Consil® bioactive glass particles enhance osteoblast proliferation and selectively modulate cell signaling pathways in vitro

Consil® Bioglass® is a commercially available bioactive glass formulation previously shown in clinical studies to support osteogenesis and the repair of bony defects in dogs and cats. Previous in vitro studies confirm that Consil® particles are able to bond directly with bone while promoting osteoblast proliferation and extracellular matrix production. However, the cellular mechanisms mediating their clinical effect remain unclear. This study evaluated whether enhancement of osteoblast proliferation by Consil® particles is associated with signal transduction. Consil® particles maintained the osteoblast phenotype and enhanced proliferation of canine osteoblasts for up to 21 days in culture. Stimulation of proliferation and maintenance of phenotype expression were accompanied by the modulation of selective cell signaling pathways including integrins, the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and the immediate-early gene c-Jun. These genes have been documented to mediate osteoblast growth and differentiation. The signal transduction occurs in a time-dependent manner in which Consil® particles induce a decrease in the pattern of MAPK and c-Jun gene transcription from 4 to 24 h and a subsequent return to control levels by 7 days in culture. Our observations suggest that Consil® Bioglass® particles may provide cues that enhance cell division necessary for facilitating bone regeneration and the repair of bony defects.