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.

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.

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.

Nuclear factor kappa B: A marker of chemotherapy for human stage Ⅳ gastric carcinoma

AIM： To detect the nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB） condition in human stage IV gastric carcinoma patients and to explore the correlation between NF-κB activation and survival of these patients after chemotherapy. METHODS： Expression of NF-κB-p65 was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Activity of NF-κB DNA-binding in carcinoma tissue was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to show the relation between NF-κB and progression-free survival （PFS） or overall survival （OS） of the patients. RESULTS： The positive expression rate of NF-κB-p65 in 60 gastric cancer tissue samples was 76.7% （46160）. The expression of NF-κB-p65 was reduced in adjacent carcinoma and normal tissue samples. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay （EMSA） analysis showed a strong activation of NF-κB in cancer tissue samples. A survival difference was found in NF-κB-p65 positive and negative patients. NF-κB-p65 expression was negative in cancer tissue samples （n = 14）. PFS was 191.40 ± 59.88 d and 152.93 ±16.99 d, respectively, in patients with positive NF-κB-p65 expression （n = 46） （P = 0.4028）. The survival time of patients with negative and positive NF-κB-p65 expression was 425.16 ±61.61 d and 418.85 ±42.98 d, respectively （P = 0.7303）. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in PFS or OS. The 46 patient tissue which positive NF-κB-p65 expression was found in the tissue samples from the 46 patients whose PFS and OS were 564.89 ± 75.94 d and s 352.37 ±41.32 d, respectively （P = 0.0165）. CONCLUSION： NF-κB is activated in gastric carcinoma tissue, which is related to the OS after chemotherapy.

Moxibustion inhibits the macrophage M1 polarization toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway by regulating T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing protein-3 in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether moxibustion exerts therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by regulating the expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing protein-3(TIM-3) and subsequently modulating the macrophage M1 polarization toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)-myeloid differentiation factor 88(My D88)-nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS: We utilized moxibustion treatment in RA rat models using the Zusanli(ST36) and Shenshu(BL23) acupoints. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the synovial tissue under a section light microscope, and pathological scoring was performed according to the grading standard of the degree of synovial tissue disease. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was applied to verify the efficacy of moxibustion in reducing inflammation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RTPCR) was used to detect the expression of the TIM-3/TLR4-My D88-NF-κB signaling pathway-related molecules, and Western blot was used to detect the contents of synovial NF-κB. RESULTS: We established the Freund's complete adjuvant(FCA)-induced RA model in rats. The expression level of M1 polarization signaling pathway TLR4-My D88-NF-κB and the inflammatory factors interleukin-12(IL-12), tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), and tumor necrosis factor beta(TNF-β) were significantly increased in the RA model. After moxibustion treatment, the expression level of TLR4-My D88-NF-κB was significantly decreased, and the inflammatory factors IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-β were decreased, but the expression level was significantly increased in the RA model. When TIM-3 expression was inhibited, the expression level of TLR4-My D88-NF-κB, and the inflammatory factors IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-β were not suppressed, even after moxibustion treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion regulates the key target TIM-3 by acting on the Zusanli(ST36) and Shenshu(BL23) points, thereby inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages;that is, it inhibits the TLR4-My D88-NF-κB signaling pathway, and finally achieves alleviation of pathological changes and anti-inflammatory effects.

Biomolecular basis of the role of diabetes mellitus in osteoporosis and bone fractures

Osteoporosis has become a serious health problem throughout the world which is associated with an increased risk of bone fractures and mortality among the people of middle to old ages.Diabetes is also a major health problem among the people of all age ranges and the sufferers due to this abnormality increasing day by day.The aim of this review is to summarize the possible mechanisms through which diabetes may induce osteoporosis.Diabetes mellitus generally exerts its effect on different parts of the body including bone cells specially the osteoblast and osteoclast,muscles,retina of the eyes,adipose tissue,endocrine system specially parathyroid hormone(PTH) and estrogen,cytokines,nervous system and digestive system.Diabetes negatively regulates osteoblast differentiation and function while positively regulates osteoclast differentiation and function through the regulation of different intermediate factors and thereby decreases bone formation while increases bone resorption.Some factors such as diabetic neuropathy,reactive oxygen species,Vitamin D,PTH have their effects on muscle cells.Diabetes decreases the muscle strength through regulating these factors in various ways and ultimately increases the risk of fall that may cause bone fractures.

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.

