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PubMed2001

Molecular basis for elastic energy storage in mineralized tendon.

Animals store elastic energy in leg and foot tendons during locomotion. In the turkey, much of the locomotive force generated by the gastrocnemius muscle is stored as elastic energy during tendon deformation. Little energy storage occurs within the muscle. During growth of some avians, including the turkey, leg tendons mineralize in the portions distal to the attached muscle and show increased tensile strength and modulus as a result. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that the degree of elastic energy storage in mineralizing turkey tendon is directly related to the tendon mineral content. To test this hypothesis, the stress-strain behavior of tendons was separated into elastic and viscous components. Both the elastic spring constant and the elastic energy stored, calculated up to a strain of 20%, were found to be proportional to tendon mineral content. It is concluded that mineralization is an efficient means for increasing the amount of elastic energy storage that is required for increased load-bearing ability needed for locomotion of adult birds. Examination of molecular models of the hole region, where mineralization is initiated within the collagen fibril, leads to the hypothesis that elastic energy is stored in the tendon by direct stretching of the flexible regions. Flexible regions within the collagen molecule fall within the positively stained bands of the collagen D period. It is proposed that mineralization increases the stored elastic energy by preventing flexible regions within the positively stained bands from stretching. These observations suggest that mineralization begins in the hole region due to the large number of charged amino acid residues found in the d and e bands.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Effect of cyclodextrins on surface and pore properties of soil clay minerals.

Although cyclodextrins are increasingly used in soil decontamination, little is known about their effects on soil physicochemical properties. In this work, the surface and pore properties of randomly methylated beta-cyclodextrin (RAMEB) and three typical clay minerals were characterized, and the effects of RAMEB concentrations on clay minerals were studied using water vapor adsorption-desorption and mercury intrusion porosimetry techniques. As compared to clay minerals, for pure RAMEB very large surface area and volume of nanometer-size pores (micropores) were determined. Energy of interaction with water vapor, volume of micrometer-size pores (mesopores), and fractal dimensions in both pore size ranges of RAMEB were lower than those of the minerals. When increasing amounts of RAMEB were added to the minerals, the surface area and micropore volume decreased and adsorption energy increased. The volume of mesopores decreased after RAMEB treatments for bentonite and kaolin and increased for illite. As deduced from the fractal dimensions increase, the pore structure of the minerals became more complex with RAMEB addition. The observed changes were in general contrary to these expected when RAMEB and minerals coexist as separate, nonreactive phases and suggested strong interaction of RAMEB with clay minerals.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1982

Bone mineral content of the lumbar spine in normal and osteoporotic women: cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.

1. Bone mineral content of the second, third and fourth lumbar vertebrae was determined in normal women and women with clinical osteoporosis by using dual-photon (153Gd) absorption. 2. A cross-sectional study of 70 normal (aged 19-88 years) showed a bone loss of 44% from the age of around 34 years throughout life. 3. Longitudinal data from 59 normal women confirmed that the vertebral bone loss started before the menopause. An accelerated bone loss amounting to nearly 6% per year was seen immediately after the menopause. The bone loss of older women was slower. 4. Mean lumbar bone mineral content of 36 women (aged 48-93 years) with recent fractures of their femoral neck after minor trauma equalled that of aged-matched normal women. Lumbar bone mineral content of the women with intratrochanteric femoral neck fractures was lower than that of the women with medial femoral neck fractures. 5. Mean lumbar bone mineral content of 72 women (aged 58-59 years) with primary osteoporosis was 41% lower than that of normal premenopausal women and 18% lower than that of age-matched controls. A weak inverse relationship between lumbar bone mineral content and the number of compression fractures was found. A weak inverse relationship between lumbar bone mineral content and the number of compression fractures was found. 6. Women with lumbar bone mineral content values below the 95% confidence limits for normal premenopausal women are at risk of future vertebral compression fractures, the fracture risk being inversely related to lumbar bone mineral content.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Investigation of mineral waters and soft drinks in relation to dental erosion.

