Melatonin rescues the mitochondrial function of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and improves the repair of osteoporotic bone defect in ovariectomized rats

Osteoporotic bone defects, a severe complication of osteoporosis, are distinguished by a delayed bone healing process and poor repair quality. While bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are the primary origin of bone-forming osteoblasts, their mitochondrial function is impaired, leading to inadequate bone regeneration in osteoporotic patients. Melatonin is well-known for its antioxidant properties and regulation on bone metabolism. The present study postulated that melatonin has the potential to enhance the repair of osteoporotic bone defects by restoring the mitochondrial function of BMMSCs. In vitro administration of melatonin at varying concentrations (0.01, 1, and 100 μM) demonstrated a significant dose-dependent improvement in the mitochondrial function of BMMSCs obtained from ovariectomized rats (OVX-BMMSCs), as indicated by an elevation in mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate synthesis and expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain factors. Melatonin reduced the level of mitochondrial superoxide by activating the silent information regulator type 1 (SIRT1) and its downstream antioxidant enzymes, particularly superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). The protective effects of melatonin were found to be nullified upon silencing of Sirt1 or Sod2, underscoring the crucial role of the SIRT1-SOD2 axis in the melatonin-induced enhancement of mitochondrial energy metabolism in OVX-BMMSCs. To achieve a sustained and localized release of melatonin, silk fibroin scaffolds loaded with melatonin (SF@MT) were fabricated. The study involved the surgical creation of bilateral femur defects in OVX rats, followed by the implantation of SF@MT scaffolds. The results indicated that the application of melatonin partially restored the mitochondrial energy metabolism and osteogenic differentiation of OVX-BMMSCs by reinstating mitochondrial redox homeostasis. These findings suggest that the localized administration of melatonin through bone implants holds potential as a therapeutic approach for addressing osteoporotic bone defects.