Endogenous Trypsin Triggers Free Fluoride Release from Antarctic Krill(Euphausia superba)Cuticle

During postmortem storage,fluoride in Antarctic krill can be enriched in the muscle.Trypsin,as the most important digestive enzyme in Antarctic krill with a high activity in low temperature,plays a potential role in this process.In this study,endogenous trypsin was purified and its properties were investigated.The involvement of trypsin in the generation of free fluoride from Antarctic krill cuticle was explored.Cuticle microstructure before and after hydrolysis was compared with scanning electron microscopy,and the ash samples of the hydrolyzed Antarctic krill cuticle were analyzed with X-ray diffraction,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,and electron dispersive spectroscopy,respectively.Mass spectrometry analysis and inhibition tests confirmed that the purified enzyme was endogenous trypsin.Results of the present study indicated that trypsin digestion caused the increases of the concentrations of both fluoride ions and free amino N simultaneously,while the protein coated on the cuticle surface was dissolved too.However,no compositional change was detected in the cuticle inorganic salts.These findings suggest that trypsin triggered free fluoride release from Antarctic krill cuticle.In addition,the kinetics of free fluoride release could be described by the equation C_(W)=(1-0.97^(-0.006t)-0.03e^(0.0558t))x337.53+10.50.The present study improved the understanding of the role of trypsin in free fluoride release from Antarctic krill cuticle,facilitating future studies aimed at reducing the fluoride content in krill protein during Antarctic krill processing.

Residual fluoride self-activated effect enabling upgraded utilization of recycled graphite anode

Recycling graphite anode from spent lithium-ion batteries(SLIBs)is regarded as a crucial approach to promoting sustainable energy storage industry.However,the recycled graphite(RG)generally presents degraded structure and performance.Herein,the residual fluoride self-activated effect is proposed for the upgraded utilization of RG.Simple and low-energy water immersion treatment not only widens the interlayer spacing,but also retains appropriate fluoride on the surface of RG.Theoretical analysis and experiments demonstrate that the residual fluoride can optimize Li~+migration and deposition kinetics,resulting in better Li~+intercalation/deintercalation in the interlayer and more stable Li metal plating/stripping on the surface of RG,As a result,the designed LFP||RG full cells achieve ultrahigh reversibility(~100%Coulombic efficiency),high capacity retention(67%after 200 cycles,0.85 N/P ratio),and commendable adaptability(stable cycling without short-circuiting,0.15 N/P ratio).The energy density is improved from 334 Wh kg^(-1)of 1.1 N/P ratio to 367 Wh kg^(-1)of 0.85 N/P ratio(total mass based on cathode and anode).The exploration of RG by residual fluoride self-activated effect achieves upgraded utilization beyond fresh commercial graphite and highlights a new strategy for efficient reuse of SLIBs.

Identifying the Hydrochemical Characteristics,Genetic Mechanisms and Potential Human Health Risks of Fluoride and Nitrate Enriched Groundwater in the Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China

Fluoride and nitrate enriched groundwater are potential threats to the safety of the groundwater supply that may cause significant effects on human health and public safety,especially in aggregated population areas and economic hubs.This study focuses on the high F^(−)and NO_(3)^(−)concentration groundwater in Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China.A total of 36 groundwater samples were collected to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics,elucidate genetic mechanisms and evaluate the potential human health risks.The results of the analysis indicate:Firstly,most of the groundwater samples are characterized by Mg-HCO_(3) and Na-HCO_(3) with the pH ranging from 7.19 to 8.28 and TDS with a large variation across the range 471-2337 mg/L.The NO_(3)^(−)concentration in 38.89%groundwater samples and the F^(−)concentration in 66.67%groundwater samples exceed the permissible limited value.Secondly,F^(−)in groundwater originates predominantly from water-rock interactions and the fluorite dissolution,which is also regulated by cation exchange,competitive adsorption of HCO_(3)−and an alkaline environment.Thirdly,the effect of sewage disposal and agricultural activities have a significant effect on high NO3-concentration,while the high F^(−)concentration is less influenced by anthropogenic activity.The alkaline environment favors nitrification,thus being conducive to the production of NO_(3)^(−).Finally,the health risk assessment is evaluated for different population groups.The results indicate that high NO_(3)^(−)and F^(−)concentration in groundwater would have the largest threat to children’s health.The findings of this study could contribute to the provision of a scientific basis for groundwater supply policy formulation relating to public health in Tongzhou District.

