A novel method combining VAT photopolymerization and casting for the fabrication of biodegradable Zn-1Mg scaffolds with triply periodic minimal surface.

Zinc alloy porous scaffolds are expected to be the next generation of degradable orthopedic implants attributed to their suitable degradation rate. However, a few studies have thoroughly investigated its applicable preparation method and functionality as an orthopedic implant. This study fabricated Zn-1Mg porous scaffolds with triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structure by a novel method combining VAT photopolymerization and casting. As-built porous scaffolds displayed fully connected pore structures with controllable topology. The manufacturability, mechanical properties, corrosion behaviors, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial performance of the bioscaffolds with pore sizes of 650 µm, 800 µm, and 1040 µm were investigated, and then compared and discussed with each other. In simulations, the mechanical behaviors of porous scaffolds exhibited the same tendency as the experiments. In addition, the mechanical properties of porous scaffolds as a function of degradation time were studied through a 90-day immersion experiment, which can provide a new option for analyzing the mechanical properties of porous scaffolds implanted in vivo. The G06 scaffold with lower pore size presented better mechanical properties before and after degradation compared with G10. The G06 scaffold with the pore size of 650 µm revealed good biocompatibility and antibacterial properties, which makes it possible to be one of the candidates for orthopedic implants.

Effect of the Combination of Torsional and Tensile Stress on Corrosion Behaviors of Biodegradable WE43 Alloy in Simulated Body Fluid.

The real physiological environment of the human body is complicated, with different degrees and forms of loads applied to biomedical implants caused by the daily life of the patients, which will definitely influence the degradation behaviors of Mg-based biodegradable implants. In the present study, the degradation behaviors of modified WE43 alloys under the combination of torsional and tensile stress were systematically investigated. Slow strain rate tensile tests revealed that the simulated body fluid (SBF) solution could deteriorate the ultimate tensile stress of WE43 alloy from 210.1 MPa to 169.2 MPa. In the meantime, the fracture surface of the specimens tested in the SBF showed an intergranular corrosion morphology in the marginal region, while the central area appeared not to have been affected by the corrosive media. The bio-degradation performances under the combination of torsional and tensile stressed conditions were much more severe than those under unstressed conditions or single tensile stressed situations. The combination of 40 MPa tensile and 40 MPa torsional stress resulted in a degradation rate over 20 mm/y, which was much higher than those under 80 MPa single tensile stress (4.5 mm/y) or 80 MPa single torsional stress (13.1 mm/y). The dynamic formation and destruction mechanism of the protective corrosion products film on the modified WE43 alloy could attribute to the exacerbated degradation performance and the unique corrosion morphology. The dynamic environment and multi-directional loading could severely accelerate the degradation process of modified WE43 alloy. Therefore, the SCC susceptibility derived from a single directional test may be not suitable for practical purposes. Complex external stress was necessary to simulate the in vivo environment for the development of biodegradable Mg-based implants for clinical applications.

Asymmetric Core-Expanded BOPYOs: Facile Synthesis and Optical Properties.

N,O-bidentate BF2 complexes with five- and six-membered core rings have been thoroughly investigated. However, the development of seven-membered N,O-boron complexes is still an area to be explored. We have developed BF3 ⋅ OEt2 -induced self-condensation and coordination reactions based on a single starting material, which had been elucidated by experiment and calculation. This parent asymmetric core-expanded borondifluoride-(Z)-1,3-di(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)but-2-en-1-one (BOPYO) showed reactivity with a wide range of aldehydes, thus providing a series of conjugation BOPYOs. Moreover, a BOPYO derivative with a dimethylamino group was developed as a new NIR dye that responds to acid with favorable photophysical properties based on intramolecular charge transfer effect.

