In vitro evaluation of different organic matrices used to modulate silicon bioavailability.

Silicon (Si) has numerous health properties. It is an element of the extracellular matrix; it is involved in collagen synthesis, bone mineralization, and immune system modulation; and it reduces metal accumulation in Alzheimer's disease and the risk of atherosclerosis. Given its poor intestinal absorption, Si is ingested in the form of orthosilicic acid (OSA) to promote its bioavailability. The aim of this work was to compare different commercial dietary supplements containing stabilized OSA to ascertain their bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and safety in a model of human intestinal epithelium. Biocompatibility with the glycocalyx was also investigated. Supplements containing collagen, maltodextrins, and choline as OSA stabilizers were analyzed. Bioaccessibility was explored by means of an in vitro digestive process. Bioavailability was investigated using a Caco2 cell line alone, or co-culturing with a HT29-MTX cell line. The safety of the compounds tested (in terms of intestinal epithelium integrity) was judged on the grounds of MTS assay, transepithelial electrical resistance, and apparent permeability. The three formulations were also tested in a Caco2 cell model of intestinal glycocalyx Si retention. The choline-formulated OSA formulation outperformed the maltodextrin-stabilized supplement, with a Si bioavailability about 14 times higher (P < .05). The choline-formulated OSA formulation increased cell permeability, with consequent intestinal epithelium disruption. The supplements' absorption and bioavailability (and harmfulness) differed considerably, depending on the OSA stabilizer involved. Of the three formulations tested, the collagen-formulated OSA represents the best Si dietary supplement.

Use of seed priming to improve Cd accumulation and tolerance in Silene sendtneri, novel Cd hyper-accumulator.

Changes in the environment as a result of industrialisation and urbanisation impact negatively on plant growth and crop production. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most dangerous metals that enters the food chain, with toxic effects on plants and human health. This study evaluated the potential of Silene sendtneri as a novel hyperaccumulator and the role of seed priming in tolerance and accumulation rate of Cd. The effect of different priming agents on germination performance, root growth, seedling development, metal uptake and accumulation, antioxidant defences including enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants has been assessed. Seed priming using silicic acid, proline alone or in combination with salicylic acid- enhanced germination, seedling development, and root growth under Cd stress. The same priming treatments induced an increase of water content in shoots and roots when plants were exposed to Cd. The enzymatic antioxidant response was specific for the priming agent used. An increase in ferulic acid and rutin in shoots was related to the increase of Cd concentration in the medium. The concentration of malic and oxalic acid increased significantly in shoots of plants grown on high Cd concentrations compared to low Cd concentrations. Silene sendtneri can accumulate significant levels of Cd with enhanced accumulation rate and tolerance when seeds are primed. The best results are obtained by seed priming using 1% silicic acid, proline and salicylic acid.

Evidence for a regulatory role of diatom silicon transporters in cellular silicon responses.

The utilization of silicon by diatoms has both global and small-scale implications, from oceanic primary productivity to nanotechnological applications of their silica cell walls. The sensing and transport of silicic acid are key aspects of understanding diatom silicon utilization. At low silicic acid concentrations (<30 µM), transport mainly occurs through silicic acid transport proteins (SITs), and at higher concentrations it occurs through diffusion. Previous analyses of the SITs were done either in heterologous systems or without a distinction between individual SITs. In the present study, we examined individual SITs in Thalassiosira pseudonana in terms of transcript and protein abundance in response to different silicic acid regimes and examined knockdown lines to evaluate the role of the SITs in transport, silica incorporation, and lipid accumulation resulting from silicon starvation. SIT1 and SIT2 were localized in the plasma membrane, and protein levels were generally inversely correlated with cellular silicon needs, with a distinct response being found when the two SITs were compared. We developed highly effective approaches for RNA interference and antisense knockdowns, the first such approaches developed for a centric diatom. SIT knockdown differentially affected the uptake of silicon and the incorporation of silicic acid and resulted in the induction of lipid accumulation under silicon starvation conditions far earlier than in the wild-type cells, suggesting that the cells were artificially sensing silicon limitation. The data suggest that the transport role of the SITs is relatively minor under conditions with sufficient silicic acid. Their primary role is to sense silicic acid levels to evaluate whether the cell can proceed with its cell wall formation and division processes.

