Reduced expression of Sfrp1 during chondrogenesis and in articular chondrocytes correlates with osteoarthritis in STR/ort mice.

To circumvent the problems of genetic and environmental diversity hampering the analysis in humans, we turned to a murine model for human knee osteoarthritis (OA) and fine mapped a previously defined OA-quantitative trait locus (QTL). We here focused on one of the candidate genes within the OA-QTL encoding the Wnt antagonist secreted frizzled related protein 1 (Sfrp1). Sequence analysis of the Sfrp1 gene in the OA strain STR/ort revealed 23 polymorphic changes with a potential to alter the gene expression. Indeed, a reduced expression in STR/ort mice was demonstrated for articular chondrocytes and hypertrophic chondrocytes of the femoral growth plate as shown by immunohistochemistry. RT-PCR of in vitro generated mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and chondrogenically differentiated MSC (cMSC) confirmed the reduced Sfrp1 expression in STR/ort mice. This reduced Sfrp1 expression in MSC correlated with an increased amount of cytoplasmic ß-catenin, a downregulation of the Wnt target gene PPARγ and an upregulation of Runx2 as well as a preferential differentiation of the MSC along the osteoblasts lineage. Given the role of Wnt signalling during chondrogenesis and in maintaining the integrity of the long lived articular chondrocytes, we conclude from our results that the reduced Sfrp1 expression in STR/ort mice not only leads to an increased activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling early in life but also renders the articular cartilage prone to premature ageing and to the development of OA.

High bone mass in the STR/ort mouse results from increased bone formation and impaired bone resorption and is associated with extramedullary hematopoiesis.

We here describe the novel high bone mass phenotype in STR/ort mice that leads to increased bone masses of cortical and trabecular bone and is associated with elevated osteoblast activity and impaired osteoclast function alike. Comparison of STR/ort and C57BL/6 mice reveals an increase in trabecular bone volumes of the vertebrae and at femoral metaphysis. In the females, this difference is significant as early as 2 months of age and at 9 months the females by far exceed their age matched males in all parameters measured. The increase in cortical bone mass at femoral diaphysis results from an apposition to the endosteal surface, it is significant for both sexes as early as 1 month of age and leads to bone marrow compression and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Altered activities of both, the osteoblast and the osteoclast contribute to the high bone mass and collectively this phenotype supports a multifactorial pathogenesis. Moreover, the spontaneous development of osteoarthritis in male STR/ort mice is suggestive of a tight correlation between trabecular bone mass and the development of degenerative changes of the articular cartilage.

Differentiation capacity of human chondrocytes embedded in alginate matrix.

Healing capacity of cartilage is low. Thus, cartilage defects do not regenerate as hyaline but mostly as fibrous cartilage which is a major drawback since this tissue is not well adapted to the mechanical loading within the joint. During in vitro cultivation in monolayers, chondrocytes proliferate and de-differentiate to fibroblasts. In three-dimensional cell cultures, de-differentiated chondrocytes could re-differentiate toward the chondrogenic lineage and re-express the chondrogenic phenotype. The objective of this study was to characterize the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) potential of human chondrocytes isolated from articular cartilage. Furthermore, the differentiation capacity of human chondrocytes in three-dimensional cell cultures was analyzed to target differentiation direction into hyaline cartilage. After isolation and cultivation of chondrogenic cells, the expression of the MSC-associated markers: cluster of differentiation (CD)166, CD44, CD105, and CD29 was performed by flow cytometry. The differentiation capacity of human chondrocytes was analyzed in alginate matrix cultured in Dulbecco?s modified eagle medium with (chondrogenic stimulation) and without (control) chondrogenic growth factors. Additionally, the expression of collagen type II, aggrecan, and glycosaminoglycans was determined. Cultivated chondrocytes showed an enhanced expression of the MSC-associated markers with increasing passages. After chondrogenic stimulation in alginate matrix, the chondrocytes revealed a significant increase of cell number compared with unstimulated cells. Further, a higher synthesis rate of glycosaminoglycans and a positive collagen type II and aggrecan immunostaining was detected in stimulated alginate beads. Human chondrocytes showed plasticity whilst cells were encapsulated in alginate and stimulated by growth factors. Stimulated cells demonstrated characteristics of chondrogenic re-differentiation due to collagen type II and aggrecan synthesis.

In Vitro Analysis of the Differentiation Capacity of Postmortally Isolated Human Chondrocytes Influenced by Different Growth Factors and Oxygen Levels.

OBJECTIVE: In the present in vitro study, we analyzed the chondrogenic differentiation capacity of human chondrocytes postmortally isolated from unaffected knee cartilage by the addition of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and/or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and different oxygen levels. DESIGN: After 14 and 35 days, DNA concentrations and protein contents of Col1, Col2, aggrecan as well as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) of chondrocytes cultivated as pellet cultures were analyzed. Additionally, expression rates of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-associated differentiation markers were assessed in monolayer cultures. RESULTS: All cultivated chondrocytes were found to be CD29+/CD44+/CD105+/CD166+. Chondrocytic pellets stimulated with TGF-ß1 showed enhanced synthesis rates of hyaline cartilage markers and reduced expression of the non-hyaline cartilage marker Col1 under hypoxic culture conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results underline the substantial chondrogenic potential of human chondrocytes postmortally isolated from unaffected articular knee cartilage especially in case of TGF-ß1 administration.