A range of still and sparkling mineral waters were assessed for their erosive potential together with comparator soft drinks using in vitro dissolution assays with extracted human teeth and powdered hydroxyapatite. Dissolution levels with all of the mineral waters were very low and for several still waters were undetectable. Sparkling mineral waters showed slightly greater dissolution than still waters, but levels remained low and were of the order of one hundred times less than the comparator soft drinks. De-gassing of a sparkling mineral water reduced its dissolution, but the total levels were still relatively low suggesting that carbonation of drinks may not be an important factor per se in respect of erosive potential. The complex and heterogeneous mineral compositions of mineral waters could influence the dissolution equilibrium of apatite in enamel and controlled addition of several ions to ultrapure deionized water was investigated. Calcium ions led to the greatest reduction in hydroxyapatite dissolution, but their effects were moderated by other ions including magnesium and sulphate. Thus, mineral waters appear to offer a safe alternative to more erosive acidic beverages and their complex mineral ion compositions may positively influence any dissolution processes at the tooth surface.

Apatites↗
PubMed2003

Long-term effects of mineral versus organic fertilizers on activity and structure of the methanotrophic community in agricultural soils.

Agricultural practices, such as mineral nitrogen fertilization, have an impact on the soil's ability to oxidize methane, but little is known about the shifts in the methanotrophic community composition associated with these practices. Therefore, the long-term effect of both mineral (NH4NO3) and organic (manure and GFT-compost) fertilizer applications on the soil methanotrophic community activity and structure were investigated. Both high and low affinity methane oxidation rates were lower in the soil treated with mineral fertilizer compared to the other soils. An enhanced nitrate concentration was observed in the mineral fertilized soil but nitrate did not show a direct affect on the high affinity methane oxidation. In contrast, the low affinity methane oxidation was slowed down by increased nitrate concentrations, which suggests a direct effect of nitrate on low affinity methane oxidation. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of 16S rRNA gene fragments specific for methanotrophs revealed a distinct community between the mineral and organic fertilized soils as extra Type I methanotrophic bands (phylotypes) became visible in the organic fertilized soils. These phylotypes were not visible in the patterns of the added organic fertilizers suggesting an indirect effect of the organic fertilizers on the methanotrophic community. Additionally, a molecular analysis was performed after the low affinity methane oxidation test. The enhanced methane concentrations used in the test enriched certain low affinity methanotrophs in the organic fertilized soils but not in the mineral fertilized soil. Supporting the molecular and functional observations, fatty acids characteristic for methanotrophs were less abundant in the soil treated with mineral fertilizer compared to the soil treated with compost. In conclusion, the function and molecular and chemical composition of the methanotrophic community are all altered in soil fertilized with mineral fertilizer.

Alphaproteobacteria↗
PubMed1991

Effects of dietary fiber and phytic acid on mineral availability.

In general, it has been shown that dietary fiber may bind metallic cations in both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, there clearly are many unresolved questions on the effects of high-fiber diets on mineral availability. On one side, the effects of fiber on the utilization of nutrients vary greatly with the amount and type of fiber. In addition, there are many agents in both food and the digestive tract that may affect the mineral binding to fiber: some agents may inhibit binding, while others will enhance it. Also, there are several major difficulties in drawing conclusions from the in vitro and in vivo studies due to the different experimental conditions, methods used to follow the mineral balance, etc. Finally, it must be borne in mind that fiber and phytic acid occur together in fiber-rich diets and, thus, it is difficult to separate the effects of fiber and phytate in the utilization of most essential polyvalent metallic ions. The studies summarized in this review show that the recommendation for increasing dietary fiber in Western communities would not be expected to have any adverse effect on mineral absorption if we increase not only the intake of fiber, but also the dietary intake of other food components such as protein (both vegetable and animal protein) and ascorbic, citric, and oxalic acids (in fruits and vegetables). The adequate intake of minerals, fat, and simple sugars are maintained with this type of diet. The recommendations should be best interpreted in such a way as to prevent the consumption of excessive amounts of phytate, particularly for those whose mineral needs are great. Further studies are still needed in this field in order to understand the conflicting results published in the literature regarding the effects of fiber on the utilization of minerals; however, the studies reviewed in this article may give us an idea of the complexity of mineral availability in fiber-rich, phytate-rich diets.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Respiratory toxicology of mineral oils in laboratory animals.

