Bioactive nanocomposite hydrogel enhances postoperative immunotherapy and bone reconstruction for osteosarcoma treatment.

Osteosarcoma, a malignant bone tumor often characterized by high hedgehog signaling activity, residual tumor cells, and substantial bone defects, poses significant challenges to both treatment response and postsurgical recovery. Here, we developed a nanocomposite hydrogel for the sustained co-delivery of bioactive magnesium ions, anti-PD-L1 antibody (αPD-L1), and hedgehog pathway antagonist vismodegib, to eradicate residual tumor cells while promoting bone regeneration post-surgery. In a mouse model of tibia osteosarcoma, this hydrogel-mediated combination therapy led to remarkable tumor growth inhibition and hence increased animal survival by enhancing the activity of tumor-suppressed CD8+ T cells. Meanwhile, the implanted hydrogel improved the microenvironment of osteogenesis through long-term sustained release of Mg2+, facilitating bone defect repair by upregulating the expression of osteogenic genes. After 21 days, the expression levels of ALP, COL1, RUNX2, and BGLAP in the Vis-αPD-L1-Gel group were approximately 4.1, 5.1, 5.5, and 3.4 times higher than those of the control, respectively. We believe that this hydrogel-based combination therapy offers a potentially valuable strategy for treating osteosarcoma and addressing the tumor-related complex bone diseases.

Nanoarchitecture-Integrated Hydrogel Boosts Angiogenesis-Osteogenesis-Neurogenesis Tripling for Infected Bone Fracture Healing.

Infected fracture healing is a complicated process that includes intricate interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. In addition to angiogenesis and osteogenesis, the significance of neurogenesis in fracture healing has also been recognized in recent years. Here, a nanocomposite hydrogel containing pH-responsive zinc-gallium-humic acids (HAs) nanoparticles is developed. Through the timed release of Zn2+, Ga3+, and HAs, the hydrogel exhibits potent antibacterial effects and promotes angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and neurogenesis. The enhanced neurogenesis further promotes angiogenesis and osteogenesis, forming a mutually supportive angiogenesis-osteogenesis-neurogenesis cycle at the fracture site. The hydrogel achieves rapid infected fracture healing and improves tissue regeneration in mice. This study proposes a comprehensive treatment approach that combines antibacterial effects with the regulation of tissue regeneration to improve infected fracture healing.

Research progress of gene therapy combined with tissue engineering to promote bone regeneration.

Gene therapy has emerged as a highly promising strategy for the clinical treatment of large segmental bone defects and non-union fractures, which is a common clinical need. Meanwhile, many preclinical data have demonstrated that gene and cell therapies combined with optimal scaffold biomaterials could be used to solve these tough issues. Bone tissue engineering, an interdisciplinary field combining cells, biomaterials, and molecules with stimulatory capability, provides promising alternatives to enhance bone regeneration. To deliver and localize growth factors and associated intracellular signaling components into the defect site, gene therapy strategies combined with bioengineering could achieve a uniform distribution and sustained release to ensure mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis. In this review, we will describe the process and cell molecular changes during normal fracture healing, followed by the advantages and disadvantages of various gene therapy vectors combined with bone tissue engineering. The growth factors and other bioactive peptides in bone regeneration will be particularly discussed. Finally, gene-activated biomaterials for bone regeneration will be illustrated through a description of characteristics and synthetic methods.

Ageing-related bone and immunity changes: insights into the complex interplay between the skeleton and the immune system.

Ageing as a natural irreversible process inherently results in the functional deterioration of numerous organ systems and tissues, including the skeletal and immune systems. Recent studies have elucidated the intricate bidirectional interactions between these two systems. In this review, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of molecular mechanisms of cell ageing. We further discuss how age-related skeletal changes influence the immune system and the consequent impact of immune system alterations on the skeletal system. Finally, we highlight the clinical implications of these findings and propose potential strategies to promote healthy ageing and reduce pathologic deterioration of both the skeletal and immune systems.

Genetic polymorphisms, biomarkers and signaling pathways associated with septic shock: from diagnosis to therapeutic targets.