Effect of silver diamine fluoride and ammonium hexafluorosilicate applications with and without Er:YAG laser irradiation on the microtensile bond strength in sound and caries-affected dentin.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cariostatic and preventive agents are applied to create caries-resistant dentin surfaces and may affect subsequent resin bonding. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different agents with and without Er:YAG laser irradiation on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of resin composite to sound dentin (SD) and caries-affected dentin (CAD), and to assess the morphological and chemical changes in the specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six extracted molar teeth were divided into a control group (deionized water) and two experimental groups (ammonium hexafluorosilicate [SiF], silver diamine fluoride [SDF]), that subdivided according to different conditions (SD, CAD, SD+laser irradiation, CAD+laser irradiation). After treatment procedures, the teeth were restored and the µTBS was tested with a universal testing machine. Morover, 144 teeth were prepared and after treatment modalities; morphological changes of the surface were investigated and elemental analyses were performed using scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: SDF and SiF applications reduced the µTBS values in both the SD and CAD subgroups (P < 0.05). Laser irradiation increased the µTBS values in the SiF group and the values were adversely affected in the SDF group (P < 0.05). Fluoride content of the specimens increased in all of the treatment groups, compared with the control group. Silver content was detected only in the SDF group, and silicon was detected only in the SiF group. CONCLUSIONS: The µTBS values of resin composite, surface morphology and chemical characteristics of dentin were affected by the material type, dentin condition and laser irradiation and the use of SiF and SDF solutions under the resin restorations do not seem appropriate.

The effect of desensitizing dentifrices on dentin wear and tubule occlusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of desensitizing dentifrices on dentin erosive wear, using a 5-day erosion-abrasion-remineralization cycling model. The effect of the dentifrices on dentin's tubule occlusion was also investigated. METHODS: 30 samples of root dentin were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): (1) Colgate Total 12 Clean Mint (control, 1,450 ppm F); (2) Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief (1,450 ppm F, Pro-Argin); and (3) Sensodyne Repair&Protect (1,450 ppm F, Novamin). Erosion was performed with a cola drink, for 5 minutes, 4x/day. Toothbrushing with the slurry dentifrices (1:2) was performed 2x/day, with electric toothbrushes, using standard pressure for 15 seconds. Surface loss (SL) was determined with optical profilometry at baseline and after the first, third and fifth days of cycling. Before treatment and in the end of the cycling, the amount of opened dentin tubules per area was evaluated in three randomly selected specimens from each group, by environmental scanning electron microscopy. The relative dentin abrasitivity (RDA) of the dentifrices was also measured. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). RESULTS: All the dentifrices showed a progressive increase in SL over time. However, no significant differences in SL among the dentifrices were observed at any time studied. Sensodyne Repair&Protect significantly reduced the number of opened dentin tubules when compared to the other groups. Colgate Total 12 Clean Mint showed the highest RDA, followed by Sensodyne Repair&Protect and then by Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief. The desensitizing dentifrices tested produced a similar rate of erosive dentin wear to the conventional dentifrice; however, only Sensodyne Repair&Protect was able to promote tubule occlusion.

Lithiated porous silicon nanowires stimulate periodontal regeneration.

Periodontal disease is a significant burden for oral health, causing progressive and irreversible damage to the support structure of the tooth. This complex structure, the periodontium, is composed of interconnected soft and mineralised tissues, posing a challenge for regenerative approaches. Materials combining silicon and lithium are widely studied in periodontal regeneration, as they stimulate bone repair via silicic acid release while providing regenerative stimuli through lithium activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Yet, existing materials for combined lithium and silicon release have limited control over ion release amounts and kinetics. Porous silicon can provide controlled silicic acid release, inducing osteogenesis to support bone regeneration. Prelithiation, a strategy developed for battery technology, can introduce large, controllable amounts of lithium within porous silicon, but yields a highly reactive material, unsuitable for biomedicine. This work debuts a strategy to lithiate porous silicon nanowires (LipSiNs) which generates a biocompatible and bioresorbable material. LipSiNs incorporate lithium to between 1% and 40% of silicon content, releasing lithium and silicic acid in a tailorable fashion from days to weeks. LipSiNs combine osteogenic, cementogenic and Wnt/ß-catenin stimuli to regenerate bone, cementum and periodontal ligament fibres in a murine periodontal defect.

