Role of osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand axis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Concomitantly with the increase in the prevalences of overweight/obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) has worldwide become the main cause of chronic liver disease in both adults and children. Patients with fatty liver display features of metabolic syndrome(Met S), like insulin resistance(IR), glucose intolerance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Recently, epidemiological studies have linked obesity, Met S, and NAFLD to decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis, highlighting an intricate interplay among bone, adipose tissue, and liver. Osteoprotegerin(OPG), an important symbol of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B/OPG system activation, typically considered for its role in bone metabolism, may also play critical roles in the initiation and perpetuation of obesityrelated comorbidities. Clinical data have indicated that OPG concentrations are associated with hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular calcification, endothelial dysfunction, and severity of liver damage in chronic hepatitis C. Nonetheless, the relationship between circulating OPG and IR as a key feature of Met S as well as between OPG and NAFLD remains uncertain. Thus, the aims of the present review are to provide the existent knowledge on these associations and to discuss briefly the underlying mechanisms linking OPG and NAFLD.

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 contri-bute 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 calcifcations.

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.

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.

Biochanin A attenuates spinal cord injury in rats during early stages by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammasome activation

Previous studies have shown that Biochanin A,a flavonoid compound with estrogenic effects,can serve as a neuroprotective agent in the context of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury;howeve r,its effect on spinal cord injury is still unclea r. In this study,a rat model of spinal cord injury was established using the heavy o bject impact method,and the rats were then treated with Biochanin A(40 mg/kg) via intrape ritoneal injection for 14 consecutive days.The res ults showed that Biochanin A effectively alleviated spinal cord neuronal injury and spinal co rd tissue injury,reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in spinal cord neuro ns,and reduced apoptosis and pyroptosis.In addition,Biochanin A inhibited the expression of inflammasome-related proteins(ASC,NLRP3,and GSDMD)and the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB pathway,activated the Nrf2/heme oxygenase 1 signaling pathway,and increased the expression of the autophagy markers LC3 Ⅱ,Beclin-1,and P62.Moreove r,the therapeutic effects of Biochanin A on early post-s pinal cord injury were similar to those of methylprednisolone.These findings suggest that Biochanin A protected neurons in the injured spinal cord through the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor κB and Nrf2/heme oxygenase 1 signaling pathways.These findings suggest that Biochanin A can alleviate post-spinal cord injury at an early stage.

Yemazhui(Herba Eupatorii Lindleyani)ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury via modulation of the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B/nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein signaling pathway and intestinal flor

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of Yemazhui(Herba Eupatorii Lindleyani,HEL)against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI)and explore its underlying mechanism in vivo.METHODS:The chemical constituents of HEL were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatographyquadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method.Then,HEL was found to suppress LPS-induced ALI in vivo.Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:control,LPS,Dexamethasone(Dex),HEL low dose 6 g/kg(HEL-L),HEL medium dose 18 g/kg(HEL-M)and HEL high dose 54 g/kg(HEL-H)groups.The model rats were intratracheally injected with 3 mg/kg LPS to establish an ALI model.Leukocyte counts,lung wet/dry weight ratio,as well as myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity were determined followed by the detection with hematoxylin and eosin staining,enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,immunohistochemistry,and immunofluorescence.Besides,to explore the effect of HEL on ALI-mediated intestinal flora,we performed 16s rRNA sequencing analysis of intestinal contents.RESULTS:HEL attenuated LPS-induced inflammation in lung tissue and intestinal flora disturbance.Mechanism study indicated that HEL suppressed the lung coefficient and wet/dry weight ratio of LPS-induced ALI in rats,inhibited leukocytes exudation and MPO activity,and improved the pathological injury of lung tissue.In addition,HEL reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factoralpha,interleukin-1beta(IL-1β)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum,and inhibited nuclear displacement of nuclear factor kappa-B p65(NF-κBp65).And 18 g/kg HEL also reduced the expression levels of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88,NF-κBp65,phosphorylated inhibitor kappa B alpha(phospho-IκBα),nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein(NLRP3),IL-1β,and interleukin-18(IL-18)in lung tissue,and regulated intestinal flora disturbance.CONCLUSIONS:In summary,our findings revealed that HEL has a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in rats,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and improving intestinal flora disturbance.

