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.     

Mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor-2 modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression by osteoblastic cells

Normal bone growth and repair is dependent on angiogenesis. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) have all been implicated in the related processes of angiogenesis, growth, development, and repair. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between FGF-2 and both VEGF and TGFbeta in nonimmortalized and clonal osteoblastic cells. Northern blot analysis revealed 6-fold peak increases in VEGF mRNA at 6 h in fetal rat calvarial cells and MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells after stimulation with FGF-2. Actinomycin D inhibited these increases in VEGF mRNA, whereas cycloheximide did not. The stability ofVEGF mRNA was not increased after FGF-2 treatment. Furthermore, FGF-2 induced dose-dependent increases in VEGF protein levels (P < 0.01). Although in MC3T3-E1 cells, TGFbeta1 stimulates a 6-fold peak increase in VEGF mRNA after 3 h of stimulation, we found that both TGFbeta2 and TGFbeta3 yielded 2- to 3-fold peak increases in VEGF mRNA levels noted after 6 h of stimulation. Similarly, both TGFbeta2 and TGFbeta3 dose dependently increased VEGF protein production. To determine whether FGF-2-induced increases in VEGF mRNA may have occurred independently of TGFbeta, we disrupted TGFbeta signal transduction (using adenovirus encoding a truncated form of TGFbeta receptor II), which attenuated TGFbeta1 induction of VEGF mRNA, but did not impede FGF-2 induction ofVEGF mRNA. In summary, FGF-2-induced VEGF expression by osteoblastic cells is a dose-dependent event that may be independent of concomitant FGF-2-induced modulation of TGFbeta activity.     

Regulation by heat shock protein 27 of osteocalcin synthesis in osteoblasts

We have previously reported that various stimuli, including sphingosine 1-phosphate, are able to induce heat shock protein (HSP) 27 in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. However, the precise role of HSP27 in bone metabolism has not been satisfactory clarified. In this study, we investigated the effect of HSP27 on osteocalcin synthesis induced by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4 or T? in these cells. In MC3T3-E1 cells, pretreatment with sphingosine 1-phosphate, sodium arsenite, or heat stress caused the attenuation of osteocalcin synthesis induced by BMP-4 or T? with concurrent HSP27 induction. To further investigate the effect of HSP27, we established stable HSP27-transfected cells. The osteocalcin synthesis was significantly reduced in the stable HSP27-transfected MC3T3-E1 cells and normal human osteoblasts compared with empty-vector transfected cells. On the other hand, anisomycin, a p38 MAPK activator, caused the phosphorylation of HSP27 in both sphingosine 1-phosphate-stimulated untransfected MC3T3-E1 cells and HSP27-transfected MC3T3-E1 cells. An immunofluorescence microscopy study showed that the phosphorylated HSP27 induced by anisomycin concentrated perinuclearly in these cells, in which it colocalized with the endoplasmic reticulum. We also established stable mutant-HSP27-transfected cells. Osteocalcin synthesis induced by either BMP-4 or T? was markedly suppressed in the nonphosphorylatable HSP27-overexpressing MC3T3-E1 cells compared with the phosphomimic HSP27-overexpressing cells. In contrast, the matrix mineralization was more obvious in nonphosphorylatable HSP27-overexpressing cells than that in phosphomimic HSP27-overexpressing cells. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that unphosphorylated HSP27 has an inhibitory effect on osteocalcin synthesis, but has a stimulatory effect on mineralization, in osteoblasts.     

Parathyroid hormone stimulates TRANCE and inhibits osteoprotegerin messenger ribonucleic acid expression in murine bone marrow cultures: correlation with osteoclast-like cell formation.

