慢病毒介导p38MAPK基因沉默对高糖诱导成骨细胞凋亡的影响

目的 观察p38丝裂原活化的蛋白激酶(MAPK)在高糖诱导的MC3T3-E1成骨细胞凋亡中的作用,并探讨其对凋亡相关信号分子caspase-3、bax及bcl-2表达的影响.方法 构建靶向p38MAPK的shRNA慢病毒载体,将体外培养的MC3T3-E1成骨细胞分为正常对照组(A组)、高糖组(B组)、p38MAPK-shRNA慢病毒转染组(C组)、信号转导阻断剂组(D组)和无关shRNA转染组(E组).RT-PCR检测细胞p38MAPK mRNA的表达,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡,Western印迹检测p38MAPK、p-p38 MAPK、caspase-3、bax、bcl-2蛋白水平,透射电镜观察细胞超微结构.结果 构建靶向p38MAPK的shRNA慢病毒载体,并成功导入MC3T3-E1成骨细胞.与高糖组和无关转染组相比,p38MAPK-shRNA转染能显著抑制高糖诱导的MC3T3-E1细胞p38MAPK过度活化,明显减少细胞的凋亡(P＜0.01);同时,p38MAPK-shRNA转染及p38MAPK阻断剂明显降低MC3T3-E1细胞中p38MAPK、p-p38MAPK、caspase-3及促凋亡基因bax蛋白表达,上调凋亡抑制基因bcl-2,与高糖组和无关转染组相比,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).结论 慢病毒介导p38MAPK靶向RNA干扰可通过抑制p38MAPK 信号通路的活化,降低p-p38MAPK、caspase-3、bax表达,上调bcl-2表达,最终抑制高糖所诱导的MC3T3-E1成骨细胞的凋亡.

Abstract：

Objective To examine the role of p38MAPK in high glucose-induced apoptosis of osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cell line, and to investigate its effect on the expressions of apoptosis-related molecules including caspase3, bax, and bcl-2. Methods The lentiviral vector containing short hairpin RNA targeting p38MAPK was constructed. The cultured osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cell were divided into 5 groups:normal control group(A group), high glucose group(B group), p38MAPK-shRNA transfection group(C group), signal transduction inhibitor group(D group), and transfection with negative control siRNA group(E group). RT-PCR was used to determine the p38MAPK mRNA expression levels in MC3T3-E1 cells. Flow cytometry(FCM)was employed to detect the cell apoptotic percentage. The protein levels of apoptosis-related molecules p38MAPK, p-p38MAPK, caspase-3, bax, and bcl-2 were assayed by Western blot. Ultrastructural alternation of MC3T3-E1 cell was observed under transmission electron microscopy(TEM). Results The lentiviral vector containing short hairp in RNA targeting p38MAPK was successfully constructed and transfected into MC3T3-E1 cells. RT-PCR result suggested that the siRNA targeting p38MAPK could effectively reduce the p38MAPK mRNA expression level induced by high glucose in MC3T3-E1 cell line. FCM showed siRNA significantly decreased high glucose-induced apoptosis percentage of MC3T3-E1 cells(P＜0.01). Meanwhile, we also found the siRNA significantly attenuated the proteins levels of p38MAPK, p-p38MAPK, caspase-3, and gene bax induced by high glucose in MC3T3-E1 cells, whereas the protein level of gene bcl-2 was enhanced remarkably when compared with high glucose group and negative control siRNA group(P＜0.01, P＜0.05).Conclusion The iRNA targeting p38MAPK suppressed high glucose-induced MC3T3-E1 cell apoptosis via inhibiting the activation of p38MAPK signaling pathway, thereby reducing the expressions levels of p-p38MAPK, caspase-3 and gene bax, and up-regulating the level of gene bcl-2.     

Involvement of ERK1/2, p38 and PI3K in megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells

Megakaryocytic differentiation of myelogenous leukemia cell lines induced by a number of chemical compounds mimics, in part, the physiological process that takes place in the bone marrow in response to a variety of stimuli. We have investigated the involvement of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) [extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and p38] and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways in the differentiated phenotypes of K562 cells promoted by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate, staurosporine (STA), and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190. In our experimental conditions, only STA‐treated cells showed the phenotype of mature megakaryocytes (MKs) including GPIbα expression, DNA endoreduplication, and formation of platelet‐like structures. We provide evidence supporting that basal activity, but not sustained activation, of ERK1/2 is required for expression of MK surface markers. Moreover, ERK1/2 signaling is not involved in cell endomitosis. The PI3K pathway exerts dual regulatory effects on K562 cell differentiation: it is intimately connected with ERK1/2 cascade to stimulate expression of surface markers and it is also necessary, but not sufficient, for polyploidization. Finally, apoptosis and megakaryocytic differentiation exhibit different sensitivity to p38 down‐regulation: it is required for expression of early specific markers but is not involved in cell apoptosis. The present work with K562 cells provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating MK differentiation. The results indicate that a precise orchestration of signals, including ERK1/2 and p38 MAPKs as well as PI3K pathway, is necessary for acquisition of features of mature MKs.     