Inhibiting 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3 alleviates pathological changes of a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Extracellular amyloid beta(Aβ) plaques are main pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease.However,the specific type of neuro ns that produce Aβ peptides in the initial stage of Alzheimer’s disease are unknown.In this study,we found that 5-hydroxytryptamin receptor 3A subunit(HTR3A) was highly expressed in the brain tissue of transgenic amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 mice(an Alzheimer’s disease model) and patients with Alzheimer’s disease.To investigate whether HTR3A-positive interneurons are associated with the production of Aβ plaques,we performed double immunostaining and found that HTR3A-positive interneurons were clustered around Aβ plaques in the mouse model.Some amyloid precursor protein-positive or β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme-1-positive neurites near Aβ plaques were co-localized with HTR3A interneurons.These results suggest that HTR3A-positive interneurons may partially contribute to the generation of Aβ peptides.We treated 5.0-5.5-month-old model mice with tro pisetron,a HTR3 antagonist,for 8 consecutive weeks.We found that the cognitive deficit of mice was partially reversed,Aβ plaques and neuroinflammation we re remarkably reduced,the expression of HTR3 was remarkably decreased and the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cell 4 signaling pathway was inhibited in treated model mice.These findings suggest that HTR3A interneurons partly contribute to generation of Aβ peptide at the initial stage of Alzheimer’s disease and inhibiting HTR3 partly reve rses the pathological changes of Alzheimer’s disease.

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。

基于骨免疫学论中医药抑制类风湿关节炎骨破坏的研究进展

类风湿关节炎(RA)是一种以滑膜炎、软骨与骨破坏为主要病理表现的自身免疫性疾病,致残率较高。RA免疫及炎症反应与骨细胞代谢互为影响,其核心环节为破坏机体核因子κB受体活化因子配体/核因子κB受体活化因子/骨保护素(RANKL/RANK/OPG)信号通路的平衡,导致成骨细胞减少,以及破骨细胞凋亡减退及异常活化。西药目前以抑制炎症反应及相关细胞因子分泌,减缓疾病进展,但长期使用其不良反应难以忽视。中医药在防治骨破坏中研究逐步深入,但在基础及临床研究方面仍存在一定局限性。

地舒单抗在骨质疏松初始、序贯、联合治疗等方面的临床研究进展

地舒单抗(denosumab,DMAb)是最早出现的全人源核因子-κB受体活化因子配体[receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)ligand,RANKL]的单克隆抗体。2020年在我国上市,应用于骨质疏松治疗领域,是抑制骨吸收类抗骨松药物中的新成员。本综述的目的为归纳总结近年围绕DMAb在骨质疏松初始、序贯以及联合治疗方面的临床研究进展,为其应用提供参考。

PTHrP促进RANKL诱导巨噬细胞分化为破骨细胞参与中耳胆脂瘤骨破坏

目的:骨质进行性吸收破坏是中耳胆脂瘤最重要的临床特征之一,可导致一系列颅内外并发症,而目前中耳胆脂瘤骨破坏的机制尚未明确。本研究旨在探究甲状旁腺激素相关蛋白(parathyroid hormone-related protein,PTHrP)参与中耳胆脂瘤骨破坏的机制。方法:收集后天性中耳胆脂瘤患者的25例胆脂瘤标本和13例外耳道正常皮肤组织标本。采用免疫组织化学染色方法检测PTHrP、核因子κB受体活化因子配体(receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappa B ligand,RANKL)和骨保护素(osteoprotegerin,OPG)在中耳胆脂瘤和外耳道正常皮肤组织中的表达,抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase,TRAP)染色法检测中耳胆脂瘤和外耳道正常皮肤组织中是否存在TRAP阳性多核巨噬细胞。选取小鼠单核巨噬细胞RAW264.7细胞进行干预,分为RANKL干预组和PTHrP+RANKL共同干预组,采用TRAP染色法检测2组破骨细胞的生成情况,实时聚合酶链反应(real-time polymerase chain reaction,real-time PCR)检测干预后2组破骨细胞相关基因TRAP、组织蛋白酶K(cathepsin K,CTSK)和活化T细胞核因子1(nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1,NFATc1)的mRNA表达水平,骨吸收陷窝实验检测2组破骨细胞的骨吸收功能。结果:免疫组织化学染色结果显示,PTHrP和RANKL在中耳胆脂瘤组织中的表达均显著增高,OPG表达降低(均P<0.05),且PTHrP的表达与RANKL、RANKL/OPG比值均呈显著正相关,与OPG表达呈显著负相关(分别r=0.385、r=0.417、r=-0.316,均P<0.05)。同时,PTHrP、RANKL的表达水平与中耳胆脂瘤的骨破坏程度均呈显著正相关(分别r=0.413、r=0.505,均P<0.05)。TRAP染色结果显示中耳胆脂瘤上皮周围基质中有大量TRAP阳性细胞,并存在细胞核数量为3个或3个以上的TRAP阳性破骨细胞。RANKL或PTHrP+RANKL联合干预5 d后,与RANKL干预组相比,PTHrP+RANKL联合干预组的破骨细胞数量显著增加(P<0.05),且破骨细胞相关基因TRAP、CTSK和NFATc1的mRNA表达水平均升高(均P<0.05)。骨吸收陷窝扫描电镜结果显示RANKL干预组、PTHrP+RANKL联合干预组的骨片表面均形成骨吸收陷窝;与RANKL干预组相比,PTHrP+RANKL联合干预组的骨片表面骨吸收陷窝数量显著增加(P<0.05),面积也更大。结论:PTHrP可能通过促进RANKL诱导胆脂瘤组织周围基质中的巨噬细胞分化为破骨细胞,参与中耳胆脂瘤骨破坏。