We studied the effects of PTH on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of NF kappaB (RANK) messenger RNA (mRNA) in cultured murine bone marrow, calvaria, and osteoblasts. TRANCE, OPG, and RANK are recently identified regulators of osteoclast formation. Bone marrow cells were cultured with or without PTH(1-34) for 6 days. TRANCE, OPG, and RANK mRNA were measured by RT-PCR. In 6-day cultures, PTH stimulated the number of OCL/well in a dose-dependent manner. A time course showed significant (P < 0.01) increases in OCL/well after 24 h of PTH (100 ng/ml). TRANCE mRNA expression, like OCL formation, increased dose dependently and was maximal, with 10-100 ng/ml PTH. In contrast, OPG mRNA expression was decreased by 0.1 ng/ml PTH (40%) and completely abolished by 1 ng/ml. TRANCE mRNA expression was rapidly stimulated by PTH (maximal response at 1 h, 8.1-fold over control). Expression declined by 40% at 24 h but was still much greater than control at 6 days (4.6-fold) in a time-course study. PTH caused a transient stimulation of OPG mRNA at 1 h (2-fold), which returned to basal levels by 2 h. After 6 h, PTH completely inhibited OPG mRNA. There were only minor effects of PTH on RANK mRNA expression. PTH had less potent effects on TRANCE and OPG mRNA expression in calvaria organ cultures and osteoblasts. In mouse calvaria cultures, TRANCE expression was detectable in controls and was increased 2.9-fold by PTH at 24 h. PTH treatment of calvaria decreased OPG expression by 30% at 6 h. MC3T3 E-1 osteoblastic cells expressed minimal levels of TRANCE mRNA either before or after PTH treatment. OPG mRNA was present in MC3T3 E-1 cells, but levels were not modulated by PTH. In primary osteoblastic cells, PTH stimulated TRANCE mRNA expression 4-fold at 2 h and inhibited OPG mRNA expression by 46%. These results demonstrate a tight correlation between the ability of PTH to stimulate OCL formation in marrow culture and expression of TRANCE (r = 0.87, P < or = 0.05) and OPG mRNA (r = -0.88, P < or = 0.05). Reciprocal regulation of TRANCE and OPG mRNA by PTH preceded its effects on OCL formation by 18-23 h. Hence, it is likely that PTH regulates bone resorption, at least in part, via its effects on TRANCE and OPG expression.     

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.     

Smad7 inhibits differentiation and mineralization of mouse osteoblastic cells

The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family members, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and TGF-β that signal via the receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads) induce bone formation in vivo. The inhibitory Smads (I-Smads), Smad6 and Smad7, negatively regulate TGF-β family ligand signaling by competing with R-Smads for binding to activated type I receptors, and preventing R-Smad activation, Hence, the I-Smads potentially act as suppressors of bone formation although their effects on phenotypic changes in mature osteoblasts are unclear. While Smad7 inhibits both BMP and TGF-β signaling, Smad6 is less effective in inhibiting TGF-β signaling. The present study was performed to examine the role of Smad7 on the phenotype of mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. We employed stable Smad7-transfected MC3T3-E1 cells to examine the role of Smad7 in osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and mineralization. Stable Smad7 overexpression significantly inhibited the absorbance in the MTT-dye assay and inhibited the levels of PCNA compared with those in empty vector-transfected cells. Smad7 overexpression suppressed the type 1 collagen mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, Smad7 inhibited ALP activity and mineralization of osteoblastic cells. The effects of stable overexpression of Smad6 were similar to those of Smad7 suggesting the changes mediated by either I-Smad occurred by inhibition of BMP rather than TGF-β signaling. In addition, PTH-(1-34) elevated the levels of Smad7 in parental MC3T3-E1 cells. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Smad7, as well as Smad6, inhibits proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of mouse osteoblastic cells. Therefore, I-Smads are important molecular targets for the negative control of bone formation.     

Retinol-binding protein is produced by rabbit chondrocytes and responds to parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related peptide-cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway

