Osteoprotegerin and osteoprotegerin ligand expression during human marrow stromal cell differentiation and their effect on osteoclast formation

Background Osteoprotegerin （OPG） and osteoprotegerin ligand （OPGL） play an important role in human bone metabolism. The aim of this research was to detect the expression of OPG and OPGL during human marrow stromal cells （hMSC） differentiation into osteoblasts （OB）, and to observe their effect on osteoclasts （OC） formation in vitro to investigate bone metabolism mechanisms. Methods hMSCs were obtained from human bone marrow specimens using gradient centrifugation method, before being purified and incubated with differentiation medium to develop along the human osteoblasts （hOB） pathway. Morphology observation, biochemical detection and cell staining were performed during hMSC differentiation. OPG and OPGL mRNA levels were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. OPG and OPGL protein expression were determined by Western blotting. We further obtained OC progenitor cells from mice bone marrow and co-cultured with differentiating MSCs. We assessed the effect of OPG and OPGL on OC formation by identifying tartrate resistant acid phosphatase （TRAP） positive multinuclear cells. Results Optimal hMSC survival and purification were observed, along with stable biochemical indexes. Alkaline phosphatase secretion increased significantly and mineralization nodules appeared in the process of cell differentiation. OPG mRNA and protein level increased significantly, while OPGL mRNA and protein level decreased. Average levels of OPG mRNA and protein were about 2.5-fold higher than the control, while OPGL mRNA and protein levels were reduced by about one-half. In the group co-culturing with undifferentiated MSC or added OPGL, we found TRAP positive and multi- nuclear OC formation. However, OC formation was absent in the group co-culturing with differentiated MSC or added OPG. Conclusions During hMSC differentiation into hOB, OPG secretion increased rapidly and OPGL production decreased significantly. The OPG/OPGL ratio was also increased, while OC formation was inhibited and bone absorption decreased Thus, regulation of the OPG/OPGL ratio may be important in controlling MSC differentiation, OB and OC formation in succession involved in bone metabolism.

Receptor activator of nuclear factorκB ligand/osteoprotegerin axis and vascular calcifications in patients with chronic kidney disease

Vascular calcifications are commonly observed in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD) and contribute to the excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates observed in these patients populations. Although the pathogenetic mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated, recent evidence suggests a link between bone metabolism and the development and progression of vascular calcifications. Moreover, accumulating data indicate that receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/osteoprotegerin axis which plays essential roles in the regulation of bone metabolism is also involved in extra-osseous bone formation. Further studies are required to establish the prognostic significance of the above biomarkers as predictors of the presence and severity of vascular calcifications in CKD patients and of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moreover, randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify whether inhibition of osteoclast activity will protect from vascular calcifications.

RANK-ligand and osteoprotegerin as biomarkers in the differentiation between periprosthetic joint infection and aseptic prosthesis loosening

AIM To assess serum levels of RANK-ligand(RANKL) and osteoprotegerin(OPG) as biomarkers for periprosthetic joint infection(PJI) and compare their accuracy with standard tests.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients presenting with a painful total knee or hip arthroplasty with indication for surgical revision were included in this prospective clinical trial. Based on standard diagnostics(joint aspirate, microbiological, and histological samples) and Musculoskeletal Infection Society consensus classification,patients were categorized into PJI, aseptic loosening,and control groups. Implant loosening was assessed radiographically and intraoperatively. Preoperative serum samples were collected and analyzed for RANKL, OPG, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase(AP), and the bone-specific subform of AP(b AP). Statistical analysis was carried out, testing for significant differences between the three groups and between stable and loose implants. RESULTS All three groups were identical in regards to age, gender, and joint distribution. No statistically significant differences in the serum concentration of RANKL(P = 0.16) and OPG(P = 0.45) were found between aseptic loosening and PJI, with a trend towards lower RANKL concentrations and higher OPG concentrations in the PJI group. The RANKL/OPG ratio was significant for the comparison between PJI and non-PJI(P = 0.005). A ratio > 60 ruled out PJI in all cases(specificity: 100%, 95%CI: 89, 11% to 100.0%) but only 30% of non-PJI patients crossed this threshold. The positive predictive value remained poor at any cut-off. In the differentiation between stable and loose implants, none of the parameters measured(calcium, phosphate, AP, and b AP) showed a significant difference, and only AP and b AP measurements showed a tendency towards higher values in the loosened group(with P = 0.09 for AP and P = 0.19 for b AP). CONCLUSION Lower RANKL and higher OPG concentrations could be detected in PJI, without statistical significance.

