1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 metabolism in a human osteosarcoma cell line and human bone cells

The metabolism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] by a human osteoblastic sarcoma cell line, U-2 OS, and by primary cultures of human bone-derived cells was examined at physiologic (5 x 10(-11) M) and pharmacologic (3.5 x 10(-7) M) substrate concentrations. For metabolite identification purposes, cells nearing confluency were incubated for 18 h with 3.5 x 10(-7) M 1,25-(OH)2D3 in serum-free medium. The putative vitamin D metabolites produced during this incubation were isolated from a total lipid extract of cells and medium. Identification of the metabolites was achieved by comigration with authentic standards on three high-performance liquid chromatography systems, UV spectral analysis, mass spectrometry, and chemical modification by sodium borohydride and sodium metaperiodate. The identified metabolites produced from 1,25-(OH)2D3 by the human osteosarcoma cells include 1,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3; 24-oxo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; 24-oxo-1,23,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3; and 24,25,26,27-tetranor-1,23-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Evidence is presented that (1) 1,25-(OH)2D3 metabolism occurs constitutively in U-2 OS osteosarcoma cells at a physiologic substrate concentration (5 x 11(-11) M), (2) the pathway can be further induced by pharmacologic 1,25-(OH)2D3 concentrations (10(-7) M), and (3) this pathway is present in primary cultures of normal human bone-derived cells.     

Metabolism of 25-OH-vitamin D3 by peritoneal macrophages from CAPD patients

The active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3), is produced mainly by the kidney, but there is evidence for extrarenal production in certain circumstances. We studied whether peritoneal macrophages (PM) from CAPD patients were capable of metabolizing 25-OH-D3 to 1,25(OH)2D3. We found that PM were able to metabolize 25-OH-D3 in vitro; the main product following 16 hours of incubation was 19-nor, 10-oxo, 25-OH-D3 with smaller amounts of 1,25(OH)2D3. However, after shorter incubations of three and five hours a larger portion of 1,25(OH)2D3 was produced. The metabolism of 25-OH-D3 was greatly enhanced in PM harvested during episodes of peritonitis. This property was specific for PM of CAPD patients, and was not found in PM from normal subjects. However, incubation of control PM with peritoneal effluent from CAPD patients resulted in induction of the ability of these cells to metabolize 25-OH-D3. This induction was enhanced by preincubation with peritoneal effluent from CAPD patients suffering from peritonitis. Prostaglandin E2 was found to be involved in this synthesis: addition of PGE2 to normal PM induced metabolism of 25-OH-D3, and incubation of PM from CAPD patients with indomethacin decreased the metabolism of 25-OH-D3. The vitamin D metabolites produced by PM from CAPD patients could have a role in immunological resistance to peritoneal infections.     

Differential effects of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 and 19-nor-1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D2 on calcium and phosphorus resorption in bone

