阿仑膦酸钠干预人骨髓基质细胞OPG/RANKL的体外实验研究

目的观察阿仑膦酸钠对人骨髓基质细胞中骨保护素（OPG）核/因子Kappa B受体活化因子配基（RANKL）mRNA表达的影响,探讨阿仑膦酸钠防治骨质疏松的相关机制。方法从24名20~30岁的健康男性志愿者髂前上棘处分别抽取10 m l骨髓,分离培养骨髓基质细胞,取50%融合P2代骨髓基质细胞,混匀后随机分为4组：高、中、低剂量阿仑膦酸钠组和对照组,高、中、低剂量组在细胞培养液中,分别加入1×10-7mol/L、1×10-8mol/L、1×10-9mol/L阿仑膦酸钠;对照组采用普通LG-DMEM培养,不进行特殊处理。采用半定量RT-PCR和W estern blot检测OPG、RANKL mRNA和蛋白表达并计算OPG/RANKL比率。结果在RT-PCR实验中,高、中、低阿仑膦酸钠组和对照组OPG mRNA/RANKL mRNA表达比分别为（8.77±1.16）、（6.68±1.25）、（4.86±0.79）和（0.58±0.13）;W estern blot蛋白印迹实验显示,高、中、低阿仑膦酸钠组和对照组OPG/RANKL蛋白表达之比分别为（1.18±0.47）、（1.09±0.56）、（0.82±0.32）和（0.25±0.12）。经统计学分析,在mRNA和蛋白水平,高、中、低阿仑膦酸钠组OPG/RANKL比值明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,三组阿仑膦酸钠组比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论防治骨质疏松药阿仑膦酸钠可以增加骨髓基质细胞中骨保护素的表达,减少核因子Kappa B受体活化因子配基表达。     

BMSCs来源成骨细胞和内皮细胞复合壳聚糖-羟基磷灰石多孔支架构建血管化组织工程骨研究

目的探讨大鼠BMSCs来源的成骨细胞和内皮细胞复合壳聚糖-羟基磷灰石多孔支架植入大鼠桡骨缺损处的成骨作用和成血管作用。方法取分离培养至第3代的SD大鼠BMSCs行成骨和成内皮细胞诱导并鉴定。分别将内皮细胞(A组)、成骨细胞(B组)、混合细胞(成骨细胞和内皮细胞比例为1∶1,C组)均匀滴加于壳聚糖-羟基磷灰石多孔支架上制备3组细胞-支架复合物,MTT检测支架内细胞增殖活性。取2月龄雄性SD大鼠30只,制作大鼠桡骨5 mm长缺损模型并分别植入3组细胞-支架复合物(n=10)。术后4、8、12周分别取移植物行HE染色观察,CD34免疫组织化学染色计数微血管密度,RT-PCR法检测骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN)和骨保护素(osteoprotegrin,OPG)mRNA表达。结果 BMSCs成骨诱导7 d后ALP染色可见细胞质内蓝染颗粒,细胞核呈红染;内皮细胞诱导14 d后,CD34免疫细胞化学染色可见细胞内棕色颗粒。MTT检测示3组细胞活性随时间延长逐渐升高。HE染色示,术后12周A组未见明显类骨质形成,而有较密集的微血管结构及较多纤维组织形成;B、C组可见均质的类骨质,呈条索状和岛状分布,可见大量成骨样细胞存在。术后各时间点A、C组微血管密度均显著高于B组(P<0.05);A组术后12周微血管密度高于C组(P<0.05),其余2个时间点A、C组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。A组3个时间点OPN和OPG mRNA表达水平均较低,与B、C组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);B、C组分别于术后8、12周OPN mRNA表达达峰值,4周时OPG mRNA表达达峰值。结论 BMSCs来源的成骨细胞和内皮细胞按1∶1比例共培养于壳聚糖-羟基磷灰石多孔支架作为组织工程骨移植物,可以促进大鼠桡骨缺损部位骨的形成和血管化,促进骨缺损愈合。     