Direct influence of titanium and zirconia particles on the morphology and functionality of mature human osteoclasts.

Within the last ten years of biomedical implants, the focus is increasingly on bioceramics, specifically on zirconia (ZrO2 ). Hence, we analyzed the impact of ZrO2 particles in comparison to titanium particles on mature human osteoclasts (OCs) as little is known about the direct effect of wear particles on mature OCs and their role in the osteolytic process during aseptic endoprosthesis loosening. Changes in cell morphology and functionality of OCs incubated with particles in different concentrations were investigated in vitro. OCs tend to be enlarged after three days of cultivation with both types of particles, especially with high concentrations of ZrO2 , suggesting increased cell fusion. Further, we identified significantly increased expression of OC specific and bone matrix related genes: VNR, RANK, TRAP, and CTSK pointing on a direct stimulatory particle effect on the functionality of mature OCs. In completion, we quantified the bone resorption activity of particle treated mature OCs but could not detect a significant difference in bone resorption compared to OCs cultivated without particles. However, we could identify significantly higher gene expression of MMP-1 in particle treated OCs compared to untreated control OCs after three days of incubation. We also detected an impaired production of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase, especially for OCs treated with high ZrO2 concentrations. In conclusion, our in vitro data show that abrasion particles could have a direct influence on mature OCs and therefore could promote increased OC-mediated bone resorption during aseptic loosening of total joint replacements. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2608-2615, 2017.

Co-Culture of S. epidermidis and Human Osteoblasts on Implant Surfaces: An Advanced In Vitro Model for Implant-Associated Infections.

OBJECTIVES: Total joint arthroplasty is one of the most frequent and effective surgeries today. However, despite improved surgical techniques, a significant number of implant-associated infections still occur. Suitable in vitro models are needed to test potential approaches to prevent infection. In the present study, we aimed to establish an in vitro co-culture setup of human primary osteoblasts and S. epidermidis to model the onset of implant-associated infections, and to analyze antimicrobial implant surfaces and coatings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For initial surface adhesion, human primary osteoblasts (hOB) were grown for 24 hours on test sample discs made of polystyrene, titanium alloy Ti6Al4V, bone cement PALACOS R®, and PALACOS R® loaded with antibiotics. Co-cultures were performed as a single-species infection on the osteoblasts with S. epidermidis (multiplicity of infection of 0.04), and were incubated for 2 and 7 days under aerobic conditions. Planktonic S. epidermidis was quantified by centrifugation and determination of colony-forming units (CFU). The quantification of biofilm-bound S. epidermidis on the test samples was performed by sonication and CFU counting. Quantification of adherent and vital primary osteoblasts on the test samples was performed by trypan-blue staining and counting. Scanning electron microscopy was used for evaluation of topography and composition of the species on the sample surfaces. RESULTS: After 2 days, we observed approximately 104 CFU/ml biofilm-bound S. epidermidis (103 CFU/ml initial population) on the antibiotics-loaded bone cement samples in the presence of hOB, while no bacteria were detected without hOB. No biofilm-bound bacteria were detectable after 7 days in either case. Similar levels of planktonic bacteria were observed on day 2 with and without hOB. After 7 days, about 105 CFU/ml planktonic bacteria were present, but only in the absence of hOB. Further, no bacteria were observed within the biofilm, while the number of hOB was decreased to 10% of its initial value compared to 150% in the mono-culture of hOB. CONCLUSION: We developed a co-culture setup that serves as a more comprehensive in vitro model for the onset of implant-associated infections and provides a test method for antimicrobial implant materials and coatings. We demonstrate that observations can be made that are unavailable from mono-culture experiments.

Influence of Different Three-Dimensional Open Porous Titanium Scaffold Designs on Human Osteoblasts Behavior in Static and Dynamic Cell Investigations.

In the treatment of osseous defects micro-structured three-dimensional materials for bone replacement serve as leading structure for cell migration, proliferation and bone formation. The scaffold design and culture conditions are crucial for the limited diffusion distance of nutrients and oxygen. In static culture, decreased cell activity and irregular distribution occur within the scaffold. Dynamic conditions entail physical stimulation and constant medium perfusion imitating physiological nutrient supply and metabolite disposal. Therefore, we investigated the influence of different scaffold configurations and cultivation methods on human osteoblasts. Cells were seeded on three-dimensional porous Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds manufactured with selective laser melting (SLM) or electron beam melting (EBM) varying in porosity, pore size and basic structure (cubic, diagonal, pyramidal) and cultured under static and dynamic conditions. Cell viability, migration and matrix production were examined via mitochondrial activity assay, fluorescence staining and ELISA. All scaffolds showed an increasing cell activity and matrix production under static conditions over time. Expectations about the dynamic culture were only partially fulfilled, since it enabled proliferation alike the static one and enhanced cell migration. Overall, the SLM manufactured scaffold with the highest porosity, small pore size and pyramidal basic structure proved to be the most suitable structure for cell proliferation and migration.