Alendronate affects osteoprotegerin/receptor of activator of nuclear factor κB-ligand expression in human marrow stroma cells in vitro

Objective To evaluate the effect of alendronate on osteoprotegerin(OPG)and receptor of activator of nuclear factor κB-ligand(RANKL)expression in human marrow stroma cells(hMSCs)in vitro.Methods hMSCs were isolated from human marrow,cultured in vitro,and randomly divided into two groups:alendronate group,hMSCs culture fluid containing 1×10-7mol/L alendronate;control group,no special treatment but culturing hMSCs in DMEM.Two weeks after treatment,the expressions of OPG and RANKL were evaluated by RT-PCR and Western blot.Results hMSCs became uniform spindle-shaped fibroblasts.As cells proliferated,they formed colonies and showed whirlpool arrangement.After one week’s treatment,hMSCs in alendronate group had reduced processes and gradually showed disc shape,which did not happen in control group but kept fibroblast shape and just increased in density.In RT-PCR,the ratio of OPG/RANKL in alendronate group and control group was 8.77±1.16 and 4.58±1.27,respectively.In Western blot,the ratio of OPG/RANKL in alendronate group and control group was 2.58±0.47 and 1.52±0.32,respectively.The ratio of OPG/RANKL was higher in alendronate group than in control group(P<0.01).Conclusion Alendronate enhances OPG expression and inhibits RANKL expression of hMSCs in vitro.

Influence of baicalin on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin in human periodontal ligament cells

Objective To study the effect of baicalin on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)and osteoprotegerin(OPG)in cultured human periodontal ligament(HPDL)cells.Methods Small interfering RNA(siRNA)eukaryotic expression vector targeted transforming growth factor βⅡ receptor(TGF-β RⅡ)was constructed and transfected into T cells.HPDL cells with T cells transfected with siRNA or not were placed in the culture medium that had been added with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and baicalin.The obtained solution was divided into six groups according to the components(group Ⅰ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1+baicalin;group Ⅱ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1;group Ⅲ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells+baicalin;group Ⅳ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells;group Ⅴ:HPDL cells+baicalin;group Ⅵ:HPDL cells)and was cultured for 48 hours.RT-PCR was used to observe the effect of baicalin on the expression of OPG-RANKL in HPDL cells.Results The ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅰ was lower than that in group Ⅱ(P<0.01)and higher than that in group Ⅲ(P<0.01);The ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅲ was lower than that in group Ⅳ(P<0.01);the ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅳ was higher than that in group Ⅵ(P<0.01);the ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅴ was lower than that in group Ⅵ(P<0.05).Conclusion ① Baicalin could decrease the ratio of RANKL/OPG in HPDL cells.② The TGF-β signaling transduction plays an important role in the effect of baicalin on the RANKL/OPG ratio in HPDL cells.③ Baicalin acts not only through TGF-β to regulate RANKL/OPG in HPDL cells,but also through other pathways.