Clinicopathological and Prognostic Significance of SMYD3 in Human Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Dysregulation of the SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3) has been found in multiple cancers. This meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the association between SMYD3 expression and clinical outcomes in cancer. Methods: A systematic search of Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CNKI was conducted. The relationship between SMYD3 expression and cancer patients' overall survival (OS) was evaluated using pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and their corresponding confidence intervals (95% CIs). The association between SMYD3 expression and clinicopathological features was assessed using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs, including tumor size, lymph node metastasis (LNM), distance metastasis, and TNM stage. Results: In total, 715 cancer patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, glioma, colorectal cancer, and/or bladder cancer from seven studies were included in our meta-analysis. SMYD3 overexpression was significantly associated with poor OS (HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.38-2.37, p < 0.01) with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.929) in various cancers. Subgroup analysis showed that the prognostic value of SMYD3 across multiple tumors was constant as the tumor type, sample size, and methods of data extraction changed. Increased SMYD3 expression was positively associated with LNM (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.33-2.66, p < 0.001), tumor size (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.09-2.60, p = 0.019), and advanced TNM stage (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.25-2.69, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Upregulation of SMYD3 was significantly associated with poor prognosis in various cancers, suggesting that SMYD3 may be a useful prognostic biomarker.

Mechanical properties, degradation behavior and cytocompatibility of biodegradable 3vol%X (X = MgO, ZnO and CuO)/Zn matrix composites with excellent dispersion property fabricated by graphene oxide-assisted hetero-aggregation.

Metal matrix composites have been recognized as a feasible approach to obtain a new generation of biodegradable Zn-based material. Nevertheless, there is a great challenge in achieving good dispersion properties of the bioactive reinforcements within zinc matrix. A novel and facile approach, namely graphene oxide (GO)-assisted hetero-aggregation, were developed to achieve uniformly dispersed nanoceramics in the Zn matrix, by using very low-content (0.03 vol%) GO as a linker between the Zn matrix and reinforcement. The negatively-charged GO becomes a suitable "bridge" connected the positively-charged metallic powder and bioactive reinforcement by charge neutralization in polarity solvent. Three kinds of reinforcements, including MgO, ZnO and CuO, were used to verify the feasibility of the above-mentioned method. As-sintered 3CuO/Zn matrix composites, which possessed uniformly distributed reinforcement, uniaxial compressive strength of 301.2 MPa, failure strain over 40%, moderate corrosion rate of 0.063 mm·y-1, acceptable cytocompatibility and antibacterial property, should be a useful material for orthopedic applications.

Fabrication and characterization of biodegradable zinc matrix composites reinforced by uniformly dispersed beta-tricalcium phosphate via graphene oxide-assisted hetero-agglomeration.

The development of biodegradable Zn matrix composites has been considered a promising approach to achieving enhanced mechanical properties, controllable degradation rate, good biocompatibility, and good osseointegration as orthopedic implants. However, scant literature regarding Zn matrix composites has been reported because of the great difficulty in dispersing the nano-sized bioactive reinforcements uniformly within the Zn matrix. In the present study, a novel and effective method were employed to obtain Zn matrix composites reinforced by uniformly dispersed beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) via graphene oxide (GO)-assisted hetero-agglomeration and subsequent spark plasma sintering process. A very low-content (0.04 vol%) few-layered GO was used as a coupling reagent to connect the Zn matrix and nano-sized TCP particles. In an appropriate polarity solvent, the negatively charged GO sheets could combine with both the positively charged Zn powder and TCP particles by electrostatic attraction and charge neutralization. Due to the nature of hetero-agglomeration, the flexible GO sheet could adhere to the large Zn powder and attracted a certain amount of TCP particles to form a Zn/GO/TCP sandwich structure by charge neutralization thereby forming a uniform dispersion of TCP particles within Zn matrix. After the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process, the TCP particles incorporated with very thin ZnO layers (thickness of a few dozen nanometers) formed a homogeneous and unique 3D network-like distribution in as-sintered TCP/Zn composites. A unique "snap pea"-like structure was confirmed at the grain boundary of α-Zn grains, which consisted of the TCP particles as "pea" and thin ZnO layer as "pod". Due to the uniform dispersion of bioactive TCP particles and unique structure of the TCP incorporating grain boundary, as-sintered 3TCP/Zn matrix composites possessed yield strength (YS) of 140.8 ± 7.7 MPa, failure strain of 36.0 ± 2.8%, the moderate degradation rate of 19.1 ± 3.3 µm·y-1 and good cytocompatibility to MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, osteogenic differentiation activity evaluation revealed that the addition of TCP could significantly improve the expressions of the osteogenic differentiation-related gene (ALP) in MC3T3-E1 cells, thereby resulting in improved osteogenic capability. Therefore, biodegradable 3TCP/Zn matrix composites fabricated by GO-assisted hetero-agglomeration and subsequent SPS process could be a promising material as orthopedic implants.