EphB/EphrinB信号通路对成骨分化能力的影响

目的探讨EphB/EphrinB信号通路对去势小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells,BMSCs)的成骨分化能力和绝经后骨质疏松动物模型骨量的影响。方法将24只8周龄健康雌性BALB/c小鼠随机分为去势组(OVX组)和假手术组(Sham组),检测小鼠BMSCs中EphB/EphrinB信号通路表达水平。(2)将去势小鼠分为4组,分别进行腹腔注射相应Eph受体激动剂:EfnB1-Fc及EfnB2-Fc,Eph受体抑制剂EphB2-Fc,对照组腹腔注射human IgG-Fc。各组分别于术后10周将小鼠脱颈处死,在Micro-CT分析下比较股骨骨质情况。去势组和假手术组小鼠取股骨与胫骨骨髓,经密度梯度离心法分离培养并鉴定其骨髓间充质干细胞至P3用于实验,各组BMSCs在成骨诱导条件下7 d后,通过Realtime PCR检测成骨相关基因(Runx2、ALP、Osterix)及破骨细胞分化相关基因(OPG、RANKL)的表达水平,成骨分化14、21 d后,采用ALP染色和茜素红染色观察成骨分化能力。结果与假手术组(Sham组)相比较,去势组(OVX组)中EfnA2、EphB4、EfnB2、EfnB1及EphA4表达显著增高(P0. 01); Sham组中EphA2及EfnB2表达显著降低(P0. 01)。10周后Micro-CT结果显示,与去势对照Fc组比较,Sham组、EfnB1-Fc、EfnB2-Fc及EphB2-Fc去势组骨小梁结构均较完整、骨小梁密度较好(P0. 01);与EfnB1-Fc、EfnB2-Fc去势组相比较,Sham组和EphB2-Fc去势组的骨密度及骨体积分数均明显增高(P0. 01)。Realtime PCR检测成骨相关基因提示,与去势对照Fc组比较,EfnB1-Fc、EfnB2-Fc和EphB2-Fc去势组中ALP与Osterix的表达明显升高(P0. 01); EfnB1-Fc和EphB2-Fc可显著提高BMSCs成骨分化中ALP的活性和骨基质矿化能力,以EphB2-Fc效果最为显著(P0. 01)。与去势对照Fc组比较,EfnB1-Fc、EfnB2-Fc和EphB2-Fc去势组中RANKL的表达未见明显差异(P0. 05),但OPG的表达明显升高(P0. 01),其中,EfnB1-Fc去势组与EphB2-Fc去势组中OPG/RANKL的比率升高最为明显(P0. 01)。结论 EphB2/EfnB1双向信号通路可逆转去势所导致的骨量减少,上调ALP与Osterix的表达,促进BMSCs的成骨分化能力,并可通过调节OPG/RNAKL比率影响去势骨髓间充质干细胞的功能,从而间接影响破骨细胞系的分化。     

Selective glucocorticoid receptor modulation maintains bone mineral density in mice

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are potent anti‐inflammatory drugs, but their use is limited by their adverse effects on the skeleton. Compound A (CpdA) is a novel GC receptor modulator with the potential for an improved risk/benefit profile. We tested the effects of CpdA on bone in a mouse model of GC‐induced bone loss. Bone loss was induced in FVB/N mice by implanting slow‐release pellets containing either vehicle, prednisolone (PRED) (3.5 mg), or CpdA (3.5 mg). After 4 weeks, mice were killed to examine the effects on the skeleton using quantitative computed tomography, bone histomorphometry, serum markers of bone turnover, and gene expression analysis. To assess the underlying mechanisms, in vitro studies were performed with human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and murine osteocyte‐like cells (MLO‐Y4 cells). PRED reduced the total and trabecular bone density in the femur by 9% and 24% and in the spine by 11% and 20%, respectively, whereas CpdA did not influence these parameters. Histomorphometry confirmed these results and further showed that the mineral apposition rate was decreased by PRED whereas the number of osteoclasts was increased. Decreased bone formation was paralleled by a decline in serum procollagen type 1 N‐terminal peptide (P1NP), reduced skeletal expression of osteoblast markers, and increased serum levels of the osteoblast inhibitor dickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1). In addition, serum CTX‐1 and the skeletal receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio were increased by PRED. None of these effects were observed with CpdA. Consistent with the in vivo data, CpdA did not increase the RANKL/OPG ratio in MLO‐Y4 cells or the expression of DKK‐1 in bone tissue, BMSCs, and osteocytes. Finally, CpdA also failed to transactivate DKK‐1 expression in bone tissue, BMSCs, and osteocytes. This study underlines the bone‐sparing potential of CpdA and suggests that by preventing increases in the RANKL/OPG ratio or DKK‐1 in osteoblast lineage cells, GC‐induced bone loss may be ameliorated. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Involvement of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in bone destruction induced by metastatic MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in nude mice