组织金属蛋白酶抑制因子3重组蛋白诱导小鼠成骨细胞MC3T3-E1凋亡

目的 研究组织金属蛋白酶抑制因子3（TIMP-3）重组蛋白对MC3T3-E1成骨细胞凋亡的影响。方法 细胞存活率和凋亡分别用MTT及ELISA检测。Fas，FasL，Bcl-2，Bax，caspase-3，caspase-8，细胞色素c的表达以及JNK，p38，细胞外信号调节激酶（ERK）1／2的磷酸化水平用Western印迹检测。结果 MTT及ELISA检测提示TIMP-3降低MC3T3-E1细胞存活率，诱导MC3T3-E1细胞凋亡。TIMP-1增加Fas、FasL蛋白表达，对Bax、Bcl-2蛋白表达无影响，但可诱导细胞色素c的释放及caspase-8、caspase-3的活化。TIMP-3促进p38和ERK磷酸化，而PD098059（ERK阻断剂）和SB203580（p38阻断剂）消除p38和ERK的促凋亡作用。结论 TIMP-3诱导MC3T3-E1细胞凋亡的信号途径为凋亡受体Fas介导，并有p38、ERK信号转导途径参与。     

17β-雌二醇和1,25-二羟维生素D3对成骨细胞MC3T3-E1增殖和分化的影响

目的 探讨雌激素和维生素D对成骨细胞MC3T3-E1增殖和分化的协同调节作用及其机制.方法 小鼠成骨细胞系MC3T3-E1细胞用无酚红α-MEM完全培养基培养;用MTT法检测细胞增殖率;用实时荧光定量PCR法检测干预前后MC3T3-E1细胞中细胞周期相关基因[细胞周期素E( cyclin E)、增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)和细胞周期素依赖性激酶抑制物(Cdkn2b)]和成骨细胞分化标志物[Ⅰ型胶原( COL Ⅰ)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)和骨桥蛋白(OPN)]基因的表达.ALP活性染色用BCIP/NBT显色法.结果 单用雌激素17β-雌二醇(E2)可促进MC3T3-E1细胞的增殖,尤其在生理浓度时作用最强,单用维生素D活性产物1,25-二羟维生素D3[1,25-(OH) 2D3]对MC3T3-E1细胞的增殖无影响,1,25 - (OH)2 D3不影响E2对MC3T3-E1细胞的促增殖作用.E2上调MC3T3-E1细胞中cyclin E和PCNA的表达,同时下调Cdkn2b基因的表达,1,25-(OH)2D3单独应用不能影响上述基因表达的变化,也不影响E2对上述基因的调节作用.E2可促进MC3T3-E1细胞中分化标志物(COLⅠ、ALP和OPN)基因的表达,加用1,25-(OH)2D3后可增强此作用.结论 雌激素和维生素D作为两种重要的调节骨代谢的激素,在促进成骨细胞增殖方面可能无协同作用,而在促进其分化方面可能有协同作用.     

Neighbor of Brca1 gene (Nbr1) functions as a negative regulator of postnatal osteoblastic bone formation and p38 MAPK activity

The neighbor of Brca1 gene (Nbr1) functions as an autophagy receptor involved in targeting ubiquitinated proteins for degradation. It also has a dual role as a scaffold protein to regulate growth-factor receptor and downstream signaling pathways. We show that genetic truncation of murine Nbr1 leads to an age-dependent increase in bone mass and bone mineral density through increased osteoblast differentiation and activity. At 6 mo of age, despite normal body size, homozygous mutant animals (Nbr1^tr/tr) have ~50% more bone than littermate controls. Truncated Nbr1 (trNbr1) co-localizes with p62, a structurally similar interacting scaffold protein, and the autophagosome marker LC3 in osteoblasts, but unlike the full-length protein, trNbr1 fails to complex with activated p38 MAPK. Nbr1^tr/tr osteoblasts and osteoclasts show increased activation of p38 MAPK, and significantly, pharmacological inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway in vitro abrogates the increased osteoblast differentiation of Nbr1^tr/tr cells. Nbr1 truncation also leads to increased p62 protein expression. We show a role for Nbr1 in bone remodeling, where loss of function leads to perturbation of p62 levels and hyperactivation of p38 MAPK that favors osteoblastogenesis.     