丹参酮ⅡA调节骨关节炎小鼠骨代谢的作用机制

目的探讨丹参酮ⅡA(TanⅡA)通过介导Yes激酶相关蛋白(Yes-associated protein,YAP)、核因子-κB受体活化因子配基(receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand,RANKL)/核因子κB受体活化因子(eceptor activator of nuclear factor-κB,RANK)/骨保护蛋白(osteoprotegerin,OPG)调节骨关节炎小鼠骨代谢的作用机制。方法建立骨关节炎小鼠模型,将60只小鼠随机分成假手术组、模型组、TanⅡA低剂量组和TanⅡA高剂量组,每组15只,造模成功后灌胃给药,连续4周。HE和番红O固绿染色观察软骨组织病理损伤并进行Mankin评分。酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测血清骨碱性磷酸酶(bone alkaline phosphatase,BALP)、骨钙素(osteocalcin,OC)、Ⅰ型胶原交联羧基末端肽(C-telopeptide of typeⅠcollagen,CTX)、白细胞介素(interleukin,IL)-1β、IL-6、IL-8和肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)。蛋白质印迹法(Western blotting)检测基质金属蛋白酶(matrix metalloproteinases,MMPs)、YAP、RANK、RANKL和OPG蛋白。结果TanⅡA可改善小鼠软骨组织病理变化并降低Mankin评分。与假手术组比较,模型组BALP、OC水平下降,CTX、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1β、IL-8、MMP1、MMP3和MMP13水平升高(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,TanⅡA低剂量组、TanⅡA高剂量组BALP、OC水平升高,CTX、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1β、IL-8、MMP1、MMP3和MMP13水平降低(P<0.05)。与假手术组比较,模型组小鼠软骨组织中YAP、OPG和RANK蛋白水平下降,RANKL蛋白水平升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,TanⅡA 2组小鼠软骨组织中YAP、OPG和RANK蛋白水平上升,RANKL蛋白水平下降(P<0.05)。结论TanⅡA可能通过介导YAP、RANK/RANKL/OPG信号通路调控骨关节炎。

针刀调控线粒体途径软骨细胞凋亡防治大鼠膝骨关节炎

背景:针刀治疗膝骨关节炎的疗效确切,但其作用机制并不十分明确。目的:基于破骨细胞相关受体-肿瘤坏死因子相关的凋亡诱导配体-骨保护素(OSCAR-TRAIL-OPG)途径分析针刀对膝骨关节炎大鼠膝关节软骨细胞凋亡的影响。方法:采用随机数字表法将27只SD大鼠分为正常组(9只)、模型组(9只)、针刀组(9只),正常组大鼠常规饲养,不进行任何处理;模型组、针刀组采用膝关节内注射木瓜蛋白酶建立左后肢膝骨关节炎模型,造模成功后给予针刀组大鼠针刀干预,1次/周,共3次。干预结束后进行相关检测。结果与结论:①与正常组相比,模型组大鼠Lequesne MG行为学评分升高(P<0.01);与模型组相比,针刀组大鼠Lequesne MG行为学评分降低(P<0.01)。②苏木精-伊红染色显示与正常组相比,模型组大鼠膝关节软骨表面磨损且不平整,软骨细胞肿胀、破裂且数量减少,细胞排列杂乱;针刀组大鼠膝关节软骨表面较为平整,软骨细胞数量较多且排列较规整,结构基本清晰。③免疫组化染色显示与正常组相比,模型组大鼠膝关节软骨组织中OSCAR、TRAIL阳性表达增加(P<0.01),OPG阳性表达减少(P<0.01);与模型组相比,针刀组大鼠膝关节软骨组织中OSCAR、TRAIL阳性表达减少(P<0.01),OPG阳性表达增加(P<0.01)。④TUNEL染色显示与正常组相比,模型组软骨细胞凋亡数量增加(P<0.01);与模型组相比,针刀组软骨细胞凋亡数量减少(P<0.01)。⑤RT-qPCR与Western blot检测显示与正常组相比,模型组大鼠关节软骨组织中OSCAR、TRAIL、Bax表达升高(P<0.01),OPG、Bcl-2表达降低(P<0.01);与模型组相比,针刀组大鼠关节软骨组织中OSCAR、TRAIL、Bax表达降低(P<0.01),OPG、Bcl-2表达升高(P<0.01)。⑥针刀干预可减轻膝骨关节炎大鼠关节软骨组织损伤,该作用可能与OSCAR-TRAIL-OPG通路阻断线粒体途径凋亡信号释放有关。