To clarify the mechanisms of bone destruction associated with bone metastases, we studied an animal model in which inoculation of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells into the left cardiac ventricle of female nude mice causes osteolytic lesions in bone using morphological techniques. On the bone surfaces facing the metastatic tumor cells, there existed many tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated osteoclasts. TRAP-positive mononuclear osteoclast precursor cells were also observed in the tumor nests. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the cancer cells produced parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) but not receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). Histochemical and immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated that alkaline phosphatase and RANKL-positive stromal cells were frequently adjacent to TRAP-positive osteoclast-like cells. Immunoelectron microscopic observation revealed that osteoclast-like cells were in contact with RANKL-positive stromal cells. MDA-MB-231 cells and osteoclastlike cells in the tumor nests showed CD44-positive reactivity on their plasma membranes. Hyaluronan (HA) and osteopontin (OPN), the ligands for CD44, were occasionally colocalized with CD44. These results suggest that tumorproducing osteoclastogenic factors, including PTHrP, upregulate RANKL expression in bone marrow stromal cells, which in turn stimulates the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts, leading to the progression of bone destruction in the bone metastases of MDA-MB-231 cells. Because the interactions between CD44 and its ligands, HA and OPN, have been shown to upregulate osteoclast differentiation and function, in addition to the cell-cell interactions mediated by RANK and RANKL, the cell-matrix interactions mediated by these molecules may also contribute to the progression of osteoclastic bone destruction.     

Thrombin receptor deficiency leads to a high bone mass phenotype by decreasing the RANKL/OPG ratio

Thrombin and its receptor (TR) are, respectively, expressed in osteoclasts and osteoblasts. However, their physiological roles on bone metabolism have not been fully elucidated. Here we investigated the bone microarchitecture by micro-computed tomography (μCT) and demonstrated increased trabecular and cortical bone mass in femurs of TR KO mice compared to WT littermates. Trabecular thickness and connectivity were significantly enhanced. The physiological role of TR on both inorganic and organic phases of bone is illustrated by a significant increase in BMD and a decrease in urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) crosslink concentration in TR KO mice. Moreover, TR KO cortical bone expanded and had a higher polar moment of inertia (J), implying stronger bone. Bone histomorphometry illustrated unaltered osteoblast and osteoclast number and surface in femoral metaphyses, indicating that thrombin/TR regulates osteoblasts and osteoclasts at functional levels. Serum analysis showed a decrease in RANKL and an increase in osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels and reflected a reduced RANKL/OPG ratio in the TR KO group. In vitro experiments using MC3T3 pre-osteoblasts demonstrated a TR-dependent stimulatory effect of thrombin on the RANKL/OPG ratio. This effect was blocked by TR antagonist and p42/p44-ERK inhibitor. In addition, thrombin also intensified p42/p44-ERK expression and phosphorylation. In conclusion, the thrombin/TR system maintains normal bone remodeling by activating RANKL and limiting OPG synthesis by osteoblasts through the p42/44-ERK signaling pathway. Consequently, TR deficiency inhibits osteoclastogenesis, resulting in a high bone mass phenotype.     

Production of IL-7 is increased in ovariectomized mice,but not RANKL mRNA expression by osteoblasts/stromal cells in bone,and IL-7 enhances generation of osteoclast precursors in vitro

