Michael C. D. Trindade

Signaling Pathways for Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-6 Expression in Human Macrophages Exposed to Titanium-Alloy Particulate Debris in Vitro*

BACKGROUND Loosening of the implant after total joint arthroplasty remains a serious problem. The activation of macrophages by wear debris from implants, mediated by the release of cytokines that elicit bone resorption, may lead to loosening. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the mechanisms of macrophage activation by titanium particles from the components of implants and to identify the signaling pathways involved in particle-mediated release of cytokines. METHODS Macrophages were isolated from mononuclear leukocytes obtained from healthy human donors and were exposed to titanium-alloy particles that had been obtained from periprosthetic membranes collected at revision total joint arthroplasties and then enzymatically prepared. The experimental protocols included examination of the effects of the inhibition of phagocytosis and the binding of antibodies to macrophage complement receptors on particle-induced macrophage activation. The release of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and IL-6 (interleukin-6) was used to assess macrophage activation. The signaling pathways involved in the induction of cytokine release were analyzed by identification of phosphorylated proteins with use of the Western blot technique and by translocation of the transcription factors nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) and nuclear factor-interleukin-6 (NF-IL-6) into the nuclear protein fraction with use of electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The role of serine/threonine and tyrosine kinase pathways in the activation of nuclear factors and the release of cytokines was examined with use of selective pharmacological agents. RESULTS Exposure of macrophages to titanium-alloy particles in vitro for forty-eight hours resulted in a fortyfold increase in the release of TNF-alpha and a sevenfold increase in the release of IL-6 (p<0.01). Phagocytosis of particles occurred in approximately 73 percent of the macrophages within one hour of exposure. Pretreatment of the macrophages with cytochalasin B reduced phagocytosis by 95 percent but did not reduce the release of TNF-alpha or IL-6. Thus, phagocytosis of particles was not necessary for induction of the release of TNF-alpha or IL-6 in the cultured macrophages. Ligation of the macrophage CD11b/CD18 receptors by integrin-specific antibodies also increased the release of TNF-alpha and IL-6. Antibodies to CD11b/ CD18 receptors (macrophage Mac-1 receptors) reduced phagocytosis of particles by 50 percent (p<0.05). (The CD11b/CD18 macrophage receptor is the macrophage receptor for the complement component CR3bi. The CD11b/CD18 macrophage receptor can also bind to ICAM-1 and ICAM-2. CD is the abbreviation for cluster of differentiation, and ICAM is the abbreviation for intercellular adhesion molecule.) Inhibition of phagocytosis was not accompanied by a decrease in the release of TNF-alpha and IL-6. Blocking RNA synthesis with actinomycin D or preventing protein synthesis with cycloheximide abolished or decreased particle-induced release of TNF-alpha and IL-6 from the macrophages. Macrophage release of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in response to particles coincided with increased tyrosine phosphorylation and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Inhibition of tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase activity decreased the particle-induced release of cytokines. Exposure of macrophages to either titanium-alloy particles or to antibodies to the receptor proteins CD11b and CD18 for thirty minutes activated the transcription factors NF-kappaB and NF-IL-6. Inhibition of particle phagocytosis did not block activation of the transcription factors. However, inhibition of tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase activity decreased the activation of NF-kappaB and NF-IL-6. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that particle induced macrophage release of TNF-alpha and IL-6 does not require phagocytosis but is dependent on tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase activity culminating in activation of

Mechanoregulation of human articular chondrocyte aggrecan and type II collagen expression by intermittent hydrostatic pressure in vitro