1,25-Dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] suppresses the secretion and synthesis of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and has been used in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. However, 1,25-(OH)2D3 can induce hypercalcemia, which often precludes its use. Therefore, an analog of 1,25-(OH)2D3 that would retain its therapeutic effects but produce minor effects on calcium and phosphorus metabolism could be an ideal tool for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. It has been shown that 19-nor-1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D2 [19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2], an analog of 1,25-(OH)2D3, can suppress PTH levels in uremic rats at doses that do not affect plasma ionized calcium levels. The experiments presented here, using parathyroidectomized rats fed diets deficient in either calcium (0.02%) or phosphorus (0.02%), were performed to compare the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2 on calcium and phosphorus resorption in bone. Parathyroidectomized rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of vehicle, 1,25-(OH)2D3 (100 ng), or 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2 (100 or 1000 ng) for 9 d. Plasma calcium and phosphorus levels were monitored during the study, and ionized calcium levels were determined at the end of the study. By 9 d, 1,25-(OH)2D3 (100 ng/d) increased total calcium levels to 12.4+/-0.26 mg/dl, compared with 6.32+/-0.25 mg/dl (P<0.001) in control animals. The same dose of 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2 (100 ng/d) was much less potent (9.45+/-0.28 mg/dl, P<0.001). Similar results were seen with ionized calcium levels [19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2, 3.61+/-0.12 mg/dl; 1,25-(OH)2D3, 5.03+/-0.16 mg/dl; P<0.001]. Ionized calcium levels were also lower in rats receiving the higher dose (1000 ng) of 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2 (4.59+/-0.09 mg/dl, P<0.05). Similar results were seen in rats fed the phosphorus-deficient diet. 1,25-(OH)2D3 (100 ng) increased plasma phosphorus levels from 4.30+/-0.39 mg/dl in vehicle-treated rats to 7.43+/-0.26 mg/dl (P<0.001). The same dose of 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2 had no effect (5.19+/-0.32 mg/dl), whereas the high dose (1000 ng) increased plasma phosphorus levels (7.31+/-0.24 mg/dl) in a manner similar to that of 1,25-(OH)2D3 (100 ng). Therefore, 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2 is approximately 10 times less effective in mobilizing calcium and phosphorus from the skeleton, compared with 1,25-(OH)2D3. With its ability to suppress PTH at noncalcemic doses, 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2 is a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal failure.     

Regulation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 metabolism in cultures of osteoblastic cells

This study was designed to investigate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25-(OH)2D3] in primary cultures of osteoblastlike cells from neonatal mouse calvariae. These cells, when incubated with tritiated 25-OHD3 ([3H]25-OHD3), spontaneously synthesized [3H]24,25-(OH)2D3 20-50 times more efficiently than [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3 at a rate of conversion that was substrate dependent and linear from 1 to 36 h. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry verified the identity of the dihydroxylated metabolites. The calcium ionophore A23187 (5 microM) consistently stimulated the synthesis of 1,25-(OH)2D3 while suppressing the production of 24,25-(OH)2D3. This effect was sustained for 36 h and was dose dependent for concentrations from 0.05 to 10 microM. Furthermore, A23187 stimulated cAMP production and indomethacin (50 ng/ml) blocked the A23187-induced production of cAMP and 1,25-(OH)2D3 but had no effect on the suppression of 24,25-(OH)2D3 by A23187. This led to other experiments to find out whether the stimulative effect of A23187 on 1,25-(OH)2D3 synthesis is mediated by prostaglandins or cAMP, or both. PGE2 (10(-8)-10(-6) M) increased the production of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and of 24,25-(OH)2D3. Forskolin (0.01-10 microM) and dibutyryl cAMP (0.1-10 mM) increased the production of both metabolites but to a lesser degree than PGE2. These data suggest that osteoblastlike cells are stimulated by A23187 to increase the synthesis of 1,25-(OH)2D3 through mechanisms involving prostaglandins and cAMP. The synthesis of 24,25-(OH)2D3 is suppressed by A23187 through different mechanisms.     

Attenuated rise of 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 in response to parathyroid hormone in patients with incipient renal failure

Despite elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, low normal or diminished serum 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations are found in patients with incipient renal failure. To further assess (indirectly) the reserve capacity of renal production of 1,25(OH)2D3 we studied 9 patients with incipient or moderate renal failure (inulin clearance 31-68ml/min/1.73 m2) and 9 controls, using a novel stimulation test. We measured 1,25 (OH)2D3 levels, free 1,25(OH)2D3 index, cAMP excretion, calciuria and phosphaturia before and after infusion of 2 x 400 U of human (h) PTH (1-38). Baseline 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were not significantly different in patients (42.5 pg/ml, 21.6-51.1) compared with controls (45.0 pg/ml, 37.4-67.3). After infusion of hPTH(1-38), however, median increase in 1,25(OH)2D3 was only +25% versus +86% in controls, despite a greater proportional increase in cAMP/GF ratio. The data suggest subnormal stimulation of renal 1,25(OH)2D3 production in response to exogenous PTH in most patients with incipient renal failure. This may reflect partial exhaustion of biosynthetic reserve capacity.     