Crocus sativus L.produces anti-inflammatory effects and regulates the NLRP3–NF-κB pathway

Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of petal and stamen extracts of saffron crocus(Crocus sativus)and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods:Local and systemic inflammation models were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of C.sativus.A xyleneinduced inflammation model or lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation model was used in this study.C.sativus petal and stamen extracts were each administered to the mice in the xylene and LPS models by gavage for 14 d at 0.1 and 0.4 g/kg doses,respectively.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αand interleukin(IL)-1βin mouse serum.Hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the ear in the xylene-induced inflammation model and in the spleen in the LPS-induced inflammation model.NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)protein levels within the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)pathway were assessed using western blotting.RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS(5μg/mL)and LPS+C.sativus(0.05,0.1,and 0.2 mg/mL)for 24 h,and a Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to measure cell proliferation.Changes in NLRP3 and NF-κB levels were evaluated by western blotting.Results:Petal and stamen extracts of C.sativus attenuated the anti-inflammatory effects in local or systemic inflammatory models and repaired pathological changes in the ear in the xylene-induced inflammation model and spleen in the LPS-induced inflammation model.These extracts also decreased the concentrations of TNF-αand IL-1βin the mouse serum in the LPS-induced inflammation model.C.sativus downregulated NLRP3 protein level through the NF-κB pathway and downregulated LC-3 and BECLIN1 in vivo and in vitro.Carbonyl Cyanide3-ChloroPhenylhydrazone(CCCP)weakened the effects of C.sativus on the NLRP3–NF-κB pathway.Conclusion:C.sativus has anti-inflammatory effects and regulates the NLRP3-NF-κB pathway.

Bone targeted therapies for the prevention of skeletal morbidity in men with prostate cancer

Men with prostate cancer suffer substantially from bone-related complications. Androgen deprivation therapy itself is a cause of loss of bone mineral density and is associated with an increased incidence of osteoporotic fractures. In advanced disease, bone is by far the most common site of metastasis. Complications of bone metastases prominently include pain and the potential for skeletal events such as spinal cord compression and pathologic fractures. Elevated osteoclast activity is an important aspect of the pathophysiology of both treatment-related osteoporosis and skeletal complications due to metastases. The osteoclast is therefore a therapeutic target. Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody to receptor activator of nuclear factor-K-B ligand that was designed to potently inhibit osteoclast activity and is the central focus of this review. Bisphosphonates, radiopharmaceuticals and systemically-active hormonal agents such as abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide have each been shown to improve skeletal morbidity in specific clinical situations. Denosumab is the only agent that has been shown to prevent osteoporotic fractures in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy and at elevated risk for fracture. It has also demonstrated superiority to the potent bisphosphonate zoledronic acid for the prevention of skeletal-related events in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer metastatic to bone. Efficacy and toxicity data will be discussed.

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.

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.

miR-338-3p靶向核因子κB受体活化因子配体影响牙槽骨成骨细胞增殖及凋亡

背景:miR-338-3p能够抑制破骨细胞分化,下调核因子κB受体活化因子配体水平能够促进骨形成。然而miR-338-3p是否通过调控核因子κB受体活化因子配体表达影响牙槽骨成骨细胞增殖、凋亡尚不清楚。目的:探究miR-338-3p靶向核因子κB受体活化因子配体对牙槽骨成骨细胞增殖、凋亡的影响及机制。方法:分离人牙槽骨成骨细胞,对其进行细胞转染及Wnt-C59(Wnt/β-catenin通路抑制剂)处理,分为转染对照组、miR-338-3p组、miR-338-3p+对照组、miR-338-3p+核因子κB受体活化因子配体组和miR-338-3p+Wnt-C59组。双荧光素酶实验验证miR-338-3p对核因子κB受体活化因子配体的调控作用;CCK-8、EdU染色检测细胞增殖水平;流式细胞术检测细胞周期和凋亡水平;RT-qPCR检测细胞miR-338-3p、核因子κB受体活化因子配体、Wnt-3a、β-catenin、糖原合酶激酶3βmRNA表达水平;Western Blot检测细胞核因子κB受体活化因子配体、增殖细胞核抗原、Ki67、细胞周期蛋白D1、Bcl-2、Bax、天冬氨酸半胱氨酸蛋白酶3、Wnt-3a、β-catenin、糖原合酶激酶3β蛋白表达水平。结果与结论:①miR-338-3p靶向调控核因子κB受体活化因子配体;②过表达miR-338-3p后,细胞存活率、EdU阳性细胞率、S期细胞比例升高,细胞凋亡率降低,miR-338-3p、增殖细胞核抗原、Ki67、细胞周期蛋白D1、Bcl-2、Wnt-3a、β-catenin mRNA和蛋白水平升高,Bax、天冬氨酸半胱氨酸蛋白酶3、核因子κB受体活化因子配体、糖原合酶激酶3βmRNA和蛋白水平降低(均P<0.05);③过表达核因子κB受体活化因子配体或Wnt-C59处理能够减弱过表达miR-338-3p对细胞增殖、凋亡的影响(均P<0.05);④结果表明,miR-338-3p靶向核因子κB受体活化因子配体表达可促进牙槽骨成骨细胞增殖,并抑制细胞凋亡,其可能通过激活Wnt/β-catenin信号通路发挥作用。

Different effects of antisense IRAK-2 oligonucleotide on IL-1 and TNF-stimulated NF-kappa B activation

Objective: To investigate the role of interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor associated kinase-2 (IRAK-2) in IL1 and TNF-stimulated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B ) activation. Metbods: The 293 cell was trans fectedwith antisense IRAK-2 oligonucleotide (IRAK-2 ODN) followed by stimulating the cell with IL-1 or tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and then the levels of NF-kappa B activation was analyzed by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA ). Result: Pre-transfecting with antisense IRAK-2 ODN could remarkably decreasethe levels of NF-kappa B activation stimulated by IL-1 in time- and concentration-dependent manner, it can not attenuate the one stimulated by TNF. Conclusion: The responses of IL-1 and TNF-stimulated NF-kappa B activation to antisense IRAK-2 oligonucleotids were different. IRAK-2 plays a key role in the IL-1 signaling events leading to NF kappa B activation.