This study addressed the hypothesis that duration and magnitude of applied intermittent hydrostatic pressure (IHP) are critical parameters in regulation of normal human articular chondrocyte aggrecan and type II collagen expression. Articular chondrocytes were isolated from knee cartilage and maintained as primary, high‐density monolayer cultures. IHP was applied at magnitudes of 1, 5 and 10 MPa at 1 Hz for durations of either 4 h per day for one day (4 × 1) or 4 h per day for four days (4 × 4). Total cellular RNA was isolated and analyzed for aggrecan and type II collagen mRNA signal levels using specific primers and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) nested with beta‐actin primers as internal controls. With a 4 × 1 loading regimen, aggrecan mRNA signal levels increased 1.3‐ and 1.5‐fold at 5 and 10 MPa, respectively, relative to beta‐actin mRNA when compared to unloaded cultures. Changing the duration of loading to a 4 × 4 regimen increased aggrecan mRNA signal levels by 1.4‐, 1.8‐ and 1.9‐fold at loads of 1, 5 and 10 MPa, respectively. In contrast to the effects of IHP on aggrecan, type II collagen mRNA signal levels were only upregulated at loads of 5 and 10 MPa with the 4 × 4 loading regimen. Analysis of cell‐associated protein by western blotting confirmed that IHP increased aggrecan and type II collagen in chondrocyte extracts. These data demonstrate that duration and magnitude of applied IHP differentially alter chondrocyte matrix protein expression. The results show that IHP provides an important stimulus for increasing cartilage matrix anabolism and may contribute to repair and regeneration of damaged or diseased cartilage.

COX-2 selective NSAID decreases bone ingrowth in vivo.

Whether non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)—induced suppression of bone ingrowth is due to cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) inhibition, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibition, or through a yet unidentified pathway is unknown. In this study, the effects of a non‐specific COX‐1 and COX‐2 inhibitor, versus a specific COX‐2 inhibitor on bone ingrowth and tissue differentiation are examined in vivo. Harvest chambers were implanted unilaterally in the tibiae of eight mature, New Zealand white rabbits. After a 6‐week period for osseointegration of the chamber, the following oral treatments were given for 4 weeks each, followed by a harvest in each case: drinking water with no NSAID (control 1), Naproxen sodium–a COX‐1 and COX‐2 non‐specific inhibitor at a dose of 110 mg/kg/day in the drinking water, drinking water with no NSAID (control 2), and Rofecoxib—a COX‐2 inhibitor at a dose of 12.5 mg/day inserted directly into the rabbits mouth. Harvested specimens were snap frozen, cut into serial 6 μm sections and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for general morphological characterization, and alkaline phosphatase (osteoblast marker). Sections were also processed for immunoperoxidase staining using monoclonal antibodies to identify cells expressing the vitronectin receptor (osteoclast‐like cells). With drinking water alone, the percentage of bone ingrowth averaged 24.8 ± 2.9% and 29.9 ± 4.5% respectively. Naproxen sodium in the drinking water and oral Rofecoxib decreased bone ingrowth significantly (15.9 ± 3.3%, p = 0.031 and 18.5 ± 2.4%, p = 0.035 compared to drinking water respectively). Both Naproxen sodium (p = 0.026) and Rofecoxib (p = 0.02) decreased the number of CD51 positive osteoclast‐like cells per section compared with drinking water alone. Rofecoxib decreased the area of osteoblasts per section area (p = 0.014) compared to controls, although the value for Naproxen sodium did not reach statistical significance. The results of the present study suggest that bone formation is suppressed by oral administration of an NSAID which contains a COX‐2 inhibitor. COX‐2 inhibitors currently taken for arthritis and other conditions may potentially delay fracture healing and bone ingrowth.

Effects of shear stress on nitric oxide and matrix protein gene expression in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes in vitro.

Mechanical loading alters articular cartilage metabolism. However, mechanisms underlying intracellular signaling and communication between cells in response to mechanical stresses remain enigmatic. This study tested the hypothesis that shear stress‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production participates in the regulation of matrix protein gene expression. The data presented here demonstrate that exposure of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes to a continuously applied shear stress (1.64 Pa) upregulated NO synthase gene expression and increased NO release by 1.8‐, 2.4‐, and 3.5‐fold at 2, 6, and 24 h, respectively. Exposure of chondrocytes to a short duration of shear stress for 2 h resulted in the release of accumulation of NO in the culture medium. Exposure of chondrocytes to shear stress for 2, 6, and 24 h inhibited type II collagen mRNA signal levels by 27%, 18% and 20% after a constant post‐shear incubation period of 24 h. Aggrecan mRNA signal levels were inhibited by 30%, 32% and 41% under identical conditions. Addition of an NO antagonist increased type II collagen mRNA signal levels by an average of 1.8‐fold (137% of the un‐sheared control) and reestablished the aggrecan mRNA signal levels by an average of 1.4‐fold after shear stress (92% of the un‐sheared control) (ANOVA p < 0.05). These data support the hypothesis that shear stress‐induced NO release may influence the development of degenerative joint diseases by inhibiting matrix macromolecule synthesis.