Effects of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone on cyclic AMP production by bone cells isolated from rat calvariae

Studies presented here were designed to investigate further the basis for an impaired cAMP response to parathyroid hormone (PTH) in osteoblastlike calvarial bone cells isolated from vitamin D-deficient rat pups. The goal was to perturb Ca, PTH, and vitamin D in vivo in order to see which factors might be responsible for the impaired in vitro bone cell cAMP response. Pups either were parathyroidectomized (PTX) 3-5 days, implanted with osmotic minipumps delivering high doses of PTH, given repeated, high doses of 1,25(OH)2D3, or were D-deficient (-D, i.e., born and suckled by D-deficient mothers). Osteoblastlike bone cells, isolated by sequential enzyme digestion and centrifugation, were exposed to PTH for 5 min in the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. In bone cells isolated from -D rat pups, both basal and PTH-induced cAMP accumulation were significantly lower than in +D bone cells. Earlier, we had shown that two daily injections of -D pups with 50 ng 1,25(OH)2D3 restores this reduced bone cAMP response of -D pups toward normal. In the present study, neither basal nor PTH-induced bone cell cAMP accumulation was affected by subjecting D-replete pups to PTX, PTH infusion, or repeated high doses of 1,25(OH)2D3 despite the fact that each treatment markedly changed serum Ca or serum immunoreactive PTH. The results indicate that the impaired bone cell cAMP response seen in -D pups is not a direct result of chronic hypocalcemia and that the "heterologous desensitization" seen in vitro with added 1,25(OH)2D3 could not be duplicated by in vivo treatment of +D pups with supraphysiologic doses of 1,25(OH)2D3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D reduces parathyroid hormone receptor number in ROS 17/2.8 cells and prevents the glucocorticoid-induced increase in these receptors: relationship to adenylate cyclase activation.

We have previously shown that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D3] and glucocorticoid modulate adenylate cyclase activation by PTH in osteoblast-like cells. Here we examine whether steroid effects on PTH receptor density explain the modulation of PTH action. Receptor assays were performed on late logarithmicphase monolayers of ROS 17/2.8 cells using human PTH-like peptide (hPLP) as radioligand. Kd and receptor density were computed from competition of tracer amounts of [125I-Tyr36] hPLP-(1-36) with unlabeled hPLP-(1-36) (0.1-30 nM). Steroid treatment had little or no effect on affinity for ligand. Pretreating cells with 10 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 48 h decreased PTH receptor number to 17% of control values. Treating cells with 10 nM of the glucocorticoid triamcinolone acetonide (TRM) increased receptor number 10-fold, but simultaneous treatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10 nM) completely prevented this receptor increase. Steroid effects required 13-18 h of treatment. Dose-response relationships for steroid modulation, determined from binding at 0.17 nM radioligand, indicated an EC50 of 0.3 nM for glucocorticoid augmentation of PTH receptor number and 0.02 nM for 1,25-(OH)2D3 reduction of receptor number in the presence of absence of the maximum TRM effect. The initial rate of cAMP production by receptor-saturating concentrations of PTH was 11,500 molecules per receptor per minute in untreated cells, comparable to reported turnover numbers for mammalian adenylate cyclase. Control experiments were validated measuring cAMP in intact cells as an indicator of adenylate cyclase activity. Cyclic AMP production was reduced 63% by 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10 nM) treatment. Glucocorticoid (10 nM) enhanced cAMP production twofold but reduced cAMP generation per receptor by 80%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Long-term effects of physiologic concentrations of dexamethasone on human bone-derived cells