淫羊藿苷通过雌激素受体和p38MAPK信号诱导MC3T3-E1Subclone14细胞的分化

目的观察淫羊藿苷(ICA)对MC3T3-E1Subclone14前体成骨细胞株活力、分化的影响,以及雌激素受体(ER)信号、p38MAPK信号在分化过程中的作用。方法 WST-8方法检测MC3T3-E1Subclone14细胞活力;pNPP法检测细胞碱性磷酸酶活性(ALP);ELISA检测I型胶原(ColI)和骨钙素(BGP);Western印迹法检测p38MAPK的蛋白磷酸化;并分别用ICI182780阻断ER受体或SB203580阻断p38MAPK信号后检测ICA对细胞ALP、Col I、BGP的影响;Western印迹法检测ICI182780阻断ER受体信号后,ICA对p38MAPK蛋白磷酸化的影响。结果 ICA(10-7、10-6、10-5mol/L)对细胞活力与对照组比较,在统计学上无显著差异(P>0.05);ICA可以浓度依赖性的提高细胞的ALP、Col I和BGP和矿化结节数量(P<0.01,P<0.05);ICI182780阻断ER受体信号后,10-5mol/L浓度的ICA促细胞分化的特性明显下降(P<0.01);ICA可以浓度组依赖性的提高细胞p38MAPK的蛋白磷酸的水平(P<0.01);SB203580阻断p38MAPK信号后,10-5mol/L浓度的ICA促分化的特性下降(P<0.01);ICI182780阻断ER受体信号后,10-5mol/L浓度ICA促p38MAPK磷酸化明显减弱(P<0.01)。结论 ICA可以促进MC3T3-E1Subclone14细胞分化,ER受体信号、p38MAPK信号在促分化过程中起着重要作用,ER受体信号通路在p38MAPK信号通路的上游。     

3-Methylcholanthrene,which binds to the arylhydrocarbon receptor,inhibits proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in vitro and ossification in vivo

3-Methylcholanthrene (3MC) is a ligand for arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which binds dioxin. We examined the effects of 3MC on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts using cultures of rat calvarial osteoblast-like cells (ROB cells) and mouse calvarial clonal preosteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1 cells). Analysis by RT-PCR revealed that the mRNAs for AhR and AhR nuclear translocators were expressed in both ROB and MC3T3-E1 cells. Cell proliferation and the synthesis of DNA by ROB cells and MC3T3-E1 cells were markedly inhibited on exposure of cells to 3MC. Furthermore, 3MC reduced the activity of alkaline phosphatase and the rate of deposition of calcium by cells. The level of expression of mRNA for osteocalcin, which is a marker of osteoblastic differentiation, was also depressed by 3MC. Moreover, when 3MC (1 mg/kg body weight) was administered sc to pregnant mice at 10.5, 12.5, and 14.5 d post coitus, fetuses examined subsequently at 15.5 or 17.5 d post coitus revealed evidence of inhibition of appropriate calcification of bones. The treated metacarpals showed no subperiosteal bone matrix histologically. Our findings indicate that 3MC might have critical effects on the formation of bone both in vivo and in vitro.     

Regulation of alkaline phosphatase activity by p38 MAP kinase in response to activation of Gi protein-coupled receptors by epinephrine in osteoblast-like cells.

The signaling mechanisms responsible for the regulation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity by exogenous factors in osteoblast-like cells remain poorly understood. Among various agents, epinephrine was recently found to increase ALP activity in differentiating MC3T3-E1 cells by stimulating alpha1 adrenergic receptors coupled to Gi proteins. In the present study, we investigated the role of both ERK2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in mediating this response in MC3T3-E1 cells. Our results indicate that both MAP kinases are transiently stimulated by epinephrine in differentiating cells via a pertussis toxin sensitive mechanism. The role of each MAP kinase pathway in mediating the stimulation of ALP activity by epinephrine was investigated using specific inhibitors. The MEK inhibitor PD98059, blocked ERK2 activity induced by epinephrine but had no effect on the stimulation of ALP activity. In contrast, low concentrations of SB203580, a specific inhibitor of the p38 MAP kinase, completely blunted this cellular response. However, this inhibitor had no influence on the stimulation of ALP activity induced by ascorbic acid. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest distinct roles for ERK and p38 MAP kinase pathways in regulating activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. The ERK pathway is likely involved in the control of cell proliferation whereas the p38 MAP kinase pathway regulates ALP activity in response to activation of Gi protein-coupled receptors.     