骨保护素/核因子κB受体活化因子/核因子κB受体活化因子配体调节骨代谢及其靶向治疗在口腔领域的应用

背景:骨保护素/核因子κB受体活化因子/核因子κB受体活化因子配体是偶联破骨细胞、成骨细胞分化和活化的重要细胞因子,是调节骨代谢的关键因子,影响着免疫系统、骨的再生和重塑,与牙槽骨的生理性及病理性改建密切相关。目的:分析总结骨保护素/核因子κB受体活化因子/核因子κB受体活化因子配体信号通路对牙槽骨改建的影响及其靶向治疗在口腔领域应用研究中的进展。方法:检索中国知网及PubMed数据库收录的相关文献。中文检索词为“骨保护素,抗RANKL抗体,核因子κB受体活化因子配体,牙周炎,正畸牙移动,种植,牙齿萌出,根尖周病变,牙槽骨吸收”,英文检索词为“OPG,anti-RANKL antibody,RANKL,periodontitis,orthodontic tooth movement,implant,tooth eruption,periapical lesion,alveolar bone resorption”,最终纳入63篇文献进行归纳总结。结果与结论:①抗核因子κB受体活化因子配体通过靶向抑制破骨细胞形成和牙槽骨吸收来治疗口腔疾病;②局部和全身抗核因子κB受体活化因子配体治疗可以抑制牙周炎、种植体周围炎、根尖周病变的进展,且其在预防正畸后复发、增强正畸支抗和种植体骨结合方面也发挥重要作用;③核因子κB受体活化因子配体通过靶向促进破骨细胞分化来治疗口腔疾病;④核因子κB受体活化因子配体治疗可以加速正畸牙移动、缩短治疗周期、减少正畸并发症的发生;⑤虽然抗核因子κB受体活化因子配体治疗存在局限性,但是可以通过合理应用如应用前排除危险因素,应用期间定期口腔维护、避免创伤性牙槽手术等措施来规避。

侵袭性牙颈部外吸收的研究进展

牙体吸收可分为生理性吸收和病理性吸收。成熟乳牙的牙根吸收即为生理性吸收。病理性牙体吸收则包括牙内吸收和牙外吸收。牙内吸收也被称为髓腔内吸收,包括炎症性吸收和替代性吸收。牙外吸收始发于牙根外表面或牙颈部,可分为炎性吸收、替代性吸收、压力性吸收和侵袭性颈部外吸收等。侵袭性颈部外吸收是一种由多因素导致牙体硬组织丢失的病理性损害,通常从釉牙骨质界开始,在牙本质中周向或水平方向延伸,大多不侵犯牙髓。正畸、创伤、漂白、全身性疾病及某些药物的使用等均可导致侵袭性颈部外吸收。其临床表现通常为无症状或症状不明显,大部分均是在影像学检查时发现。因为在根尖平片影像中往往会误诊为龋病或牙内吸收,所以为了更好地了解牙齿颈部外吸收的情况,临床上使用锥形束CT(cone beam CT,CBCT)进行检查。对侵袭性牙颈部外吸收的发病机制及病因尚未完全了解,会导致临床上对该疾病的疏忽或治疗不当,甚至造成牙齿丧失。本文就侵袭性牙颈部外吸收的组织病理学表现、发病机制、易感因素、诊断和治疗等方面进行综述。

人骨关节炎软骨细胞上调成骨细胞中骨保护素的作用途径

背景:研究发现上调的刺猬蛋白信号将导致骨关节炎标志物蛇毒蛋白Runx2、聚蛋白多糖酶5、COL10A1以及基质金属蛋白酶13的升高,而抑制刺猬蛋白能减轻骨关节炎的严重程度。猜测骨关节炎软骨细胞能够通过印度刺猬蛋白(Indian hedgehog protein,IHH)信号通路影响成骨细胞来影响骨的形成。目的:探索人骨关节炎软骨细胞对软骨下成骨细胞的影响。方法:收集骨关节炎患者的胫骨平台标本,使用酶解法提取软骨细胞,利用酶预消化+骨块法提取成骨细胞。采用甲苯胺蓝染色和免疫荧光鉴定软骨细胞;采用碱性磷酸酶染色和免疫荧光鉴定成骨细胞,在海藻酸钠珠中以维持软骨细胞表型,将其与成骨细胞共培养,共培养系统中分别加入IHH信号通路的抑制剂(Cyclopamine,10 nmol/L)和激活剂(Purmorphamine,10 nmol/L),48 h后收集各组成骨细胞,利用qRT-PCR检测成骨细胞中Gli1、骨保护素、Runx2、甲状旁腺激素相关肽、碱性磷酸酶、核因子κB受体活化因子配体(receptor activator of NF-kBligand,RANKL)以及骨钙素等基因mRNA的表达;利用Westernblot检测各处理组的成骨细胞中GLi1、骨保护素、RANKL蛋白的表达。结果与结论:①与骨关节炎软骨细胞共同培养时,成骨细胞中GLi1、骨保护素、RUNX2的mRNA表达水平明显增加,而甲状旁腺激素相关肽的mRNA表达水平相对降低(P<0.05);加入IHH抑制剂(Cyclopamine)后,IHH信号通路目的基因Gli1在mRNA和蛋白水平上表达均明显降低(P<0.05),加入IHH信号通路激活剂(Purmorphamine)后,Gli1在mRNA及蛋白水平上表达均明显升高(P<0.05);骨保护素在实验中表现出与Gli1相同的变化趋势。②成骨细胞骨保护素/RANKL比值测定结果显示,与骨保护素的趋势相同。③结果表明,人骨关节炎软骨细胞能够促进成骨细胞中Gli1、骨保护素、Runx2等蛋白的表达;其中骨保护素的上调与IHH信号通路相关;骨关节炎软骨细胞能够通过IHH信号通路上调成骨细胞骨保护素的表达进而上调骨保护素/RANKL的比值,这将有助于软骨下骨中的骨形成。