Silicon impacts collagen remodelling and mineralization by human dental pulp stem cells in 3D pulp-like matrices.

OBJECTIVES: Silicon-releasing biomaterials are widely used in the field of dentistry. However, unlike bone, very little is known about the role of silicon on dental tissue formation and repair. This study investigates the influence of silicic acid on the survival, differentiation and mineralizing ability of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) in 3D pulp-like environments METHODS: Dense type I collagen hydrogels seeded with hDPSCs were cultured over 4 weeks in the presence of silicic acid at physiological (10 µM) and supraphysiological (100 µM) concentrations. Cell viability and proliferation were studied by Alamar Blue and live/dead staining. The collagen network was investigated using second harmonic generation imaging. Mineral deposition was monitored by histology and scanning electron microscopy. Gene expression of mineralization- and matrix remodeling-associated proteins was studied by qPCR. RESULTS: Presence of silicic acid did not show any significant influence on cell survival, metabolic activity and gene expression of key mineralization-related proteins (ALP, OCN, BSP). However, it induced enhanced cell clustering and delayed expression of matrix remodeling-associated proteins (MMP13, Col I). OPN expression and mineral deposition were inhibited at 100 µM. It could be inferred that silicic acid has no direct cellular effect but rather interacts with the collagen network, leading to a modification of the cell-matrix interface. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results offer advanced insights on the possible role of silicic acid, as released by pulp capping calcium silicates biomaterials, in reparative dentine formation. More globally, these results interrogate the possible role of Si in pulp pathophysiology.

From promoting aggregation to enhancing obstruction: A negative feedback regulatory mechanism of alleviation of trivalent chromium toxicity by silicon in rice.

Trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] is a threat to the environment and crop production. Silicon (Si) has been shown to be effective in mitigating Cr(III) toxicity in rice. However, the mechanisms by which Si reduces Cr(III) uptake in rice are unclear. Herein, we hypothesized that the ability of Si to obstruct Cr(III) diffusion via apoplastic bypass is related to silicic acid polymerization, which may be affected by Cr(III) in rice roots. To test this hypothesis, we employed hydroponics experiments on rice (Oryza sativa L.) and utilized apoplastic bypass tracer techniques, as well as model simulations, to investigate 1) the effect of Si on Cr(III) toxicity and its obstruction capacity via apoplastic bypass, 2) the effect of Cr(III) on silicic acid polymerization, and 3) the relationship between the degree of silicic acid polymerization and its Cr(III) obstruction capacity. We found that Si reversed the damage caused by Cr(III) stress in rice. Si exerted an obstruction effect in the apoplast, significantly decreasing the share of Cr(III) uptake via the apoplastic bypass from 18% to 11%. Moreover, Cr(III) reduced silica particles' radii and increased Si concentration in roots. Modeling revealed that a 5-fold reduction in their radii decreased the diffusion of Cr(III) in apoplast by approximately 17%. We revealed that Cr(III) promoted silicic acid polymerization, resulting in the formation of a higher number of Si particles with a smaller radius in roots, which in turn increased the ability of Si to obstruct Cr(III) diffusion. This negative feedback regulatory mechanism is novel and crucially important for maintaining homeostasis in rice, unveiling the unique role of Si under Cr(III) ion stress and providing a theoretical basis for promoting the use of Si fertilizer in the field.