Substituent effects on opticalproperties of pyrrolizine-fused BOPYIN.

Three new pyrrolizine-fused BOPYINs (DAB-H, DAB-OMe, DAB-ester) have been reported in 26-35% yield. The relationship between structures and optical spectra was investigated, which all the compounds show large Stokes Shift (3146-3884 cm-1) and high quantum yield (up to 99%) in solvents. Among these dyes, the decoration of electron donating/withdrawing groups on indole, pyrrole and pyrrolizine units has a significant impact on optical properties, especially emission spectra. The results suggested that electron withdrawing group on pyrrole and pyrrolizine units has hypsochromic shift on emission spectra (DAB-H, DAB-OMe, DAB-ester versus DAB-1,4,5). The optimized structure, electron distribution on frontier molecular orbital, energy gap and simulated stick spectra of DABs are discussed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation. We claim the agreement between the experimental and theoretical absorption spectra.

Knockdown of hsa_circ_0037658 inhibits the progression of osteoarthritis via inducing autophagy.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic musculoskeletal degeneration disease that can result in chronic pain and functional disability. Circular RNAs (CirRNAs) are known to be involved in OA. It was reported that hsa_circ_0037658 was notably upregulated in OA tissues; however, the biological role of hsa_circ_0037658 in OA remains unclear. To investigate the function of hsa_circ_0037658 in OA, CHON-001 cells were treated with IL-1ß. The effect of hsa_circ_0037658 knockdown on cell growth was tested by CCK-8 and immunofluorescence staining. In addition, the correlation between hsa_circ_0037658 and autophagy was explored by LC3 staining and western blot. The results indicated that hsa_circ_0037658 was significantly upregulated in IL-1ß-treated CHON-001 cells. The silencing of hsa_circ_0037658 could protect CHON-001 cell injury against IL-1ß. Moreover, hsa_circ_0037658 shRNA reversed IL-1ß-induced cell growth inhibition via inducing cell autophagy. Furthermore, knockdown of hsa_circ_0037658 notably alleviated the symptom of OA in vivo. To sum up, knockdown of hsa_circ_0037658 suppressed the progression of OA via inducing autophagy. Thus, hsa_circ_0037658 might serve as a potential target for the treatment of OA.

In vitro and in vivo studies on the degradation and biosafety of Mg-Zn-Ca-Y alloy hemostatic clip with the carotid artery of SD rat model.

An Mg-Zn-Ca-Y alloy operative clip was developed to overcome the drawbacks of the Ti clips such as ion dissolution inflammation, interference imaging diagnosis, and the potential harm that permanent retention brings to the patient. The structure optimization design of the hemostatic clip was carried out by the finite element numerical simulation method to realize the matching between the structure design and the material properties. Hot extrusion and wire cutting process was used to prepare the Mg-Zn-Ca-Y alloy operative clip. Corrosion degradation behavior of Mg-Zn-Ca-Y alloy in vitro was investigated using electrochemical noise (EN) and immersion test in Simulated body fluid (SBF). The carotid artery of SD rats was clipped using the Mg-Zn-Ca-Y operative clip to evaluate occlusion safety and the complete corrosion degradation behavior and biocompatibility of Mg-Zn-Ca-Y alloy clip in vivo were investigated using micro-computed tomography, histological analysis, and blood biochemical indicators. It was found that the newly designed Mg-Zn-Ca-Y clip can successfully ligate the carotid artery, and no blood leakage occurred after surgery. After eight months, the Mg-Zn-Ca-Y clip degraded utterly. Histological analysis and various blood biochemical parameters in SD rat serum samples collected at different time periods showed no tissue inflammation around the clips.

Effects of process parameters on the mechanical properties of additively manufactured Zr-1Mo alloy builds.