Ash removal from inferior coal via ammonium fluoride roasting and simultaneous yield of white carbon black

The quality upgrading and deashing of inferior coal by chemical method still faces great challenges.The dangers of strong acid,strong alkali,waste water and exhaust gas as well as high cost limit its industrial production.This paper systematically investigates the ash reduction and desilicification of two typical inferior coal utilizing ammonium fluoride roasting method.Under the optimal conditions,for fat coal and gas coal,the deashing rates are 69.02%and 54.13%,and the desilicification rates are 92.64%and 90.27%,respectively.The molar dosage of ammonium fluoride remains consistent for both coals;however,the gas coal,characterized by a lower ash and silica content(less than half that of the fat coal),achieves optimum deashing effect at a reduced time and temperature.The majority of silicon in coal transforms into gaseous ammonium fluorosilicate,subsequently preparing nanoscale amorphous silica with a purity of 99.90%through ammonia precipitation.Most of the fluorine in deashed coal are assigned in inorganic minerals,suggesting the possibility of further fluorine and ash removal via flotation.This research provides a green and facile route to deash inferior coal and produce nano-scale white carbon black simultaneously.

Enhanced Redox Electrocatalysis in High‑Entropy Perovskite Fluorides by Tailoring d–p Hybridization

High-entropy catalysts featuring exceptional properties are,in no doubt,playing an increasingly significant role in aprotic lithium-oxygen batteries.Despite extensive effort devoted to tracing the origin of their unparalleled performance,the relationships between multiple active sites and reaction intermediates are still obscure.Here,enlightened by theoretical screening,we tailor a high-entropy perovskite fluoride(KCoMnNiMgZnF_(3)-HEC)with various active sites to overcome the limitations of conventional catalysts in redox process.The entropy effect modulates the d-band center and d orbital occupancy of active centers,which optimizes the d–p hybridization between catalytic sites and key intermediates,enabling a moderate adsorption of LiO_(2)and thus reinforcing the reaction kinetics.As a result,the Li–O2 battery with KCoMnNiMgZnF_(3)-HEC catalyst delivers a minimal discharge/charge polarization and long-term cycle stability,preceding majority of traditional catalysts reported.These encouraging results provide inspiring insights into the electron manipulation and d orbital structure optimization for advanced electrocatalyst.

Mechanism of Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats Exposed to Arsenic and/or Fluoride Based on Microbiome and Metabolome

Objective Arsenic(As) and fluoride(F) are two of the most common elements contaminating groundwater resources. A growing number of studies have found that As and F can cause neurotoxicity in infants and children, leading to cognitive, learning, and memory impairments. However, early biomarkers of learning and memory impairment induced by As and/or F remain unclear. In the present study, the mechanisms by which As and/or F cause learning memory impairment are explored at the multi-omics level(microbiome and metabolome).Methods We stablished an SD rats model exposed to arsenic and/or fluoride from intrauterine to adult period.Results Arsenic and/fluoride exposed groups showed reduced neurobehavioral performance and lesions in the hippocampal CA1 region. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that As and/or F exposure significantly altered the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome, featuring the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcus_1, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum_group. Metabolome analysis showed that As and/or F-induced learning and memory impairment may be related to tryptophan, lipoic acid, glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acidergic(GABAergic) synapse, and arachidonic acid(AA) metabolism. The gut microbiota, metabolites, and learning memory indicators were significantly correlated.Conclusion Learning memory impairment triggered by As and/or F exposure may be mediated by different gut microbes and their associated metabolites.

The mechanism for tuning the corrosion resistance and pore density of plasma electrolytic oxidation(PEO)coatings on Mg alloy with fluoride addition

Here we prepared PEO coatings on Mg alloys in silicate-NaOH-phosphate electrolyte containing different concentrations of NaF addition.The detailed microstructural characterizations combining with potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectra(EIS)were employed to investigate the roles of fluoride in the growth and corrosion properties of PEO coating on Mg.The result shows the introduction of NaF led to a fluoride-containing nanolayer(FNL)formed at the Mg/coating interface.The FNL consists of MgO nanoparticles and insoluble MgF_(2)nanoparticles(containing rutile phase and cubic phase).The increase in the NaF concentration of the electrolyte increases the thickness and the MgF_(2)content in the FNL.When anodized in the electrolyte containing 2 g/L NaF,the formed FNL has the highest thickness of 100-200 nm along with the highest value of x of∼0.6 in(MgO)_(1-x)(MgF_(2))x resulted in the highest corrosion performance of PEO coating.In addition,when anodized in the electrolyte containing a low NaF concentration(0.4-0.8 g/L),the formed FNL was thin and discontinuous,which would decrease the pore density and increase the coating's uniformness simultaneously.