Ortho-silicic Acid Plays a Protective Role in Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis via the Akt/Bad Signal Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) has been the most common form of secondary osteoporosis. Glucocorticoids (GCs) can induce osteocyte and osteoblast apoptosis. Plenty of research has verified that silicon intake would positively affect bone. However, the effects of silicon on GIOP are not investigated. In this study, we assessed the impact of ortho-silicic acid (OSA) on Dex-induced apoptosis of osteocytes by cell apoptosis assays. The apoptosis-related genes, cleaved-caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax, were detected by western blotting. Then, we evaluated the possible role of OSA on osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis with Dex using Alizarin red staining and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. We also detected the related genes by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. We then established the GIOP mouse model to evaluate the potential role of OSA in vivo. We found that OSA showed no cytotoxic on osteocytes below 50 µM and prevented MLO-Y4 from Dex-induced apoptosis. We also found that OSA promoted osteogenesis and inhibited osteoclastogenesis with Dex. OSA had a protective effect on GIOP mice via the Akt signal pathway in vivo. In the end, we verified the Akt/Bad signal pathway in vitro, which showed the same results. Our finding demonstrated that OSA could protect osteocytes from apoptosis induced by GCs both in vitro and in vivo. Also, it promoted osteogenesis and inhibited osteoclastogenesis with the exitance of Dex. In conclusion, OSA has the potential value as a therapeutic agent for GIOP.

Effect of silicon deficiency on secondary cell wall synthesis in rice leaf.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a typical Si-accumulating plant and is able to accumulate Si up to >10 % of shoot dry weight. The cell wall has been reported to become thicker under Si-deficient condition. To clarify the relationship between Si accumulation and cell wall components, the physical properties of, and macromolecular components and Si content in, the pectic, hemicellulosic, and cellulosic fractions prepared from rice seedlings grown in hydroponics with or without 1.5 mM silicic acid were analyzed. In the absence of Si (the -Si condition), leaf blades drooped, but physical properties were enhanced. Sugar content in the cellulosic fraction and lignin content in the total cell wall increased under -Si condition. After histochemical staining, there was an increase in cellulose deposition in short cells and the cell layer just beneath the epidermis in the -Si condition, but no significant change in the pattern of lignin deposition. Expression of the genes involved in secondary cell wall synthesis, OsCesA4, OsCesA7, OsPAL, OsCCR1 and OsCAD6 was up-regulated under -Si condition, but expression of OsCesA1, involved in primary cell wall synthesis, did not increase. These results suggest that an increase in secondary cell wall components occurs in rice leaves to compensate for Si deficiency.

Antibacterial activity of ammonium hexafluorosilicate solution with antimicrobial agents for the prevention of dentin caries.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of the SiF solution with the addition of antibacterial agents on a Streptococcus mutans biofilm. METHODS: Various antibacterial SiF solutions were prepared by adding chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, isopropyl methylphenol, or epigallocatechin gallate. Hydroxyapatite pellets treated with several SiF solutions were immersed in BHI inoculated with S. mutans standardized suspension. The number of S. mutans cells adhered to each pellet was evaluated. RESULTS: SiF with the addition of CPC was the most effective for reducing the adherence of bacteria and inhibiting the formation ofbiofilm, showing the same level as AgF, In contrast, the addition of other antibacterial agents to SiF reduced the original antibacterial activity of SiF solution.

Effect of fluoride dentifrices on the microhardness of deciduous enamel surfaces.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in the enamel surface microhardness following the application of various suspensions of Crest and Pooneh toothpastes with and without fluoride. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six enamel blocks of primary incisors were exposed to a pH-cycling regime consisting of demineralisation and remineralisation solution, then suspensions of the dentifrices Crest 1100, Crest 500, Pooneh 500, Pooneh without fluoride. Changes of the enamel surface microhardness in pre-demineralisation (initial), post-demineralisation (demineralised) and post-remineralisation (final) stages were measured for four groups and were analysed using the Student t test and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The percentages of changes in surface microhardness for Crest 1100, Crest 500, Pooneh 500 and Pooneh without fluoride were 45.4, 35.4, 28.6 and 23.7, respectively. CONCLUSION: Average changes of surface microhardness for Crest 1100 were significantly higher than Crest 500, Pooneh 500 and Pooneh without fluoride.

