Fast Lithium-Releasing Phosphate Glasses Promote the Resolution of Inflammation

Delay in the resolution of inflammation has disastrous implications for tissue regeneration, but local anti-inflammatory signals could accelerate this process. To test this, phosphate-based bioactive glasses were fabricated to release lithium, an anti-inflammatory ion, at a range of ionic concentrations. Lithium release was contingent on the aluminum molar ratio within the glass formulation. Glasses that released lithium faster exerted greater anti-inflammatory effects on activated macrophages. These effects resulted from the inhibition of GSK3β activity and the promotion of CD206 expression. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of anti-inflammatory phosphate glasses in resolving inflammation in the regenerative environment.