Septic shock is a severe form of sepsis characterized by high global mortality rates and significant heritability. Clinicians have long been perplexed by the differential expression of genes, which poses challenges for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of septic shock. Genetic polymorphisms play crucial roles in determining susceptibility to, mortality from, and the prognosis of septic shock. Research indicates that pathogenic genes are known to cause septic shock through specific alleles, and protective genes have been shown to confer beneficial effects on affected individuals. Despite the existence of many biomarkers linked to septic shock, their clinical use remains limited. Therefore, further investigation is needed to identify specific biomarkers that can facilitate early prevention, diagnosis and risk stratification. Septic shock is closely associated with multiple signaling pathways, including the toll-like receptor 2/toll-like receptor 4, tumor necrosis factor-α, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor κB, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, mammalian target of rapamycin, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 and hypoxia-induced-factor-1 pathways. Understanding the regulation of these signaling pathways may lead to the identification of therapeutic targets for the development of novel drugs to treat sepsis or septic shock. In conclusion, identifying differential gene expression during the development of septic shock allows physicians to stratify patients according to risk at an early stage. Furthermore, auxiliary examinations can assist physicians in identifying therapeutic targets within relevant signaling pathways, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment, reducing mortality and improving the prognosis of septic shock patients. Although there has been significant progress in studying the genetic polymorphisms, specific biomarkers and signaling pathways involved in septic shock, the journey toward their clinical application and widespread implementation still lies ahead.

Regulation of metabolic microenvironment with a nanocomposite hydrogel for improved bone fracture healing.

Bone nonunion poses an urgent clinical challenge that needs to be addressed. Recent studies have revealed that the metabolic microenvironment plays a vital role in fracture healing. Macrophages and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) are important targets for therapeutic interventions in bone fractures. Itaconate is a TCA cycle metabolite that has emerged as a potent macrophage immunomodulator that limits the inflammatory response. During osteogenic differentiation, BMSCs tend to undergo aerobic glycolysis and metabolize glucose to lactate. Copper ion (Cu2+) is an essential trace element that participates in glucose metabolism and may stimulate glycolysis in BMSCs and promote osteogenesis. In this study, we develop a 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI)@Cu@Gel nanocomposite hydrogel that can effectively deliver and release 4-OI and Cu2+ to modulate the metabolic microenvironment and improve the functions of cells involved in the fracture healing process. The findings reveal that burst release of 4-OI reduces the inflammatory response, promotes M2 macrophage polarization, and alleviates oxidative stress, while sustained release of Cu2+ stimulates BMSC glycolysis and osteogenic differentiation and enhances endothelial cell angiogenesis. Consequently, the 4-OI@Cu@Gel system achieves rapid fracture healing in mice. Thus, this study proposes a promising regenerative strategy to expedite bone fracture healing through metabolic reprogramming of macrophages and BMSCs.

Microenvironment-sensitive nanozymes for tissue regeneration.

Tissue defect is one of the significant challenges encountered in clinical practice. Nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanofibers, and metal-organic frameworks, have demonstrated an extensive potential in tissue regeneration, offering a promising avenue for future clinical applications. Nonetheless, the intricate landscape of the inflammatory tissue microenvironment has engendered challenges to the efficacy of nanomaterial-based therapies. This quandary has spurred researchers to pivot towards advanced nanotechnological remedies for overcoming these therapeutic constraints. Among these solutions, microenvironment-sensitive nanozymes have emerged as a compelling instrument with the capacity to reshape the tissue microenvironment and enhance the intricate process of tissue regeneration. In this review, we summarize the microenvironmental characteristics of damaged tissues, offer insights into the rationale guiding the design and engineering of microenvironment-sensitive nanozymes, and explore the underlying mechanisms that underpin these nanozymes' responsiveness. This analysis includes their roles in orchestrating cellular signaling, modulating immune responses, and promoting the delicate process of tissue remodeling. Furthermore, we discuss the diverse applications of microenvironment-sensitive nanozymes in tissue regeneration, including bone, soft tissue, and cartilage regeneration. Finally, we shed our sights on envisioning the forthcoming milestones in this field, prospecting a future where microenvironment-sensitive nanozymes contribute significantly to the development of tissue regeneration and improved clinical outcomes.

[Research on Locating Device for the Entry Point of Intramedullary Nail Based on Inertial Navigation].