1,25-(OH)2D3 down-regulates expression of Phex, a marker of the mature osteoblast

Mutations in the PHEX/Phex gene, which encodes for a protein with homology to neutral endopeptidases, are responsible for human and murine X-linked hypophosphatemia. The present study examined Phex messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression in cultured osteoblasts and its regulation by 1,25-(OH)2D3. Phex mRNA levels were quantitated on Northern blots by densitometric analysis relatively to GAPDH mRNA levels. Immunoreactive Phex protein levels were evaluated by immunoprecipitation using a polyclonal rabbit antiserum raised against a mouse Phex carboxy-terminal peptide. Beta-glycerophosphate-induced matrix mineralization in primary osteoblast cultures was associated with significant increases in Phex mRNA and protein. Phex mRNA and protein levels were low or undetectable in proliferating preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and dramatically increased concomitantly with initiation of matrix mineralization. The pattern of Phex expression, however, was similar in nonmineralizing cultures grown in the absence of beta-glycerophosphate, indicating that the induction of Phex expression in MC3T3-E1 cells was related to cell differentiation rather than matrix mineralization. 1,25-(OH)2D3 inhibited mineral deposition and down-regulated Phex mRNA and protein expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that Phex is a marker of the fully differentiated osteoblast and that its expression is stimulated during beta-glycerophosphate-induced mineralization in primary osteoblast cultures and down-regulated by 1,25-(OH)2D3, an inhibitor of matrix mineralization. These findings add support for Phex having an important role in bone mineralization.     

Preptin对人成骨细胞增殖和分化的影响及机制研究

目的 探讨preptin对人成骨细胞增殖和分化的影响及其信号途径.方法 体外培养人成骨细胞,用10-10、10-9、10-8和10-7mol/L preptin干预24 h,以[3H]脱氧胸腺嘧啶苷掺入法分析细胞增殖,用分光光度计法测定细胞碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性判断细胞分化程度.Western印迹法检测细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)、p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)和c-Jun氨基末端激酶(JNK)的磷酸化水平.并在preptin干预前以ERK抑制剂(PD98059)、p38 MAPK抑制剂(SB203580)和JNK抑制剂(SP600125)预处理,观察preptin诱导人成骨细胞增殖和分化的途径.结果 Preptin剂量依赖地增加人成骨细胞的增殖和ALP活性,10-9mol/L浓度时达最大效应(均P<0.01).Preptin刺激人成骨细胞ERK的磷酸化,对p38MAPK和JNK无作用.PD98059阻断preptin刺激的成骨细胞增殖及ALP活性增加(均P<0.05),而SP600125和SB203580无此效应.结论 Preptin通过ERK途径促进人成骨细胞的增殖和分化.     

p38 MAPK-mediated signals are required for inducing osteoclast differentiation but not for osteoclast function

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced signals play critical roles in osteoclast differentiation and function. SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, blocked osteoclast formation induced by 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and prostaglandin E(2) in cocultures of mouse osteoblasts and bone marrow cells. Nevertheless, SB203580 showed no inhibitory effect on RANKL expression in osteoblasts treated with 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and prostaglandin E(2). RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow cultures was inhibited by SB203580, suggesting a direct effect of SB203580 on osteoclast precursors, but not on osteoblasts, in osteoclast differentiation. However, SB203580 inhibited neither the survival nor dentine-resorption activity of osteoclasts induced by RANKL. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), IL-1, and TNFalpha all stimulated the survival of osteoclasts, which was not inhibited by SB203580. Phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was induced by RANKL, IL-1, TNFalpha, and LPS in osteoclast precursors but not in osteoclasts. LPS stimulated phosphorylation of MAPK kinase 3/6 and ATF2, upstream and downstream signals of p38 MAPK, respectively, in osteoclast precursors but not in osteoclasts. Nevertheless, LPS induced degradation of IkappaB and phosphorylation of ERK in osteoclasts as well as in osteoclast precursors. These results suggest that osteoclast function is induced through a mechanism independent of p38 MAPK-mediated signaling.     

