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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and colorectal cancer

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPARs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and ligand-activated transcription factors.PPARγ plays an important role in adipocyte differentiation,lipid storage and energy dissipation in adipose tissue,and is involved in the control of inflammatory reactions as well as in glucose metabolism through the improvement of insulin sensitivity.Growing evidence has demonstrated that activation of PPARγ has an antineoplastic effect in tumors,including colorectal cancer.High expression of PPARγ is detected in human colon cancer cell lines and adenocarcinoma.This review describes the molecular mechanisms by which PPARγ regulates tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer,and examines current clinical trials evaluating PPARγ agonists as therapeutic agents for colorectal cancer.

Potential PET Ligands for Imaging of Cerebral VPAC and PAC Receptors: Are Non-Peptide Small Molecules Superior to Peptide Compounds?

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) have been known for decades to mediate neuroendocrine and vasodilative actions via G-protein-coupled receptors of Class B. These are targets of imaging probes for positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission tomography (SPECT) in tumor diagnostics and tumor grading. However, they play only a subordinate role in the development of tracers for brain imaging. Difficulties in development of non-peptide ligands typical for cerebral receptors of PACAP and VIP are shared by all members of Class B receptor family. Essential landmarks have been confirmed for understanding of structural details of Class B receptor molecular signalling during the last five years. High relevance in the explanation of problems in ligand development for these receptors is admitted to the large N-terminal?ectodomain markedly different from Class A receptor binding sites and poorly suitable as orthosteric binding sites for the most small-molecule compounds. The present study is focused on the recently available receptor ligands for PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors as well as potential small-molecule lead structures suitable for use in PET or SPECT. Recently, biaryl, cyanothiophene and pentanamide structures with affinities in nM-range have been proposed as non-peptide ligands at VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. However, most of these ligands have been classified as non-competitive related to the orthosteric binding site of endogenous peptide ligands of VPAC receptors. For PAC1 receptors have been identified hydrazide compounds for which an inhibitory and potentially competitive mechanism of receptor binding has been postulated based on molecular docking studies.

黄芪补肾活血汤对芳香化酶抑制剂诱导骨质疏松模型小鼠破骨细胞活性的影响

背景:芳香化酶抑制剂尽管显著提高了激素受体阳性乳腺癌患者的临床获益,但其相关的不良事件——骨质疏松严重影响了患者的生活质量,黄芪补肾活血汤能有效预防芳香化酶抑制剂所致骨质疏松的发生,但是其作用机制尚不清楚。目的:探究黄芪补肾活血汤对芳香化酶抑制剂所致骨质疏松模型小鼠破骨细胞活性的影响及机制。方法:选取60只8周龄C57BL/6J雌性小鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、黄芪补肾活血汤高、中、低剂量组、阳性对照组各10只,除假手术组外,其余组小鼠均切除双侧卵巢联合皮下注射来曲唑构建绝经后芳香化酶抑制剂所致骨质疏松模型,黄芪补肾活血汤高、中、低剂量组分别给予19.24,9.62,4.81 g/(kg·d)黄芪补肾活血汤进行灌胃(1次/d),阳性对照组给予阿仑膦酸钠5 mg/kg灌胃(1次/周)。给药3个月后,Micro-CT检测胫骨骨密度和骨微结构,对股骨进行苏木精-伊红染色、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶染色及免疫组化检测核因子κB受体活化因子配体、骨保护素蛋白表达,ELISA检测血清中Ⅰ型胶原交联羧基端肽、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶5b水平。结果与结论:①与假手术组相比,模型组小鼠骨密度显著下降、骨小梁形态疏松断裂、血清中Ⅰ型胶原交联羧基端肽、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶5b水平显著上升,表明芳香化酶抑制剂所致骨质疏松模型构建成功;②与模型组相比,黄芪补肾活血汤高、中、低剂量组和阳性对照组小鼠骨密度、骨微结构显著改善,骨小梁形态增粗致密,血清中Ⅰ型胶原交联羧基端肽、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶5b水平显著下降,破骨细胞数量减少,核因子κB受体活化因子配体蛋白表达下降,骨保护素蛋白表达升高。结果表明,黄芪补肾活血汤可能调控核因子κB受体活化因子配体/核因子κB受体活化因子/骨保护素信号通路抑制破骨细胞活性,改善骨小梁形态和骨微结构,提高骨密度,进而预防芳香化酶抑制剂所致骨质疏松模型的发生发展。