利伐沙班对氧化型低密度脂蛋白诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞功能的影响

目的探讨利伐沙班(RIV)对氧化型低密度脂蛋白(Ox-LDL)诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC)功能损伤的影响。方法根据干预措施,将实验分为空白对照组(A组,常规培养液),Ox-LDL组(B组,100μg/mL Ox-LDL的培养液),Ox-LDL+RIV125组(C1组,100μg/mL Ox-LDL和125 ng/mL RIV的培养液),Ox-LDL+RIV250组(C2组,100μg/mL Ox-LDL和250 ng/mL RIV的培养液)和Ox-LDL+RIV500组(C3组,100μg/mL Ox-LDL和500 ng/mLRIV的培养液),各组细胞均处理48 h。采用CCK-8法检测各组细胞存活率的变化,采用流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡情况,采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平,采用免疫印迹(Western blot)法检测细胞核因子-κB(NF-κB)和尿激酶型纤溶酶原激活因子受体(uPAR)蛋白表达水平。结果与B组比较,C1组、C2组、C3组细胞存活率显著升高(P<0.05),细胞凋亡率和uPAR表达水平均显著降低(P<0.05);C3组IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6水平和p-NF-κB p65表达水平显著降低(P<0.05)。结论RIV能显著恢复细胞活力、减少细胞凋亡和由Ox-LDL引起的炎性反应,可能通过NF-κB和uPAR的调节而发挥作用。

TSLP、HIF-1α、RANKL在义齿修复后种植体周围炎患者龈沟液中的表达及意义

目的研究胸腺基质淋巴细胞生成素(TSLP)、缺氧诱导因子1α(HIF-1α)、核因子-κB受体活化因子配体(RANKL)在义齿修复后种植体周围炎(PI)患者龈沟液中的表达及意义。方法回顾性选取2019年8月至2023年8月大同市第五人民医院收治的义齿修复患者86例作为研究对象,根据术后3个月是否发生PI将患者分为预后良好组(n=61)和预后不良组(n=25)。比较两组患者的临床资料及术前龈沟液TSLP、HIF-1α及RANKL水平,采用多因素Logistic回归分析对龈沟液TSLP、HIF-1α及RANKL水平与义齿修复患者术后发生PI的关系进行分析,采用受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线分析TSLP、HIF-1α及RANKL水平对义齿修复患者的预后评估价值。结果两组患者临床资料(性别、年龄、病程、义齿种植原因及种植颗数)比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。预后良好组患者的龈沟液中TSLP、HIF-1α、RANKL水平分别为(122.57±11.30)ng/L、(417.79±115.43)ng/mL、(116.02±13.45)pg/μL,均明显低于预后不良组[(138.93±12.70)ng/L、(576.55±177.60)ng/mL、(133.24±15.69)pg/μL],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析义齿修复患者预后,结果显示龈沟液中TSLP水平升高、HIF-1α水平升高和RANKL水平升高是义齿修复患者术后发生PI的独立危险因素(OR=1.119,95%CI:1.048~1.195;OR=1.007,95%CI:1.002~1.013;OR=1.065,95%CI:1.016~1.117;P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析龈沟液中TSLP、HIF-1α、RANKL水平预测义齿修复患者预后的价值,结果显示曲线下面积(AUC)值分别为0.833、0.786和0.809。其中,RANKL具有最高的特异度(0.852),而HIF-1α具有最高的敏感度(0.800),具有较好的预测价值(P<0.05)。结论龈沟液中TSLP、HIF-1α、RANKL水平升高是义齿修复患者术后并发PI的独立危险因素,且均具有较高的预测义齿修复患者预后的价值。