In order to solve the artifact problem in magnetic resonance images, a low magnetic Zr-1Mo(wt%) alloy with high mechanical performance was successfully fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) using gas-atomized Zr-1Mo alloy powder. The as-built Zr-1Mo alloy showed superior strength and elongation compared to the as-cast Zr-1Mo alloy due to grain refinement and the inexistence of large casting defects. The microstructure of L-PBF-processed Zr-1Mo alloy builds was not sensitive to process parameters. On the other hand, morphology and distribution of defects, interstitials concentration, and crystallographic orientation comprehensively influenced the mechanical properties of the builds. Increasing interstitials concentration caused by increasing energy density render to increasing strength. Large pores caused by balling effect lead to a severe decrease of both strength and ductility of builds using high energy density (over 70.3 J·mm-3) and high scanning speed (1050/1200 mm·s-1). On the contrary, spherical pores possessing several microns in size has much less effect on mechanical properties than the large-size pores. There are two kinds of texture({1 1 0}α texture and {1 1 0}α+{1 0 2}α bi-texture) were confirmed in this study. {1 1 0}α texture contributed to the slight increase of elongation with increasing energy density in low scanning speed case (600/750 mm·s-1) and the superior elongation of low scanning speed specimens compare to that of high scanning speed specimens in medium energy density range (about 48 J·mm-3). From the viewpoints of the ultimate tensile strength(UTS) and elongation, it was found that an energy density of 84.4 mm·s-1 with a scanning speed of 600 mm·s-1 is preferable for the L-PBF-processed Zr-1Mo alloy in this study. These experimental results may provide direct guidelines regarding the applicability of Zr-1Mo alloy fabricated by L-PBF for biomedical applications.

The effects of ß-TCP on mechanical properties, corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of ß-TCP/Zn-Mg composites.

Zinc has attracted increasing attention in the field of degradable implant materials due to its suitable degradation rate. To further improve the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of zinc, Zn-1Mg-nvol%ß-TCP (n = 0, 1, 3, 5) composites were fabricated for biomedical application by the mechanical stirring combined with ultrasonic assisted casting and hot extrusion technology. The microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of these composites were systemically investigated and the composite with the best comprehensive performance were selected for biocompatibility evaluation including L-929 cells cytotoxicity test and SD rat model experiment. Tensile test revealed that Zn-1Mg-1vol%ß-TCP composite possessed optimal mechanical properties. The yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation (σ) and elastic modulus (E) of the as-extruded Zn-1Mg-1vol%ß-TCP composite are 250.8 MPa, 330.5 MPa, 11.7% and 125.4 GPa respectively. The immersion tests showed that the corrosion resistance of the composite is slightly decreased with the increase of ß-TCP content. In addition, the addition of ß-TCP makes the cytocompatibility of the composites better than that of the Zn-1Mg alloy matrix. Various blood biochemical parameters in rat serum samples after implantation showed Zn-1Mg alloy and Zn-1Mg-ß-TCP composites has not significant tissue inflammation and showed good biocompatibility.

In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy operative clip.

At present, titanium (Ti) and its alloys are most commonly use in hemostasis clip clinical applications. However, the Ti Clip cannot be absorbed in human body and produce artifacts on computed tomography (CT), and induce clinically relevant hypersensitivity in patients. In order to overcome the drawbacks of the non-degradable Ti clips, an Mg-Zn-Ca alloy operative clip was fabricated by combining hot extrusion and blanking processing. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy operative clip were evaluated by L-929 Cells and SD rat model respectively. It was found that Mg-Zn-Ca alloy exhibited non-cytotoxic to L929 cells. In vivo implantation showed that the newly designed Mg-Zn-Ca clip can successfully ligated carotid artery and no blood leakage occurred post-surgery. During the period of the clip degradation, a small amount of H2 gas formation and no tissue inflammation around the clips were observed. The degradation rate of the clip near the heart ligated the arteries faster than that of clip far away the heart due do the effect of arterial blood. Histological analysis and various blood biochemical parameters in rat serum samples collected at different times after clip implantation showed no tissue inflammation around the clips.