白藜芦醇激活细胞外信号调节激酶5信号蛋白促进小鼠MC3T3-E1细胞增殖

背景:细胞外信号调节激酶5信号蛋白对生物体的存活不可或缺,白藜芦醇能通过多种途径促进成骨细胞增殖,但其是否能通过细胞外信号调节激酶5信号蛋白调控成骨细胞功能还需进一步验证。目的:探究细胞外信号调节激酶5对MC3T3-E1细胞增殖以及相关分泌蛋白的调控作用,进一步验证白藜芦醇通过激活细胞外信号调节激酶5完成上述过程。方法:小鼠MC3T3-E1前成骨细胞分别用完全培养基、XMD8-92(细胞外信号调节激酶5抑制剂)、表皮生长因子(细胞外信号调节激酶5激活剂)和白藜芦醇单独干预及XMD8-92+表皮生长因子、白藜芦醇+XMD8-92干预后,通过Western blot检测各组细胞内细胞外信号调节激酶5、磷酸化细胞外信号调节激酶5蛋白,增殖相关蛋白Cyclin D1、CDK4、PCNA,以及成骨细胞分泌蛋白骨保护素、核因子κB受体活化因子配体的表达情况,使用细胞免疫荧光染色检测各组细胞外信号调节激酶5、骨保护素和核因子κB受体活化因子配体荧光强度,使用EdU染色检测各组细胞增殖情况。白藜芦醇干预MC3T3-E1细胞的适宜浓度及时间由细胞形态学观察和CCK-8实验确定。结果与结论:①细胞外信号调节激酶5信号蛋白的激活能有效促进MC3T3-E1细胞增殖、上调骨保护素/核因子κB受体活化因子配体比值;②白藜芦醇干预MC3T3-E1细胞的适宜浓度及时间为5μmol/L,24 h;③白藜芦醇可以激活细胞外信号调节激酶5信号蛋白,进而促进成骨细胞增殖,并上调骨保护素/核因子κB受体活化因子配体比值;④研究结果表明,白藜芦醇可以通过激活细胞外信号调节激酶5信号蛋白促进MC3T3-E1细胞增殖,并通过激活细胞外信号调节激酶5信号蛋白上调骨保护素/核因子κB受体活化因子配体比值。

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。

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 .

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.

Therapeutic targeting of the androgen receptor(AR)and AR variants in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer(PCa)accounted for over 300000 deaths world-wide in 2018.Most of the PCa deaths occurred due to the aggressive castration-resistant PCa(CRPC).Since the androgen receptor(AR)and its ligands contribute to the continued growth of androgendependent PCa(ADPCa)and CRPC,AR has become a well-characterized and pivotal therapeutic-target.Although AR signaling was identified as therapeutic-target in PCa over five-decades ago,there remains several practical issues such as lack of antagonist-bound AR crystal structure,stabilization of the AR in the presence of agonists due to N-terminus and C-terminus interaction,unfavorable large-molecule accommodation of the ligand-binding domain(LBD),and generation of AR splice variants that lack the LBD that impede the discovery of highly potent fail-safe drugs.This review summarizes the AR-signaling pathway targeted therapeutics currently used in PCa and the approaches that could be used in future ARtargeted drug development of potent next-generation molecules.The review also outlines the discovery of molecules that bind to domains other than the LBD and those that inhibit both the full length and splice variant of ARs.

Anticancer actions of PPARγ ligands:Current state and future perspectives in human lung cancer

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPARs) are ligand-dependent nuclear transcription factors and members of the nuclear receptor superfamily.Of the three PPARs identified to date(PPARγ,PPARβ/δ,and PPARα),PPARγ has been studied the most,in part because of the availability of PPARγagonists(also known as PPARγ ligands)and its significant effects on the management of several human diseases including type 2 diabetes,metabolic syndrome,cardiovascular disease and cancers.PPARγ is expressed in many tumors including lung cancer,and its function has been linked to the process of lung cancer development, progression and metastasis.Studies performed in gynogenic and xenograft models of lung cancer showed decreased tumor growth and metastasis in animals treated with PPARγ ligands.Furthermore,data are emerging from retrospective clinical studies that suggest a protective role for PPARγ ligands on the incidence of lung cancer.This review summarizes the research being conducted in this area and focuses on the mechanisms and potential therapeutic effects of PPARγ ligands as a novel anti-lung cancer treatment strategy.

3D-QSAR Study on the Inhibitory Activity of Flavonoids on PIM-1 Kinase

20 Typical flavonoids were selected for study on the interaction between them and PIM-1 kinase with the comparative molecular field analysis method（CoMFA） as well as the comparative molecular similarity index analysis method（CoMSIA） based on molecule docking.3D-QSAR models between these flavonoids and receptor PIM-1 kinase were established.The obtained optimal cross-validation correlation coefficient Q2 for CoMFA model was 0.582,and the non-cross-validation correlation coefficient R2 was 0.955;the corresponding values for CoMSIA model were 0.790 and 0.974,respectively.These two models showed fairly fine stability and predictive ability.In addition,molecule docking results revealed the key residues in the receptor cavity and their specific action ways with flavonoids.

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。