F-μbond length andμSR depolarization spectrum calculation for fluoride using two-component density functional theory

First-principles calculation of muons in ionic fluorides has been proposed recently.However,there is a considerable difference between the obtained F-μbond length and the experimental data obtained by muon spin relaxation(μSR).Considering that the difference may be caused by ignoring the quantum effect of muons,we use two-component density functional theory(TCDFT)to consider the quantized muon and recalculate the bond length and theμSR depolarization spectrum.After testing several muon-electron correlation,we show that TCDFT can give better results than the commonly used“DFT+μ”.

Investigation of the sodium storage mechanism of iron fluoride hydrate cathodes using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and mossbauer spectroscopy

Elucidation of a reaction mechanism is the most critical aspect for designing electrodes for highperformance secondary batteries.Herein,we investigate the sodium insertion/extraction into an iron fluoride hydrate(FeF_(3)·0.5H_(2)O)electrode for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs).The electrode material is prepared by employing an ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-tetrafluoroborate,which serves as a reaction medium and precursor for F^(-)ions.The crystal structure of FeF_(3)·0.5H_(2)O is observed as pyrochlore type with large open 3-D tunnels and a unit cell volume of 1129A^(3).The morphology of FeF_(3)·0.5H_(2)O is spherical shape with a mesoporous structure.The microstructure analysis reveals primary particle size of around 10 nm.The FeF_(3)·0.5H_(2)O cathode exhibits stable discharge capacities of 158,210,and 284 mA h g^(-1) in three different potential ranges of 1.5-4.5,1.2-4.5,and 1.0-4.5 V,respectively at 0.05 C rate.The specific capacities remained stable in over 50 cycles in all three potential ranges,while the rate capability was best in the potential range of 1.5-4.5 V.The electrochemical sodium storage mechanism is studied using X-ray absorption spectroscopy,indicating higher conversion at a more discharged state.Ex-situ M?ssbauer spectroscopy strengthens the results for reversible reduction/oxidation of Fe.These results will be favorable to establish high-performance cathode materials with selective voltage window for SIBs.

Soft Template-Induced Porous Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membrane for Vanadium Flow Batteries

Vanadium flow batteries(VFBs)are considered ideal for grid-sc ale,long-duration energy storage applications owing to their decoupled output power and storage capacity,high safety,efficiency,and long cycle life.However,the widespread adoption of VFB s is hindered by the use of expensive Nafion membranes.Herein,we report a soft template-induced method to develop a porous polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)membrane for VFB applications.By incorporating water-soluble and flexible polyethylene glycol(PEG 400)as a soft template,we induced the aggregation of hydrophilic sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone),resulting in phase separation from the hydrophobic PVDF polymer during membrane formation.This process led to the creation of a porous PVDF membrane with controllable morphologies determined by the polyethylene glycol content in the cast solution.The optimized porous PVDF membrane enabled a stable VFB performance for 200 cycles at a current density of 80 mA/cm^(2),and the VFB exhibited a Coulombic efficiency of 95.2%and a voltage efficiency of 87.8%.These findings provide valuable insights for the development of highly stable membranes for VFB applications.

Effect of fluoride ions on coordination structure of titanium in molten NaCl–KCl

The effects of fluoride ions(F^(-)) on the electrochemical behavior and coordination properties of titanium ions(Ti^(n+)) were studied in this work,by combining electrochemical and mathematical analysis as well as spectral techniques.The α was taken as a factor to indicate the molar concentration ratio of F^(-) and Ti^(n+).Cyclic voltammetry(CV),square wave voltammetry(SWV),and open circuit potential method(OCP)were used to study the electrochemical behavior of titanium ions under conditions of various α,and in-situ sampler was used to prepare molten salt samples when α equal to 0.0,1.0,2.0,3.0,4.0,5.0,6.0,and 8.0.And then,samples were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) and Raman spectroscopy.The results showed that F^(-) in molten salt can reduce the reduction steps of titanium ions and greatly affects the proportion of valence titanium ions which making the high-valence titanium content increased and more stable.Ti^(2+) cannot be detected in the molten salt when α is higher than 3.0 and finally transferred to titanium ions with higher valence state.Investigation revealed that the mechanism behind those phenomenon is the coordination compounds(TiCl_(j) F_(i)^(m-)) forming.

