Mechanical properties of a biodegradable bone regeneration scaffold.

Poly (Propylene Fumarate) (PPF), a novel, bulk erosion, biodegradable polymer, has been shown to have osteoconductive effects in vivo when used as a bone regeneration scaffold (Peter, S. J., Suggs, L. J., Yaszemski, M. J., Engel, P. S., and Mikos, A. J., 1999, J. Biomater. Sci. Polym. Ed., 10, pp. 363-373). The material properties of the polymer allow it to be injected into irregularly shaped voids in vivo and provide mechanical stability as well as function as a bone regeneration scaffold. We fabricated a series of biomaterial composites, comprised of varying quantities of PPF, NaCl and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), into the shape of right circular cylinders and tested the mechanical properties in four-point bending and compression. The mean modulus of elasticity in compression (Ec) was 1204.2 MPa (SD 32.2) and the mean modulus of elasticity in bending (Eb) was 1274.7 MPa (SD 125.7). All of the moduli were on the order of magnitude of trabecular bone. Changing the level of NaCl from 20 to 40 percent, by mass, did not decrease Ec and Eb significantly, but did decrease bending and compressive strength significantly. Increasing the beta-TCP from 0.25 g/g PPF to 0.5 g/g PPF increased all of the measured mechanical properties of PPF/NVP composites. These results indicate that this biodegradable polymer composite is an attractive candidate for use as a replacement scaffold for trabecular bone.

Biological activity of rhBMP-2 released from PLGA microspheres.

Human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has been proven effective in stimulating the regeneration of bone in both skeletal and extraskeletal locations. Through encapsulation within, and release from, biodegradable poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres, a proven vehicle for sustained delivery of various proteins, the local concentrations of rhBMP-2 could be maintained at optimal levels to stimulate bone regeneration and remodeling at the site of healing in diverse clinical settings. Thus the purpose of this work was to investigate the encapsulation of rhBMP-2 in PLGA microspheres and its biologic activity upon release. Using in vitro tests in simulated body fluids, the effect of rhBMP-2 released from PLGA microspheres upon osteoblast cell cultures was found to be statistically similar to the effect produced by positive controls consisting of nonencapsulated aqueous rhBMP-2 in simulated body fluids. This clarifies an important step in skeletal tissue engineering strategies aimed at the use of encapsulated rhBMP-2 to stimulate bone regeneration and remodeling.

Effects of caloric intake and dietary composition on the development of proteinuria, age-associated renal disease and longevity in the male rat.

The development of age-associated proteinuria and renal disease was studied in groups of male Wistar rats fed 12.5, 25, 50 and 75 kcal of food/day, respectively, and in calorie-restricted (40 kcal/day) rats receiving diets rich in fat, protein or carbohydrate. Proteinuria developed faster, kidneys were larger and the incidence of glomerular lesions and proteinaceous casts was greater in rats eating high calorie diets of 50 kcal/day or more. High protein diets, even when calorie-restricted, increased protein excretion and the incidence of glomerular lesions. In old rats acute food restriction (25 kcal/day) decreased protein excretion by 40% in 1 week, with no further reduction in the 2 week. Life duration was greatest in rats fed 50 kcal/day.

Dietary, caging and temperature factors in the ageing of collagen fibres in rat tail tendon.

The effect of dietary fat, carbohydrate and protein on tail tendon collagen ageing was studied in male Wistar rats. When rats were fed low-calorie diets there was no evidence that the content of carbohydrate, fat or protein affected the ageing of collagen. However, on high-calorie diets there was evidence that high-fat diets (21%) either saturated or unsaturated aged collagen fibres at a faster than low-fat diets (7%). Isolated housing of rats, which is necessary to control food intake, was found to slow the rate of collagen ageing. This effect was associated with reduced tail tendon temperatures.