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.

Imbalance of osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and oxidative stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Background:Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is associated with a higher prevalence of osteoporosis.However,the underlying mechanisms linking OSAHS with bone loss are still unclear.The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL,an osteoclastogenesis-promoting factor) and osteoprotegerin (OPG,the decoy receptor for RANKL),oxidative stress and bone metabolism markers in OSAHS,in order to understand the potential mechanisms underlying bone loss in OSAHS patients.Methods:Forty-eight male patients with OSAHS,confirmed by polysomnography (PSG) study,were enrolled.Twenty male subjects who were confirmed as not having OSAHS served as the controls.The subjects’bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed in lumbar spine and femoral neck using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).Blood samples were collected from all subjects for measurement of RANKL,OPG,the bone formation marker bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP),the bone resorption marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP-5b),and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC).Results:The BMD and the T-score of the femoral neck and the lumbar spine were significantly lower in OSAHS patients as compared to the control group (P< 0.05).The serum level of BAP was significantly decreased in the OSAHS group (15.62 ± 5.20 μg/L) as compared to the control group (18.83 ± 5.50 μg/L,t= -2.235,P< 0.05),while the levels of TRAP-5b did not differ between the two groups (t= -1.447,P> 0.05).The serum level of OPG and the OPG/RANKL ratio were lower in the OSAHS group compared to the control group (bothP< 0.05).TAOC level was also decreased significantly in the OSAHS group (P< 0.05).Correlation analysis showed that the TAOC level was positively correlated with BAP in the OSAHS group (r= 0.248,P= 0.04),but there were no correlations between TAOC and the BMD or the T-scores.The correlations between the level of OPG (or the OPG/RANKL ratio) and BMD or TAOC did not reach significance.Conclusion:In OSAHS patients,lower levels of TAOC were associated with decreased bone formation,suggesting a role of oxidative stress in bone loss,while the role of OPG/RANKL imbalance in bone metabolism in OSAHS needs further evaluation .

RANKL,a necessary chance for clinical application to osteoporosis and cancer-related bone diseases

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease characterized by reduced bone and increased risk of fracture. In postmenopausal women, osteoporosis results from bone loss attributable to estrogen deficiency. Osteoclast differentiation and activation is mediated by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL), its receptor receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB(RANK), and a decoy receptor for RANKL, osteoprotegerin(OPG). The OPG/RANKL/RANK system plays a pivotal role in osteoclast biology. Currently, a fully human antiRANKL monoclonal antibody named denosumab is being clinically used for the treatment of osteoporosis and cancer-related bone disorders. This review describes recent advances in RANKL-related research, a story from bench to bedside. First, the discovery of the key factors, OPG/RANKL/RANK, revealed the molecular mechanism of osteoclastogenesis. Second, we established three animal models:(1) a novel and rapid bone loss model by administration of glutathione-S transferase-RANKL fusion protein to mice;(2) a novel mouse model of hypercalcemia with anorexia by overexpression of soluble RANKL using an adenovirus vector; and(3) a novel mouse model of osteopetrosis by administration of a denosumab-like anti-mouse RANKL neutralizing monoclonal antibody. Lastly, anti-human RANKL monoclonal antibody has been successfully applied to the treatment of osteoporosis and cancer-related bone disorders in many countries. This is a real example of applying basic science to clinical practice.

New roles of osteoblasts involved in osteoclast differentiation

Bone-resorbing osteoclasts are formed from a monocyte/macrophage lineage under the strict control o bone-forming osteoblasts. So far,macrophage colonystimulating factor(M-CSF),receptor activator o nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL),and osteoprotegerin(OPG) produced by osteoblasts play major roles in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation. Recent studies have shown that osteoblasts regulate osteoclastogenesis through several mechanisms independent o M-CSF,RANKL,and OPG production. Identification o osteoclast-committed precursors in vivo demonstrated that osteoblasts are involved in the distribution o osteoclast precursors in bone. Interleukin 34(IL-34)a novel ligand for c-Fms,plays a pivotal role in maintaining the splenic reservoir of osteoclast-committed precursors in M-CSF deficient mice. IL-34 is also able to act as a substitute for osteoblast-producing M-CSF in osteoclastogenesis. Wnt5 a,produced by osteoblasts,enhances osteoclast differentiation by upregulating RANK expression through activation of the noncanonical Wnt pathway. Semaphorin 3A produced by osteoblasts inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation through the suppression of immunoreceptortyrosine-based activation motif signals. Thus,recent findings show that osteoclast differentiation is tightly regulated by osteoblasts through several different mechanisms. These newly identified molecules are expected to be promising targets of therapeutic agents in bone-related diseases.