In vitro reaction to orthopaedic biomaterials by macrophages and lymphocytes isolated from patients undergoing revision surgery.

Periprosthetic tissues observed at sites of loose total joint implants exhibit abundant macrophages, lymphocytes, fibroblasts and particulate debris. Macrophages phagocytose orthopaedic debris and release proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases and other substances. In addition, other cell types present in tissues harvested from the bone-implant interface are thought to influence periprosthetic bone resorption. The present study examined the effects of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), cobalt chrome molybdenum alloy (CoCr), and titanium-alloy particle challenge on macrophages co-cultured with lymphocytes in vitro. Potential synergistic effects of lymphocytes on macrophage activation were determined by measuring interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release following exposure to orthopaedic biomaterial particles. Exposure of macrophages or macrophages co-cultured with lymphocytes to all three types of particles resulted in increased release of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha at 48 h, when compared to macrophages or macrophages co-cultured with lymphocytes, respectively, cultured in the absence of particles. Lymphocytes isolated from periprosthetic tissues secreted increased basal levels of cytokines relative to peripheral blood lymphocytes. Higher doses of PMMA and titanium-alloy particles stimulated increased levels of cytokine release in the macrophage and macrophage/lymphocyte groups. In contrast, a higher dose of CoCr particles (0.075% v/v) was not as effective as the 0.015% v/v dose, indicating probable CoCr toxicity. The macrophage/lymphocyte co-culture did not show synergism between the two types of cells with respect to cytokine release. T-cells at the bone-implant interface may alter the biological response to particulate debris.

Induction of Interleukin-6 Release in Human Osteoblast-Like Cells Exposed to Titanium Particles In Vitro

Abstract Orthopaedic wear debris induces release of bone-resorbing factors from macrophages and fibroblasts. However, the extent to which elemental metallic particles induce bone cells to express factors contributing to implant loosening remains unclear. This study showed that exposure of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells to titanium particles at a concentration of 0.30% v/v resulted in a 15-fold increase in IL-6 release into the culture medium after 24 hours, when compared with cells without particles. Northern blots revealed that exposure of MG-63 cells to titanium particles at a concentration of 0.30% v/v for 24 hours increased IL-6 mRNA signal levels by 9.6-fold, when compared with control cultures. Pretreatment of MG-63 cells with cytochalasin B prevented the particle-induced increase of IL-6 expression but did not alter the basal level of IL-6 release from cells cultured in the absence of particles. The protein kinase C inhibitor, H7, and the serine/threonine kinase inhibitor, genistein, abolished the particle-induced increase in IL-6 release at a concentration of 100 μM for each compound. In contrast, an inhibitor of protein kinase A, HA1004, had no effect on the particle-induced increase in IL-6 release. The transcription factors, nuclear factor IL-6 and nuclear factor kappa B, translocated into the nucleus within 1 hour of particle exposure. This study showed that osteoblast-like cells respond to titanium particles through increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL-6, in a process requiring phagocytosis and intracellular signaling pathways. These results suggest that osteoblasts play a direct role in implant loosening because of localized release of soluble mediators such as interleukin-6.

Periprosthetic Osteolysis: Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor From Human Monocyte/Macrophages by Orthopaedic Biomaterial Particles†‡

VEGF and VEGF receptor, Flt‐1, expression was observed in periprosthetic tissues surrounding loosened total joint implants. Exposure of monocyte/macrophages to titanium particles resulted in increased VEGF expression, p44/42 MAPK activation, and VEGF‐dependent macrophage chemotaxis. Increased levels of angiogenic factors, such as VEGF, may be critically important in wear debris‐induced implant loosening after total joint arthroplasty.

