Protocol for isolation of human bone marrow stromal cells and characterization of cellular metabolism.

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) serve as a valuable reservoir of multipotent stem cells important in the regulation of bone homeostasis and energy metabolism. Here, we present a protocol for isolating human BMSCs (hBMSCs) and characterizing their cellular metabolism related to hBMSC functional properties. We describe steps for bioenergetics, cell senescence, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), together with description of the data analysis.

The final walk with preptin.

Preptin, a 34-amino acid peptide derived from pro-IGF2, is believed to influence various physiological processes, including insulin secretion and the regulation of bone metabolism. Despite its recognized involvement, the precise physiological role of preptin remains enigmatic. To address this knowledge gap, we synthesized 16 analogs of preptin, spanning a spectrum from full-length forms to fragments, and conducted comprehensive comparative activity evaluations alongside native human, mouse and rat preptin.

NOX4-reactive oxygen species axis: critical regulators of bone health and metabolism.

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) play a significant role in bone metabolism as they can differentiate into osteoblasts, bone marrow adipocytes (BMAds), and chondrocytes. BMSCs chronically exposed to nutrient overload undergo adipogenic programming, resulting in bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) formation. BMAT is a fat depot transcriptionally, metabolically, and morphologically distinct from peripheral adipose depots.

Exploring contrast-enhancing staining agents for studying adipose tissue through contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography offers a nondestructive approach to studying adipose tissue in 3D. Several contrast-enhancing staining agents (CESAs) have been explored, whereof osmium tetroxide (OsO) is the most popular nowadays. However, due to the toxicity and volatility of the conventional OsO, alternative CESAs with similar staining properties were desired.

Nutrition and Bone Marrow Adiposity in Relation to Bone Health.

Bone remodeling is energetically demanding process. Energy coming from nutrients present in the diet contributes to function of different cell type including osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts in bone marrow participating in bone homeostasis. With aging, obesity and osteoporosis the function of key building blocks, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), changes towards higher accumulation of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) and decreased bone mass, which is affected by diet and sex dimorphism.