Early subchronic and chronic inhalation toxicology studies on various petroleum mineral oils and formulated lubricants supported the ACGIH TLV of 5 mg/m(3) for mineral oil mist. Additional subchronic studies with aerosolized mineral base oils and lubricants during the last 15 years demonstrated that exposures to aerosols of mineral base oils (often >100 mg/m(3)) resulted mainly in concentration-related accumulation in the lung of alveolar macrophages laden with oil droplets. Inflammatory cells were observed with higher aerosol concentrations, consistent with the clinical literature from highly exposed workers. These pulmonary changes appeared to be a nonspecific response to the presence of deposited aerosol. Studies on sensory irritation during exposures of lab animals to mineral oils indicate possible effects only with very high aerosol concentrations. Coupled with changes in refining to remove carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons from mineral oils several decades ago, this information indicates that current aerosols of mineral oils have a profile of low toxicity from acute to long-term exposures. Available information suggests that additives in some formulated products and/or maintenance of mineral-based metalworking fluids may play a much more significant role in potential health effects.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1976

Consumer talcums and powders: mineral and chemical characterization.

Representative consumer talcums and powders, including 20 body powders, baby powders, facial talcums, and also one pharmaceutical talc, were analyzed to determine their mineralogical and chemical composition. Where known, all were formulated prior to 1973. Of the 20 products 10 contained detectable amounts of tremolite and anthophyllite, principally asbestiform, while some also contained fragmented forms of these minerals. The amounts ranged from tenths of a percent to over 14% by weight; two contained detectable amounts of chrysotile asbestos fiber. Eight contained quartz, seven ranging from 2 to 5%, with one as high as 35%. The analyses showed that the consumer products examined were rarely the pure mineral talc, but rather were mixtures of various minerals; some samples consisted of three to five minerals, only one of which was talc. Other common mineral phases included chlorite, platy serpentine, pyrophyllitem mica, and carbonate minerals. Kaolin additive was identified in two products. The single pharmaceutical talc examined contained only a trace amount of quartz. The chemical composition of these products, including both major oxide and trace element content, correlated with their mineral components. Four samples contained substantial concentrations of nickel, cobalt, and chromium, suggesting latice substitution or the presence of trace mineral phases. Geological provenance of the talcs may be ascertained on the basis of chemistry. Possible adverse health effects from intermittent use of these products, especially those that contain asbestiform and fragmented anthophyllite and tremolite, chrysotile, quartz, and trace metals, are presently unknown and warrnat evaluation.

Asbestos↗
PubMed2002

Meal effect on magnesium bioavailability from mineral water in healthy women.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium intakes in many industrialized countries are below recommended daily allowances. Magnesium-rich mineral water may contribute to coverage of magnesium requirements by providing significant amounts of natural, energy-free, bioavailable magnesium. OBJECTIVE: The objectives were to determine magnesium bioavailability from magnesium-rich (110 mg/L) mineral water in healthy subjects when consumed alone and to evaluate the effect of simultaneous meal consumption. DESIGN: Magnesium bioavailability was measured in 10 healthy women with the use of a crossover design. Stable magnesium isotopes ((25)Mg and (26)Mg) were administered orally with mineral water, which was consumed with or without a meal. Apparent magnesium absorption was determined by fecal monitoring, and magnesium retention was determined from urinary excretion of magnesium isotopes. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD) magnesium absorption from mineral water consumed alone was 45.7 +/- 4.6% (range: 40.2-55.5%) and was significantly greater (P = 0.0001) when it was consumed with a meal (52.3 +/- 3.9%; 46.2-60.2%), a relative difference of 14.4%. Magnesium retention also was significantly greater (P = 0.0004) when mineral water was consumed with a meal (41.5 +/- 4.2%; 35.2-50.6%) than when consumed alone (37.4 +/- 4.0%; 33.1-47.0%), a relative difference of 11.0%. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy young women, approximately 50% of the magnesium from magnesium-rich mineral water was absorbed when consumed alone. Magnesium bioavailability from mineral water is enhanced when the water is consumed with a meal, perhaps because of a slower gastrointestinal transit time, the presence of digestion products from the meal, or both. Regular consumption of magnesium-rich mineral water could make a valuable contribution to magnesium requirements.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Multicomponent methods: evaluation of new and traditional soft tissue mineral models by in vivo neutron activation analysis.