Effects of Anastrozole Combined with Shuganjiangu Decoction on Osteoblast-like Cell Proliferation, Differentiation and OPG/RANKL mRNA Expression

Objective： To investigate the effects of anastrozole combined with Shuganjiangu decoction on osteoblast-like cells. Methods： Human osteoblast-like cells MG-63 were cultured and divided into four groups control, anastrozole, Shuganjiangu decoction （SGJGD）, and anastrozole combined with SGJGD. Cell proliferation was investigated by M-IF assay. Alkaline phosphatase （ALP） and osteocalcin, the indicators of cell differentiation, were evaluated by p-nitrophenyl- phosphate method and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Gene expressions of ALP, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin （OPG） and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand （RANKL） were examined by real-time PCR. Results： As evidenced by MTT assay, cell proliferation of MG-63 was inhibited by anastrozole, but stimulated with treatment of SGJGD alone and combined with anastrozole （P〈O.01）. Compared with control group, ALP activity was increased by the treatment of SGJGD alone and combined with anastrozole （P〈0.01）. Also, osteocalcin secretion was enhanced with the treatment of SGJGD single and combination with anastrozole （P〈O.05）. In the real-time PCR assay, gene expressions of ALP and osteocalcin were significantly increased （P〈0.01 for ALP, P〈0.05 for osteocalcin） by the treatment of SGJGD and anastrozole combined with SGJGD, but the expression of RANKL was decreased （P〈O.05）. Moreover, anastrozole combined with SGJGD upregulated gene expression of OPG （P〈O.01）. Conclusion： SGJGD may alleviate the injury effects of anastrozole on MG-63 cells through adjusting bone formation and resorption indicators.

Efficacy of recombinant human osteoprotegerin combined with tinidazole in the treatment of periodontitis mice and its correlation with serum RANKL and MCP-1 levels

Objective: To investigate the effect of recombinant human osteoprotegerin combined with tinidazole on mice with periodontitis and the effect on serum RANKL and MCP-1 levels. Methods: 80 SPF-cleaned mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, 20 each, model group, tinidazole group and recombinant human osteoprotegerin group were modeled by Kimura et al., and tinidazole group received tinidazole. After intragastric administration, the recombinant human osteoprotegerin group was injected with recombinant human osteoprotegerin in the periodontal pocket according to the tinidazole group. The periodontal changes of the four groups of mice were observed and recorded, and the gingival rating was performed. Epithelial tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum levels of IL-4, IL-6, RANKL and MCP-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:After the intervention, the model group developed severe inflammatory reactions, including redness, hemorrhage, and deep periodontal pockets. The teeth were significantly loosened. The mice in the tinidazole group and the recombinant human osteoprotegerin group recovered substantially, and the gingival rating of the recombinant human osteoprotegerin group was better than that. The tinidazole group and the model group (P<0.05). The results of HE staining showed that the model group had edema, vasodilation and a large amount of inflammatory infiltration. The epithelial structure of the mice in the tinidazole group and the recombinant human osteoprotegerin group was intact and arranged closely and orderly. After intervention, the IL-4 in the tinidazole group and the recombinant human osteoprotegerin group was significantly higher than the model group and IL-6 was significantly lower than the model group (P<0.05), and the recombinant human osteoprotegerin group IL-4 was significantly higher after the intervention. IL-6 was significantly lower in the tinidazole group than in the tinidazole group (P<0.05). After the intervention, the tinidazole group and the recombinant human osteoprotegerin group were significantly reduced, and the recombinant human osteoprotegerin group RAKNL and MCP-1 were significantly lower than the model group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Recombinant human osteoprotegerin combined with tinidazole has a better therapeutic effect on gums and teeth in mice with periodontitis, and can lower the levels of RAKNL and MCP-1 in serum, inhibit bone resorption and protect teeth.

Molecular mechanisms of triggering,amplifying and targeting RANK signaling in osteoclasts

Osteoclast differentiation depends on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB(RANK) signaling,which can be divided into triggering,amplifying and targeting phases based on how active the master regulator nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1(NFATc1) is. The triggering phase is characterized by immediateearly RANK signaling induced by RANK ligand(RANKL) stimulation mediated by three adaptor proteins,tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6,Grb-2-associated binder-2 and phospholipase C(PLC)γ2,leading to activation of IκB kinase,mitogen-activated protein kinases and the transcription factors nuclear factor(NF)-κB and activator protein-1(AP-1). Mice lacking NF-κB p50/p52 or the AP-1 subunit c-Fos(encoded by Fos) exhibit severe osteopetrosis due to a differentiation block in the osteoclast lineage. The amplification phase occurs about 24 h later in a RANKLinduced osteoclastogenic culture when Ca2+ oscillation starts and the transcription factor NFATc1 is abundantly produced. In addition to Ca2+ oscillation-dependent nuclear translocation and transcriptional auto-induction of NFATc1,a Ca2+ oscillation-independent,osteoblastdependent mechanism stabilizes NFATc1 protein in dif-ferentiating osteoclasts. Osteoclast precursors lacking PLCγ2,inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors,regulator of G-protein signaling 10,or NFATc1 show an impaired transition from the triggering to amplifying phases. The final targeting phase is mediated by activation of numerous NFATc1 target genes responsible for cell-cell fusion and regulation of bone-resorptive function. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms for each of the three phases of RANK signaling during osteoclast differentiation.

