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Ion therapy of pulmonary fibrosis by inhalation of ionic solution derived from silicate bioceramics
Tao Chen1, Zhaowenbin Zhang2,3, Dong Weng1
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressively fatal disease, but clinically available therapeutic drugs are limited due to efficacy and side effects. The possible mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis includes the damage of alveolar epithelial cells II (AEC2), and activation of immune cells such as macrophages. The ions released from bioceramics have shown the activity in stimulating soft tissue derived cells such as fibroblasts, endothelia cells and epithelia cells, and regulating macrophage polarization. Therefore, this study proposes an "ion therapy" approach based on the active ions of bioceramic materials, and investigates the therapeutic effect of bioactive ions derived from calcium silicate (CS) bioceramics on mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis. We demonstrate that silicate ions significantly reduce pulmonary fibrosis by simultaneously regulating the functions of AEC2 and macrophages. This result suggests potential clinical applications of ion therapy for lung fibrosis.
Insights
This study introduces an "ion therapy" using calcium silicate bioceramics to treat pulmonary fibrosis. Silicate ions effectively reduce lung fibrosis by regulating alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages, suggesting a new therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a fatal lung disease with limited treatment options.
- Key mechanisms involve alveolar epithelial cell II (AEC2) damage and macrophage activation.
- Bioceramic-derived ions can stimulate cells and modulate immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of bioactive ions from calcium silicate (CS) bioceramics for pulmonary fibrosis.
- To explore the effects of these ions on AEC2 and macrophage functions in a mouse model.
- To establish an
- ion therapy
- approach for lung fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized calcium silicate (CS) bioceramics to derive active ions.
- Administered these bioactive ions to mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis.
- Assessed the impact on AEC2 and macrophage functions and overall fibrosis reduction.
Main Results:
- Silicate ions significantly reduced the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in mice.
- The ions demonstrated a dual effect, regulating both AEC2 and macrophage functions.
- Demonstrated the efficacy of bioceramic-derived ions in a preclinical model.
Conclusions:
- Bioactive ions from calcium silicate bioceramics show therapeutic promise for pulmonary fibrosis.
- This
- ion therapy
- approach offers a novel strategy by targeting key cellular mechanisms.
- Results suggest potential for clinical translation in treating lung fibrosis.

