BDNF improves the survival of mesenchymal stem cells cultured on pre-structured gelatin material containing strontium and calcium phosphates for bone regeneration.

Introduction: The treatment of osteoporotic fractures is still challenging and may be improved using materials for bone regeneration, such as pre-structured gelatin with calcium and strontium phosphates (PPGC+S), combined with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Recently, it was shown that PPGC+S stimulates bone formation, and BDNF improves cell survival. This study aimed to analyze the combined effect of PPGC+S and BDNF on the survival of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic female donors. Methods: In our study, cells were seeded on PPGC+S plates with the following mineral composition of C+S of (a) 5:5, (b) 3:7, and (c) 0:10 (PPGS 0:10). Apoptosis and necrosis were measured after the addition of BDNF, followed by light microscopic analysis. Results: The application of BDNF resulted in reduced necrosis and apoptosis in all biomaterials. The lowest level of necrosis was found in the PPGC+S 5:5 group. Apoptosis was most reduced in the PPGC+S 3:7 group, although the difference compared to PPGC+S 5:5 was not statistically significant. No differences were observed between MSCs from osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic donors. Conclusion: Thus, PPGC+S 5:5 appears to be the most suitable composition for bone healing, especially when supplemented with BDNF.