Bone Abstracts

Background: Autocrine and paracrine Wnt signaling operates in stem cell populations and regulates mesenchymal lineage specification. In Wnt producing cells, Wntless (GPR177) supports the transport of Wnt from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to the cell surface in vesicles, from which Wnt is then released. The retromer complex (VPS35) interacts with Wntless and retrieves Wntless from endosomes back to TGN, thereby maintaining the normal levels of Wntless protein. V-ATPases-driven...

Background: The activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes cellular senescence and induces matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in intervertebral disc (IVD). However, little is known about the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling and MMPs expression in degenerated human IVDs.Materials and methods: Nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were separated from the degenerated disc nucleus tissue by performing sequentia...

Background: Expression of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and 4 was up-regulated in lesional areas of OA cartilage. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) reduces the TLR signalling pathway in multiple organ failures. However, little is known about the effects of HBO on the catabolic pathway mediated by TLRs in human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes.Materials and methods: OA chondrocytes were separated from the knees of OA patients by performing sequential enzymatic digesti...

Background: Hypoxia induces mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) proliferation but results in a population with impaired osteogenic differentiation potential. Bone healing of tibial lengthening is enhanced by hyperbaric oxygen therapy. However, little is known about the effects of HBO on the Wnt signaling pathway in MSCs.Materials and methods: MSCs were cultured in complete medium and the osteogenic groups were cultured in osteogenic induction medium. Control c...