Bone cells derived from human trabecular explants display osteoblastic features. We examined the modulation of alkaline phosphatase activity and cAMP production as the result of exposing trabecular explants to physiologic concentrations of dexamethasone for 4 weeks during cellular outgrowth and subculture. Cells treated with dexamethasone were observed to grow generally more slowly than control cells. Cells appeared larger and more polygonal, and staining for alkaline phosphatase was more intense in the dexamethasone-exposed cultures. There was a progressive increase in cellular PTH responsiveness with increasing duration of exposure of cells to dexamethasone. Cells grown for 6 weeks in 3 x 10(-8) M dexamethasone had a 10-fold increase in PTH-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. Dexamethasone-treated cells also had a significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity. 1,25-(OH)2D3-stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity was increased approximately 20-fold. cAMP responses were significantly increased to PTH (21.7-fold), PGE1 (2.67-fold), and forskolin (4.81-fold), but not to cholera toxin. Dexamethasone-treated cells also had a mean decrease in 1,25-(OH)2D3-stimulated osteocalcin production to 26.2% of control values (p less than 0.001). Hydrocortisone treatment gave rise to similar effects but of smaller magnitude than those of dexamethasone. Testosterone did not have a significant effect on alkaline phosphatase activity or cAMP production. Skin fibroblasts showed a significant enhancement of alkaline phosphatase activity in response to dexamethasone, but of a much smaller magnitude than in bone cells. The phenotypic changes induced by long-term culture in dexamethasone are consistent with the promotion of a more differentiated osteoblastic phenotype.     

Osteocalcin secretion by the human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63

The human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 has been used to study the production of the bone-specific protein, osteocalcin. In the absence of any stimuli, MG-63 cells secreted very low levels of osteocalcin. The secretion of osteocalcin started after a lag time of 10-12 h upon 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment. Osteocalcin secretion was measured at doses as low as 0.03 nM (fourfold increase, p less than 0.05), and this activity increased further with higher doses of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to reach a plateau at 50 nM. The secretion increased transiently from very low levels in sparse cell cultures to peak values in subconfluent cultures (+/- 40%), two- to threefold above values obtained for confluent cells. Values for confluent cells average 55.9 +/- 2.0 ng/ml protein per 48 h. A similar behavior is observed for 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor concentration under similar experimental conditions. Bmax increased transiently from sparse to subconfluent cell cultures (40-60% confluent) and reached values 50% lower in confluent cells. However, the receptor affinity was not affected by cell density. MG-63 cells also possessed an alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme of the bone-liver-kidney type that was stimulated by 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment (two- to threefold) and inhibited by parathyroid hormone (40 nM, -25%, p less than 0.025). PTH and PGE2 increased cAMP production in a dose-dependent manner, but the cells were irresponsive to salmon calcitonin. Basal and PTH-responsive cyclic AMP production were also modulated by cell density. Dexamethasone pretreatment (100 nM, 48 h) stimulated the PTH-dependent cAMP production but failed to influence the response to PGE2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

New vitamin D analogs

BACKGROUND: 1,25-(OH)2D3 (calcitriol) controls parathyroid gland growth and suppresses the synthesis and secretion of parathyroid hormone. Because of this, 1,25-(OH)2D3 has been used successfully for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism, which almost always accompanies renal failure. However, the potent effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption and bone mineral mobilization often leads to the development of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia precluding 1,25-(OH)2D3 therapy. METHODS: This has led to the development of vitamin D analogs that retain the suppressive action on PTH and parathyroid gland growth, but that have less calcemic and phosphatemic activity. Currently, two analogs, 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2 and 1,alpha(OH)D2, are being used for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in the United States, and two are being used in Japan, 22-oxa-calcitriol and 1,25-(OH)2-26,27F6 D3. RESULTS: All four analogs suppressed PTH, but had less calcemic and phosphatemic activity than 1,25-(OH)2D3. In rats, 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2 has been shown to be less calcemic and phosphatemic compared to 1,alpha(OH)D2. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic doses of 19-nor-1,25-(OH)2D2 could produce a lower Ca x P product compared to 1,alpha(OH)D2, which could be an important consideration in patient treatment. Further studies are necessary to define these differences and to understand the mechanisms behind the differential actions of vitamin D analogs.     

Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on prostaglandin E2 production in cultured mouse parietal bones

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] was tested for its effects on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and bone resorption in cultured mouse parietal bones. We found that at 24 h 1,25-(OH)2D3 increased 45Ca release but did not affect PGE2 production. However, at 48 h 1,25-(OH)2D3 produced a dose-related increase in PGE2 production. PGE2 production was increased with 1,25-(OH)2D3 at 10(-10)-10(-8) M, and 45Ca release was increased with 1,25-(OH)2D3 at 10(-11)-10(-8) M. The effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on PGE2 production persisted in the presence of cortisol (10(-8) M), and the effects were greater in the presence of arachidonic acid (10(-5) M) or fetal bovine serum (10%). Human interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1, 1 ng/ml) and bovine parathyroid hormone-(1-34) (PTH, 10 ng/ml) increased PGE2 production earlier and to a greater extent than 1,25-(OH)2D3. The PGE2 response to IL-1 and PTH was not affected by 1,25-(OH)2D3 at 24 h, but at 48 h 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10(-8) M) increased the PGE2 response to both IL-1 and PTH. The stimulation of 45Ca release at 48 h by high concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3, PTH, or IL-1 was similar, and there was no evidence for an additive effect. To test for an effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on endogenous IL-1 production, experiments were performed in the presence of an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra, 1000 ng/ml), which has been found to block selectively IL-1 effects on bone resorption and PG production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Constitutive expression of a vitamin D 1-hydroxylase in a myelomonocytic cell line: a model for studying 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production in vitro

The capacity of the v-myc-transformed, chicken myelomonocytic cell line HD-11 to metabolize 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) was examined. HD-11 cells produced and secreted a metabolite of 25-OHD3 that was bound with high affinity by receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3]. On normal-phase HPLC, this metabolite cochromatographed with authentic 1,25-(OH)2D3 in both hexane- and methylene chloride-based solvent systems. The 25-OHD3 1-hydroxylation reaction was substrate saturable with a Km of 73 nM 25-OHD3 and a maximal velocity of 167 fmol per 10(6) cells per h. This reaction was inhibited by ketoconazole, a recognized inhibitor of cytochrome P450 mixed-function oxidases including the authentic, renal 25-OHD3 1-hydroxylase. On the other hand, HD-11 cell 1,25-(OH)2D3 production was not affected by the antioxidant DPPD, a known inhibitor of free radical-generated 1,25-(OH)2D3. In addition to synthesizing 1,25-(OH)2D3, this monocyte-macrophage cell line also has the potential to be a target for the hormone; HD-11 cells express high-affinity receptor for 1,25-(OH)2D3 (Kin = 0.06 nM).     

Modulation of PTH-stimulated cyclic AMP in cultured rodent bone cells: the effects of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 and its interaction with glucocorticoids

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in rat osteoblastlike (OB) cells has been shown to be modulated by steroid hormones; glucocorticoids are known to increase the level, while the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 are inhibitory. In the present study, we found that the PTH-stimulated cAMP responses are similar in neonatal mouse and fetal rat OB cells. Dexamethasone (0.13-13 nM) augmented PTH-stimulated cAMP in both species. Mouse cells showed a higher maximal response to dexamethasone (100% increment) than rat cells (60-70% increment) with similar sensitivity to dexamethasone (ED50 approximately 1.0 nm). On the other hand, 1,25(OH)2D3 decreased PTH-stimulated cAMP, but the effect required pharmacological levels of hormone; mouse cells responded at a lower dose (1.3 nM) and were more sensitive than rat cells (responded at 13 nM) to 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Introduction of physiological concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 (0.013-1.3 nm) in addition to dexamethasone (13 nM) resulted in a synergistic enhancement of PTH-stimulated cAMP in rat cells. In contrast, a dose-dependent antagonistic effect was observed in mouse cells. In summary, our findings demonstrate species and concentration-dependent differences in hormonal responses to 1,25(OH)2D3 and a complex interplay among PTH, dexamethasone, and 1,25(OH)2D3.     