PTH and dibutyryl cAMP [(Bu)2cAMP] induced the expression of a 19-kDa protein in the conditioned media of rabbit growth plate chondrocyte cultures. The 19-kDa protein was identified as plasma retinol-binding protein (RBP) by aminoterminal sequence analysis and immunoblot analysis with an anti-RBP monoclonal antibody. Northern blot analysis showed that PTH, PTH-related peptide (PTHrP), and (Bu)2cAMP increased the RBP messenger RNA (mRNA) level in chondrocyte cultures. Further, both PTH and (Bu)2cAMP markedly induced the expression of RBP mRNA by about 10-fold at 3 h and by about 40-fold at 24 h, indicating a pretranslational regulation. The level of the mRNA expression induced by PTH, PTHrP, and (Bu)2cAMP was as high as that by retinoic acid (RA), known as a potent inducer of RBP in hepatoma cells. RBP mRNA was also detected in cartilage tissues at higher levels than in the other tissues examined except liver. Both RBP and PTH/PTHrP inhibited the dedifferentiative activity of RA on growth plate chondrocytes when added to the culture medium. These results demonstrate that chondrocytes synthesize and secrete RBP in vivo and in vitro and suggest that PTH/PTHrP modulates the effect of RA by means of RBP production in chondrocytes.     

Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 inhibit the differentiation of murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) inhibits the spontaneous and stimulated bone resorption resulting from the inhibition of osteoclast formation, as well as osteoclastic activity. Since IL-13 shares some biological properties with IL-4, it was recently reported that IL-13 inhibits bone resorption. The present study was designed to determine the effects of murine IL-4 (IL-4) and murine IL-13 (IL-13) on the murine osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1. IL-4 and IL-13 stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation in the MC3T3-E1 cells and its proliferation in dose dependent manners. A spontaneous increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the cells after plating was inhibited by IL-4 or IL-13, and both cytokines blunted an increase in ALP activity by human parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1-34). PTH-stimulated cyclic AMP (cAMP) production was inhibited by pretreatment with IL-4 and IL-13 for 48 hr in dose dependent manners. Pretreatment with IL-4 and IL-13 for 48 hr caused a decrease in PTH-induced cAMP production at any stimulatory concentration. However, the effective dose (ED50) was unchanged by the pretreatment with these cytokines. Pretreatment with IL-4 and IL-13 did not modulate cAMP generation by forskolin. In contrast, cAMP generation by PGE2 is greater in the cells treated with the cytokines compared to those without the cytokines. These results indicate that IL-4 and IL-13 act on MC3T3-E1 cells in the same manner, stimulating cell proliferation, but inhibiting cell differentiation. The inhibition of osteoblast differentiation by IL-4 and IL-13 may be associated with a decrease in PTH actions on osteoblasts.     

Parathyroid hormone down-regulates the epidermal growth factor receptors in clonal osteoblastic mouse calvarial cells, MC3T3-E1: possible mediation by adenosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate

The effects of PTH on the binding and mitogenic activity of epidermal growth factor (EGF) were studied in clonal, PTH- and EGF-responsive mouse osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3-E1. Treatment of cells with synthetic rat PTH-(1-34) at 10(-10)-10(-8) M resulted in a dose-related decrease (maximally 30% relative to the control value) in the specific binding of a biologically active, 125I-iodolabeled derivative of recombinant human EGF ([125I]iodo-EGF). The PTH-induced decrease in EGF binding was time dependent, requiring at least 4 h of PTH treatment at 37 C for a maximal effect, completely reversible after cessation of PTH exposure and specific only to biologically active PTH. Scatchard analysis of saturation binding data revealed that the PTH-induced reduction of EGF binding was accounted for by a proportional decrease in the available EGF-binding sites without an alteration in binding affinity (Kd = 0.7-0.8 nM). PTH treatment resulted ina concomitant decrease in mitotic responsiveness to EGF (maximally 40-50% of control). Both of these down-regulatory effects of PTH were closely mimicked by forskolin, cholera toxin, or (Bu)2cAMP. Addition of either colchicine or cytochalasin-B during PTH treatment completely abolished the PTH-induced reduction of EGF binding. These data indicate that PTH down-regulates EGF receptors and reduces the mitotic responsiveness to EGF, probably via a cAMP-dependent cytoskeleton-mediated mechanism(s) in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.     

