The Role Of Biomimetic Silicon Ion In Osteogenesis And Angiogenesis

The identification of materials that effectively promote mineralization and vascularization is crucial for advancing clinical applications in bone regeneration. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in biomimetic silicon ion-conditioned medium, biomimetic silicon ion-PX478 conditioned medium (PX-478 is the HIF-1α inhibitor) and control medium for 3, 5 and 7 days. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), Western Blot, Tube Formation and Scratch Wound Healing Assay were used in this experience. In vitro assays further demonstrated that biomimetic silicon ion upregulates angiogenic protein expression and promotes endothelial cell angiogenesis through activation of the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway. Consequently, biomimetic silicon ion modulates the phenotype of vascular endothelial cells, leading to the formation of CD31hiEmcnhi type H endothelial cells, which are critical for effective bone regeneration. Our study further demonstrated biomimetic silicon ion promotes the formation of type H endothelial cells by upregulating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway in HUVECs. Type H endothelial cells are fundamental for integrating angiogenesis and osteogenesis during bone defect regeneration . Previous studies have primarily focused on either the angiogenic or osteogenic effects of silicon, neglecting the interrelationship between these processes. Our experiments firstly suggest that silicon may act as a potential bridge between bone formation and angiogenesis. Further investigation is warranted to confirm this hypothesis.