Fluoride Ion Adsorption Effect and Adsorption Mechanism of Self-Supported Adsorbent Materials Based on Desulfurization Gypsum-Aluminate Cement

The adsorption method has the advantages of low cost,high efficiency,and environmental friendliness in treating fluorinated wastewater,and the adsorbent material is the key.This study combines the inherent anion-exchange adsorption properties of layered double hydroxides(LDHs).Self-supported porous adsorbent materials loaded with AFm and AFt were prepared from a composite cementitious system consisting of calcium aluminate cement(CAC)and flue gas desulfurization gypsum(FGDG)by chemical foaming technique.The mineral composition of the adsorbent material was characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD)and Scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Through the static adsorption experiment,the adsorption effect of the mineral composition of the adsorbent on fluoride ions was deeply analyzed,and the adsorption mechanism was revealed.XRD and SEM showed that the main hydration phases of the composite cementitious system consisting of CAC and FGDG are AFm,AFt,AH_(3),and CaSO_(4)·2H_(2)O.FGDG accelerates the hydration process of CAC and inhibits the transformation of AFt to AFm.The AFt content increased,and the AFm content decreased or even disappeared as the amount of FGDG increased.Static adsorption experiment results showed that AFm and AFt in adsorbent materials could significantly enhance the adsorption of fluoride ions.The adsorption of F^(−)in aqueous solution by PAG tends more towards monolayer adsorption with a theoretical maximum capacity of 108.70 mg/g and is similar to the measured value of 112.77 mg/g.

Mechanisms of aid-leaching reagent calcium fluoride in the extracting vanadium processes from stone coal

The mechanisms of aid-leaching reagent calcium fluoride in the extracting vanadium processes were researched by comparing the blank extraction with the extraction with calcium fluoride as aid-leaching reagent. The leaching experiments were carried out under the conditions of 95 ~C, 6 h, 1.5 ml.g-1, 15 vol % H2SO4, and 5 % calcium fluoride （mass ratio of CaF2 to stone coal）. The concentrations of hydrogen ion were adjusted from initial 1.82 and 4.79 mol.L-1 to the pH of 1.80 4- 0.05 by 200 g.L-1 lime milk, respectively. The solvent extraction experiments were carded out under the organic phase using 15 vol% D2EHPA, 5 vol% TBP, and 80 vol% sulfonated kerosene and O/A phase ratio of 1/4. The leaching rate of vanadium and six-stage countercurrent solvent extraction rate of vanadium can be remarkably improved from 66.71 to 92.97 % and 81.15 to 98.81%, respectively, when calcium fluoride was added as aid-leaching reagent. In the leaching process, fluorine can enhance the breakage of the structure of vanadium-bearing minerals. Meanwhile, fluoride ion can combine with iron ion to generate acid-insoluble iron fluoride hydrate （Fe2Fs.7H20） and consume all ferric ions and a portion of ferrous ions. In adjusting pH value process, the massive impurities are decreased to form KA1SO4 and FeA1Fs. In solvent extraction process, fluorine can prevent the formation of ferric hydroxide colloids and eliminate the formed unstable ferric hydroxide colloids and the silicon-containing colloids to promote the sufficient contact between the aqueous phase and the organic phase and the sufficient reaction.