Objective: To introduce a locating device for the entry point of intramedullary nail based on the inertial navigation technology, which utilizes multi-dimensional angle information to assist in rapid and accurate positioning of the ideal direction of femoral anterograde intramedullary nails' entry point, and to verify its clinical value through clinical tests. Methods: After matching the locating module with the developing board, which are the two components of the locating device, they were placed on the skin surface of the proximal femur of the affected side. Anteroposterior fluoroscopy was performed. The developing angle corresponding to the ideal direction of entry point was selected based on the X-ray image, and then the yaw angle of the locating module was reset to zero. After resetting, the locating module was combined with the surgical instrument to guide the insertion angle of the guide wire. The ideal direction of entry point was accurately located based on the angle guidance. By setting up an experimental group and a control group for clinical surgical operations, the number of guide wire insertion times, surgical time, fluoroscopy frequency, and intraoperative blood loss with or without the locating device was recorded. Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvement in the number of guide wire insertion times, surgical time, fluoroscopy frequency, and intraoperative blood loss, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Conclusion: The locating device can assist doctors in quickly locating the entry point of intramedullary nail, effectively reducing the fluoroscopy frequency and surgical time by improving the success rate of the guide wire insertion with one shot, improving surgical efficiency, and possessing certain clinical value.

Cell membrane coated nanoparticles: cutting-edge drug delivery systems for osteoporosis therapy.

Osteoporosis, characterized by a reduction in bone mineral density, represents a prevalent skeletal disorder with substantial global health implications. Conventional therapeutic strategies, exemplified by bisphosphonates and hormone replacement regimens, though effective, encounter inherent limitations and challenges. Recent years have witnessed the surge of cell-membrane-coated nanoparticles (CMNPs) as a promising intervention for osteoporosis, leveraging their distinct attributes including refined biocompatibility, heightened pharmaceutical payload capacity, as well as targeted drug release kinetics. However, a comprehensive review consolidating the application of CMNPs-based therapy for osteoporosis remains absent within the existing literature. In this review, we provide a concise overview of the distinctive pathogenesis associated with osteoporosis, alongside an in-depth exploration of the physicochemical attributes intrinsic to CMNPs derived from varied cellular sources. Subsequently, we explore the potential utility of CMNPs, elucidating emerging trends in their deployment for osteoporosis treatment through multifaceted therapeutic approaches. By linking the notable attributes of CMNPs with their roles in mitigating osteoporosis, this review serves as a catalyst for further advances in the design of advanced CMNPs tailored for osteoporosis management. Ultimately, such progress is promising for enhancing outcomes in anti-bone loss interventions, paving the way for clinical translation in the near future.

Engineered Extracellular Vesicles in Chronic Kidney Diseases: A Comprehensive Review.

Chronic kidney diseases (CKD) present a formidable global health challenge, characterized by a deficiency of effective treatment options. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), recognized as multifunctional drug delivery systems in biomedicine, have gained accumulative interest. Specifically, engineered EVs have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for targeted drug delivery, potentially addressing the complexities of CKD management. In this review, we systematically dissect EVs, elucidating their classification, biogenesis, composition, and cargo molecules. Furthermore, we explore techniques for EV engineering and strategies for their precise renal delivery, focusing on cargo loading and transportation, providing a comprehensive perspective. Moreover, this review also discusses and summarizes the diverse therapeutic applications of engineered EVs in CKD, emphasizing their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, renoprotective, and tissue-regenerating effects. It critically evaluates the challenges and limitations in translating EV therapies from laboratory settings to clinical applications, while outlining future prospects and emerging trends.

A distinct "repair" role of regulatory T cells in fracture healing.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress immune responses and inflammation. Here, we described the distinct nonimmunological role of Tregs in fracture healing. The recruitment from the circulation pool, peripheral induction, and local expansion rapidly enriched Tregs in the injured bone. The Tregs in the injured bone displayed superiority in direct osteogenesis over Tregs from lymphoid organs. Punctual depletion of Tregs compromised the fracture healing process, which leads to increased bone nonunion. In addition, bone callus Tregs showed unique T-cell receptor repertoires. Amphiregulin was the most overexpressed protein in bone callus Tregs, and it can directly facilitate the proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic precursor cells by activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways. The results of loss- and gain-function studies further evidenced that amphiregulin can reverse the compromised healing caused by Treg dysfunction. Tregs also enriched in patient bone callus and amphiregulin can promote the osteogenesis of human pre-osteoblastic cells. Our findings indicate the distinct and nonredundant role of Tregs in fracture healing, which will provide a new therapeutic target and strategy in the clinical treatment of fractures.