高糖对成骨细胞MC3T3-E1活性影响的研究

目的探讨高糖对体外培养小鼠前体成骨细胞MC3T3-E1活性的影响。方法将培养的MC3T3-E1细胞分为5．5mmol／L正常糖对照组、12．5mmol／L高糖组和25mmol／L高糖组,观察不同浓度糖对MC3T3-E1细胞增殖、碱性磷酸酶（ALP）、矿化结节、骨钙素（OC）及Caspase-3的影响。结果与5．5mmol／L正常糖对照组相比,12．5mmol／L高糖组培养5d细胞增殖和ALP分泌不受影响,在培养7d和14d时明显促进矿化结节形成,在培养5d时促进细胞内0（2表达,在培养3d时促进Caspase-3的表达;而25mmol／L高糖组在培养5d则可明显抑制细胞增殖及ALP分泌,在培养14d减少矿化结节的形成,在培养第5d时减少0（2表达,在培养3d时促进Caspase-3的表达。结论高糖可影响MC3T3-E1细胞活性,12．5mmol／L糖在培养时间内不影响细胞增殖与分化,可促进矿化;25mmol／L糖则对细胞产生明显的抑制效应。     

Divalent cations modulate PTH-dependent 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate production in renal proximal tubular cells.

The kidney and parathyroid gland play key roles in calcium (Ca++) homeostasis. Recent data suggest that the kidney, in addition to being a primary target for PTH, also recognizes changes in the concentration of extracellular Ca++, thereby modulating hormone-dependent cAMP production, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D synthesis, and renin secretion. In this study, we examined: 1) the effects of varying concentration of divalent cations on PTH-dependent cAMP production in renal proximal tubular cells; and 2) the mechanisms by which extracellular Ca++ exerts its inhibitory effects on cAMP production. Single cell suspensions composed of 80-90% proximal tubular cells were prepared from cortical homogenates by collagenase digestion and sieving. In the presence of 1 mM isobutylmethylxanthine, cAMP content was measured by RIA in 5-15 min incubations and showed a 5- to 6-fold increase in response to PTH (10(-11) -10(-6) M). Increasing extracellular Ca++ and magnesium (Mg++) from 0 and 0.5 mM, respectively, to 5.0 mM inhibited PTH-dependent (3 x 10(-9) M) cAMP production by 54 +/- 4% and 47 +/- 6%, respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration for both Ca++ and Mg++ was 0.9 mM. In addition, increasing extracellular barium (Ba++) or strontium (Sr++) from 0-10 mM inhibited PTH-dependent (3 x 10(-9) M) production by 54 +/- 7% and 62 +/- 6% with half of the maximal observed inhibition at 2.2 and 2.7 mM, respectively. The inhibition of PTH-dependent cAMP production by 2.5 mM Ca++ was not reversed by the calcium channel blockers diltiazem or verapamil (10(-4) M). However, changes in intracellular calcium may play some role in the inhibitory effects of Ca++ on cAMP production, since ionomycin (10(-6)-10(-5) M) lowered PTH-dependent cAMP production by 25-36%. Our data suggest that the proximal tubular cell can sense physiologically relevant changes in Ca++, providing a potential mechanism for the modulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production or other tubular functions relevant to fluid and mineral homeostasis.     

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.     

Parathyroid hormone down-regulates 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptors (VDR) and VDR messenger ribonucleic acid in vitro and blocks homologous up-regulation of VDR in vivo

