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Abstract Background Autologous chondrocyte transplantation is a promising technique for treatment of cartilage defects. Three dimensional chondrocyte cultures on a scaffold are widely used to retain the chondrogenic phenotype. Using a biodegradable gelatin scaffold is one option for the cell delivery system, but molecular and histological studies of the method have not yet been done. Methods We evaluated the chondrogenic property of the primary human chondrocyte on a gelatin scaffold as compared to a collagen scaffold over a period of 21 days. We examined the production of glycosaminoglycan by quantitative and histological analysis. Gene expression of cartilage-associated molecules was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Results The gelatin scaffold showed the ability to promote chondrocyte expansion, chondrogenic phenotype retention at molecular and mRNA levels. Conclusions This scaffold is thus suitable for use as an in vitro model for chondrocyte 3D culture.

Abstract Background Osteoporosis is a worldwide health problem predominantly affecting post-menopausal women. Therapies aimed at increasing bone mass in osteoporetic patients lag behind comparable investigation of therapeutic strategies focusing on the bone resorption process. Sesamin, a major lignan compound found in Sesamun indicum Linn., has a variety of pharmacological effects, though its activity on bone cell function is unclear. Herein we examine the effect of this lignan on osteoblast differentiation and function. Method Cell cytotoxicity and proliferative in hFOB1.19 were examined by MTT and alamar blue assay up to 96 h of treatment. Gene expression of COL1, ALP, BMP-2, Runx2, OC, RANKL and OPG were detected after 24 h of sesamin treatment. ALP activity was measured at day 7, 14 and 21 of cultured. For mineralized assay, ADSCs were cultured in the presence of osteogenic media supplement with or without sesamin for 21 days and then stained with Alizarin Red S. MAPK signaling pathway activation was observed by using western blotting. Results Sesamin promoted the gene expression of COL1, ALP, OCN, BMP-2 and Runx2 in hFOB1.19. On the other hand, sesamin was able to up-regulate OPG and down-regulate RANKL gene expression. ALP activity also significantly increased after sesamin treatment. Interestingly, sesamin induced formation of mineralized nodules in adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) as observed by Alizarin Red S staining; this implies that sesamin has anabolic effects both on progenitor and committed cell stages of osteoblasts. Western blotting data showed that sesamin activated phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 in hFOB1.19. Conclusions The data suggest that sesamin has the ability to trigger osteoblast differentiation by activation of the p38 and ERK MAPK signaling pathway and possibly indirectly regulate osteoclast development via the expression of OPG and RANKL in osteoblasts. Therefore, sesamin may be a promising phytochemical that could be developed for supplementation of osteoporotic therapy.

Abstract Background Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in various tumor cells, but does not affect normal cells or human leukemic cells, such as MOLT-4 and U937 cells, which are relatively resistant to TRAIL. Three flavonoids extracted from the rhizome of K. parviflora were 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (DMF), 5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone (TMF) and 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone (PMF), and synthetic flavonoids including 5-methoxyflavone (5-MF) and 2'-methoxyflavone (2"-MF) were chosen for testing in this study. The aims of this study were to examine whether the treatment of TRAIL-resistant leukemia MOLT-4 and U937 cells, with methoxyflavone derivatives could enhance the apoptotic response and to identify the mechanism involved. Methods The cytotoxic effect of methoxyflavone (MF) derivatives in MOLT-4, U937 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was analyzed by the MTT assay. The induction of apoptosis and the reduction of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) after staining with annexin V FITC and propidium iodide (PI), and 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide (DiOC6), respectively, were performed using flow cytometry. ROS production was determined by staining with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and processed with a flow cytometer. DR4, DR5, cFLIP, Mcl-1, BAX and Bid expression were demonstrated by immunoblotting. Caspase-8 and -3 activities were determined by using IETD-AFC and DEVD-AFC substrates and the fluorescence intensity was measured. Results All methoxyflavone derivatives were cytotoxic to MOLT-4, U937 cells and PBMCs, except DMF, TMF and PMF were not toxic to PBMCs. All MF derivatives induced human leukemic MOLT-4 cell apoptosis, but not in U937 cells. Percentage of MOLT-4 cells with (ΔΨm) was increased when treated with DMF, TMF, PMF, 5-MF and 2'-MF in the presence of TRAIL. 5-MF and 2'-MF enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis through the up-regulation of both DRs and the down-regulation of cFLIP and Mcl-1. Bid was cleaved and BAX was up-regulated, followed by the activation of caspase-8 and -3. Oxidative stress was also increased. 2'-MF gave the same result compared with 5-MF but with a less effect. Conclusion Methoxyflavone derivatives enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human leukemic MOLT-4 cells through the death receptors and mitochondrial pathways.

