Developmental programming: intrauterine caloric restriction promotes upregulation of mitochondrial sirtuin with mild effects on oxidative parameters in the ovaries and testes of offspring.

According to the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, changes in the maternal environment are known to reprogram the metabolic response of offspring. Known for its redox modulation, caloric restriction extends the lifespan of some species, which contributes to diminished cellular damage. Little is known about the effects of gestational caloric restriction, in terms of antioxidant parameters and molecular mechanisms of action, on the reproductive organs of offspring. This study assessed the effects of moderate (20%) caloric restriction on redox status parameters, molecular expression of sirtuin (SIRT) 1 and SIRT3 and histopathological markers in the ovaries and testes of adult rats that were subjected to gestational caloric restriction. Although enzyme activity was increased, ovaries from female pups contained high levels of oxidants, whereas testes from male pups had decreased antioxidant enzyme defences, as evidenced by diminished glyoxalase I activity and reduced glutathione content. Expression of SIRT3, a deacetylase enzyme related to cellular bioenergetics, was increased in both ovaries and testes. Previous studies have suggested that, in ovaries, diminished antioxidant metabolism can lead to premature ovarian failure. Unfortunately, there is little information regarding the redox profile in the testis. This study is the first to assess the redox network in both ovaries and testes, suggesting that, although intrauterine caloric restriction improves molecular mechanisms, it has a negative effect on the antioxidant network and redox status of reproductive organs of young adult rats.

Supplementation with green tea and oregano extracts on productive characteristics, blood metabolites, and antioxidant status of Jersey cows during the transition period.

Plant extracts have been recognized as beneficial to human health and have been evaluated as feed additive for domestic and companion animals. This study evaluated oregano and green tea extracts fed to Jersey cows from approximately 21 d before calving to 21 d after calving on milk production, milk composition, and blood metabolites as well as investigated immunological and antioxidant attributes. Twenty-four Jersey cows with 441 ±â€¯27 kg of BW, 3.5 ±â€¯0.3 of body condition score (BCS), and 2.7 ±â€¯1.8 lactations were selected at approximately 28 d before the expected parturition date and were randomly assigned to three treatments with eight cows each: without plant extracts in diet (control - CON), addition of 10 g per day of oregano extract (OR), and addition of 5 g per day of green tea extract (GT). Feed intake, BW, BCS, blood metabolites, hemogram as well as oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated from approximately 3 weeks prepartum to 3 weeks postpartum (transition period) while milk production and composition were evaluated during the first 3 weeks of lactation. Plant extracts did not change BW, BCS, and DM intake (DMI) throughout the transition period, but OR increased in approximately 20% total digestive nutrients and metabolizable energy intake on days 15 and 16 postpartum compared with CON. In the prepartum, OR increased in 48% platelets count compared to the CON, while GT augmented in 142% eosinophils compared with CON. Oregano extract reduced the levels of reactive species in the erythrocytes in 40% during prepartum and postpartum compared with CON, while GT reduced its levels in 24 and 29% during prepartum and postpartum, respectively, when compared with CON. In the postpartum period, OR increased in 60% the carbonylated protein content compared with CON, while GT reduced in 45% the levels of reactive species in plasma compared with CON. During the postpartum, both extracts increased in 33% the concentration of reduced glutathione when compared with CON. Moreover, GT tended to decrease feed efficiency in 11% when compared with CON; OE reduced milk pH and somatic cell count when compared with CON. In conclusion, OE and GT did not expressively affect immunological attributes in blood but reduce some oxidative stress biomarkers without compromising productive traits of Jersey cows during the transition period.

Histological observations of coated and prestressed dental implants under flexible or rigid loading conditions.