Pioglitazone attenuates the severity of sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis

AIM： To determine the effect of pioglitazone, a specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, （PPARγ） ligand, on development of severe acute pancreatitis （SAP） and expression of nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1） in the pancreas. METHODS： Male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats （160-200 g） were randomly allocated into three groups （n = 18 in each group）： severe acute pancreatitis group, pioglitazone group, sham group. SAP was induced by retrograde infusion of 1 mL/kg body weight 5% sodium taurocholate （STC） into the biliopancreatic duct of male SD rats. Pioglitazone was injected intraperitoneally two hours piror to STC infusion. Blood and ascites were obtained for detecting amylase and ascitic capacity. Pancreatic wet/dry weight ratio, expression of NF-κB and ICAM-1 in pancreatic tissues were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Pancreatic tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin （HE） for routine optic microscopy. RESULTS： Sham group displayed normal pancreatic structure. SAP group showed diffuse hemorrhage, necrosis and severe edema in focal areas of pancreas. There was obvious adipo-saponification in abdominal cavity. Characteristics such as pancreatic hemorrhage, necrosis, severe edema and adipo-saponification were found in pioglitazone group, but the levels of those injuries were lower in pioglitazone group than those in SAP group. The wet/dry pancreatic weight ratio, ascetic capacity, serum and ascitic activities of anylase in the SAP group were significantly higher than those in the sham group and pioglitazone group respectively （6969.50 ± 1368.99 vs 2104.67 ± 377.16, 3.99 ± 1.22 vs 2.48 ± 0.74, P 〈 0.01 or P 〈 0.05）. According to Kusske criteria, the pancreatic histologic score showed that interstitial edema, inflammatory infiltration, parenchyma necrosis and parenchyma hommorrhage in SAP group significantly differed from those in the sham group and pioglitazone group （7.17 ± 1.83 vs 0.50 ± 0.55, 7.67 ± 0.82 vs 6.83 ± 0.75, P 〈 0.01, P 〈 0.05. The expression of NF-κB and ICAM-1 in sham group was lower than that in SAP group and pioglitazone group （0.50 ± 0.55 vs 33 ± 1.21, P 〈 0.01）. There was a significant difference in the expression of NF-κB and ICAM-1 between SAP group and pioglitazone group （7.50 ±1.05 vs 11.33 ± 1.75, 0.80 ± 0.53 vs 1.36 ± 0.54, P 〈 0.01 or P 〈 0.05） at 12 h after the induction of pancreatitis. CONCLUSION： Pioglitazone attenuates the severity of SAP. The beneficial effect of pioglitazone is multifactorial due to its anti-inflammatory activities, most likely through the inhibition of ICAM-1 expression and NF-κB activation. Specific ligands of PPARy may represent the novel and effective means of clinical therapy for SAP.

Interactions between cancer cells and bone microenvironment promote bone metastasis in prostate cancer

Bone metastasis is the leading cause of death in prostate cancer patients,for which there is currently no effective treatment.Since the bone microenvironment plays an important role in this process,attentions have been directed to the interactions between cancer cells and the bone microenvironment,including osteoclasts,osteoblasts,and bone stromal cells.Here,we explained the mechanism of interactions between prostate cancer cells and metastasis-associated cells within the bone microenvironment and further discussed the recent advances in targeted therapy of prostate cancer bone metastasis.This review also summarized the effects of bone microenvironment on prostate cancer metastasis and the related mechanisms,and provides insights for future prostate cancer metastasis studies.

Crosstalk between bone and other organs

Bone has long been considered as a silent organ that provides a reservoir of calcium and phosphorus,traditionally.Recently,further study of bone has revealed additional functions as an endocrine organ connecting systemic organs of the whole body.Communication between bone and other organs participates in most physiological and pathological events and is responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis.Here,we present an overview of the crosstalk between bone and other organs.Furthermore,we describe the factors mediating the cross-talk and review the mechanisms in the development of potential associated diseases.These connections shed new light on the pathogenesis of systemic diseases and provide novel potential targets for the treatment of systemic diseases.

OPG/RANKL/RANK系统在心血管疾病中的研究进展

骨保护素(OPG)是肿瘤坏死因子超家族成员之一,主要通过与细胞核因子κB受体活化因子配基(RANKL)竞争性结合细胞核因子κB受体活化因子(RANK)而调节破骨细胞的分化、成熟。近年来的研究表明OPG/RANKL/RANK系统除在骨代谢方面发挥重要作用,也参与了心血管系统疾病的发生发展。本文将对OPG/RANKL/RANK系统与心血管疾病的关系及作用机制作一综述。