Bone Abstracts

Constant remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) is a hallmark during physiological conditions, such as stem cell differentiation, embryogenesis and tissue repair. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play a key role in these processes. MMPs, MMP-activator (EMMPRIN/CD147) and MMP-inhibitors (TIMPs and RECK) are responsible for bone matrix remodeling and, probably, determinate the level of its turnover. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from dental pulp are multipotent and have the ca...

Identifying novel molecules that enhance human skeletal (mesenchymal) stem cells (hMSC) differentiation into osteoblastic bone forming cells (OB), may lead to development of new bone anabolic drugs. We have identified Kix, a small molecule kinase inhibitor that enhanced ex vivo OB differentiation and reduced apoptosis of hMSC. We found that Kix targeted undifferentiated hMSC populations and not their differentiated progeny. In addition, Kix increased in vivo ...

The healing of bone fractures is a tightly regulated process where released growth factors and cytokines interplay within an inflammatory environment in order to reestablish the functional bone. Recent studies have suggested that endothelial cells may dedifferentiate into mesenchymal multipotent cells via a mechanism called endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EndoMT). Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a critical role inducing EndoMT. Subsequent differenti...

Infections within or in the vicinity of the skeleton induce osteolytic diseases such as periodontitis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis. Although host production of osteotropic cytokines is crucial, the precise mechanism by which pathogen associated molecular patterns induce osteoclastogenesis and bone loss is not fully understood. Recognition of these molecules by pattern recognition receptors is highly preserved through evolution with trans-membrane Toll-like receptor (TLR) f...

Acrylamide is a byproduct that forms when certain carbohydrate and aminoacid rich foods are fried, baked, or roasted at high temperatures (>120°C). Our earlier study showed that acrylamide altered the morphology and histology of the small intestinal wall damaging the intestinal barrier and reducing absorption surface. The study was performed to determine whether acrylamide influences gut-bone axis in foetus when administered to guinea pig during the last 35 days of pr...

It is well known that sex hormone deficiency leads to increased bone turnover and subsequent bone loss. The metabolism of estrogens involves, among others, oxidation (mainly hydroxylation) by CYPs. The aim of this study was to determine whether Leu432Val polymorphism in the CYP1B1 gene is present also in Slovak population and subsequently, if it is associated with femoral and spinal bone mineral density (FBMD and SBMD), bone remodeling markers and fracture incidence in this po...

The musculoskeletal system experiences severe mechanical strain, with repetitive or extreme strains causing significant trauma; the result being an increase in mechanobiological studies evaluating mechanical strain on musculoskeletal cells. Currently, most stretching studies utilise fibronectin-coated cultures, as these enhance cell attachment. However, recent studies suggest that fibronectin increases cell turnover and DNA damage and affects cell differentiation. Furthermore,...

Osteoporosis (OP) is characterised by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of the bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and increased fracture risk. OP causes an imbalance in the cellular remodelling process thus inducing changes in the bone’s mineral and organic phases that are responsible for its strength and stiffness. The purpose of this study is to investigate the early effects of OP progression on the arrangement of bone tissue mineral phase ...

Introduction: To compare serum vitamin D levels in elderly patients with or without osteoporotic spinal compression fractures (OSCF) and to evaluate a correlation between serum vitamin D level and several variables such as age, and bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers.Methods: The medical records of 78 patients with OSCF (fracture group) and 84 age-matched control patients who were diagnosed osteoporosis without OSCF (control group) were rev...

Introduction and aims: Vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent disorder in developing countries. Clinical manifestations of the deficiency include musculoskeletal disorders, such as nonspecific muscle pain, poor muscle strength and low bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and low BMD in healthy Saudi women.Methods: The subjects of this cross-sectional study comprised 449 healthy Saudi women...