BACKGROUND: Practical and accurate methods for quantifying the soft tissue mineral component of multicomponent fat-estimation models are needed. OBJECTIVES: The aims were to develop a new complete model for estimating soft tissue minerals based on measured total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) and a simplified new model based on TBW measurements only and to compare these estimates with those determined with 2 traditional models (ie, the Brozek and Selinger models) and with criterion estimates based on in vivo neutron activation (IVNA) analysis. DESIGN: The subjects were 156 healthy adults and 50 patients with AIDS. Total body potassium, sodium, chlorine, and calcium were measured by IVNA; TBW by (3)H(2)O or D(2)O dilution; ECW by bromide dilution; and bone mineral by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SD) mass of total-body soft tissue minerals in healthy adults was 467 +/- 62 g with the IVNA model, 492 +/- 62 g with the new model, and 487 +/- 59 g with the simplified new model. Compared with the IVNA model, the complete and simplified new models overestimated soft tissue minerals by 5.4% and 4.6% (both P < 0.001), respectively. In contrast, the Brozek and Selinger models overestimated overall mean soft tissue minerals by 35% and 99% (both P < 0.001), respectively. Overall results for soft tissue mineral prediction with the 2 new models were less satisfactory for the patients with AIDS, although the results were better than those with the traditional models. CONCLUSIONS: The physiologically formulated complete new model for estimating soft tissue minerals provides the opportunity to upgrade the accuracy of current multicomponent models for estimating total body fat.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1996

Functional changes appropriate for determining mineral element requirements.

One factor limiting efforts to determine human requirements for dietary intakes of mineral elements has been the unavailability of acceptable standards for evaluating the effects of marginal and mild deficiencies. Traditional approaches, such as growth, longevity, chemical balance and measurement of concentrations of minerals in plasma or serum and cellular components of the blood, have not been sensitive indicators of mineral nutriture. One alternative that has been shown to be responsive to graded dietary mineral intake is the evaluation of functional responses to specific challenges or stressors. Aberrant responses, either exaggerated or attenuated, to controlled stressors have been observed in a variety of physiological, psychological and immunological parameters when mineral intakes have been suboptimal by conventional standards, compared with adequate responses. In comparison to static biochemical approaches for assessment of mineral nutritional status, functional tests may be sensitive and responsive to alterations in mineral intake in adult humans. Dynamic functional measures complement static biochemical measures and reflect the net effect of deficiencies on integrated biological systems. The application of some of these types of dynamic evaluations of function may be a useful and productive approach for proposing mineral element intakes to optimize human health and biological function and performance.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Bone mineral measurements among middle-aged and elderly Japanese residents in Hawaii.

Cross-sectional data of bone mineral content measured at five skeletal sites (distal radius and ulna, proximal radius and ulna, and os calcis) with single photon absorptiometry were obtained from a population of Japanese-Americans living in Hawaii, comprising 1368 men (aged 61-81 years) and 1098 women (aged 43-80 years). Age-specific mean values of bone mineral content for all skeletal sites were much greater for men than for women and decreased steadily with advancing age in both sexes. The decrease in bone mineral content with age across a 15-year age range was two to four times (depending on skeletal site) greater for women than for men. In multiple regression analyses, age, weight, and postmenopausal estrogen use were potent determinants of bone mineral content for all skeletal sites. Weight was more strongly related to bone mineral content of the os calcis than age in both sexes. Height was significantly related only to the forearm bones. Strenuous exercise was significantly related to bone mineral content of the os calcis and the distal ulna only in men. When compared with US Caucasians of comparable sex and age, the Japanese in Hawaii have lower bone mineral content of the radius. This may partly be explained by the difference in body size. Significant correlations were found between bone mineral content of appendicular bones and radiographically determined vertebral osteoporosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Targeted ablation of the abcc6 gene results in ectopic mineralization of connective tissues.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), characterized by connective tissue mineralization of the skin, eyes, and cardiovascular system, is caused by mutations in the ABCC6 gene. ABCC6 encodes multidrug resistance-associated protein 6 (MRP6), which is expressed primarily in the liver and kidneys. Mechanisms producing ectopic mineralization as a result of these mutations remain unclear. To elucidate this complex disease, a transgenic mouse was generated by targeted ablation of the mouse Abcc6 gene. Abcc6 null mice were negative for Mrp6 expression in the liver, and complete necropsies revealed profound mineralization of several tissues, including skin, arterial blood vessels, and retina, while heterozygous animals were indistinguishable from the wild-type mice. Particularly striking was the mineralization of vibrissae, as confirmed by von Kossa and alizarin red stains. Electron microscopy revealed mineralization affecting both elastic structures and collagen fibers. Mineralization of vibrissae was noted as early as 5 weeks of age and was progressive with age in Abcc6(-/-) mice but was not observed in Abcc6(+/-) or Abcc6(+/+) mice up to 2 years of age. A total body computerized tomography scan of Abcc6(-/-) mice revealed mineralization in skin and subcutaneous tissue as well as in the kidneys. These data demonstrate aberrant mineralization of soft tissues in PXE-affected organs, and, consequently, these mice recapitulate features of this complex disease.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗
PubMed1998