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3) is a known up-regulator of 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor (VDR) both in vitro and in vivo. However, a 5- to 10-fold increase in plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 induced by dietary calcium deficiency does not result in up-regulation of intestinal VDR, and kidney VDR is down-regulated. Under certain physiological stresses, an increase in plasma PTH precedes increased plasma 1,25(OH)2D3. Therefore, the present study examined the effect of PTH on VDR regulation in vitro in ROS 17/2.8 cells and in vivo in male Holtzman rats. Treatment of ROS cells with PTH (0-5 nM) resulted in a dose and time-dependent decline in VDR from 95 +/- 9 to 35 +/- 5 fmol/mg protein at 18 h of exposure. The ED50 for PTH was 1 nM. This decline in VDR protein was attended by a 50% decline in VDR messenger RNA (mRNA). The PTH-mediated down-regulation of VDR occurred without affecting the affinity of VDR for 1,25(OH)2D3 as determined by Scatchard analysis. Also, the effect of PTH on VDR regulation was specific since cell glucocorticoid receptor concentration was not affected by PTH treatment. In accompanying experiments, 1,25(OH)2[3H]D3 treatment of ROS cells was shown to result in a 3- to 4-fold increased expression of VDR and VDR mRNA. The simultaneous addition of PTH and 1,25(OH)2[3H]D3 resulted in inhibition of the 1,25(OH)2[3H]D3-mediated up-regulation of VDR and VDR mRNA. Similarly, PTH also inhibited heterologous up-regulation of VDR and VDR mRNA induced by retinoic acid. In in vivo experiments, rats infused for 5 days with 1,25(OH)2D3 (1.5 ng/h) increased their expression of intestinal VDR, kidney VDR, and kidney 24-hydroxylase by 31, 336, and 4000%, respectively. Coinfusion of PTH (1.8 IU/h) along with 1,25(OH)2D3 completely inhibited the 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated increases in intestinal VDR and kidney 24-hydroxylase and reduced the 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated up-regulation of kidney VDR by more than half. These data suggest that PTH is a potent down-regulator of VDR and that PTH and 1,25(OH)2D3 have opposing effects on the expression of certain genes.     

Normal matrix mineralization induced by strontium ranelate in MC3T3-E1 osteogenic cells

There is growing evidence that strontium ranelate (SR; S12911-2, PROTELOS; Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, Courbevoie, France), a compound containing 2 atoms of stable strontium (Sr), influences bone cells and bone metabolism in vitro and in vivo. We previously reported that SR increases bone mass in rats and mice by stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption. We also showed that short-term treatment with SR enhances osteoblastic cell recruitment and function in short-term rat calvaria cultures. Because Sr incorporates into the bone matrix, it was of interest to determine whether SR may affect matrix mineralization in long-term culture. To this goal, osteogenic mouse calvaria-derived MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells were cultured for up to 14 days in the presence of ascorbic acid and phosphate to induce matrix formation and mineralization. Matrix formation was determined by incorporation of tritiated proline during collagen synthesis. Matrix mineralization was quantified by measuring the number and surface of mineralized nodules using a digital image analyzer. In this model, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D (1 nmol/L) used as internal control, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, an early osteoblast marker, on days 4, 10, and 14 of culture. Treatment with SR (1 mmol/L Sr(2+)) increased ALP activity at days 4 and 14 of culture. SR also increased collagen synthesis at days 4 and 10 of culture. In contrast, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D (1 nmol/L) inhibited collagen synthesis at 4 to 14 days of culture. Long-term treatment with SR (0.1 to 1 mmol/L Sr(2+)) dose dependently increased Sr concentration into the calcified nodules, but did not alter matrix mineralization in long-term culture, as shown by the ratio of the surface of mineralized nodules to the number of mineralized nodules on day 14 of culture. These results show that long-term treatment with SR increases collagenous matrix formation by MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts without inducing deleterious effect on matrix mineralization.     

氟诱导成骨细胞MC3T3-E1自噬与凋亡及其相互作用分析

目的主要研究氟诱导成骨细胞MC3T3-E1发生自噬、凋亡及两者之间的关系。方法利用3-(4,5-二甲基噻唑-2)-2,5-二苯基四氮唑溴盐(MTT)比色法检测氟对成骨细胞MC3T3-E1的增殖活性影响,探寻氟引起凋亡的浓度;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡;western blot免疫印记技术检测凋亡相蛋白;利用western blot免疫印记技术检测Beclin 1蛋白及LC3蛋白表达水平及变化。结果氟能明显抑制成骨细胞MC3T3-E1增殖,诱发细胞凋亡,其抑制作用呈时间、剂量依赖性;氟在促进细胞凋亡的同时也促进自噬产生;3-甲基腺素(3-MA)抑制自噬后,氟诱导的凋亡进一步增多。结论氟明显抑制MC3T3-E1细胞增殖,同时诱发细胞凋亡和自噬;氟诱导的自噬部分拮抗其诱导的凋亡。