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Endothelial Cellular Responses to Biodegradable Metal Zinc
Jun Ma1, Nan Zhao1, Donghui Zhu1
1Department of Chemical, Biological and Bio-Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27411, United States; NSF-ERC for Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterial, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27411, United States.
Biodegradable zinc (Zn) ions show a biphasic effect on human coronary artery endothelial cells. Low Zn2+ concentrations promote cell viability and proliferation, while high concentrations inhibit these processes, impacting vascular remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Biodegradable zinc (Zn) metals are promising biomaterials for tissue regeneration.
- Zn exhibits superior corrosion and mechanical properties compared to magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) for orthopedic and stent applications.
- Understanding endothelial cell response to released Zn2+ is crucial for Zn-based medical device development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the short-term cellular effects of varying extracellular Zn2+ concentrations on human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCECs).
- To determine the optimal Zn2+ concentration range for promoting endothelial cell functions relevant to vascular remodeling and regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Primary human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCECs) were exposed to a gradient of extracellular Zn2+ (0-140 μM).
- Cell viability, proliferation, adhesion, and migration were assessed.
- Gene expression profiles were analyzed to identify affected cellular pathways.
Main Results:
- Zn2+ exhibited a biphasic effect on HCECs: low concentrations (promoting) and high concentrations (inhibiting) cell viability, proliferation, adhesion, and migration.
- Key affected genes were associated with cell adhesion, injury, growth, angiogenesis, inflammation, vessel tone, and coagulation.
- The study identified specific concentration thresholds for beneficial and detrimental effects of Zn2+ on endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Zn2+ has a concentration-dependent, biphasic impact on endothelial cell behavior, crucial for vascular applications.
- Findings offer guidance for designing Zn-based alloys and controlling Zn2+ release in medical devices like stents.
- This research is pivotal for optimizing the use of biodegradable zinc in regenerative medicine and medical implants.