慢阻肺合并骨质疏松患者血清IL-31、IL-33水平与OPG/RANK/RANKL系统相关性研究

目的 探讨血清白细胞介素31(IL-31)、白细胞介素33(IL-33)在慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)合并骨质疏松患者中的表达情况及与骨保护素(OPG)/核因子κB受体活化因子(RANK)/RANK配体(RANKL)系统的关联性。方法 收集2019年6月~2023年1月于惠州市第一人民医院就诊的男性稳定期COPD患者90例为COPD组,并纳入同期健康体检者45例为对照组。COPD组患者根据骨密度检测结果,分为非骨质疏松组(n=49)和骨质疏松组(n=41)。测定病例组、对照组入组当天血清IL-31、IL-33、OPG及RANKL水平。结果 (1)相比正常对照组,COPD组患者血清IL-31、RANKL水平及RANKL/OPG比值明显升高,而血清IL-33水平明显下降(均P<0.05);(2)与COPD非骨质疏松组患者相比,骨质疏松组血清IL-31、RANKL水平及RANKL/OPG比值显著升高,而血清IL-33水平、体重指数(BMI)、骨密度及FEV_(1)(%)、FEV_(1)/FVC(%)明显降低(均P<0.05);(3) COPD患者骨密度与血清IL-33水平、BMI、FEV_(1)%呈正相关,而与RANKL/OPG比值及血清IL-31、RANKL水平呈负相关。血清IL-31与RANKL水平、RANKL/OPG比值呈正相关。血清IL-33水平与RANKL水平、RANKL/OPG比值呈负相关(均P<0.05)。结论 IL-31在COPD骨质疏松症中表达升高,而IL-33表达下降,提示IL-31为COPD骨质疏松症的可能危险因素,而IL-33为可能保护因素。

围绝经期女性外周血OSTF1、OPG/RANKL对骨质疏松症的预测价值

目的探讨围绝经期女性外周血破骨细胞刺激因子1(OSTF1)、护骨素(OPG)/核因子-κB受体活化因子配基(RANKL)对骨质疏松症的预测价值。方法选择2021年3月至2023年1月河北省妇幼保健中心收治的165例围绝经期骨质疏松症患者为疾病组,并纳入同期120例围绝经期骨密度正常的健康志愿者为对照组。采用Pearson相关分析外周血OSTF1、OPG/RANKL与骨密度的相关性,并收集基线资料,采用单因素分析和多因素Logistic回归分析骨质疏松症发生的影响因素,并使用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析外周血OSTF1、OPG/RANKL对骨质疏松症的预测价值。结果疾病组患者血清OSTF1、RANKL水平明显高于对照组,血清OPG水平、OPG/RANKL明显低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。疾病组患者整体骨密度、腰椎骨密度和T值明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,OSTF1、OPG/RANKL、OPG、整体骨密度、腰椎骨密度、T值和RANKL是骨质疏松症发生的影响因素(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示:血清OSTF1预测骨质疏松症发生的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.772(95%CI:0.705~0.843);OPG/RANKL的AUC为0.616(95%CI:0.531~0.699);2项联合的AUC为0.906(95%CI:0.864~0.952)。结论围绝经期女性外周血OSTF1、OPG/RANKL异常表达,OSTF1和OPG/RANKL可应用于骨质疏松症预测,值得临床进一步研究并推广。