Abstract Background Zearalenone (ZEA) is a phytoestrogen from Fusarium species. The aims of the study was to identify mode of human leukemic cell death induced by ZEA and the mechanisms involved. Methods Cell cytotoxicity of ZEA on human leukemic HL-60, U937 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed by using 3-(4,5-dimethyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Reactive oxygen species production, cell cycle analysis and mitochondrial transmembrane potential reduction was determined by employing 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, propidium iodide and 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide and flow cytometry, respectively. Caspase-3 and -8 activities were detected by using fluorogenic Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (DEVD-AMC) and Ile-Glu-Thr-Asp-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (IETD-AMC) substrates, respectively. Protein expression of cytochrome c, Bax, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL was performed by Western blot. The expression of proteins was assessed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel-electrophoresis (PAGE) coupled with LC-MS2 analysis and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) approach. Results ZEA was cytotoxic to U937 > HL-60 > PBMCs and caused subdiploid peaks and G1 arrest in both cell lines. Apoptosis of human leukemic HL-60 and U937 cell apoptosis induced by ZEA was via an activation of mitochondrial release of cytochrome c through mitochondrial transmembrane potential reduction, activation of caspase-3 and -8, production of reactive oxygen species and induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Bax was up regulated in a time-dependent manner and there was down regulation of Bcl-xL expression. Two-dimensional PAGE coupled with LC-MS2 analysis showed that ZEA treatment of HL-60 cells produced differences in the levels of 22 membrane proteins such as apoptosis inducing factor and the ER stress proteins including endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERp29), 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein, heat shock protein 90 and calreticulin, whereas only ERp29 mRNA transcript increased. Conclusion ZEA induced human leukemic cell apoptosis via endoplasmic stress and mitochondrial pathway.

Abstract Background Glucosamine (GlcN) is a well-recognized candidate for treatment of osteoarthritis. However, it is currently used in derivative forms, such as glucosamine-hydrochloride (GlcN-HCl) or glucosamine sulfate (GlcN-S). However, the molecular mode of action remains unclear. In this study, we compared the effects of Glucose (Glc), Glucuronic acid (GlcA), Glucosamine hydrochloride (GlcN-HCl) and Glucosamine sulfate (GlcN-S) on cartilage degradation. Methods Porcine cartilage explants were co-cultured with recombinant human IL-1β and each tested substance for 3 days. HA, s-GAG and MMP-2 releases to media were measured using ELISA, dye-binding assay and gelatin zymography, respectively. Similar studies were performed in a human articular chondrocytes (HAC) monolayer culture, where cells were co-treated with IL-1β and each reagent for 24 hours. Subsequently, cells were harvested and gene expression measured using RT-PCR. All experiments were carried out in triplicate. Student's t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results In cartilage explants treated with IL-1β, GlcN-S had the highest chondroprotective activity of all four chemicals as shown by the inhibition of HA, s-GAG and MMP-2 released from cartilage. The anabolic (aggrecan core protein; AGG, SOX9) and catabolic (MMP-3, -13) genes in HACs treated with IL-1β and with/without chemicals were studied using RT-PCR. It was found that, GlcN-HCl and GlcN-S could reduce the expression of both MMP-3 and -13 genes. The IL-1β induced-MMP-13 gene expression was decreased maximally by GlcN-S, while the reduction of induced-MMP-3 gene expression was greatest with GlcN-HCl. Glc and GlcA reversed the effect of IL-1β on the expression of AGG and SOX9, but other substances had no effect. Conclusion This study shows that glucosamine derivatives can alter anabolic and catabolic processes in HACs induced by IL-1β. GlcN-S and GluN-HCl decreased induced MMP-3 and -13 expressions, while Glc and GlcA increased reduced-AGG and SOX9 expression. The chondroprotective study using porcine cartilage explant showed that GlcN-S had the strongest effect.