Methotrexate (MTX) inhibits osteoblastic differentiation in vitro: possible mechanism of MTX osteopathy

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the mechanism of impaired bone formation during low dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy. METHODS: The in vitro effects of MTX on the function and differentiation of osteoblastic cells were investigated using (1) a mouse osteogenic cell line (MC3T3-E1) with the capacity to differentiate into osteoblastic or osteocytes, (2) a human osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line (SaOS-2) with a mature osteoblastic phenotype, and (3) mouse bone marrow stromal cells containing osteoblast precursors. Osteoblast function was assessed by measuring the cellular activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the mineralization capacity of cultures. RESULTS: MTX suppressed ALP activity dose-dependently in growing MC3T3-E1 cells, but proliferation of these cells was only inhibited by a high concentration of MTX. In contrast, inhibition of ALP activity in MC3T3-E1 cells of mature osteoblastic phenotype was only observed with 10(-8) M and 10(-7) M MTX, and proliferation was not influenced. ALP activity and the proliferation of SaOS-2 cells were not inhibited by MTX, even when growing cells were treated. However, both ALP activity and formation of calcified nodules in bone marrow stromal cell cultures were significantly suppressed by MTX at concentrations between l0(-10) and 10(-7) M. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MTX suppresses bone formation by inhibiting the differentiation of early osteoblastic cells.     

Thrombopoietin-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in normal megakaryocytes: role in endomitosis.

Thrombopoietin (TPO) plays a critical role in megakaryocyte proliferation and differentiation. Using various cultured cell lines, several recent studies have implicated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in megakaryocyte differentiation. In the study reported here, we examined the role played by thrombopoietin-induced MAPK activity in a cytokine-dependent cell line (BAF3/Mpl) and in primary murine megakaryocytes. In both systems, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 MAPK phosphorylation was rapidly induced by TPO stimulation. To identify the Mpl domain responsible for MAPK activation, BAF3 cells expressing truncated forms of the Mpl receptor were studied. Phosphorylation of ERKs did not require elements of the cytoplasmic signaling domain distal to Box 2 and was not dependent on phosphorylation of the adapter protein Shc. ERK activation in murine megakaryocytes was maximal at 10 minutes and was markedly decreased over the subsequent 3 hours. Next, the physiologic consequences of MAPK inhibition were studied. Using the MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor, PD 98059, blockade of MAPK activity substantially reduced TPO-dependent proliferation in BAF3/Mpl cells and markedly decreased mean megakaryocyte ploidy in cultures. To exclude an indirect effect of MAPK inhibition on stromal cells in whole bone marrow, CD41(+) cells were selected and then cultured in TPO. The number of polyploid megakaryocytes derived from the CD41-selected cells was also significantly reduced by MEK inhibition, as was their geometric mean ploidy. These studies show an important role for MAPK in TPO-induced endomitosis and underscore the value of primary cells when studying the physiologic effects of signaling pathways.     

PKR plays a positive role in osteoblast differentiation by regulating GSK-3β activity through a β-catenin-independent pathway

Double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is involved in various cellular functions. We previously reported that PKR regulates osteoblast differentiation, but the specific mechanisms by which this occurs remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of PKR in Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) regulation of osteoblast differentiation. Lithium chloride (LiCl), a GSK-3β inhibitor, increased GSK-3β phosphorylation in MC3T3-E1 and MG-63 cells. LiCl also inhibited Runx2 and expression of its regulated genes, causing inhibition of Alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization. LiCl injection to the calvaria in mice suppressed bone formation. Further, GSK-3β phosphorylation was increased in osteoblasts, by Akt-independent mechanisms, in which PKR was constitutively inactivated. A PKR inhibitor, 2-aminopurine, also induced GSK-3β phosphorylation in MC3T3-E1 and MG-63 cells. Further, Runx2 and its regulated genes were inhibited in PKR-inactivated osteoblasts, and differentiation was suppressed through a β-catenin-independent pathway. PKR positively regulates the differentiation of osteoblasts by mediating GSK-3β activity through a β-catenin-independent pathway.     