Role of Osteoprotegerin and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kB Ligand in Bone Loss Related to Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background： Osteoporosis is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. Recent clinical and biological researches have increasingly delineated the biomolecular pathways of bone metabolism regulation in COPD. We extended this work by examining the specific association and potential contribution of the osteoprotegerin （OPG）/receptor activator of nuclear factor-riB ligand （RANKL） axis to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in advanced COPD. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships of serum OPG, RANKL, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-a） with bone turnover in men with very severe COPD. Methods： Pulmonary function, T-score at the lumbar spine （LS） and femoral neck （FN）, serum OPG, RANKL, soluble receptor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-1 and 11 （sTNFR-I, sTNFR-II）, osteocalcin （OC）, and β-CrossLaps （βCL） levels were measured in 45 men with very severe stage COPD and 36 male non-COPD volunteers. COPD patients and healthy controls were compared using all independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test. The Pearson coefficient was used to assess the relationships between variables. Results： OPG and OC were lower in male COPD patients than in control subjects whereas RANKL, serum ~CL, TN F-o~, and its receptors were higher. OPG directly correlated with forced expiratory volume in I s （FEVI） % predicted （r = 0.46, P 〈 0.005）, OC （r= 0.34, P 〈 0.05）, LS （I.= 0.56, P 〈 0.001 ）, and FN T-score （r= 0.47, P 〈 0.01 ）. In contrast, serum RANKL inversely associated with LS and FN T-score （r = -0.62, P 〈 0.001 and r = -0.48, P 〈 0.001 ） but directly correlated with [3CL （r = 0.48, P 〈 0.001 ）. In addition, OPG was inversely correlated with RANKL （r = -0.39, P 〈 0.01 ）, TNF-a （r = -0.56, P 〈 0.001 ）, and sTNFR-I （r = -0.40, P 〈 0.01 ）. Conelusion： Our results suggest that serum OPG and RANKL levels are inversely associated with bone loss in men with advanced stage COPD.

Cannabinoid receptor-2 selective antagonist negatively regulates receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand mediated osteoclastogenesis

Background The cannabinoid receptor-2 （CB2） is important for bone remodeling. In this study, we investigated the effects of CB2 selective antagonist （AM630） on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B （RANK） ligand （RANKL）induced osteoclast differentiation and the underlying signaling pathway using a monocyte-macrophage cell line-RAW264.7.Methods RAW264.7 was cultured with RANKL for 6 days and then treated with AM630 for 24 hours. Mature osteoclasts were measured by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase （TRAP） staining using a commercial kit. Total ribonucleic acid （RNA）was isolated and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） was done to examine the expression of RANK, cathepsin K （CPK） and nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB）. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK）,phosphorylation of ERK （P-ERK） and NF-κB production were tested by Western blotting. The effect of AM630 on RAW264.7 viability was determined using the 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide （MTT） assay.Results AM630 did not affect the viability of RAW264.7. However, this CB2 selective antagonist markedly inhibited osteoclast formation and the inhibition rate was dose-dependent. The dose of 〉100 nmol/L could reduce TRAP positive cells to the levels that were significantly lower than the control. AM630 suppressed the expression of genes associated with osteoclast differentiation and activation, such as RANK and CPK. An analysis of a signaling pathway showed that AM630 inhibited the RANKL-induced activation of ERK, but not NF-κB.Conclusion AM630 could inhibit the osteoclastogenesis from RAW264.7 induced with RANKL.

Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand and osteoprotegerin expression in chronic apical periodontitis：possible association with inflammatory cells

Background Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB） ligand （RANKL） and osteoprotegerin （OPG） have been recently shown to play important roles in bone resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between the expression of bone resorption regulators （RANKL and OPG） and inflammatory cell infiltration in chronic apical periodontitis.Methods The samples of chronic periapical lesions （n=40） and healthy periapical tissues （n=10） were examined for immunohistochemical analysis of RANKL and OPG. Lesion samples were further analyzed for the inflammatory infiltration condition. The inflammatory cell infiltration was scored in relation to immunohistochemical reactivity for CD3, CD20 and CD68.Results The number of RANKL-positive cells and the ratio of RANKL/OPG in chronic apical periodontitis were significantly higher than those in healthy periapical tissues （P＜0.001）. The number of RANKL-positive cells was higher in lesions with severe inflammatory infiltration than in those with light inflammatory infiltration （P＜0.05）. Significantly increased RANKL expression was found with T lymphocytes （CD3＋）, macrophages （CD68＋） and B lymphocytes （CD20＋）infiltration （P＜0.05）. No association was found between the ratio of RANKL/OPG and inflammatory cell infiltration.Conclusions RANKL expression was increased with T, B lymphocytes and macrophages infiltration, respectively in chronic periapical lesions. RANKL appears to be closely related to periapical inflammatory infiltrates. The relative ratio of RANKL/OPG may be a key determinant of RANKL-mediated bone resorption.

Effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe(温化蠲痹方) on Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Ligand,Osteoprotegerin,and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily Member 14 in Rats with Collagen-Induced Arthritis

Objective： To study the effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe（温化蠲痹方, WJR） on expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand（RANKL）, osteoprotegerin（OPG）, and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14（TNFRSF14, also known as LIGHT） in rats with collagen-induced arthritis（CIA）. Methods： CIA rats were generated by subcutaneous injection of bovine collagen type-Ⅱ at the tail base. Sixty CIA rats were randomly assigned（10 animals/group） to： model, methotrexate（MTX）-treated（0.78 mg/kg body weight）, and WJR-treated（22.9 g/kg） groups. Healthy normal rats（n=10） were used as the normal control. Treatments or saline were administered once daily by oral gavage. Rats were sacrificed at day 28 post-treatment and knee synovium and peripheral blood serum were collected. Toe swelling degree and expression of RANKL, OPG, and LIGHT were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results： Compared with the normal group, toe swelling degree was significantly increased in the model group（P〈0.01）. After treatment, toe swelling degree decreased significantly in the WJR and MTX groups compared with the model group（P〈0.01）. Compared with the normal group, expression of RANKL and LIGHT were significantly increased and OPG significantly decreased in peripheral blood and synovium of the model group（P〈0.01）. Conversely, RANKL and LIGHT expression were significantly reduced and OPG increased in the WJR and MTX groups compared with the model group（P〈0.01）. No statistically significant difference existed between WJR and MTX groups. Conclusion： WJR likely acts by reducing RANKL expression and increasing OPG expression, thus inhibiting RANKL/RANK interaction and reducing LIGHT expression, thereby inhibiting osteoclast formation/activation to block bone erosion.

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。

Down-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α expression in fatty acid-induced pancreatic betacell apoptosis involves nuclear factor-κB pathway

Background Pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis induced by lipotoxicity, to a large extent, contributes to the progression of type 2 diabetes. To investigate the mechanism of free fatty acid induced apoptosis, we aimed to study the effects of palmitic acid （PA） on the apoptosis and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor y coactivator-1α （PGC-1α） expression in βTC3 cells as well as the possible role of nuclear factor-KB （NF-KB） in this process. Methods Hoechst 33258 was used to detect βTC3 cell apoptosis, which was induced by PA stimulation for 12 hours. PGC-1α expression was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, IκB kinase β （IKKβ）, IκBα NF-KB-inducing kinase （NIK） and ReI-B expressions were analyzed by Western blotting. MGβ2 was employed to block the endogenous IκBαdegradation before PA administration, and then its effect on PA-inducing cell apoptosis and PGC-1α mRNA expression was analyzed. Results Significant increased cell apoptosis was found at the concentration of 0.5 mmol/L and 1.0 mmol/L PA administration. PA （0.5 mmol/L） could extensively reduced the expression of PGC-1α mRNA. After exposing βTC3 cells to 0.5 mmol/L PA for different time periods （0, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours）, IKKβ protein expression increased while IκBα NIK and ReI-B protein expression declined in a time-dependent manner. Pretreatment with MGβ2 to inhibit the degradation of IκBα partially prevented the down-regulation of PGC-1α mRNA expression after 12-hour PA treatment in accordance with the decrease of PA induced apoptosis. Conclusions NF-KB canonical pathway was activated in PA-mediated βTC3 cell apoptosis, whereas non-canonical pathway was inhibited. Reduced PGC-1α expression by PA in βTC3 cells could involve the activation of canonical NF-KB pathway, so as to deteriorate the PA induced apoptosis.

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。