Modulazione del differenziamento osteogenico di precursori mesenchimali umani per applicazioni di ingegneria tissutale

Bone is a dynamic tissue, with the ability to adapt to its functional demands and repair itself by bone remodelling. The major effector cells of bone remodelling are osteoclast and osteoblast, they cooperate in order to maintain the balance between bone formation and bone resorption, essential for bone homeostasis. Disruption of this balance can diminish bone mass and micro-architectural integrity of the bone resulting in an increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures, as evident in osteoporosis. It is known that, in the pathophysiology of the bone, a crucial role is played by endocrine and paracrine factors. Recent data suggest that bone remodeling may be influenced by the nervous system. The hypothesis is supported by the presence, in proximity of the bone, of sensory nerve fibers responsible for the release of some neuro peptides, like substance P. Iin capsaicin-treated animal has been shown the direct involvement of the nervous system in the maintenance of bone, this animal showed bone loss and increased bone fragility. For these reasons in recent years has intensified research in this field trying to understand the role of neuropeptides in the process of differentiation of mesenchymal precursors into osteogenic lineage. The mesenchymal stromal cells are undifferentiated multipotent cells present in the bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord and dental pulp. In these districts, MSC are in a quiescent state until they are required to local repair or tissue regeneration. MSC, suitably stimulated, can differentiate into different types of connective tissue such as, bone, cartilage and adipose. The research was designed to optimize a protocol for ex vivo expansion and to evaluate the effect of substance P, neuropeptide in the sensory endings in the vicinity of the bone, in the process of picking osteogenic.