Osteoclastogenic cytokines produced by T and B lineage cells and interleukin (IL)-7-induced expansion of the pool size of osteoclast precursors have been suggested to play an important role in acceleration of osteoclastogenesis induced by estrogen deficiency. However, the contribution of increased RANKL produced by osteoblasts/stromal cells to increase osteoclastogenesis in a mouse model of estrogen-deficient osteoporosis and in vitro effects of IL-7 on osteoclast precursor generation remain controversial. Thus, we investigated the effect of ovariectomy (OVX) of mice on production of RANKL, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and IL-7 in bone and the effect of IL-7 on osteoclast precursor generation in vitro. OVX did not significantly stimulate mRNA expressions of RANKL and OPG in whole femurs. Because the epiphysis, but not the femoral shaft (diaphysis) or bone marrow, is the main site of osteoclastogenesis, it is important to specifically analyze mRNA expression by osteoblasts/stromal cells at these parts of the femur. Therefore, we isolated RNA from bone marrow cell-free epiphysis, diaphysis, and flushed-out bone marrow and examined mRNA expression. The results showed no significant changes of RANKL and OPG mRNA expression in any part of the femur. In addition, OVX did not significantly affect RANKL and OPG mRNA expression by the adherent stromal cells isolated from flushed-out bone marrow cells but did stimulate RANKL mRNA expression by B220⁺ cells in the nonadherent cell fraction. On the other hand, OVX increased IL-7 mRNA expression in the femur as well as IL-7 concentrations in bone fluid. In cultures of unfractionated bone cells isolated by vigorous agitation of minced whole long bones to release the cells tightly attached to the bone surfaces, but not in cocultures of clonal osteoblasts/stromal cells and flushed-out bone marrow cells, IL-7 stimulated generations of osteoclasts as well as osteoclast precursors. These data suggest that increased RANKL production by osteoblasts/stromal cells is unlikely to play a central role in acceleration of osteoclastogenesis in estrogen deficiency of mice and that IL-7 stimulates osteoclast precursor generation, presumably through an action of IL-7 on the cells attached to bone rather than on cells contained in the bone marrow cell population.     

The RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway

Understanding of osteoclast formation and activation has advanced considerably since the discovery of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system in the mid 1990s. Osteoblasts and stromal stem cells express receptor activator of NF-jB ligand (RANKL), which binds to its receptor, RANK, on the surface of osteoclasts and their precursors. This regulates the differentiation of precursors into multinucleated osteoclasts and osteoclast activation and survival both normally and in most pathologic conditions associated with increased bone resorption. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is secreted by osteoblasts and osteogenic stromal stem cells and protects the skeleton from excessive bone resorption by binding to RANKL and preventing it from interacting with RANK. The RANKL/OPG ratio in bone marrow is thus an important determinant of bone mass in normal and disease states. RANKL/RANK signaling also regulates lymph node formation and mammary gland lactational hyperplasia in mice, and OPG protects large arteries of mice from medial calcification. This article reviews the roles of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system in bone and other tissues.     

Annexin II stimulates RANKL expression through MAPK.

We report that AX-II, in addition to inducing GM-CSF expression, also increases membrane-bound RANKL synthesis by marrow stromal cells and does so through a previously unreported MAPK-dependent pathway. Thus, both GM-CSF and RANKL are required for AX-II stimulation of OCL formation. INTRODUCTION: Annexin II (AX-II) is an autocrine/paracrine factor secreted by osteoclasts (OCLs) that stimulates human OCL formation and bone resorption in vitro by inducing bone marrow stromal cells and activated CD4+ T cells to produce granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). GM-CSF in turn increases OCL precursor proliferation and further enhances OCL formation. However, the induction of GM-CSF by AX-II cannot fully explain its effects on OCL formation. In this study, we tested the capacity of AX-II to induce the expression of RANKL and the corresponding signaling pathways AX-II employs in human marrow stromal cells to induce RANKL. We also showed that both GM-CSF and RANKL are required for OCL formation induced by AX-II. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA and protein expression in unfractionated human bone marrow mononuclear cells stimulated with AX-II. Soluble RANKL in the conditioned medium was analyzed by ELISA. Activation of the MAPK pathway by AX-II was tested by Western blot. The effects of OPG and anti-GM-CSF on AX-II-induced OCL formation were also examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In addition to upregulating GM-CSF mRNA, AX-II increased RANKL mRNA expression dose-dependently in unfractionated human bone marrow mononuclear cells and modestly increased soluble RANKL in unfractionated human bone marrow mononuclear cell conditioned medium. However, AX-II markedly increased membrane-bound RANKL on human bone marrow stromal cells. Treatment of marrow stromal cells with AX-II activated MAP-kinase (ERKs) and PD 98059 abolished the effect but did not block the increase in GM-CSF. Interestingly, OPG, a natural decoy receptor for RANKL, or anti-GM-CSF partially inhibited OCL formation by AX-II in human bone marrow cells, and the combination of OPG and anti-GM-CSF completely blocked AX-II-induced OCL formation. These data show that AX-II stimulates both the proliferation and differentiation of OCL precursors through production of GM-CSF and RANKL respectively.     