Inhibition of osteoblast differentiation by tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has a key role in skeletal disease in which it promotes reduced bone formation by mature osteoblasts and increased osteoclastic resorption. Here we show that TNF inhibits differentiation of osteoblasts from precursor cells. TNF-alpha treatment of fetal calvaria precursor cells, which spontaneously differentiate to the osteoblast phenotype over 21 days, inhibited differentiation as shown by reduced formation of multilayered, mineralizing nodules and decreased secretion of the skeletal-specific matrix protein osteocalcin. The effect of TNF was dose dependent with an IC50 of 0.6 ng/ml, indicating a high sensitivity of these precursor cells. Addition of TNF-alpha from days 2-21, 2-14, 7-14, and 7-10 inhibited nodule formation but addition of TNF after day 14 had no effect. Partial inhibition of differentiation was observed with addition of TNF on only days 7-8, suggesting that TNF could act during a critical period of phenotype selection. Growth of cells on collagen-coated plates did not prevent TNF inhibition of differentiation, suggesting that inhibition of collagen deposition into matrix by proliferating cells could not, alone, explain the effect of TNF. Northern analysis revealed that TNF inhibited the expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). TNF had no effect on expression of the osteogenic bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs-2, -4, and -6), or skeletal LIM protein (LMP-1), as determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Addition of IGF-I or BMP-6 to fetal calvaria precursor cell cultures enhanced differentiation but could not overcome TNF inhibition, suggesting that TNF acted downstream of these proteins in the differentiation pathway. The clonal osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3-E1-14, which acquires the osteoblast phenotype spontaneously in postconfluent culture, was also studied. TNF inhibited differentiation of MC3T3-E1-14 cells as shown by failure of mineralized matrix formation in the presence of calcium and phosphate. TNF was not cytotoxic to either cell type as shown by continued attachment and metabolism in culture, trypan blue exclusion, and Alamar Blue cytotoxicity assay. These results demonstrate that TNF-alpha is a potent inhibitor of osteoblast differentiation and suggest that TNF acts distal to IGF-I, BMPs, and LMP-1 in the progression toward the osteoblast phenotype.     

Ghrelin inhibits hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptotic cell death of oligodendrocytes via ERK and p38MAPK signaling

Here, we examined the protective effect of ghrelin on apoptotic cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide (H?O?) in primary oligodendrocyte cultures. Ghrelin receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a, was expressed in mature oligodendrocytes. H?O? (1 mm) treatment induced apoptotic cell death of oligodendrocytes, which was significantly inhibited by ghrelin treatment. Ghrelin also reduced cytochrome c release, and caspase-3 activation increased by H?O? treatment. Furthermore, the protective effect of ghrelin against H?O?-induced oligodendrocyte cell death was mediated through growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a. Both ERK and p38MAPK were activated (peaked at 8 h in ERK and 1 h in p38MAPK) by H?O? treatment, whereas c-Jun N-terminal kinase and Akt were not. Interestingly, ghrelin further increased ERK activation and decreased p38MAPK activation after H?O? treatment. Next, we tried to elucidate the role of ERK and p38MAPK activation in H?O?-induced apoptotic cell death of oligodendrocytes using pharmacological inhibitors. We found that the inhibition of apoptotic cell death of oligodendrocytes by ghrelin was abolished by ERK inhibitor, PD98059 (20 μM), whereas cell survival was increased by p38MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 (10 μM). These results thus indicate that ghrelin inhibits H?O? -induced oligodendrocytes cell death in part by increasing ERK activation and decreasing p38MAPK activation, and ghrelin may represent a potential therapeutic agent for protecting oligodendrocytes in central nervous system injuries.     

Bisphosphonate- and statin-induced enhancement of OPG expression and inhibition of CD9, M-CSF, and RANKL expressions via inhibition of the Ras/MEK/ERK pathway and activation of p38MAPK in mouse bone marrow stromal cell line ST2

Osteoclast differentiation is influenced by receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand (RANKL), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and CD9, which are expressed on bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblasts. In addition, osteoprotegerin (OPG) is known as an osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor. In this study, we investigated whether bisphosphonates and statins increase OPG expression and inhibit the expression of CD9, M-CSF, and RANKL in the bone marrow-derived stromal cell line ST2. We found that bisphosphonates and statins enhanced OPG mRNA expression and inhibited the expression of CD9, M-CSF, and RANKL mRNA. Futhermore, bisphosphonates and statins decreased the membrane localization of Ras and phosphorylated ERK1/2, and activated the p38MAPK. This indicates that bisphosphonates and statins enhanced OPG expression, and inhibited the expression of CD9, M-CSF, and RANKL through blocking the Ras/ERK pathway and activating p38MAPK. Accordingly, we believe that its clinical applications will be investigated in the future for the development of osteoporosis therapy.