Macrophage-mediated fracture healing: Unraveling molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications using hydrogel-based interventions.

Fracture healing is a complex biological process that involves the orchestrated interplay of various cells and molecular signaling pathways. Among the key players, macrophages have emerged as critical regulators of fracture repair, influencing inflammation, tissue remodeling, and angiogenesis. Recent advances in hydrogel-based therapeutics have provided exciting opportunities to leverage the modulatory effects of macrophages for improving fracture healing outcomes. In the present study, we review the importance of macrophages in fracture repair and their potential therapeutic role in hydrogel-based interventions. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying macrophage-mediated effects on fracture healing, and how hydrogels can be utilized as a platform for macrophage modulation. Furthermore, we highlight the translation of hydrogel-based therapies from bench to bedside, including preclinical and clinical studies, and the challenges and opportunities in harnessing the therapeutic potential of macrophages in fracture repair. Overall, understanding the importance of macrophages in fracture healing and the potential of hydrogel-based therapeutics to modulate macrophage responses can pave the way for developing innovative approaches to improve fracture healing outcomes.

Copper incorporated biomaterial-based technologies for multifunctional wound repair.

The treatment of wounds is a worldwide challenge, and wound infection can affect the effectiveness of wound treatment and further increase the disease burden. Copper is an essential trace element that has been shown to have broad-spectrum antibacterial effects and to be involved in the inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling stages of wound healing. Compared to treatments such as bioactive factors and skin grafts, copper has the advantage of being low-cost and easily available, and has received a lot of attention in wound healing. Recently, biomaterials made by incorporating copper into bioactive glasses, polymeric scaffolds and hydrogels have been used to promote wound healing by the release of copper ions. In addition, copper-incorporated biomaterials with catalytic, photothermal, and photosensitive properties can also accelerate wound healing through antibacterial and wound microenvironment regulation. This review summarizes the antibacterial mechanisms of copper- incorporated biomaterials and their roles in wound healing, and discusses the current challenges. A comprehensive understanding of the role of copper in wounds will help to facilitate new preclinical and clinical studies, thus leading to the development of novel therapeutic tools.

Bone-targeting engineered small extracellular vesicles carrying anti-miR-6359-CGGGAGC prevent valproic acid-induced bone loss.

The clinical role and underlying mechanisms of valproic acid (VPA) on bone homeostasis remain controversial. Herein, we confirmed that VPA treatment was associated with decreased bone mass and bone mineral density (BMD) in both patients and mice. This effect was attributed to VPA-induced elevation in osteoclast formation and activity. Through RNA-sequencing, we observed a significant rise in precursor miR-6359 expression in VPA-treated osteoclast precursors in vitro, and further, a marked upregulation of mature miR-6359 (miR-6359) in vivo was demonstrated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and miR-6359 fluorescent in situ hybridization (miR-6359-FISH). Specifically, the miR-6359 was predominantly increased in osteoclast precursors and macrophages but not in neutrophils, T lymphocytes, monocytes and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) following VPA stimulation, which influenced osteoclast differentiation and bone-resorptive activity. Additionally, VPA-induced miR-6359 enrichment in osteoclast precursors enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by silencing the SIRT3 protein expression, followed by activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, which enhanced osteoclast formation and activity, thereby accelerating bone loss. Currently, there are no medications that can effectively treat VPA-induced bone loss. Therefore, we constructed engineered small extracellular vesicles (E-sEVs) targeting osteoclast precursors in bone and naturally carrying anti-miR-6359 by introducing of EXOmotif (CGGGAGC) in the 3'-end of the anti-miR-6359 sequence. We confirmed that the E-sEVs exhibited decent bone/osteoclast precursor targeting and exerted protective therapeutic effects on VPA-induced bone loss, but not on ovariectomy (OVX) and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporotic models, deepening our understanding of the underlying mechanism and treatment strategies for VPA-induced bone loss.

