Effect of Remifentanil on the Osteogenic Activity of Biodegradable Polyhydroxybutyrate Bone Cement in Orthopedic Surgery Model

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the impacts of Remifentanil on osteogenic activity of biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) bone cement (BPC) in an orthopedic surgery model (OSM). PHB was prepared and characterized. Remifentanil with various concentrations were determined: 0.5, 1.5, 10, 100, and 200 μmol groups, with untreated cells serving as the control (Ctrl) group. Osteoblasts were obtained from bone tissue, and cell proliferation (CP) inhibition was assessed using the MTT assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) activity were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of bone-related genes (Runx2, osterix, Bglap, and IBSP) were quantified using fluorescence quantification, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using a fluorescence microplate reader. The results revealed that different molecular weights (MWs) increased initially and then decreased with increasing radiation time, while diverse temperatures at appropriate reactions yielded higher MWs. Microwave radiation synthesis produced the highest MW of 21.2 × 104 g/mol after a 35-minute reaction. The IGF-I activity in the cell supernatant differed greatly among different groups, with the 100 and 200 μmol groups exhibiting obvious differences with P < 0.05 to the Ctrl group. Marked differences were observed among the 100 and 200 μmol groups and the 0.5, 1.5, and 10 μmol groups, showing P < 0.05. Runx2, osterix, Bglap, and IBSP in the 10, 100, and 200 μmol groups were differed obviously to those in the Ctrl group (P < 0.05). The 10, 100, and 200 μmol groups exhibited remarkable differences based on the Ctrl group (P < 0.05). Remifentanil may negatively impact the osteogenic activity of BPC by inhibiting the activity of bone cells and interfering with the synthesis of extracellular matrix. In conclusion, Remifentanil negatively impacted the osteogenic activity of BPC in the orthopedic surgery model (OSM). Remifentanil may interfere with the bone healing process and further weaken its osteogenic capability.