Increased Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand in Osteoblasts from Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients with Low Bone Mineral Density

Persistent generalized low bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).However,the exact mechanisms and causes of the low BMD in AIS patients are largely unknown.The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels in osteoblasts (OBs) from AIS patients with low BMD and with comparison made between the patients and controls.Twenty AIS patients and eight age-matched controls were included in the present study.The BMD of lumbar spine and proximal femur was measured in all subjects.OBs from the cancellous bone of each subject was harvested and primarily cultured.The mRNA and protein expression of RANKL and OPG in OBs was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.The results showed BMD was lower in AIS patients than in controls.A significantly higher mRNA and protein expression of RANKL was observed in OBs from AIS patients,while no significant difference was found in the expression of OPG between AIS patients and controls.As a result,RANKL/OPG ratio in patients with AIS was remarkably higher than controls.Our study preliminarily demonstrated expression of RANKL was higher in OBs from AIS patients with low BMD as compared with controls,suggesting the unbalanced RANKL/OPG ratio caused by an over-expression of RANKL in OBs may be responsible for the low BMD in AIS patients.

Effect of Triptolide on Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand in Rat Adjuvant Induced Arthritis

The effect of triptolide （TP） on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand （RANKL） and osteoprotegerin （OPG） was explored in rat adjuvant induced arthritis （AA）. AA was induced in Wistar rats. Arthritis rats were treated with TP and methotrexate （MTX） at the onset （day 9） of arthritis. On the peak of arthritis （day 24）, the expression of RANKL and OPG protein in the joints and RANKL mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMC） was detected. TNF-α and IL-1β levels in peripheral blood were determined. Bone erosion scores were also evaluated. The results showed that bone erosion scores in TP and MTX groups were lower than in AA group （.P〈0.01） ; The expression levels of RANKL in the synovium （P〈0.01） and bone （P〈0.05）, and OPG level in synovium （P〈0.05） were lower in TP group than in AA group （P〈0.05）. In TP group, the expression levels of RANKL mRNA and TNF-α, IL-1β in PBMC were lower than in AA group （all P〈0.01）. It was concluded that TP could inhibit rat adjuvant arthritis bone erosion by suppressing the expression of RANKL.

芹菜素调节OPG/RANKL/RANK信号通路对创伤性骨折大鼠骨折愈合的影响

目的 探讨芹菜素对骨保护素(OPG)/核因子κB受体活化因子配体(RANKL)/核因子κB受体活化因子(RANK)信号通路的调控作用及对创伤性骨折大鼠骨折愈合的影响。方法 采用闭合式股骨干骨折术构建创伤性骨折大鼠模型,将造模成功的大鼠随机分为模型组,芹菜素低、中、高剂量组和阳性对照组,每组10只,另取10只健康大鼠作为对照组。各组给予相应干预30 d。采用计算机断层扫描测定大鼠骨小梁密度和厚度,番红O-固绿染色观察大鼠软骨组织病理学变化,酶联免疫吸附试验检测大鼠血清中骨钙素(BGP)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-6水平,实时荧光定量PCR和蛋白质印迹法检测大鼠股骨组织OPG、RANKL、RANK mRNA和蛋白水平。结果 对照组大鼠软骨组织正常,结构完整;与对照组比较,模型组大鼠软骨组织出现严重损伤,骨小梁密度和厚度、血清BGP、ALP及股骨组织OPG mRNA和蛋白水平降低(P<0.05),血清iNOS、TNF-α、IL-6及股骨组织RANKL、RANK mRNA和蛋白水平升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,芹菜素低、中、高剂量组大鼠软骨组织病理损伤改善,骨小梁密度和厚度、血清BGP、ALP及股骨组织OPG mRNA和蛋白水平依次升高(P<0.05),血清iNOS、TNF-α、IL-6及股骨组织RANKL、RANK mRNA和蛋白水平依次降低(P<0.05);芹菜素高剂量组与阳性对照组各项指标比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 芹菜素可以减轻创伤性骨折大鼠炎症反应,促进骨折愈合,其机制可能与上调OPG表达,抑制RANKL/RANK信号通路有关。

