Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure on Human Trabecular Bone Regarding Cell Death and Matrix Integrity

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Critical size bone defects pose significant clinical challenges.
• Autologous bone grafts have limitations including donor site morbidity and tissue availability.
• Current allograft processing methods can compromise matrix integrity and biomechanical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biological effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) on protein/matrix integrity and cell death mechanisms in trabecular bone cylinders.
• To evaluate HHP as a gentle devitalization method for bone grafts.

Main Methods:

• Trabecular bone cylinders were subjected to various HHP protocols (250 and 300 MPa for 10, 20, and 30 min).
• Analyses included DNA fragmentation, gene expression, SDS-PAGE, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and histological staining.

Main Results:

• HHP treatment preserved both protein and matrix integrity in bone cylinders.
• Lower pressures and shorter durations induced apoptotic cell death.
• Higher pressures and longer durations resulted in necrotic cell death.

Conclusions:

• HHP is an effective method for devitalizing trabecular bone cylinders while maintaining structural integrity.
• The pressure and duration of HHP treatment can modulate the type of cell death induced.
• HHP shows potential as a gentle and effective alternative for bone graft processing.