Anti-HepG-2 cell properties of rare earth tungstosilicic polyoxometalates containing 5-fluorouracil.

Two novel rare earth tungstosilicic polyoxometalate containing 5-fluorouracil, K26 (C4 H4 FN2O2)8Pr (SiW11 O39)4 x 10H2O (FPSW) and K26(C4H4FN2O2)8Sm(SiW11O39)4 x 9H2O (FSSW), were synthesized and their structure were characterized by using elemental analysis, FTIR spectra, X-ray powder diffraction and TG. The antitumor activity tests of the compounds FPSW and FSSW were carried out by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium method in hepatocellular carcinoma cell HepG-2. The results showed that FPSW and FSSW could inhibit the HepG-2 cells in vitro significantly. The EC50 of FPSW and FSSW is 1.94 x 10(-5) and 1.32 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) respectively. The therapeutic index of FPSW and FSSW is 0.76 and 1.58 respectively.

Elevated ozone phytotoxicity ameliorations in mung bean {Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek} by foliar nebulization of silicic acid and ascorbic acid.

The present work provides an insight into the development of biochemical adaptations in mung beans against ozone (O3) toxicity. The study aims to explore the O3 stress tolerance potential of mung bean genotypes under exogenous application of growth regulators. The seeds of twelve mung bean genotypes were grown in plastic pots under controlled conditions in the glasshouse. Six treatments, control (ambient ozone level 40-45 ppb), ambient O3 with ascorbic acid, ambient ozone with silicic acid, elevated ozone (120 ppb), elevated O3 with ascorbic acid (10 mM), and elevated ozone with silicic acid (0.1 mM) were applied. The O3 fumigation was carried out using an O3 generator. The results revealed that ascorbic acid and silicic acid application decreased the number of plants with foliar O3 injury symptoms in different degrees, i.e., zero, first, second, third, and fourth degrees; whereas 0-4 degree symptoms represent, no symptoms, symptoms occupying < 1/4, 1/4-1/2, 1/2-3/4, and > 3/4 of the total foliage area, respectively. Application of ascorbic acid and silicic acid also prevented the plants from the negative effects of O3 in terms of fresh as well as dry matter production, leaf chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble proteins and ascorbic acid, proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Overall, silicic acid application proved more effective in reducing the negative effects of O3 on mung bean genotypes as compared to that of the ascorbic acid. Three mung bean genotypes (NM 20-21, NM-2006, and NM-2016) were identified to have a better adaptive mechanism for O3 toxicity tolerance and may be good candidates for future variety development programs.

Inhibition of rat synaptic membrane Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases by 12-tungstosilicic and 12-tungstophosphoric acid.

The in vitro influence of Keggin structure polyoxotungstates, 12-tungstosilicic acid, H(4)SiW(12)O(40) (WSiA) and 12-tungstophosphoric acid, H(3)PW(12)O(40) (WPA), and monomer Na(2)WO(4) × 2H(2)O on rat synaptic plasma membrane (SPM) Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and E-NTPDase activity was studied, whereas the commercial porcine cerebral cortex Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase served as a reference. Dose-dependent Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition was obtained for all investigated compounds. Calculated IC(50) (10 min) values, in mol/l, for SPM/commercial Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, were: 3.4 × 10(-6)/4.3 × 10(-6), 2.9 × 10(-6)/3.1 × 10(-6) and 1.3 × 10(-3)/1.5 × 10(-3) for WSiA, WPA and Na(2)WO(4) × 2H(2)O, respectively. In the case of E-NTPDase, increasing concentrations of WSiA and WPA induced its activity reduction, while Na(2)WO(4) × 2H(2)O did not noticeably affect the enzyme activity at all investigated concentrations (up to 1 × 10(-3)mol/l). IC(50) (10 min) values, obtained from the inhibition curves, were (in mol/l): 4.1 × 10(-6) for WSiA and 1.6 × 10(-6) for WPA. Monolacunary Keggin anion was found as the main active molecular species present under physiological conditions (in the enzyme assays, pH 7.4), for the both polyoxotungstates solutions (1 mmol/l), using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, commercial porcine cerebral cortex Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase was exposed to the mixture of Na(2)WO(4) × 2H(2)O and WSiA at different concentrations. Additive inhibition effect was achieved for lower concentrations of Na(2)WO(4) × 2H(2)O/WSiA (≤ 1 × 10(-3)/4 × 10(-6) mol/l), while antagonistic effect was obtained for all higher concentrations of the inhibitors.

