yet. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the biological temporal modifications (using two experimental periods) of marine sponge collagen or sponging (SPG) based scaffold and PBM on newly formed bone using a calvaria bone defect model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar rats were distributed into two groups: SPG or SPG/PBM and euthanized into two different experimental periods (15 and 45 days post-surgery). A cranial critical bone defect was used to evaluate the effects of the treatments. Histology, histomorfometry and immunohistological analysis were performed. RESULTS: Histological findings demonstrated that SPG/PBM-treated animals, 45 days post-surgery, demonstrated a higher amount of connective and newly formed bone tissue at the region of the defect compared to CG. Notwithstanding, no difference among groups were observed in the histomorphometry. Interestingly, for both anti-transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunostaining, higher values for SPG/PBM, at 45 days post-surgery could be observed. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the associated treatment can be considered as a promising therapeutical intervention.

Influence of the incorporation of marine spongin into a Biosilicate®: an in vitro study.

The combination of different biomaterials can be a promising intervention for the composites manufacture, mainly by adding functional and structural characteristics of each material and guarantee the advantages of the use of these composites. In this context, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluated the influence of the incorporation of marine spongin (SPG) into Biosilicate® (BS) in different proportions be used during bone repair. For this purpose, it was to develop and investigate different BS/SPG formulations for physico-chemical and morphological characteristics by pH, loss mass, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Additionally, the influence of these composites on cell viability, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were investigated. The results revealed that the pH values of all BS groups (with or without SPG) increased over time. A significant mass loss was observed in all composites, mainly with higher SPG percentages. Additionaly, SEM micrographies demonstrated fibers of SPG into BS and material degradation over time. Moreover, FTIR spectral analysis revealed characteristic peaks of PMMA, BS, and SPG in BS/SPG composites. BS/SPG groups demonstrated a positive effect for fibroblast proliferation after 3 and 7 days of culture. Additionally, BS and BS/SPG formulations (at 10% and 20% of SPG) presented similar values of osteoblasts viability and proliferation after 7 days of culture. Furthermore, ALP activity demonstrated no significant difference between BS and BS/SPG scaffolds, at any composition. Based on the present in vitro results, it can be concluded that the incorporation of SPG into BS was possible and produced an improvement in the physical-chemical characteristics and in the biological performance of the graft especially the formulation with 80/20 and 90/10. Future research should focus on in vivo evaluations of this novel composite.

Characterization and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of a Marine Sponge Biosilica.

Bone fractures characterize an important event in the medical healthcare, being related to traumas, aging, and diseases. In critical conditions, such as extensive bone loss and osteoporosis, the tissue restoration may be compromised and culminate in a non-union consolidation. In this context, the osteogenic properties of biomaterials with a natural origin have gained prominence. Particularly, marine sponges are promising organisms that can be exploited as biomaterials for bone grafts. Thus, the objectives of this study were to study the physicochemical and morphological properties of biosilica (BS) from sponges by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction (SEM, FTIR and XRD respectively), mineralization, and pH. In addition, tests on an osteoblast precursor cell line (MC3T3-E1) were performed to investigate its cytotoxicity and proliferation in presence of BS. Bioglass (BG) was used as gold standard material for comparison purposes. Sponge BS was obtained, and this fact was proven by SEM, FTIR, and XRD analysis. Calcium assay showed a progressive release of this ion from day 7 and a more balanced pH for BS was maintained compared to BG. Cytotoxicity assay indicated that BS had a positive influence on MC3T3-E1 cells viability and qRT-PCR showed that this material stimulated Runx2 and BMP4 gene expressions. Taken together, the results indicate a potential use of sponge biosilica for tissue engineering applications.

Incorporation of Collagen from Marine Sponges (Spongin) into Hydroxyapatite Samples: Characterization and In Vitro Biological Evaluation.

Biomaterial-based bone grafts have an important role in the field of bone tissue engineering. One of the most promising classes of biomaterials is collagen, including the ones from marine biodiversity (in general, called spongin (SPG)). Also, hydroxyapatite (HA) has an important role in stimulating bone metabolism. Therefore, this work investigated the association of HA and SPG composites in order to evaluate their physico-chemical and morphological characteristics and their in vitro biological performance. For this, pre-set composite disks were evaluated by means of mass loss after incubation, pH, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and "in vitro" cell viability. pH measurements showed no statistical difference between groups. Moreover, a higher mass loss was observed for HA/SPG70/30 compared to the other groups for all experimental periods. Moreover, SEM representative micrographs showed the degradation of the samples with and without immersion. FTIR analysis demonstrated the absorption peaks for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), HA, and SPG. A higher L292 cell viability for control and PMMA was observed compared to HA and HA/SPG 90/10. Also, HA/SPG 70/30 showed higher cell viability compared to HA and HA/SPG 90/10 on days 3 and 7 days of culture. Furthermore, HA showed a significant lower MC3T3 cell viability compared to control and HA/SPG 70/30 on day 3 and no significant difference was observed between the composites in the last experimental period. Based on our investigations, it can be concluded that the mentioned composites were successfully obtained, presenting improved biological properties, especially the one mimicking the composition of bone (with 70% of HA and 30% of SPG). Consequently, these data highlight the potential of the introduction of SPG into HA to improve the performance of the graft for bone regeneration applications. Further long-term studies should be carried out to provide additional information concerning the late stages of material degradation and bone healing in the presence of HA/SPG.