In vitro evidence that local and systemic skeletal effectors can regulate3[H]-thymidine incorporation in chick calvarial cell cultures and modulate the stimulatory actions(s) of embryonic chick bone extract

Summary These investigations were intended to determine whether local and systemic skeletal effectors—3′5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D), calcitonin, and NaF—could regulate³[H]-thymidine incorporation (i.e., into DNA) in serum-free, monolayer cultures of embryonic chick calvarial cells, and/or modulate the activity of embryonic chick bone extracts to increase³[H]-thymidine incorporation. In the absence of added bone extract, we found that calcitonin (0.1 U/ml), NaF (100 μM) and low-dose PTH (0.1 nM) stimulated³[H]-thymidine incorporation,P<.05 for each; isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX-1 mM), 1,25OHD (10 nM), and high-dose PTH (10 nM) decreased³[H]-thymidine incorporation; and PGE₂ (1 μM) had no effect. The stimulatory actions of calcitonin, fluoride, and low-dose PTH were inductive, and the inhibitory actions of IBMX and 1,25(OH)₂D were acute. PTH had complex time-dependent actions on³[H]-thymidine incorporation, being inhibitory after 4–8 hours of exposure and stimulatory after 20–24 hours (P<.001 for each). The effects of calcitonin, fluoride, and low-dose PTH to increase³[H]-thymidine incorporation were greater in calvarial cell cultures enriched for undifferentiated osteoprogenitor cells than in cultures enriched for differentiated osteoblastlike cells. PTH inhibited³[H]-thymidine incorporation in the latter (i.e., osteoblastlike) cultures (P<.005). The inhibitory actions of IBMX and 1,25(OH)₂D were independent of cell differentiation. Additional studies further revealed that these local and systemic skeletal effectors could also modulate the activity of embryonic chick bone extracts to increase³[H]-thymidine incorporation in calvarial cell cultures. We found that calcitonin, fluoride, and low-dose PTH enhanced the effect of the extracts to increase³[H]-thymidine incorporation (P<.001 for each). These activations were noncompetitive, indicating (1) mechanistic differences between the stimulatory actions of the effectors and the chick bone extract (i.e., different rate-limiting steps for the effects of each on³[H]-thymidine incorporation); and (2) that neither calcitonin, fluoride, nor 0.1 nM PTH altered the apparent affinity of the cells for stimulatory activity(s) in the extract. High-dose PTH was a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to bone extract activity, indicating that the effect of 10 nM PTH to decrease³[H]-thymidine incorporation was mechanistically distinct from the effect of the bone extract to increase³[H]-thymidine incorporation. Both IBMX and PGE₂ were competitive inhibitors of bone extract-stimulated³[H]-thymidine incorporation (P<.001 for each), implying that these effectors (IBMX, PGE₂, and embryonic chick bone extract) shared a common (or coincidentally equal) rate-limiting step. The effects of 1,25(OH)₂D on bone extract-stimulated³[H]-thymidine incorporation were different at high and low doses. At a low concentration (1 nM), 1,25(OH)₂D enhanced the effect of bone extract to increase³[H]-thymidine incorporation, but higher concentrations (e.g., 100 nM) were inhibitory (P<.01 for each). Together, these data demonstrate that local and systemic skeletal effectors can have direct effects on embryonic chick calvarial cells,in vitro, to regulate the basal rate of³[H]-thymidine incorporation, and to modulate the stimulatory action of an embryonic chick bone extract.     

Effects of oxidation of human parathyroid hormone on its biological activity in continuously infused, thyroparathyroidectomized rats