Hydroxyapatite-coated and hydroxyapatite-prestressed titanium implants were implanted under load-free, flexible-loaded and rigid-loaded conditions in dog mandibula in vivo. The bone response, bone contact and the quality of the coating were evaluated histologically and histometrically. Hydroxyapatite coating on titanium implants enhanced the bone apposition. The bone contact can still be present while the coating is resorbed. Gingiva contact with the coating led to a faster degradation of the coating. There was no significant difference in bone contact between hydroxyapatite-coated and -prestressed implants with regard to the loading systems: rigid, flexible and load-free. All three implants showed the highest amount of bone contact apically. Only at the mesial side of the implant did the flexible element show rather high amounts of bone contact compared to the rigid and load-free implants. The hydroxyapatite coating more or less degraded during the implantation period. The degree of degradation varied in the implant itself, between the implants and between the animals.

Macroporous calcium phosphate bioceramics in dog femora: a histological study of interface and biodegradation.

This study examines the biodegradation behaviour of calcium phosphate macroporous bioceramics consisting of hydroxylapatite or beta-whitlockite implants. The implantations were performed in hard tissue of femora and muscular tissue of dogs for periods of 6 and 12 month. With microradiography and light microscopy, respectively, of ground and thin sections it was shown that hydroxylapatite remained unchanged and beta-whitlockite degraded within 6 month in bone tissue. In the muscular tissue, the biodegradation of beta-whitlockite was slower. In addition, beta-whitlockite gave rise to a cellular response of lymphocytes and plasma cells rather than hydroxylapatite in the soft tissue region. For tissue response hydroxylapatite is more suitable as an implant material than beta-whitlockite.

Relationship between the colour change of hydroxyapatite and the trace element manganese.

Hydroxyapatite containing the trace element manganese turns blue after sintering at high temperature in an oxidizing atmosphere. This phenomenon is related to the oxidation of manganese ions in the special crystal structure of hydroxyapatite. Combination of the crystal structure with electron spin resonance spectra gives an explanation for this oxidation of Mn2+ ions at Ca(l) sites into Mn5+ ions and the formation of MnO4(3-) ions at PO4(3-) sites, corresponding to the colour change of hydroxyapatite.

Formation of a bone apatite-like layer on the surface of porous hydroxyapatite ceramics.

Phosphoric acid solution was used to react with commercial hydroxyapatite (HA) powders to demonstrate the possibility of converting HA to non-stoichiometric apatite and thus to treat porous HA ceramics, to form a thin bone-apatite like layer on the HA ceramic surface. Such a carbonate-containing non-stoichiometric apatite "bioceramic" would be more efficient in bone bonding or bone formation, due to its analogy to natural bone apatite.

Macroporous calcium phosphate ceramics for bone substitution: a tracer study on biodegradation with 45Ca tracer.

The value of artificial materials in bone replacement depends highly on their biocompatibility and biostability. Porous calcium phosphate ceramics have a good compatibility with natural bone. To study the biodegradation process of calcium phosphate bioceramics, labelled [45Ca]-beta-whitlockite and [45Ca]-hydroxyapatite were implanted in the femurs of dogs. The effects accompanying the ingrowth of new bone into the pores of these bioceramics and its replacement by natural bone were investigated. In vivo degradation of the implant material by biochemical dissolution processes was observed. The beta-whitlockite implants showed a conspicuous decrease in radioactive calcium, in contrast to the hydroxyapatite implants. 45Ca was absent in adjacent bones and locally newly formed bone in both beta-whitlockite and hydroxyapatite suggesting a restricted availability of the 45Ca liberated in these processes. Indications of minor mechanical degradation of the materials were also found; in the lymph nodes a very small amount of 45Ca with a high specific activity was detectable. Urine, blood or faeces contained no detectable amounts of 45Ca activity.

Permucosal implantation pilot study with HA-coated dental implant in dogs.

The histological response of transmucosal one-stage titanium dental implants coated with hydroxyapatite is described. The gingival adhesion to the implant was examined with regard to coated, partially coated or non-coated surfaces in the cervical region. From each coating type, 9 implants were inserted into dogs. Six months after the insertion, 19 implants could be evaluated, but 8 implants were lost. From these 19 implants, 6 implants showed severe pockets with inflammation up to the bony tissue. The 13 successful implants showed direct bone bonding with the hydroxyapatite coating and adhesion of submucosal connective tissue to the implant surface, with inflammation. The marginal gingiva showed slight inflammation. A totally coated implant will probably introduce inflammation by debris formation against the rough implant surface more easily. The hydroxyapatite coating often disappeared in the soft tissue or in the oral cavity. Bone which directly adapted to the coating seemed to prevent it from resorption.