Fluoride-dependent formation of mineralized layers in bovine dentin during demineralization in vitro.

Demineralization of dentin in the presence of fluoride produces lesions with a mineralized surface layer which becomes thicker and more mineralized with higher fluoride concentrations whereas the lesion depth is hardly affected. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the time of fluoride treatment and the amount of fluoride taken up on the properties of the mineralized layer. Discs of bovine dentin embedded in methylmethacrylate with one surface exposed were demineralized in 50 mM acetic acid, 2.2 mM CaCl2, 2.2 mM KH2PO4, pH 5.0. At the start and/or later during the demineralization period, the specimens were incubated individually for 1 or 2 days in 10 ml of the same demineralization solution supplemented with 0.5, 2.0 or 5.0 ppm fluoride, which was then assessed for changes in calcium and fluoride concentrations. After 2, 5 and 8 days, specimens were sectioned for microradiographic analysis so as to follow development of the lesions and the mineralized layers. The results were the following: While demineralization with fluoride present at the first day led to the formation of a surface layer, fluoride present only at a later day produced a subsurface layer, not at the lesion front but closer to the surface. This layer resulted from (re)precipitation and not from preservation of the original mineral. The 'integrated mineral content' of the surface layer increased linearly with the uptake of fluoride, which resulted in an apparent fluorapatite content of about 20 vol%. The profiles of the surface layers remained unchanged during continued demineralization in the absence of fluoride. It was concluded that in the presence of fluoride mineral loss is reduced as a result of the reprecipitation of dissolved mineral ions as a layer of fluoride-enriched apatite. This layer does not offer protection of underlying dentin against continued demineralization.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed1975

The loss of bone mineral with aging and its relationship to risk of fracture.

Longitudinal studies have shown that individuals lose bone mineral at unequal rates with aging. It has been postulated that individuals with the more rapid rates of loss constitute a separate population having an increased risk for developing fractures, i.e., osteoporosis. To examine this postulate, we made a search for a separate population of elderly women using a precise and objective measurement technique of bone mineral, photon absorptiometry. Bone mineral content (BMC) was measured in the radius of 571 Caucasian females who were age 50 or older. It was found that BMC values adjusted for width had a normal distribution in all decades and the variation in BMC values did not increase with age. Subjects with vertebral fractures (n = 108) were estimated to be losing bone mineral at the same rate as those without vertebral fractures (n= 161). Thus evidence for a separate population of rapid losers of bone mineral was not found. Reconciliation of longitudinal studies which show unequal rates of loss with the present population survey, in which evidence for unequal rates was not found, would require that (a) the rate of loss of bone mineral for an individual is not constant and/or (b) the rate of mineral loss is proportional to the amount of mineral present at maturity. The incidence of vertebral fractures was inversely proportional to BMC values. In a group of 278 women followed for 470 subject-yr, the incidence of all fractures during the study (n = 31) was also inversely proportional to BMC. These data suggest that the BMC values of osteoporotics would be at the lower end of normally distributed values for the population.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Time course of stomach mineralization, plasma, and urinary changes after a single intravenous administration of gadolinium(III) chloride in the male rat.