Enamel protection: a comparison of marketed dentifrice performance against dental erosion.

PURPOSE: To determine the relative ability of various marketed toothpastes formulated with either stabilized stannous fluoride (SnF2), sodium fluoride (NaF), or sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP) to protect human enamel against the initiation and progression of damage due to dietary acid attack, using a laboratory erosion cycling model. METHODS: Cores of ground and polished enamel from extracted human teeth were soaked in pooled, human saliva (pellicle formation) and then subjected to erosion cycling conditions that included exposure of tooth specimens to: (1) treatments in a 1:3 slurry (w/w) of toothpastes and saliva; and (2) acid challenges using either citric acid (Study 1) or both citric and phosphoric acids (Study 2). These acids represent potentially damaging acids found in common food and drinks. Upon completion of treatments, specimens were analyzed with regard to the depth of tooth mineral removed from exposed areas of the treated specimens over the course of the study. Two studies were conducted: Study 1 included a marketed, stabilized SnF2 toothpaste vs. marketed NaF toothpastes; Study 2 tested the same stabilized SnF2 product compared to a marketed SMFP toothpaste and a NaF control. RESULTS: The stabilized SnF2 toothpaste included in these studies demonstrated a highly significant reduction in enamel surface loss, relative to the control, in each study: Study 1 = 65% reduction; Study 2 = 58% reduction when using citric acid and 84% reduction when using phosphoric acid. Products formulated with NaF resulted in a net loss of between +1% and -21%, with none of the NaF toothpastes performing significantly different from the control (P<0.05, ANOVA). For the SMFP product included in Study 2, results were also not significantly different from the NaF control. In both studies, the stabilized SnF2 paste demonstrated a highly significant level of protection compared to all other test groups included in the study, regardless of the type of dietary acid challenge considered.

Occlusion of dentin tubules with antibacterial ammonium hexafluorosilicate solution for the prevention of dentin caries.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the degree of penetration of an ammonium hexafluorosilicate [SiF: (NH4)2SiF6] solution containing various antibacterial agents into dentin and the depth of dentin tubule occlusion by the precipitate. METHODS: Various antibacterial SiF solutions were prepared with the addition to chlorhexidine (CHX), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), isopropyl methylphenol (IPMP), or epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), respectively. Two types of dentin disks were prepared from extracted teeth. One was a dentin surface covered with a smear layer, and the other treated with EDTA for 2 minutes to remove the smear layer and open dentin tubules. Then, the disks were treated with SiF solution with or without antibacterial agents for 3 minutes. The dentin surface and a longitudinally divided surface were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) immediately after SiF treatment and after immersion in synthetic saliva for 7 days. RESULTS: SEM photographs demonstrated that dentin tubules after treatment with SiF were occluded homogeneously and similar to those on conventional SiF treatment regardless of the addition of an antibacterial agent. However, the depth of occlusion became significantly shallower when SiF was applied to dentin specimens covered with a smear layer.

Inhibitory effects of orthosilicic acid on osteoclastogenesis in RANKL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

Numerous studies have reported on the positive effects of silicon (Si) on bone metabolism, particularly on the stimulatory effects of Si on osteoblast cells and on bone formation. Inhibitory effects of Si on osteoclast formation and bone resorption have also been demonstrated in vitro and are suggested to be mediated indirectly via stromal and osteoblast cells. Direct effects of Si on osteoclasts have been less studied and mostly using soluble Si, but no characterisation of the Si treatment solutions are provided. The aims of the present study were to (a) further investigate the direct inhibitory effects of Si on osteoclastogenesis in RANKL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, (b) determine at what stage during osteoclastogenesis Si acts upon, and (c) determine if these effects can be attributed to the biologically relevant soluble orthosilicic acid specie. Our results demonstrate that silicon, at 50 µg/ml (or 1.8 mM), does not affect cell viability but directly inhibits the formation of TRAP+ multinucleated cells and the expression of osteoclast phenotypic genes in RAW264.7 cells. The inhibitory effect of Si was clearly associated with the early stages (first 24 hr) of osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, these effects can be attributed to the soluble orthosilicic acid specie.