Effects of Selenium and Zinc on Renal Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Induced by Fluoride in Rats

Objective To study the effects of selenium and zinc on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle changes in rat renal cells induced by fluoride. Methods Wistar rats were given distilled water containing sodium fluoride （50 mg/L NaF） and were gavaged with different doses of selenium-zinc preparation for six months. Four groups were used and each group had eight animals （four males and four females）. Group one, sham-handled control; group two, 50 mg/L NaF; group three, 50 mg/L NaF with a low dose of selenium-zinc preparation （0.1 mg/kg Na2 SeO3 and 14.8 mg/kg ZnSO4 · 7H2O）; and group four, 50 mg/L NaF with a high dose of selenium-zinc preparation （0.2 mg/kg Na2 SeO3 and29.6 mg/kg ZnSO4 · 7H20）. The activities of serum glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）, kidney superoxide dismutase （SOD）, and the levels of malondialdehyde （MDA） and glutathione （GSH） in the kidney were measured to assess the oxidative stress. Kidney cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. Results NaF at the dose of 50 mg/L increased excretion of fluoride in urine, promoted activity of urine γ -glutarnyl transpeptidase （ γ -GT）, inhibited activity of serum GSH-PX and kidney SOD, reduce kidney GSH content, and increased kidney MDA. NaF at the dose of 50 mg/L also induced rat renal apoptosls, reduced the cell number of G2/M phase in cell cycle, and decreased DNA relative content significantly. Selenium and zinc inhibited effects of NaF on oxidative stress and apoptosis, promoted the cell number of G2/M phase in cell cycle, but failed to increase relative DNA content significantly. Conclusion Sodium fluoride administered at the dose of 50 mg/L for six months induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and changes the cell cycle in rat renal cells. Selenium and zinc antagonize oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle changes induced by excess fluoride.

Combined Effect of Fluoride and Arsenate on Gene Expression of Osteoclast Differentiation Factor and Osteoprotegerin

Objective To study the combined effect of fluoride and arsenate on the expression of SD rat osteoblastic osteoclast differentiation factor （ODF） mRNA and osteoprotegerin （OPG） mRNA. Methods Osteoblasts were obtained by enzymatic isolation from newborn SD rats. A factorial experiment was performed. Osteoblasts were exposed to NaF （0.5 mmolF/L, 4 molF/L） and Na3AsH2 （12.5 μmolAs/L and 200 μmolAs/L） separately or F plus As and cultured for 48 h. The gene expression of osteoblastic ODF and OPG was observed by RT-PCR. Results The expression ofODF mRNA increased in F0.5, F4 groups compared with control group and two groups of F0.As200, F,As200 compared with As200 group, and decreased significantly in groups of F4As12.5, F0.5As200, and F4As200. The expression of OPG rnRNA decreased in groups of F4, As200, F4As12.5, F0.5As200, and F4As200. Conclusion The joint effect of fluoride and arsenate on the gene expression of ODF is antagonistic, while the combined effect on the gene expression of OPG is synergistic. F4, F4As12.5, and F0.5As200 promote bone resorption of rat osteoclasts, whereas F0.5As12.5 inhibits osteolytic effect of rat osteoclasts.

Application of geospatial modelling technique in delineation of fluoride contamination zones within Dwarka Basin, Birbhum, India

Dwarka River Basin is one of the fluoride affected river basin in Birbhum, West Bengal. In the present research work, various controlling factors for fluoride contamination in groundwater i.e., geology, aquifer type, groundwater table, soil, rainfall, geomorphology, drainage density, land use land cover, lineament and fault density, slope and elevation were considered to delineate the potential fluoride contamination zones within Dwarka River Basin in Birbhum. Assigning weights and ranks to various inputs factor class and their sub-class respectively was carried out on the basis of knowledge driven method. Weighted overlay analysis was carried out to generate the final potential fluoride contamination zones which are classified into two broad classes i.e., 'high' and 'low', and it is observed that major portion of the study area falls under low fluoride contamination category encompassing 88.61% of the total area which accounts for 759.48 km^2 and high fluoride contaminated region accounts for 11.40% of the total study area encompassing an area of about 97.67 km^2. Majority of high fluoride areas fall along the flood plain of Dwarka River Basin. Finally, for validation 197 reported points within Dwarka having fluoride in underground water are overlaid and an overall accuracy of 92.15% is observed. An accuracy of 83.21% and84.24% is obtained for success and prediction rate curve respectively.

