Silver Nanoparticles Stimulate Osteogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through Activation of Autophagy

Abstract

Aim: Previously, different results have been achieved regarding effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on osteogenesis of stem cells and the mechanisms have not been disclosed yet, which are quite important for potential application of Ag NPs in bone reconstruction. Materials & methods: Effects of Ag NPs on osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with underlying mechanisms were investigated. Results: Ag NPs at 2.5 and 5 μg/ml increased osteogenic proteins expression and mineralization of hMSCs. Meanwhile, autophagy was activated by Ag NPs and it could be inhibited by 3-methyladenine. Furthermore, osteogenesis induced by Ag NPs could also be reversed by 3-methyladenine. Conclusion: These findings suggest that autophagy is involved in stimulating osteogenesis of hMSCs induced by Ag NPs.

Graphical abstract

Keywords::

• autophagy
• cell viability
• human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
• osteogenesis
• silver nanoparticles

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31700829 and 51773018), the Key Research and Development Projects of People’s Liberation Army (BWS17J036) and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (FRF-TP-16-034A1). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31700829 and 51773018), the Key Research and Development Projects of People’s Liberation Army (BWS17J036) and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (FRF-TP-16-034A1). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.