Metformin Hydrochloride Encapsulation by Alginate Strontium Hydrogel for Cartilage Regeneration by Reliving Cellular Senescence

Biomacromolecules. 2021 Feb 8;22(2):671-680. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01488. Epub 2021 Jan 24.

Abstract

Cartilage lesion is a common tissue defect and is challenging in clinical practice. Trauma-induced cellular senescence could decrease the chondrocyte capability of maintaining cartilage tissue regeneration. A previous investigation showed that, by controlling the cellular senescence, the cartilage regeneration can be significantly accelerated. Based on this finding, we design a novel hydrogel, Alg/MH-Sr, that combines metformin, an established drug for inhibiting senescence, and strontium, an effective anti-inflammatory material for cartilage tissue engineering. A RT-PCR test suggests the significant inhibitory effect of the hydrogel on senescent, apoptotic, oxidative, and inflammatory genes' expression. Histological examinations demonstrate that the Alg/MH-Sr hydrogel accelerated cartilage repairment, and chondrocyte senescence was significantly inhibited. Our study demonstrates that the Alg/MH-Sr hydrogel is effective for cartilage defect treatment and provides a new clue in accelerating tissue repairment by inhibiting the senescence of cells and tissues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alginates
  • Cartilage
  • Cellular Senescence
  • Chondrocytes
  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate
  • Hydrogels* / pharmacology
  • Metformin* / pharmacology
  • Strontium / pharmacology
  • Tissue Engineering

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Hydrogels
  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate
  • Metformin
  • Strontium