Positive impact of IGF-1-coupled nanoparticles on the differentiation potential of human chondrocytes cultured on collagen scaffolds.

PURPOSE: In the present study, silica nanoparticles (sNP) coupled with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were loaded on a collagen-based scaffold intended for cartilage repair, and the influence on the viability, proliferation, and differentiation potential of human primary articular chondrocytes was examined. METHODS: Human chondrocytes were isolated from the hyaline cartilage of patients (n=4, female, mean age: 73±5.1 years) undergoing primary total knee joint replacement. Cells were dedifferentiated and then cultivated on a bioresorbable collagen matrix supplemented with fluorescent sNP coupled with IGF-1 (sNP-IGF-1). After 3, 7, and 14 days of cultivation, cell viability and integrity into the collagen scaffold as well as metabolic cell activity and synthesis rate of matrix proteins (collagen type I and II) were analyzed. RESULTS: The number of vital cells increased over 14 days of cultivation, and the cells were able to infiltrate the collagen matrix (up to 120 µm by day 7). Chondrocytes cultured on the collagen scaffold supplemented with sNP-IGF-1 showed an increase in metabolic activity (5.98-fold), and reduced collagen type I (1.58-fold), but significantly increased collagen type II expression levels (1.53-fold; P=0.02) after 7 days of cultivation compared to 3 days. In contrast, chondrocytes grown in a monolayer on plastic supplemented with sNP-IGF-1 had significantly lower metabolic activity (1.32-fold; P=0.007), a consistent amount of collagen type I, and significantly reduced collagen type II protein expression (1.86-fold; P=0.001) after 7 days compared to 3 days. CONCLUSION: Collagen-based scaffolds enriched with growth factors, such as IGF-1 coupled to nanoparticles, represent an improved therapeutic intervention for the targeted and controlled treatment of articular cartilage lesions.

Surface modifications of dental ceramic implants with different glass solder matrices: in vitro analyses with human primary osteoblasts and epithelial cells.

Ceramic materials show excellent esthetic behavior, along with an absence of hypersensitivity, making them a possible alternative implant material in dental surgery. However, their surface properties enable only limited osseointegration compared to titanium implants. Within this study, a novel surface coating technique for enhanced osseointegration was investigated biologically and mechanically. Specimens of tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP) and aluminum toughened zirconia (ATZ) were modified with glass solder matrices in two configurations which mainly consisted of SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, and Na2O. The influence on human osteoblastic and epithelial cell viability was examined by means of a WST-1 assay as well as live/dead staining. A C1CP-ELISA was carried out to verify procollagen type I production. Uncoated/sandblasted ceramic specimens and sandblasted titanium surfaces were investigated as a reference. Furthermore, mechanical investigations of bilaterally coated pellets were conducted with respect to surface roughness and adhesive strength of the different coatings. These tests could demonstrate a mechanically stable implant coating with glass solder matrices. The coated ceramic specimens show enhanced osteoblastic and partly epithelial viability and matrix production compared to the titanium control. Hence, the new glass solder matrix coating could improve bone cell growth as a prerequisite for enhanced osseointegration of ceramic implants.

Comparative in vitro study on magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for MRI tracking of adipose tissue-derived progenitor cells.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using measurement of the transverse relaxation time (R2*) is to be considered as a promising approach for cell tracking experiments to evaluate the fate of transplanted progenitor cells and develop successful cell therapies for tissue engineering. While the relationship between core composition of nanoparticles and their MRI properties is well studied, little is known about possible effects on progenitor cells. This in vitro study aims at comparing two magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle types, single vs. multi-core nanoparticles, regarding their physico-chemical characteristics, effects on cellular behavior of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASC) like differentiation and proliferation as well as their detection and quantification by means of MRI. Quantification of both nanoparticle types revealed a linear correlation between labeling concentration and R2* values. However, according to core composition, different levels of labeling concentrations were needed to achieve comparable R2* values. Cell viability was not altered for all labeling concentrations, whereas the proliferation rate increased with increasing labeling concentrations. Likewise, deposition of lipid droplets as well as matrix calcification revealed to be highly dose-dependent particularly regarding multi-core nanoparticle-labeled cells. Synthesis of cartilage matrix proteins and mRNA expression of collagen type II was also highly dependent on nanoparticle labeling. In general, the differentiation potential was decreased with increasing labeling concentrations. This in vitro study provides the proof of principle for further in vivo tracking experiments of progenitor cells using nanoparticles with different core compositions but also provides striking evidence that combined testing of biological and MRI properties is advisable as improved MRI properties of multi-core nanoparticles may result in altered cell functions.