Activation of complement C3 by different calcium phosphate powders.

The ability of different calcium phosphate to activate the complement system is studied by crossed immunoelectrophoresis demonstrating conversion of C3 to C3b. Complement consumption is determined by a haemolytic assay CH50. Hydroxyapatite powders after sintering induce a significant conversion of C3 and reduction of CH50 value. However the complement system is not activated by sintered tricalciumphosphate (beta-whitlockite). This is not related to the adsorption behaviour; it depends neither on chemical composition nor on crystal lattice. It is argued that C3 conversion is not triggered by the convertase of the classical pathway.

Comparison of calcium phosphate glass ceramics with apatite ceramics implanted in bone. An interface study--II.

In order to study bone tissue interaction on calcium phosphate glass ceramics and on apatite ceramics, cylinders of standard size were implanted in the tibiae of rabbits. The materials were evaluated by radiography, light microscopy and microradiography. Apatite ceramics gave rise to a very close contact with new bone. Glass with an apatite surface evoked bone growth similar to that for apatite ceramics but with a loose contact while glass without an apatite surface gave rise to porous remodelling of new bone without close contact to the implant.

A plastic composite of alginate with calcium phosphate granulate as implant material: an in vivo study.

A comparison of calcium phosphate granulate with a composite of alginate and calcium phosphate granulate, shows that the composite has less particle migration, less biodegradation and better handling properties. The tissue response to both materials is similar.

Relationship between the degradation behaviour of calcium phosphate ceramics and their physical-chemical characteristics and ultrastructural geometry.

The neck geometry of different calcium phosphate materials was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The dissolution rate of these materials, especially of the necks, was determined by chemical analysis. The degradation of calcium phosphate materials in lactate buffer, related to the detachment of sintered particles, was found to be determined by neck dissolution rate and neck geometry. The latter factor depends on the crystallography and stoichiometry of the material and the sintering conditions.

Different calcium phosphate bioglass ceramics implanted in rabbit cortical bone. An interface study.

In order to study the interface of calcium phosphate bioglass ceramics, cylinders of standard size were implanted in the tibiae of rabbits. The materials were evaluated by radiography, light microscopy and microradiography. Bioceramics with hydroxyapatite surface give rise to a closer contact with new bone than calcium phosphate glass ceramics.

Long-term in vivo study of plasma-sprayed coatings on titanium alloys of tetracalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite and alpha-tricalcium phosphate.

In order to study the interaction of calcium phosphate coatings with bone tissue, coated titanium plugs of standard size were implanted in dog femora. The bone bonding and bone formation of hydroxyapatite, alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) and tetracalcium phosphate plasma-sprayed coatings were evaluated by mechanical push-out tests and histological observations after 3, 5, 15 and 28 months of implantation. During this time all coating types degraded. alpha-TCP showed the most significant degradation after 3 months of implantation. Hydroxyapatite and tetracalcium phosphate showed significant signs of degradation after about 5 months of implantation. All coatings showed a small increase in bone bonding after 5 months of implantation. In general, all types of implants showed similar bone response, some bone contact and several remodelling lacunae along the surfaces after long-term implantation.

A comparative study of different beta-whitlockite ceramics in rabbit cortical bone with regard to their biodegradation behaviour.

Different beta-whitlockite ceramic cylinders of standard size were implanted in the tibiae of rabbits to study the influence of micropores and chemistry on the biodegradation rate. The materials were evaluated by radiography and light microscopy. Surface chemistry was varied by the addition of impurities, while different applied pressures before sintering and different sintering temperatures gave rise to different micropores. Both factors influenced the biodegradation rate.