In a previous experiment it was reported that the intravenous administration of gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) to rats results in a discrete band of interstitial mineralization in the fundic glandular mucosa of the stomach. To investigate the time course for the development of this lesion and its relationship to plasma calcium and phosphate concentrations, 2 experiments were carried out in male Sprague-Dawley rats given a single intravenous dose of 0.07 mmol/kg GdCl3. Plasma calcium and phosphate concentrations approximately doubled between 30 min and 12 hr postdose but had regressed back to near normal values by 24 hr. However, there were no observable clinical signs in treated animals. Histologically, there was progressive mineralization of the lamina propria of the neck region of the fundic glands from 6 hr postdose, forming a distinctive mineral band by 12 hr postdose. At 7 and 14 days postdose the mineral deposits were accompanied by mucous cell hyperplasia, interstitial fibrosis, and a very sparse infiltration of inflammatory cells. By 56 days postdose only occasional mineral deposits remained. Transmission electron microscopy showed mineral first nucleated on collagen in the interstitium, but there was no evidence of cell necrosis. X-ray microanalysis showed that the interstitial mineral was composed of calcium and phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite; gadolinium (Gd) was only very rarely identified. These findings are consistent with metastatic mineralization. The source, cause, and the exact nature of the excess plasma calcium and phosphate are unknown, and the possible significance of this effect for clinical use of Gd-containing chelates in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging requires further investigation.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

The importance of intrafibrillar mineralization of collagen on the mechanical properties of dentin.

It is widely held that the hardness and modulus of dentin increase in proportion to the mineral concentration. To test this belief, we measured hardness and modulus of normal dentin and an altered form of dentin without gap-zone mineralization in wet and dry conditions by AFM nanoindentation to determine if the modulus and hardness scale linearly with mineral concentration. Mineral concentrations in the mid-coronal location of the normal and altered dentins were 44.4 vol% and 30.9 vol%, respectively. Surrounding the pulp of the altered dentin was a region of higher mineralization, 40.5 vol%. The indentation modulus of normal dentin was 23.9 (SD = 1.1) GPa dry and 20.0 (SD = 1.0) GPa wet. In mid-coronal regions of the altered dentin, the indentation modulus was 13.8 (SD = 2.0) GPa dry and 5.7 (SD = 1.4) GPa wet. In the more mineralized regions of the altered dentin, the modulus was 20.4 (SD = 1.8) GPa dry and 5.3 (SD = 0.8) GPa wet; the properties of the altered wet dentin did not correlate with mineral concentration. The results of this study raise doubt as to whether mineral concentration alone is a sufficient endpoint for assessing the success or failure of remineralization approaches in restorative dentistry.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Bone regeneration via a mineral substrate and induced angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis and biomineral substrates play major roles in bone development and regeneration. We hypothesized that macroporous scaffolds of biomineralized 85:15 poly(lactide-co-glycolide), which locally release vascular endothelial growth factor-165 (VEGF), would direct simultaneous regeneration of bone and vascular tissue. The presence of a bone-like biomineral substrate significantly increased regeneration of osteoid matrix (32 +/- 7% of total tissue area; mean +/- SD; p < 0.05) and mineralized tissue (14 +/- 2%; P < 0.05) within a rat cranium critical defect compared with a non-mineralized polymer scaffold (19 +/- 8% osteoid and 10 +/- 2% mineralized tissue). Further, the addition of VEGF to a mineralized substrate significantly increased the generation of mineralized tissue (19 +/- 4%; P < 0.05) compared with mineralized substrate alone. This appeared to be due to a significant increase in vascularization throughout VEGF-releasing scaffolds (52 +/- 9 vessels/mm(2); P < 0.05) compared with mineralized scaffolds without VEGF (34 +/- 4 vessels/mm(2)). Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in total osteoid between the two samples, suggesting that increased vascularization enhances mineralized tissue generation, but not necessarily osteoid formation. These results indicate that induced angiogenesis can enhance tissue regeneration, supporting the concept of therapeutic angiogenesis in tissue-engineering strategies.

Analysis of Variance↗