Stimulation of Chondrogenic Differentiation of Adult Human Bone Marrow-Derived Stromal Cells by a Moderate-Strength Static Magnetic Field

Abstract

Tissue-engineering strategies for the treatment of osteoarthritis would benefit from the ability to induce chondrogenesis in precursor cells. One such cell source is bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs). Here, we examined the effects of moderate-strength static magnetic fields (SMFs) on chondrogenic differentiation in human BMSCs in vitro. Cells were cultured in pellet form and exposed to several strengths of SMFs for various durations. mRNA transcript levels of the early chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9 and the late marker genes ACAN and COL2A1 were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and production of the cartilage-specific macromolecules sGAG, collage type 2 (Col2), and proteoglycans was determined both biochemically and histologically. The role of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway was also examined. Results showed that a 0.4 T magnetic field applied for 14 days elicited a strong chondrogenic differentiation response in cultured BMSCs, so long as TGF-β3 was also present, that is, a synergistic response of a SMF and TGF-β3 on BMSC chondrogenic differentiation was observed. Further, SMF alone caused TGF-β secretion in culture, and the effects of SMF could be abrogated by the TGF-β receptor blocker SB-431542. These data show that moderate-strength magnetic fields can induce chondrogenesis in BMSCs through a TGF-β-dependent pathway. This finding has potentially important applications in cartilage tissue-engineering strategies.

Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate the Pancreatic Changes of Chemically Induced Hypothyroidism by Carbimazole in Male Rats

“…MSCs could partially rescue islet function [Si et al, DOI: 10.1159/000497297 2012]. However, it is generally accepted that BM-MSCs restore function of the organs via providing the regenerative microenvironment to the injured tissue rather than through their capacity to differentiate and incorporate into the host organs [Amin et al, 2014]. The local paracrine effect of MSCs supports this hypothesis [Qi et al, 2016].…”

Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Bone Regenerative Medicine: What Is the Evidence?

“…Accumulating evidence indicates that the general therapeutic effects of MSCs are due to their ability to support a regenerative microenvironment rather than their capacity to differentiate and incorporate into the host tissue [Horwitz et al, 2002;Amin et al, 2014]. As previously mentioned, MSCs reduce the TNF-α level at the injured site.…”

The Design and Development of a High-Throughput Magneto-Mechanostimulation Device for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

“…41 We have recently shown for the first time that a static magnetic field stimulates chondrogenic differentiation of primary human bone mesenchymal stromal cells and articular cartilage cells. 42 Further, we have established a dose effect, an increase in intracellular calcium, TGF-b3 and sGAG production in response to magneto-stimulation. 43 There is convincing evidence to suggest that application of an external magnetic field elicits electrokinetic events, which induce chondrogenic differentiation and maturation.…”

“…42 Further, we have established a dose effect, an increase in intracellular calcium, TGF-b3 and sGAG production in response to magneto-stimulation. 43 There is convincing evidence to suggest that application of an external magnetic field elicits electrokinetic events, which induce chondrogenic differentiation and maturation. However, how cells sense and respond to this biophysical stimulus, that is, the signaling pathways and mechanisms, remain to be elucidated.…”