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 .

NF-kappa B和AP-1在非小细胞肺癌中的表达

背景与目的核因子kappaB(NFkappaB)和激活蛋白1(AP1)在细胞凋亡和增生过程中所起的作用逐渐被人们所认知,在肿瘤的形成过程中也扮演着重要的角色。本研究分析了NFkappaB、AP1在非小细胞肺癌中的表达,以明确二者之间的相互关系,并进一步研究二者对周期蛋白cyclinD1和caspase3在非小细胞肺癌中表达的影响。方法应用Westernblot检测NFkappaB、AP1、cyclinD1和caspase3在非小细胞肺癌中的蛋白表达,应用RTPCR检测不同NFkappaB和AP1表达的肺癌组织中cyclinD1和caspase3的mRNA表达。应用相关分析判断NFkappaB和AP1的相关性。结果在45例非小细胞肺癌患者中,NFkappaB和AP1在肺癌组织中的表达均高于癌旁肺组织中的表达(0.6047比0.2798,P<0.01)。在NFkappaB和AP1较高表达的肺癌组织中,cyclinD1蛋白表达和mRNA表达均增加(P<0.01),而caspase3的蛋白表达和mRNA表达减少(P<0.01)。相关分析显示NFkappaB和AP1有明显的相关性(r=0.800,P<0.01)。结论NFkappaB和AP1作为转录因子可能在非小细胞肺癌的形成和发展中起重要作用。

正畸保持期龈沟液骨保护素/核因子kappa B受体活化因子配体水平对牙槽骨改建状态的意义

目的:探讨正畸保持期牙周龈沟液中骨保护素(osteoprotegerin,OPG)和核因子kappa B受体活化因子配体水平(receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand,RANKL)的变化及相应牙周组织OPG和RANKL表达的变化,为预测保持期牙周骨组织状态是否稳定提供依据。方法:选择6周龄雄性Wista大鼠15只,按时间点(T1:基线,T2:加力14 d,T3:停止加力14 d)分为3组,每组5只。在每个时间点先采集龈沟液样本,应用酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测OPG和sRANKL(soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand)浓度,然后处死大鼠,采用免疫组织化学检测牙周组织中OPG和RANKL表达。结果:龈沟液中sRANKL浓度在T2期明显上升(P<0.05),T3期则显著下降(P<0.05),与T1期几乎相当。龈沟液中OPG浓度在3个时间点的变化差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);龈沟液中sRANKL/OPG的比值和牙周组织RANKL/OPG的比值变化近似,均在T2期明显增大(P<0.05和P<0.01),在T3期显著减小(P<0.05)。结论:在正畸加力至保持期,龈沟液中sRANKL/OPG的比值可以在一定程度上反映牙周组织中骨改建的状态。

Puerarin partly counteracts the inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion via activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway

Puerarin, a major isoflavonoid derived from the Chinese medical herb radix puerariae （Gegen）, has been reported to inhibit neuronal apoptosis and play an anti-inflammatory role in focal cerebral ischemia model rats. Recent findings regarding stroke pathophysiology have recognized that anti-inflammation is an important target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is a highly robust neural-immune mechanism for inflammation control. This study was to investigate whether activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can be involved in the mechanism of inhibiting the inflammatory response during puerarin-induced cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Results showed that puerarin pretreatment （intravenous injection） re- duced the ischemic infarct volume, improved neurological deficit after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and decreased the levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a in brain tissue. Pretreatment with puerarin （intravenous injection） attenuated the inflammatory response in rats, which was accompanied by janus-activated kinase 2 （JAK2） and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 （STAT3） activation and nuclear factor kappa B （NF-KB） inhibition. These observa- tions were inhibited by the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （a7nAchR） antagonist a-bungarotoxin （a-BGT）. In addition, puerarin pretreatment increased the expression of a7nAchR mRNA in ischemic cerebral tissue. These data demonstrate that puerarin pretreatment strongly protects the brain against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and inhibits the inflammatory re- sponse. Our results also indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of puerarin may partly be medi- ated through the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

Historically significant events in the discovery of RANK/RANKL/OPG

After it was suggested 30 years ago that the osteoblast lineage controlled the formation of osteoclasts, methods were developed that established this to be the case, but the molecular controls were elusive. Over more than a decade much evidence was obtained for signaling mechanisms that regulated the production of a membrane- bound regulator of osteoclastogenesis, in the course of which intercellular communication in bone was revealed in its complexity. The discovery of regulation by tumor necrosis factor ligand and receptor families was made in the last few years of the twentieth century, leading since then to a new physiology of bone, and to exciting drug development.