Influence of a physical training program on muscle strength, balance and gait velocity among women with osteoporosis

OBJECTIVES: The trend towards increased life expectancy will certainly lead to increases in morbidity and mortality relating to osteoporosis. Because of the lack of well defined protocols on the intensity and frequency of easily performed physical exercises for Brazilian women, this study proposed to analyze the effects of a training program for ankle muscle strength, balance performance and gait velocity among women with a densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis. METHODS: Twelve female volunteers (age 68.7 ± 2.7 years) underwent physical evaluation and subsequent reevaluation after twelve weeks. The physical activity program was guided by a physical therapist, who conducted 60-minute sessions, three times a week for twelve weeks. Each training session included some stretching exercises, strengthening exercises for the ankle dorsiflexor and plantar-flexor muscles, with 50 percent of 10-repetition maximum (10-RM), and balance training. RESULTS: The variables analyzed regarding balance index, gait velocity and muscle strength presented significant improvement (p < 0.05), as shown by the Wilcoxon non-parametric test. CONCLUSION: After the 12-week exercise program, the participants presented benefits in terms of their fitness. The results demonstrate that the training had a role in improving the condition of this group of patients, thus suggesting that this program was effective, easy to implement and safe for Brazilian women with osteoporosis. Therefore, it can be seen that physical activity programs are efficient in improving balance performance, gait velocity and ankle muscle strength among elderly women with osteoporosis.

OBJETIVOS: A tendência de aumento na expectativa de vida certamente representará incrementos na morbidade e na mortalidade em eventos relacionados a osteoporose. Devido à falta de protocolos bem definidos na intensidade e freqüência de exercícios físicos, que sejam fáceis de se realizarem, para mulheres brasileiras, este estudo propôs analisar os efeitos de um programa de treinamento na força muscular do tornozelo, no equilíbrio funcional e na velocidade da marcha de mulheres com diagnóstico densitométrico de osteoporose. MÉTODOS: Doze mulheres voluntárias (idade 68,7 ± 2,7) foram submetidas à avaliação física e, posteriormente, reavaliadas após doze semanas. O programa de atividade física foi orientado por um fisioterapeuta, que trabalhou 60 minutos, 3 vezes por semana, por doze semanas. Cada sessão de treinamento incluiu alguns exercícios de alongamento, fortalecimento muscular dos músculos flexores plantares e dorsiflexores do tornozelo, com 50 por cento de 10-repetições máximas (10-RM) e treino de equilíbrio. RESULTADOS: As variáveis relacionadas ao índice de equilíbrio, à velocidade da marcha e à força muscular apresentaram melhora significativa (p < 0,05), analisadas por meio do teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon. CONCLUSÃO: Após as doze semanas de treinamento, foram observados benefícios no condicionamento das voluntárias. Os resultados demonstram que o treinamento proposto, teve influência na melhora desse grupo de pacientes, sugerindo que o programa foi efetivo, fácil e seguro para mulheres brasileiras portadoras de osteoporose. Portanto, programas de atividade física são eficientes para melhorar o equilíbrio funcional, a velocidade da marcha e a força muscular do tornozelo de mulheres idosas portadoras de osteoporose.

Efeitos de um programa de atividade física na postura hipercifótica torácica, na dorsalgia e na qualidade de vida de mulheres com osteoporose / Effects of a physical exercise program on the thoracic hyperkyphosis posture, on back pain and on quality of life in osteoporotic women

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de um programa de exercicios na postura hipercifotica toracica, na dorsalgia e na qualidade de vida dde mulhres com osteoporose. Sujeitos: 16 mulheres, com idade entre 65 e 75 anos. Os voluntarios foram submetidos a uma avaliacao fisica e a uma avaliacao do grau de cifose e responderam a questionarios para avaliar a dorsalgia, o Br-MPQ, e a qualidade de vida, o OPAQ. O programa foi composto de tres sessoes por semana (com 1 hora de duracao cada), durante 12 semanas. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste nao-parametrico de Wilcoxon. Foram observadas diferencas significativas(p=0,05) no grau de cifose (de 58,19o. +-14,83o. na avaliacao para 55o. +- 13,26o. na reavaliacao), diminuicao significativa na dorsalgia e melhora significativa da qualidade de vida. Os resultados encontrados permitem concluir que o programa de exercicios foi eficiente para melhorar a postura (com diminuicao do grau cifose), reduzir a dorsalgia e melhorar a qualidade de vida das mulheres osteoporoticas. Este estudo atingiu seu objetivo de desenvolver um programa de exercicios eficiente para melhorar alguns dos problemas fisicos presentes em individuos osteoporoticos