Graphical abstract Highlights • Sesamin reduced TLR4 expression in LPS-stimulated microglial cells. • Sesamin alleviated LPS-induced production of proinflammatory mediators in BV2 microglial cells through the TLR4 pathway. • Sesamin protected against PC12 neuron cell death via inhibition of microglial activation. • Sesamin directly protected against PC12 neuron cell death from neurotoxic effects. Abstract Sesamin, one of the most abundant lignans in sesame seeds and oils, is well known for neuroprotective activity. However, its effects on toll-like-receptor 4 (TLR4), the key innate immune receptor implicated in microglia activation and neuroinflammation has not been reported. Our study demonstrated that sesamin significantly diminished LPS-stimulated TLR4 expression result in the reduction of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in BV2 microglia by suppressing JNK and NF-κB pathway. While conditioned medium from LPS-stimulated microglia-induced PC12 cell death, sesamin pre-treatment on microglia abrogated the cytotoxic effects of pro-inflammatory mediators. Our result also demonstrated the direct effect of sesamin in ameliorating PC12 cell death induced by activated microglial-conditioned medium. These results suggested that sesamin alleviated inflammation-induced neurodegeneration via inhibition of TLR4 expression and microglial activation resulting in diminishing the neurotoxicity effect. Sesamin might be a potential agent for neurodegenerative diseases prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the biological effects of the Mucuna pruriens ( M. pruriens ) seed extracts that lacked l -DOPA, which was formerly reported as the active ingredient, on erectile dysfunction (ED) both in vitro and in vivo . Methods Seed of M. pruriens plant that cultivated in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, was collected. Component of its seeds were extracted and isolated into 2 fractions using methanol, polar and nonpolar. Each fraction was investigated for phytochemicals using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy and was screened for biological activity in vitro using three different cell lines. The most biological active fraction was used to treat both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus-erectile dysfunction (DM-ED) male Wistar rats and normal rats ( n = 6 per groups) to compare the effect on sexual behavior parameters, including number of intromission, mounting and ejaculation, with that of rats given Sildenafil by individually pairing with their female counterparts. Penile tissues and serums were collected to determine histological structure, related gene expression and biomolecules. Results The phytochemicals of the polar fraction were possibly catechol and its derivatives plus polyphenols, whereas the nonpolar fraction consisted of lipid derivatives. l -DOPA was not detected in either of the extracts. The polar fraction was able to up-regulate the expression of ED-related genes including eNOS and nNOS in vitro which subsequently promotes nitric oxide production and maintains intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels. When administrated to DM-ED rats, the polar extract significantly improved all sexual behavior parameters in DM-ED rats compared to untreated group (18.3 ± 1.8 to 10.8 ± 2.9 for intromission, 9.8 ± 2.2 to 5.7 ± 1.3 for mounting, and 1.8 ± 0.6 to 0.2 ± 0.4 for ejaculation). That effect might due to the ability of the extract to stimulate the expression of eNOS and nNOS which results in nitric oxide production and subsequently maintains cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in penile tissue. Moreover, this extract may also prevent penile tissue deterioration due to diabetes. Conclusions The polar extract of M. pruriens seed can be used for ED therapy, especially in patients with metabolic diseases including diabetes. The action of the extract might be due to catechol and its derivatives and polyphenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesamin, a major lignan in sesame seeds and oils, is well known for its health promotion activity. However, its effects on bone cell functions are infrequently observed. In the study, the effects of sesamin on the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), osteoblasts, were examined. The differentiation of cells into osteoblasts suggested that sesamin (SE) in combination with osteogenic factors (OS) significantly increased calcium deposition. Although the osteoblastic differentiation markers including bone morphogenetic protein 2 ( BMP-2 ), type I collagen ( COL1A1 ) and alkaline phosphatase ( ALP ) of each cell donor showed different expressions both in gene type and time point, the increasing trends of COL1A1 and ALP were observed within the condition of OS + SE being compared with OS treatment. Increased ALP activity in OS + SE treatment could mediate the stimulatory effect of sesamin on osteoblast differentiation. Increased phosphorylation of p38 and ERK were related to increasing of ALP activity and mineralization in OS + SE treatment. Hence, it is suggested that sesamin enhanced osteoblast differentiation via activation of those MAPK signalling cascades. All results present that sesamin benefits differentiation of osteoblast progenitors towards functional bone forming cells, osteoblast. Thereby, sesamin would be a potential food supplement promoting bone health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: The aims were to monitor remaining interrupted force magnitudes, and to compare chondroitin sulphate (CS) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of moved mandibular canines, rates of space closure and patients' pain and discomfort between interrupted and continuous orthodontic force patterns. Materials and method: Fifteen Class I malocclusion patients (5 males and 10 females; aged 17.00 ± 3.18 years) who required orthodontic treatment with first premolar extractions, were recruited. Interrupted force pattern was generated by elastomeric chains, and continuous force pattern by Nickel-Titanium closed coil springs. Initial force magnitude was 120 g. Elastomeric chains were replaced by new ones at the end of fourth week during the loaded periods. During the unloaded and the loaded periods, remaining interrupted force magnitudes were measured, and those of continuous force pattern were calibrated and controlled. GCF samples were collected with Periopaper® strips. CS levels were measured by competitive ELISA with WF6 monoclonal antibody during the 