Neddylation suppression by a macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticle promotes dual immunomodulatory repair of diabetic wounds.

Oxidative stress, infection, and vasculopathy caused by hyperglycemia are the main barriers for the rapid repair of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). In recent times, the discovery of neddylation, a new type of post-translational modification, has been found to regulate various crucial biological processes including cell metabolism and the cell cycle. Nevertheless, its capacity to control the healing of wounds in diabetic patients remains unknown. This study shows that MLN49224, a compound that inhibits neddylation at low concentrations, enhances the healing of diabetic wounds by inhibiting the polarization of M1 macrophages and reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors. Moreover, it concurrently stimulates the growth, movement, and formation of blood vessel endothelial cells, leading to expedited healing of wounds in individuals with diabetes. The drug is loaded into biomimetic macrophage-membrane-coated PLGA nanoparticles (M-NPs/MLN4924). The membrane of macrophages shields nanoparticles from being eliminated in the reticuloendothelial system and counteracts the proinflammatory cytokines to alleviate inflammation in the surrounding area. The extended discharge of MLN4924 from M-NPs/MLN4924 stimulates the growth of endothelial cells and the formation of tubes, along with the polarization of macrophages towards the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. By loading M-NPs/MLN4924 into a hydrogel, the final formulation is able to meaningfully repair a diabetic wound, suggesting that M-NPs/MLN4924 is a promising engineered nanoplatform for tissue engineering.

Engineered Extracellular Vesicles in Wound Healing: Design, Paradigms, and Clinical Application.

The severe quality of life and economic burden imposed by non-healing skin wounds, infection risks, and treatment costs are affecting millions of patients worldwide. To mitigate these challenges, scientists are relentlessly seeking effective treatment measures. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising cell-free therapy strategy, attracting extensive attention from researchers. EVs mediate intercellular communication, possessing excellent biocompatibility and stability. These features make EVs a potential tool for treating a plethora of diseases, including those related to wound repair. However, there is a growing focus on the engineering of EVs to overcome inherent limitations such as low production, relatively fixed content, and targeting capabilities of natural EVs. This engineering could improve both the effectiveness and specificity of EVs in wound repair treatments. In light of this, the present review will introduce the latest progress in the design methods and experimental paradigms of engineered EVs applied in wound repair. Furthermore, it will comprehensively analyze the current clinical research status and prospects of engineered EVs within this field.

Metal-Organic Frameworks and Their Composites for Chronic Wound Healing: From Bench to Bedside.

Chronic wounds are characterized by delayed and dysregulated healing processes. As such, they have emerged as an increasingly significant threat. The associated morbidity and socioeconomic toll are clinically and financially challenging, necessitating novel approaches in the management of chronic wounds. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an innovative type of porous coordination polymers, with low toxicity and high eco-friendliness. Documented anti-bacterial effects and pro-angiogenic activity predestine these nanomaterials as promising systems for the treatment of chronic wounds. In this context, the therapeutic applicability and efficacy of MOFs remain to be elucidated. It is, therefore, reviewed the structural-functional properties of MOFs and their composite materials and discusses how their multifunctionality and customizability can be leveraged as a clinical therapy for chronic wounds.

Translational Challenges and Prospective Solutions in the Implementation of Biomimetic Delivery Systems.

Biomimetic delivery systems (BDSs), inspired by the intricate designs of biological systems, have emerged as a groundbreaking paradigm in nanomedicine, offering unparalleled advantages in therapeutic delivery. These systems, encompassing platforms such as liposomes, protein-based nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, and polysaccharides, are lauded for their targeted delivery, minimized side effects, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. However, the translation of BDSs from research settings to clinical applications is fraught with challenges, including reproducibility concerns, physiological stability, and rigorous efficacy and safety evaluations. Furthermore, the innovative nature of BDSs demands the reevaluation and evolution of existing regulatory and ethical frameworks. This review provides an overview of BDSs and delves into the multifaceted translational challenges and present emerging solutions, underscored by real-world case studies. Emphasizing the potential of BDSs to redefine healthcare, we advocate for sustained interdisciplinary collaboration and research. As our understanding of biological systems deepens, the future of BDSs in clinical translation appears promising, with a focus on personalized medicine and refined patient-specific delivery systems.