The effect of oxidation of human parathyroid hormone 1-34 (hPTH 1-34) on the hormone's biological activity was assessed in vivo using a multiparameter, thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rat model. The peptide was oxidized by treatment with hydrogen peroxide, and the oxidized form (8,18-methionine sulfoxide) was isolated by reverse-phase HPLC. Vitamin D-deficient rats were infused with either intact or oxidized hormone along with a 5 mM calcium chloride solution for 4 or 18 hr. Infusion of nonoxidized hormone (0.1-0.8 nmoles/hr) resulted in dose-dependent increases in serum calcium, decreases in serum phosphate, decreases in urine calcium, increases in urine phosphate and cAMP, and increased renal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25 (OH)2D3) production. Oxidized PTH infused at doses up to 0.8 nmole/hr had no effect on any of these parameters. To assess the effect of oxidation on the ability of PTH to inhibit the production of the 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3), the infusion protocol was performed in vitamin D-deficient rats repleted with 1,25(OH)2D3 by injection. In these experiments, intact hormone markedly suppressed 24,25(OH)2D3 production, whereas the oxidized form was without effect. We conclude that intact methionine residues at positions 8 and 18 of hPTH 1-34 are necessary for all its major biological actions, including its effect on the renal metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3(25(OH)D3).     

Forskolin has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on bone resorption in fetal rat long bone cultures

The diterpene forskolin which increases 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentrations (cAMP) in intact cells by directly activating the enzyme adenyl cyclase, was examined for its ability to alter bone resorption in fetal rat long bone cultures. After 48 h, forskolin inhibited resorption at 1.0 and 10 microM. However, after 120 h, it had a small stimulatory effect at 1.0 microM and no net effect on resorption at 10 microM. Isobutyl-methylxanthine (IBMX), which elevates cAMP levels in cells by inhibiting the enzyme 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase, produced a resorptive response which was slightly different from that of forskolin. After both 48 and 120 h, IBMX at 0.1 mM stimulated resorption while at 1.0 mM, it had only inhibitory effects. In bones which were stimulated to resorb with either parathyroid hormone or 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, forskolin inhibited resorption. The inhibitory effects of forskolin on hormonally stimulated resorption were transient in cultures treated with 1.0 microM but were sustained with 10 microM. Inhibitory responses to forskolin did not appear to result from toxicity since they were completely reversed when forskolin was removed from the media. These results imply that agents which increases 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentrations in bone activate two resorptive pathways: one which is inhibitory and another which is stimulatory.     

Relative potencies of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and 19-Nor-1,25-(OH)(2)D(2) on inducing differentiation and markers of bone formation in MG-63 cells.

19-Nor-1,25-(OH)(2)D(2), an analog of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3), is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism because it suppresses parathyroid hormone synthesis and secretion with lower calcemic and phosphatemic activities. 19-Nor-1,25-(OH)(2)D(2) is approximately 10 times less active than 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) in promoting bone resorption, which accounts in part for the low potency of this analog in increasing serum calcium and phosphorus. Concern that 19-nor-1,25-(OH)(2)D(2) also could be less potent than 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) on bone formation led to a comparison of the potency of both compounds on osteoblasts. In the human osteoblast-like cell line MG-63, 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and 19-nor-1,25-(OH)(2)D(2) had a similar potency in upregulating vitamin D receptor content and suppressing proliferation. Both sterols caused a similar reduction in DNA content and proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expression. Time-course and dose-response studies on 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and 19-nor-1,25-(OH)(2)D(2) induction of the marker of bone formation, osteocalcin, showed overlapping curves. The effects on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity also were studied in MG-63 cells that had been co-treated with either sterol and transforming growth factor-beta, an enhancer of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced ALP activity in this cell line. Transforming growth factor-beta alone had no effect, whereas 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and 19-nor-1,25-(OH)(2)D(2) increased ALP activity similarly. These studies demonstrate that 19-nor-1,25-(OH)(2)D(2) has the same potency as 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) not only in inducing vitamin D receptor content, osteocalcin levels, and ALP activity but also in controlling osteoblastic growth. Therefore, it is unlikely that 19-nor-1,25-(OH)(2)D(2) would have deleterious effects on bone remodeling.     