2型糖尿病患者骨保护素和NF-κB受体活化因子配体与左室舒张功能障碍的相关研究

【目的】探讨2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者血清骨保护素(OPG)和可溶性NF-κB受体活化因子配体(sRANKL)水平与可能左室舒张功能障碍(LADD)的相关性。【方法】本研究纳入68例T2DM患者和37例健康对照者,利用ELISA方法测定血清OPG和sRANKL水平,同时利用心脏彩超测定T2DM患者左室舒张功能,E/A<1定义为LADD。进一步将T2DM患者分为E/A≥1和E/A<1两个亚组。采用Spearman相关性分析、logistics回归分析和ROC曲线评估血清OPG和sRANKL与T2DM患者可能LADD的相关性。【结果】与健康对照者相比,T2DM患者血清OPG水平明显升高,差异有统计意义(P<0.01),而sRANKL水平降低,但无统计学意义(P=0.032)。亚组分析则显示E/A<1组的OPG水平较E/A≥1组升高(P<0.01),而sRANKL降低(P<0.01)。Spearman相关性分析显示,血清OPG水平与E/A比值呈负相关,而sRANKL则与E/A比值呈正相关。单因素logistics回归分析显示,血清OPG水平[OR(95%CI)=1.068(1.031,1.106),P<0.001]和sRANKL水平[OR(95%CI)=0.976(0.959,0.992),P=0.003]与T2DM患者可能LVDD显著相关。ROC曲线分析显示,联合OPG与sRANKL诊断糖尿病患者可能LADD的敏感性为78.13%,特异性为88.3%(曲线下面积:0.857;95%CI=(0.768,0.946);P<0.001)。【结论】T2DM患者血清中升高的OPG和降低的sRANKL水平提示其可能与LADD相关。

补肾活血固齿方对牙周炎大鼠牙周膜OPG和RANKL影响的研究

目的观察补肾活血固齿方对牙周炎大鼠牙周组织及牙周膜骨保护素(OPG)、核因子κB受体活化因子配体(RANKL)表达的影响,探讨补肾活血固齿方治疗牙周炎的作用机制。方法将24只雄性SD大鼠随机分为空白组、牙周炎组、补肾活血固齿方组,每组8只。牙周炎组和补肾活血固齿方组大鼠采用牙周结扎联合喂食黏软食物和高糖水的方法建立牙周炎模型。造模成功后,补肾活血固齿方组给予补肾活血固齿方灌胃,空白组、牙周炎组给予等量生理盐水灌胃。连续灌胃4周后,切取各组大鼠上颌骨第一磨牙牙体牙周组织制作组织切片,HE染色观察牙周组织病理形态,免疫组化染色观察牙周膜组织中OPG和RANKL阳性表达情况。结果HE染色显示:空白组大鼠牙周组织结构比较完整,牙龈组织无明显炎症细胞浸润,结合上皮无根方移位,破骨细胞少见,无牙槽骨吸收;牙周炎组大鼠牙龈上皮内炎症细胞增多,毛细血管扩张,牙龈结合上皮向根方移位,形成牙周袋,破骨细胞增多,牙槽骨有吸收;与牙周炎组比较,补肾活血固齿方组大鼠炎症细胞浸润减少,牙龈结合上皮部分恢复,牙周袋变浅,牙槽骨边缘破骨细胞数减少,有成骨细胞产生。补肾活血固齿方组OPG平均光密度值明显高于空白组和牙周炎组(P均<0.05),牙周炎组RANKL平均光密度值明显高于空白组和补肾活血固齿方组(P均<0.05)。结论补肾活血固齿方可上调牙周炎大鼠牙周膜中OPG的表达,下调牙周膜中RANKL的表达,从而抑制旧骨吸收,促进新骨形成,有利于牙槽骨的重建。