Interleukin-10 inhibits polymethylmethacrylate particle induced interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α release by human monocyte/macrophages in vitro

Periprosthetic membranes commonly observed at sites of total joint implant loosening exhibit abundant macrophages and particulate debris. Macrophages phagocytose orthopedic debris and release the pro-inflammatory mediators interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and prostaglandin E2. Populations of activated lymphocytes are often seen in periprosthetic membranes. These lymphocytes may modulate the monocyte/macrophage response to particulate debris and influence aseptic loosening. In addition, other immunologic agents, such as interleukin-10, are present in tissues harvested from the bone-implant interface of failed total joint arthroplasties. The present study examined the effects of interleukin-10 on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particle challenged human monocyte/macrophages in vitro. Human monocyte/macrophages isolated from buffy coats of five healthy individuals were exposed to 1-10 microm PMMA particles. Interleukin-10 was added to the monocyte/macrophages with and without the addition of PMMA particles. Interleukin-10-induced alterations in monocyte/macrophage metabolism were determined measuring interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release by the cells following exposure to PMMA particles. Exposure of the monocyte/macrophages to PMMA particles resulted in a dose-dependent release of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha at 48 h. Interleukin-10 reduced the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release by macrophages in response to PMMA particles in a dose-dependent manner. At 48 h, particle-induced interleukin-6 release was inhibited by 60 and 90% with 1.0 and 10.0 ng/ml treatments of interleukin-10, respectively. At 48 h, particle-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha release was inhibited by 58 and 88% with 1.0 and 10.0 ng/ml treatments of interleukin-10, respectively. Interleukin-10 challenge alone did not significantly alter basal interleukin-6 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha release relative to control cultures. The data presented in this study demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10, inhibits monocyte/macrophage release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in response to PMMA particle challenge in vitro.

Fibroblast expression of C—C chemokines in response to orthopaedic biomaterial particle challenge in vitro

C—C chemokines are soluble mediators that occur in a periprosthetic granuloma and influence recruitment, localization and activation of inflammatory cells. This study tested effects of titanium and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles on expression of selected C—C chemokines in cultured human fibroblasts. The C—C chemokines analyzed included monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, 2 (MCP‐1, 2), monocyte inflammatory protein‐1 alpha (MIP‐1 alpha), and regulated on activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted protein (RANTES). Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1 beta) served as a known stimulator of chemokine release while interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression served as a marker for fibroblast activation. Protein and mRNA signal levels were determined by ELISA and RT‐PCR, respectively. The results demonstrated that exposure of fibroblasts to titanium and PMMA particles resulted in increased release of MCP‐1 in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. After 24 h, titanium particles maximally upregulated MCP‐1 release 7‐fold while PMMA particles increased MCP‐1 levels 2‐fold, when compared to unchallenged fibroblasts. MCP‐2, MIP‐1 alpha and RANTES levels remained unchanged following exposure of fibroblasts to titanium or PMMA particles at any concentration or time point tested. However, IL‐1 beta stimulated release of MCP‐1, MCP‐2, and RANTES, but not MIP‐1 alpha from the fibroblasts. IL‐1 beta, not particles, exhibited the most prominent effect on MCP‐1 mRNA levels. Increased release of MCP‐1 from fibroblasts exposed to titanium and PMMA particles coincided with increased release of IL‐6. This study suggests that release of chemoattractant factors from fibroblasts localized in periprosthetic membranes enhances the chronic inflammatory process leading to bone resorption and implant loosening.

Chemotaxis and activation of particle-challenged human monocytes in response to monocyte migration inhibitory factor and C–C chemokines

Cytokines that regulate monocyte migration were found in membrane tissue surrounding loosened prosthetic implants. Monocyte migration inhibition factor (MIF) is able to inhibit macrophage migration. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) are potent macrophage chemoattractants. These cytokines may be expressed as part of the foreign body response to prosthetic particulate debris. Chemotaxis analysis and macrophage activation experiments were performed to determine the effects of MIF, MCP-1, and MIP-1alpha on macrophage migration and activation in vitro. We demonstrated that MIF had its maximal migration inhibitory effect for unchallenged and particle challenged macrophages at 1 ng/mL. MCP-1 and MIP-1alpha stimulated macrophage chemotaxis maximally at 1 to 10 ng/mL. Dose-response studies with MIF, MCP-1, and MIP-1alpha demonstrated that these cytokines did not modulate activation of unchallenged or particle challenged macrophages as evaluated by IL-6 and TNF-alpha release. However, these cytokines do not appear to affect macrophage release of proinflammatory mediators in vitro.