Fabrication of biodegradable HA/Mg-Zn-Ca composites and the impact of heterogeneous microstructure on mechanical properties, in vitro degradation and cytocompatibility.

Due to their desirable elastic modulus and density that are similar to natural bone, non-toxic element containing magnesium alloys are regarded as promising bio-degradable materials. A biodegradable HA-particle-reinforced magnesium-matrix composite Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca-1HA (wt%) was fabricated for biomedical application by a combination of high shear solidification (HSS) and hot extrusion technology. The microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and cell biocompatibility of the composite were subsequently investigated. In comparison with the matrix alloy, the as-cast Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca-1HA composite obtained by HSS technology exhibited a uniform and fine grained structure, further refined after a hot extrusion ratio of 36:1. The yield strength (0.2%YS), ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the extruded composite were 322 MPa, 341 MPa and 7.6%, respectively. The corrosion rate of the as-extruded Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca-1HA composite was measured to be 1.52 mm/y. Electrochemical and immersion tests showed that the corrosion resistance of the composite is slightly improved comparing to that of the matrix alloy.

Controlling Synthesis of Metal Organic Framework Derived Zn/Co/Ni Oxide Nanocomposites for Applications.

Metal-organic framework (MOF) has received much attention to prepare metal oxides, demonstrating many applications in sensing, catalysis and energy storage and conversion. Herein, a two-step procedure by a metal organic frameworks route was used fabricate ZnO dodecahedra, Co3O4 dodecahedra, ZnO/Co3O4 and Co3O4/NiO composites. The growth mechanisms for these unique structures are illustrated. As applications, ZnO dodecahedra perform remarkable sensitivity to ethanol in sensing experiments. The CO catalytic oxidation activity of Co3O4 dodecahedra is employed and showed decreased catalytic performance with the increased calcinations temperature. ZnO/Co3O4 composites show enhanced electrochemical performance and photocatalytic activities, which result from its unique porous structure, high specific surface area and the synergistic effect between ZnO and Co3O4. In addition, Co3O4/NiO composites show remarkable specific capacitance and excellent stability, superior to that of the pure Co3O4. Moreover, this MOF-driven method could be utilizable to prepare other metal oxide for various applications.

MicroRNA-708-5p affects proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells by targeting URGCP.

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive cancer of the skeletal system which remains a challenge for the current therapeutic strategies due to unclear etiology and molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis. The current study aimed to determine the expression levels, role and molecular mechanism of microRNA-708-5p (miR-708-5p) in the development of osteosarcoma. The expression level of miR-708-5p was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. miR-708-5p was overexpressed in SaOS-2 cells using miR-708-5p mimics. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined using Cell Counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. The results indicated that miR-708-5p was significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cells, and its overexpression significantly inhibited cell viability, invasion and migration and induced apoptosis of SaOS-2 cells. Furthermore, the present results indicated that miR-708-5p directly targeted the 3'-untranslated region of up-regulator of cell proliferation (URGCP) and negatively regulated its expression in SaOS-2 cells. Taken together, the current study suggested that miR-708-5p may inhibit the growth and invasion of osteosarcoma cells via regulating the URGCP/NF-κB signaling pathway. Further research on these molecules in osteosarcoma may provide novel insights into the target therapy for this disease.

Fabrication, microstructure, and properties of a biodegradable Mg-Zn-Ca clip.

An Mg-Zn-Ca alloy biodegradable clip was fabricated by combining hot extrusion and blanking processing. Microstructure evolution was investigated by optical microscopy and electron backscattering diffraction and the occlusion properties of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy clip were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. It was found that the as-extruded Mg-Zn-Ca alloy exhibited a typical fiber microstructure. After blanking, the basal texture intensity increased because of the work hardening effect. Subsequent annealing treatment of the blanking clip can significantly weaken the texture while improving the ductility of the Mg-Zn-Ca alloy. It was found that Mg-Zn-Ca clips can maintain closure performance for 2 weeks in in vitro immersion tests while in vivo tests indicated that the Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca alloy clips fabricated by this preparation processing successfully occluded the blood vessels. These results suggest that the developed Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca alloy clip is a suitable candidate for biodegradable soft tissue fixation devices such as surgical clips. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1741-1749, 2019.