Effects of High Fluoride and Low Iodine on Thyroid Function in Offspring Rats

Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups of eight with six females and two males in each group. The rats were exposed to high fluoride drinking water （45 mg F-L^-1 from 100 mg NaF L-1）, low dietary iodine （0.0855 mg kg-1）, or both together in order to assess the effects of these three regimens on the thyroid function of the offspring rats. After the animal model was established, the offspring rats were bred and 10-, 20-, 30-, 60-, and 90-d-old rats were used for the experiment. The treatments for the offspring rats were the same as those of their parents. In comparison with control rats, the relative thyroid glands were changed by three regimens, but the mean values of thyroid weight in the experimental groups saw no marked difference. Serum TT3 levels were increased in all stages in the low iodine （LI） group. In the high fluoride （HiF） group, increase in TT3 levels was observed except in 20-d-old rats. Decrease in TT3 at 20- and 90-d and increase in TT3 at 30- and 60-d were found in HiF＋LI group. Serum TT4 levels first saw an increase, and then dropped in the LI and HiF＋LI group. However, an increase in TT4 was found in the HiF group. The levels of TSH in serum rocketed at d 20, and then dropped in the next stages in experimental groups. The results suggested that thyroid disorder could be induced by high flroride in drinking water, low iodine diet, or both of them. Exposure time to fluoride or low iodine diet was one of the important factors that fluoride can induce the development of thyroid dyfunction.

Analysis of equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic parameters for biosorption of fluoride from water onto coconut(Cocos nucifera Linn.)root developed adsorbent

Drinking water with higher fluoride levels results in serious irremediable health problems that have attained a startle all over the world.Researches focused towards deflouridation through the application of biosorbents prepared from various plants are finding greater scope and significance.Present research is done on Cocos nucifera Linn.(coconut tree) one of the very commonly available plants throughout Kerala and around the globe.An adsorbent developed from the root portion of C.nucifera Linn.is used in the present study.Equilibrium study revealed that the fluoride uptake capacity is quite significant and linearly increases with initial adsorbate concentration.The adsorption data is analyzed for Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models at varying initial adsorbate concentrations(2–25 mg·L^(-1)).It is found that the adsorption of fluoride onto C.nucifera Linn.root adsorbent follows Langmuir isotherm.Langmuir isotherm constants "a" and "b" obtained are 2.037 mg·g^(-1) and 0.823 L·mg^(-1) at an adsorbent dose of 8 g·L^(-1) and temperature(26 ± 1) ℃.The mean free sorption energy, E obtained, is 9.13 kJ ·mol^(-1) which points out that the adsorption of fluoride onto C.nucifera Linn.root adsorbent is by chemisorption mechanism.The kinetic study also supports chemisorption with adsorption data fitting well with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model with an estimated rate constant K_2 of 0.2935 g·mg^(-1) min at an equilibrium contact time of 90 min.The thermodynamic study indicated the spontaneous and endothermic nature(ΔH =12.728 kJ·mol^(-1)) of fluoride adsorption onto the C.nucifera Linn.root adsorbent.Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM), BET, FTIR, and EDX methods were used to analyze the surface morphology of adsorbent before and after fluoride adsorption process.Experiments on deflouridation using C.nucifera Linn.root adsorbent application on fluoride contaminated ground water samples from fields showed encouraging results.

Micromolar sodium fluoride mediates anti-osteoclastogenesis in Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced alveolar bone loss

Osteoclasts are bone-specific multinucleated cells generated by the differentiation of monocyte/macrophage lineage precursors. Regulation of osteoclast differentiation is considered an effective therapeutic approach to the treatment of bone-lytic diseases. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by extensive bone resorption. In this study, we investigated the effects of sodium fluoride （NaF） on osteoclastogenesis induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis, an important colonizer of the oral cavity that has been implicated in periodontitis. NaF strongly inhibited the P. gingivalis-induced alveolar bone loss. That effect was accompanied by decreased levels of cathepsin K, interleukin （IL）-1β, matrix metalloproteinase 9 （MMP9）, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, which were up-regulated during P. gingivalis-induced osteoclastogenesis. Consistent with the in vivo anti-osteoclastogenic effect, NaF inhibited osteoclast formation caused by the differentiation factor RANKL （receptor activator of nuclear factor KB ligand） and macrophage colony-stimulating factor （M-CSF）. The RANKL-stimulated induction of the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells （NFAT） cl was also abrogated by NaF. Taken together, our data demonstrate that NaF inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by reducing the induction of NFATcl, ultimately leading to the suppressed expression of cathepsin K and MMP9. The in vivo effect of NaF on the inhibition of P. gingivalis-induced osteoclastogenesis strengthens the potential usefulness of NaF for treating periodontal diseases.