RANKL/RANK/OPG通路在口腔相关领域的应用研究

核因子-κB受体活化因子配体(receptor activator of Nuclear factor-kappa B Ligand,RANKL)、核因子-κB受体活化因子(receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B,RANK)、骨保护素(osteoprotegerin,OPG)作为肿瘤坏死因子家族的成员,通过RANKL/RANK/OPG信号通路调节破骨细胞发生及成熟,调控骨代谢,其表达水平直接影响骨质代谢与重塑,现被广泛研究。RANKL/RANK/OPG通路在口腔颌面部形成及改建过程中发挥了关键作用,直接或间接反映出口腔骨破坏类疾病的发生与发展状态。该通路的失衡往往伴随RANKL的增加和(或)OPG的减少,RANKL/OPG的比值影响破骨细胞的成熟及功能,但部分疾病中相关因子的表达水平存在争议,且尚无能应用于临床疾病诊疗的阈值。本文就RANKL/RANK/OPG信号通路调节机制及其在牙周炎、种植、牙齿发育、正畸、颌面部骨缺损修复与再生等口腔相关领域的研究现状进行综述,以进一步探讨口腔中骨代谢及骨破坏类疾病的调节机制,并评价相关因子作为生物标志物的诊断和预后潜力,以期指导临床诊疗及探寻可能的免疫调节靶点。

RANKL/RNAK/OPG信号通路影响小鼠膝关节假体无菌性松动的作用机制

目的研究RANKL/RANK/OPG信号通路在小鼠膝关节假体无菌性松动中的作用机制。方法28只小鼠以计算机随机数字表法分成正常组、实验组,最终均分别纳入12只。实验组通过在胫骨近端骨髓腔中注射钴铬颗粒悬液建立小鼠膝关节假体无菌性松动模型,正常组注射等量等渗盐水。采用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)法检测界膜组织中RANKL、RNAK、OPG mRNA表达量;免疫组化染色法检测界膜组织中RANKL、RNAK、OPG、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(TRAP)蛋白表达量。结果与正常组比较,实验组建模后6、12周界膜组织RANKL、RNAK mRNA及蛋白表达量,RANKL/OPG升高,OPG mRNA及蛋白表达量降低(P<0.05)。与建模后6周比较,正常组建模后12周界膜组织RANKL、RNAK mRNA及蛋白表达量及RANKL/OPG降低,OPG mRNA及蛋白表达量升高(P<0.05),实验组界膜组织RANKL、RNAK mRNA及蛋白表达量及RANKL/OPG升高,OPG mRNA及蛋白表达量降低(P<0.05)。与正常组比较,实验组建模后6、12周界膜组织TRAP蛋白表达量升高(P<0.05)。与建模后6周比较,正常组建模后12周界膜组织TRAP蛋白表达量降低(P<0.05),实验组界膜组织TRAP蛋白表达量升高(P<0.05)。结论小鼠膝关节假体无菌性松动的界膜组织中RANKL、RNAK表达量及RANKL/OPG升高,OPG表达量降低,RANKL/RNAK/OPG信号通路表达失衡与其发生、发展相关。

S1PR2在大鼠慢性根尖周炎模型中的表达

目的:探讨1-磷酸鞘氨醇-2型受体(S1PR2)在大鼠慢性根尖周炎病变过程中的表达变化。方法:选取20只SD大鼠,随机处死4只作为0 d观察对象;在其余大鼠的下颌第一磨牙开髓建立根尖周炎模型,并在7 d、14 d、21 d和28 d随机处死4只;大鼠根尖组织行苏木精—伊红(HE)染色,抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(TRAP)染色检测破骨细胞;实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(RTqPCR)检测S1PR2、核因子-κB受体活化因子配体(RANKL)、骨保护素(OPG)的表达量。结果:HE染色显示:0 d根尖未见明显异常,7 d少量炎细胞浸润,14 d炎细胞浸润增多,21 d骨组织溶解增加,28 d炎症细胞浸润明显。RT-qPCR结果显示:0~28 d S1PR2的m RNA表达量逐渐升高,7 d、14 d、21 d和28 d均高于0 d(P<0.05),RANKL表达量在0~21 d逐渐增加,21 d达到最高峰,28 d时降低,7 d、14 d、21 d和28 d均高于0 d(P<0.05);OPG表达量在0~14 d逐渐降低,14 d时达到最低值,14~28 d又升高,0 d、7 d和28 d均高于14 d(P<0.05)。TRAP染色结果显示:破骨细胞与RANKL表达趋势一致。S1PR2与RANKL表达量、破骨细胞数呈正相关关系(P<0.05),RANKL与OPG表达量呈负相关关系(P<0.05)。结论:S1PR2的mRNA表达量随根尖周炎的发展而升高,提示其可能参与了慢性根尖周炎的发生、发展。