Morphology control of α-Fe2O3 towards super electrochemistry performance.

α-Fe2O3 with various morphologies including spindle, rod, tube, disk, and ring were synthesized through controlling the H2PO4 - etching process. The concentrations of H2PO4 - plays an important role in controlling the morphology change of the samples. Selected adsorption of H2PO4 - ions resulted in anisotropic growth. In addition, the etching of H2PO4 - occurred in the center of rods which resulted in tubal α-Fe2O3. Nanodiscs were created once the etching process occurred on the wall of the tube. The electrochemical test shows that disklike samples revealed excellent specific capacitance, rate capacity and cycling stability because of relative higher surface area and pore structure. For the CO catalytic oxidation properties, spindle samples exhibited super catalytic activity.

Preparation of α-Fe2O3/rGO composites toward supercapacitor applications.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) integrated with iron oxide nanoparticles (α-Fe2O3/rGO) composites with different morphologies were successfully obtained through the in situ synthesis and mechanical agitation methods. It was found that the α-Fe2O3 was densely and freely dispersed on the rGO layer. By comparing electrochemical properties, the sheet-like α-Fe2O3/rGO composites demonstrate excellent electrochemical performance: the highest specific capacitance, and excellent cycling stability and rate capacity. The specific capacitance is 970 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 and the capacitance retention is 75% after 2000 cycles with the current density reaching 5 A g-1. It is mainly due to the synergistic effect between the α-Fe2O3 and rGO, and the high conductivity of the rGO offers a fast channel for the movement of electrons.

Effects of solidification cooling rate on the corrosion resistance of a biodegradable ß-TCP/Mg-Zn-Ca composite.

Biodegradable beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) particle reinforced magnesium metal matrix composites (Mg-MMC) have attracted increasing interest for application as implant materials. This investigation was conducted to study the effect of cooling rate on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of a biodegradable ß-TCP/Mg-Zn-Ca composite. The composite was fabricated under a series of cooling rates using a wedge-shaped casting mold. The microstructure of the composite was examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy, and the corrosion behavior was investigated using an electrochemical workstation and immersion tests in a simulated body fluid (SBF). Faster cooling rates were shown to refine the secondary phase and grain size, and produce a more homogenous microstructure. The refined microstructure resulted in a more uniform distribution of ß-TCP particles, which is believed to be beneficial in the formation of a stable and compact corrosion product layer, leading to improved corrosion resistance for the composite.

Association of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)/Smad Signaling Pathway with Fracture Healing and Osteogenic Ability in Senile Osteoporotic Fracture in Humans and Rats.

BACKGROUND To investigate the effect of the BMP/Smad signaling pathway on fracture healing and osteogenic ability in senile osteoporotic fracture on humans and rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-two patients and well-matched normal controls were enrolled for clinical observation. A rat model of senile osteoporotic fracture was established. Serum BMP2 and Smad4 levels, as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, were detected by ELISA. Fracture healing was observed by X-ray radiography and bone formation was analyzed by micro-CT. RESULTS Serum BMP2 and Smad4 levels in patients with senile osteoporotic fracture were significantly lower than those in normal controls (all P<0.01). BMP2 was highly positively correlated with Smad4 in patients with senile osteoporotic fracture (r=0.738). Compared with patients with low serum BMP2 and Smad4 levels, visual analog scale scores decreased, bone mineral density (BMD) increased, and duration of fracture healing was shortened in patients with high levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the Model group, serum BMP2 and Smad4 levels increased, fracture healing was improved, BMD, trabecular bone volume (TBV), tissue volume (TV), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), mean trabecular thickness (Tb. Th), and mean number of trabecular bone (Tb. N) were increased, and ALP activity increased in the BMP2 overexpression group (all P<0.05), while each index in the NC group showed no statistical difference relative to rats in the Model group (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS BMP2 overexpression can promote fracture healing and osteogenic ability in senile osteoporotic fractures through activating the BMP/Smad signaling pathway.