Modulation by epidermal growth factor of the basal 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor level and the heterologous up-regulation of the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor in clonal osteoblast-like cells

Summary The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on basal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25-(OH)₂D₃) receptor level and on parathyroid hormone (PTH)-induced 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ (OH)₂D₃ receptor up-regulation were studied in the phenotypically osteoblastic cell line UMR 106. EGF in concentrations exceeding 0.1 ng/ml reduced the number of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ binding sites without changing the binding affinity. Maximal reduction was 30% at about 1 ng/ml. This reduction was independent of a change in cAMP content. EGF dose-dependently attenuated both PTH-induced 1,25(OH)₂D₃ receptor up-regulation and PTH-stimulated cAMP production without and effect on the ED₅₀ of the PTH effects. For both PTH responses the IC₅₀ and the maximal effective dose were similar, 0.1 ng/ml an 1 ng/ml EGF, respectively. Reduction was first seen at 0.01 ng/ml EGF. At this concentration. EGF reduced PTH-stimulated 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ receptor binding without an inhibition of the cAMP response. Time-course studies with 1 ng/ml EGF revealed that at 2 h preincubation EGF reduced the heterologous up regulation by PTH, and maximal inhibition was seen after 4 h. In contrast, PTH-stimulated cAMP production was just significantly inhibited only after 6 h, with 60% inhibition after 24 h preincubation. The effects of prostaglandin E₂ and forskolin on both 1,25(OH)₂D₃ binding and cAMP production were inhibited in a similar fashion. On the other hand, dibutyryl cAMP- and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthinestimulated 1,25(OH)₂D₃ binding were not affected by EGF. Taken together, our results demonstrate that EGF reduces both the basal number of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ binding sites and the heterologous up-regulation of the 1,25(OH)₂D₃ receptor. The current data suggest that EGF reduces heterologous upregulation of the 1,25(OH)₂D₃ receptor independent of as well as dependent on the cAMP messenger system. The EGF effect is not primarily located at the PTH receptor, at cAMP phosphodiesterase, or at protein kinase A level.     

Activation of protease-activated receptor-2 leads to inhibition of osteoclast differentiation.

PAR-2 is expressed by osteoblasts and activated by proteases present during inflammation. PAR-2 activation inhibited osteoclast differentiation induced by hormones and cytokines in mouse bone marrow cultures and may protect bone from uncontrolled resorption. INTRODUCTION: Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), which is expressed by osteoblasts, is activated specifically by a small number of proteases, including mast cell tryptase and factor Xa. PAR-2 is also activated by a peptide (RAP) that corresponds to the "tethered ligand" created by cleavage of the receptor's extracellular domain. The effect of activating PAR-2 on osteoclast differentiation was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse bone marrow cultures have been used to investigate the effect of PAR-2 activation on osteoclast differentiation induced by parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], and interleukin-11 (IL-11). Expression of PAR-2 by mouse bone marrow, mouse bone marrow stromal cell-enriched cultures, and the RAW264.7 osteoclastogenic cell line was demonstrated by RT-PCR. RESULTS: RAP was shown to inhibit osteoclast differentiation induced by PTH, 1,25(OH)2D3, or IL-11. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to investigate expression of mediators of osteoclast differentiation induced by PTH, 1,25(OH)2D3, or IL-11 in mouse bone marrow cultures and primary calvarial osteoblast cultures treated simultaneously with RAP. In bone marrow and osteoblast cultures treated with PTH, 1,25(OH)2D3, or IL-11, RAP inhibited expression of RANKL and significantly suppressed the ratio of RANKL:osteoprotegerin expression. Activation of PAR-2 led to reduced expression of prostaglandin G/H synthase-2 in bone marrow cultures treated with PTH, 1,25(OH)2D3, or IL-11. RAP inhibited PTH- or 1,25(OH)2D3-induced expression of IL-6 in bone marrow cultures. RAP had no effect on osteoclast differentiation in RANKL-treated RAW264.7 cells. CONCLUSION: These observations indicate that PAR-2 activation inhibits osteoclast differentiation by acting on cells of the osteoblast lineage to modulate multiple mediators of the effects of PTH, 1,25(OH)2D3, and IL-11. Therefore, the role of PAR-2 in bone may be to protect it from uncontrolled resorption by limiting levels of osteoclast differentiation.