Ortho-silicic acid enhances osteogenesis of osteoblasts through the upregulation of miR-130b which directly targets PTEN.

AIMS: Osteoporosis is considered a common skeletal disease. Ortho-silicic acid has been found to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts. However, the molecular mechanism of osteogenesis induced by ortho-silicic acid is still undefined totally. MicroRNAs (miRs) play a key role in osteogenesis of osteoblasts. This study investigated the role of miR-130b in promoting osteogenesis induced by ortho-silicic acid. MAIN METHODS AND KEY FINDINGS: In this study, we found ortho-silicic acid enhanced osteogenesis of osteoblasts in vitro and promoted preventing and treating osteoporosis in vivo. Furthermore, the expression of miR-130b increased under application of ortho-silicic acid. In vitro, experiments demonstrated miR-130b overexpression or inhibition significantly promoted or suppressed osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts under application of ortho-silicic acid, respectively. Consistently, downregulation of miR-130b in ovariectomy (OVX) rats dropped off the beneficial effect of ortho-silicic acid against bone loss. Mechanistically, we identified phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on human chromosome 10 (PTEN) as the direct target of miR-130b during osteogenesis induced by ortho-silicic acid. SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, our findings reveal that ortho-silicic acid promotes the osteogenesis of osteoblasts mediated by the miR-130b/PTEN signaling axis, which identifies a new target to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of dentifrices on human oral bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: In vitro testing of antimicrobial agents is an important tool in the testing hierarchy, and may provide interesting insights into their potential clinical efficacy. Agents with demonstrable in vitro antimicrobial activity may be effective against the same microorganisms in vivo, whereas agents without demonstrable in vitro antimicrobial activity are unlikely to exhibit in vivo antimicrobial activity. In addition, these methods may also be useful in screening antimicrobial agents in product formulations because such agents with both in vitro and in vivo activity may have reduced antimicrobial effects when formulated into a dentifrice. Accordingly, this study examined the in vitro and ex vivo antimicrobial activity of three commercial dentifrices: one formulated with 0.243% sodium fluoride (Crest Cavity Protection Toothpaste-Regular); one with 0.454% stannous fluoride, sodium hexametaphosphate, and zinc lactate (Crest Pro-Health), and one with 0.3% triclosan, 2.0% PVM/MA copolymer, and 0.243% sodium fluoride (Colgate Total). METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each dentifrice was determined for resident oral bacterial species, including bacteria that are associated with dental caries; periodontitis, and oral halitosis. Evaluations were performed on individual laboratory strains, and on oral bacteria from supragingival plaque samples obtained from 10 adults and from oral rinse samples obtained from 18 adults. RESULTS: The lowest MICs against the oral strains and human samples, i.e., greatest antimicrobial activity, were seen for the triclosan/ copolymer dentifrice. There was, in general, a four-fold difference in MICs between the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice and the stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate/zinc lactate dentifrice. The triclosan/copolymer dentifrice significantly inhibited periodontal pathogens, such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Eikenella corrodens, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. In ex vivo tests measuring antimicrobial effects, the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice substantially inhibited bacterial growth after 30-, 60-, and 120-second exposures compared to the sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate/zinc lactate dentifrices. Similarly, in ex vivo tests measuring antimicrobial effects on supragingival plaque biofilms, the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice substantially inhibited bacterial growth compared to the other test dentifrices. CONCLUSION: Different in vitro and ex vivo analyses show that the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice has significant antimicrobial activity on oral bacteria, including species causing dental caries, periodontitis, and oral halitosis, and it provides superior efficacy compared to the stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate/zinc lactate dentifrice.