Granuloma and plasma cell formation induced by the subcutaneous implantation of beta-whitlockite particles.

In this paper, the formation of a granuloma following subcutaneous implantation of beta-whitlockite powder is described. The implants were removed after 3, 5 and 7 wk and examined histologically. In the granuloma giant cells, macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells are present. The presence of plasma cells indicates that not only inflammation occurs, but that an immunoresponse also takes place. Resorption and phagocytosis of particles was observed and the particles were found in the regional lymph nodes after 7 wk. beta-Whitlockite powder induces an inflammation and both a cellular and a humoral immunological response, when implanted subcutaneously.

Effect of sintering temperature on silica gels and their bone bonding ability.

Silica gels gave rise to apatite precipitation onto their surface depending on the sintering temperature. Silica gels prepared at different sintering temperatures were studied in vivo in cortical bone for their bone bonding ability in relation to their apatite precipitation. From the results we conclude that the sintering temperature influenced the stability of the material. Sintering at the lower temperatures of 400 and 600 degrees C allow the silica gels to be degraded more easily, while gels treated at 900 and 1000 degrees C were more stable. The more stable gels showed some bone bonding, while the degraded gels evoked a high cellular reaction of giant cells and lymphocytes.

Tissue reaction on PLLA versus stainless steel interlocking nails for fracture fixation: an animal study.

In order to develop a biodegradable interlocking nail for fracture fixation, polylactic acid (PLLA) rods were implanted in the femoral bone of young pigs. A midshaft osteotomy was performed in order to mimic a fracture. The tissue response to PLLA rods versus stainless steel rods was studied after 1 and 3 months of implantation. Fracture-healing characteristics and chemical and mechanical properties of the PLLA rods were studied after explantation. Mechanical properties deteriorated during implantation and chemical properties changed significantly in 1 and 3 months of implantation. PLLA and stainless steel induced a similar tissue reaction during the studied implantation time of 3 months.

Osteogenesis in muscle with composite graft of hydroxyapatite and autogenous calvarial periosteum: a preliminary report.

To investigate the bone forming activity of composite grafts of hydroxyapatite (HA) and autogenous calvarial periosteum, porous HA rods with or without the periosteum were implanted into the back muscle of white rabbits. They were harvested 3 and 6 months after implantation and studied histologically and microradiographically. Bone formation in the pores of HA occurred in three out of four composite implants of the 3 month group, and four out of five implants of the 6 month group. The two specimens without bone formation revealed irregular calcified tissue outside the HA implant. No formation of bone and calcified tissue took place in any of the specimens with HA alone. These results indicate the potential of this new experimental system of ectopic osteogenesis and offer the possibility of a new improved bone graft consisting of HA and autogenous periosteum.

In vivo study of calcium phosphate cements: implantation of an alpha-tricalcium phosphate/dicalcium phosphate dibasic/tetracalcium phosphate monoxide cement paste.

alpha-Tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP)/dicalcium phosphate dibasic (DCPD)/tetracalcium phosphate monoxide (TeCP) cement was implanted in paste form into soft tissue (rate subcutaneous sockets) and bone tissue (defects in rabbit mandibles) to evaluate the setting behaviour of the cement and tissue responses to the cement. A histological study of the soft tissue implants revealed thin fibrous capsule formation, the appearance of multinucleated giant cells on and close to the cement surface, and small clusters of the cement near the main part of the set cement which were formed by the migration of the paste while setting. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the implanted cement showed peaks for hydroxyapatite (HA) which increased as the implant period increased. Histology and microradiography of the bone tissue implants showed well-set cement without migration, active bone formation around the cement and direct bone union to it. However, the cement disappeared from the implant site in 4 of 16 specimens where intense bleeding seemed to wash away the implants while setting. From the results of the present study, we concluded that the cement is well tolerated, especially by bone tissue. This may be related to the fact that the cement sets producing HA. The cement is a promising material as a bone substitute; however, there is a problem of migration while setting in soft tissue and of exclusion from the bone defects by intense bleeding.