8-week control, the unloaded and the 8-week loaded periods. Rates of space closure were measured, and amount of pain and discomfort was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Results: Medians of interrupted force magnitudes were 120.0, 60.0, 50.0, 37.5 and 25.0 g, and after elastomeric chain replacement were 120.0, 62.5, 37.5, 25.0 and 25.0 g respectively. There were no significant differences in the median CS levels between the 8-week control and the unloaded periods, and between right and left mandibular canines. Medians of CS levels during the loaded periods, both interrupted and continuous force patterns, were significantly greater than those during the unloaded period (P=0.008 and P=0.027 respectively). Differences between medians of CS levels of interrupted and continuous force patterns during each 1-week loaded period were not significant. There was no significant difference in the rates of space closure, and the patients' pain and discomfort between interrupted and continuous force patterns. Conclusion: Both interrupted and continuous force patterns, with 120 g initial force magnitude, cause no difference in biochemically-assessed bone remodeling activity, same rate of space closure and same patients' pain and discomfort. Initial orthodontic force magnitude, of both interrupted and continuous force patterns, may play an important role for alveolar bone remodeling and clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-five dogs were included in a randomized, double-blind trial to assess the efficacy of doxycycline (DOX) orally administered twice a day at 4 mg/kg/day (n = 12) for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip. Chondroitin sulfate (CS; 525 mg/day) was used as a positive control (n = 13). Dogs were re-examined monthly for 6 months after initiation of treatment. The assessment protocol included clinical score, radiographic findings and serum osteoarthritis biomarkers. Dogs treated with DOX showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in lameness, joint mobility, pain on palpation, weight-bearing and overall score at 2, 6, 4, 4 and 4 months, respectively, after treatment. Biomarker levels of CS-WF6 epitope and hyaluronan were significantly increased and decreased (p < 0.05) at 2 and 3 months after treatment compared to pretreatment. These results showed that DOX had a positive therapeutic effect in dogs with osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Serum chondroitin sulfate epitope (WF6) and hyaluronic acid (HA) levels were determined to be of clinical relevance to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This cross-sectional study recruited participants from two distinct groups. Group A was comprised of 74 healthy controls, and group B consisted of 33 ACL injury patients. Serum samples were taken and assayed by a competitive immunoassay with monoclonal antibody WF6. Serum HA was also determined by an ELISA-based assay using biotinylated HA-binding proteins. Both groups A and B shared similar values of age, body mass index, white blood cell count and percentage of polymorphonuclear cells. ESR levels were also shown to be within normal limits. The serum WF6 epitope levels of group B were significantly higher than those of group A, whereas serum HA levels were not different between the two groups. The serum WF6 epitope level is more sensitive to changes in articular cartilage due to a non-inflammatory instability condition than the serum HA level, and should prove to be one of the most promising assays for early post-traumatic arthritis detection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To determine the levels of chondroitin sulphate (CS) WF6 epitope, recognized by WF6 monoclonal antibody, in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from different stages of periodontal disease and healthy periodontium, and to correlate those levels with clinical parameters. Material and Methods: GCF samples, collected from 389 sites, were analysed for the WF6 epitope levels by the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The median WF6 epitope level was significantly higher in chronic periodontitis sites ( n=185) than in healthy and gingivitis sites ( n=204) ( p<0.001), whereas the median levels did not significantly differ between healthy ( n=65) and gingivitis sites ( n=139). The median level in severe periodontitis sites ( n=60) was significantly higher than that in moderate periodontitis sites ( n=63) ( p=0.019). Similarly, the median level in moderate periodontitis sites was significantly higher than that in slight periodontitis sites ( n=62) ( p=0.001). The WF6 epitope levels significantly correlated with probing depth ( r=0.777, p=0.001) and loss of clinical attachment level ( r=0.814, p=0.001). Conclusion: Elevated CS WF6 epitope levels in GCF are associated with severity of periodontitis. The WF6 antibody may therefore be clinically applied to monitor disease severity and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hip dysplasia (HD) is one of the most important bone and joint diseases in dogs. Making the radiographic diagnosis is sometime possible when the disease has markedly progressed. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and hyaluronan (HA) are the most important cartilage biomolecules that are elevated in the serum taken from dogs with osteoarthritis. The serum CS and HA can be detected by an ELISA technique, with using monoclonal antibodies against CS epitope 3B3 and WF6 and the HA chain as the primary antibodies. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of serum CS (both epitopes) and HA in non-HD and HD dogs. All 123 dogs were categorized into 2 groups. The non-HD group was composed of 98 healthy dogs, while the HD group was comprised of 25 HD dogs. Blood samples were collected for analyzing the serum CS and HA levels with using the ELISA technique. The results showed that the average serum level of the CS epitope WF6 in the HD group (2,594 ± 3,036.10 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that in the non-HD group (465 ± 208.97 ng/ml) (p < 0.01) while the epitope 3B3 in the HD group (105 ± 100.05 ng/ml) was significantly lower than that in the non-HD group (136 ± 142.03 ng/ml) (p < 0.05). The amount of serum HA in the HD group (134.74 ± 59.71 ng/ml) was lower than that in the non HD group (245.45 ± 97.84 ng/ml) (p < 0.05). The results indicate that the serum CS and HA levels might be used as biomarkers for osteoarthritis in HD dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]