Acceleration of bone regeneration by activating Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway via lithium released from lithium chloride/calcium phosphate cement in osteoporosis

Sci Rep. 2017 Mar 24:7:45204. doi: 10.1038/srep45204.

Abstract

By virtue of its excellent bioactivity and osteoconductivity, calcium phosphate cement (CPC) has been applied extensively in bone engineering. Doping a trace element into CPC can change physical characteristics and enhance osteogenesis. The trace element lithium has been demonstrated to stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. We investigated the fracture-healing effect of osteoporotic defects with lithium-doped calcium phosphate cement (Li/CPC) and the underlying mechanism. Li/CPC bodies immersed in simulated body fluid converted gradually to hydroxyapatite. Li/CPC extracts stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts upon release of lithium ions (Li+) at 25.35 ± 0.12 to 50.74 ± 0.13 mg/l through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vitro. We also examined the effect of locally administered Li+ on defects in rat tibia between CPC and Li/CPC in vivo. Micro-computed tomography and histological staining showed that Li/CPC had better osteogenesis by increasing bone mass and promoting repair in defects compared with CPC (P < 0.05). Li/CPC also showed better osteoconductivity and osseointegration. These findings suggest that local release of Li+ from Li/CPC may accelerate bone regeneration from injury through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in osteoporosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Cements / chemistry
  • Bone Cements / pharmacology*
  • Bone Cements / therapeutic use
  • Bone Regeneration*
  • Cell Line
  • Drug Liberation
  • Durapatite / pharmacology*
  • Durapatite / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Lithium Chloride / pharmacokinetics
  • Lithium Chloride / pharmacology*
  • Lithium Chloride / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • Osteoblasts / cytology
  • Osteoblasts / drug effects
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteogenesis
  • Osteoporotic Fractures / therapy*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway*

Substances

  • Bone Cements
  • Durapatite
  • Lithium Chloride