Imbalance of the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio in bone marrow microenvironment after allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND: Bone loss is a common complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) plays a critical role in bone remodeling by neutralizing the effect of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) on differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. We investigated OPG and RANKL in serum and marrow plasma in transplanted patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 36 patients and 36 controls, the relationships among bone mineral density, circulating OPG, RANKL, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-6 levels were investigated; in addition, OPG and RANKL were measured in marrow plasma and in conditioned medium of long-term cultures of marrow mesenchymal-derived osteogenic cells. RESULTS: Lumbar and femoral bone mineral density were lower in patients than in controls (P<0.01). Serum OPG (sOPG) and interferon-gamma were significantly higher in patients than in controls (P<0.05). Patients' interferon-gamma correlated with sOPG levels (r=0.4; P=0.03). Interleukin-6 did not differ between patients and controls. By contrast, OPG levels were lower in patients than in controls in marrow plasma (P<0.001) and in conditioned media after one (P=0.035) and three months (P=0.003) of culture of marrow mesenchymal-derived osteogenic cells. RANKL was similar in patients and controls. The OPG/RANKL ratio "in situ" was significantly lower in patients than in controls (P<0.05). There was no correlation between sOPG and marrow OPG, RANKL levels, densitometric values, and chronic graft-versus-host disease. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: 1) sOPG bear no relationship with OPG in the bone marrow; 2) increased sOPG can be the result of its enhanced production in extra bone tissues triggered by inflammatory cytokines; 3) low bone marrow OPG levels may be partly related to the persistent quantitative and qualitative deficit of osteoblastic precursors; and 4) reduced OPG/RANKL ratio in bone microenvironment may increase bone remodeling by promoting bone resorption.     

激素性股骨头坏死患者骨髓基质细胞骨保护素/核因子kappa B受体活化因子配基蛋白表达的研究

目的观察激素性股骨头坏死患者骨髓基质细胞（bone marrow stroma cells,BMSCs）骨保护素（osteoprotegerin,OPG）/核因子kappa B受体活化因子配基（receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand,RANKL）蛋白表达情况,探讨长期应用激素导致股骨头坏死的另一病理机制。方法 2007年3月至2008年3月,取激素性股骨头坏死患者骨髓及股骨头骨组织35例（实验组）,股骨颈骨折患者骨髓及股骨头骨组织21例（对照组）。两组男女比例均为4：3;年龄41～70岁,实验组平均55.34岁,对照组平均55.33岁;实验组最近2年内接受过皮质激素治疗超过3周或超过1周的大剂量冲击治疗,对照组从未接受过超过1周的激素治疗。骨组织标本行多聚甲醛固定后石蜡包埋,HE染色。所取骨髓采用贴壁法分离培养骨髓基质细胞,采用蛋白免疫印迹（Western blot）技术检测骨髓基质细胞OPG和RANKL蛋白表达水平,并得出OPG/RANKL比值。结果 HE染色：实验组未见完整的骨小梁和骨单位,可见不连续的骨碎片,碎片骨陷窝内骨细胞大部分消失,周围大量炎性肉芽组织。对照组可见完整骨单位由板层骨构成,板层骨连续完整,围绕血管呈同心圆排列,小梁骨陷窝内可见骨细胞。骨髓基质细胞Western blot检测：实验组和对照组OPG/RANKL蛋白表达比分别为1.13±0.65和2.54±0.35,实验组明显低于对照组,有统计学差异（P〈0.05）。结论长期应用糖皮质激素致股骨头坏死可能与其调控骨髓基质细胞OPG和RANKL表达有关。     

Expression profiles of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB, and osteoprotegerin messenger RNA in aged and ovariectomized rat bones.

The receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL; also known as tumor necrosis factor-related activation-induced cytokine [TRANCE], osteoprotegerin ligand [OPGL], and osteoclast differentiation factor [ODF]) is a transmembrane ligand expressed in osteoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells. It binds to RANK, which is expressed in osteoclast progenitor cells, and induces osteoclastogenesis. OPG, a decoy receptor for RANKL, also binds to RANKL, and competitive binding of RANKL with RANK or OPG is thought to regulate bone metabolism. To investigate roles of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system in pathophysiological conditions, the expression of RANKL, RANK, and OPG messenger RNA (mRNA) was analyzed in bones of aged and ovariectomized rats by means of in situ hybridization. In the control 8-week-old male and sham-operated female rat bones, the expression of RANKL mRNA was detected in hypertrophic chondrocytes of the growth plate and some periosteal and endosteal mesenchymal cells. The expression of RANK mRNA was detected in osteoclast-like cells and mononuclear cells in contact with the cortical and trabecular bones. The expression of OPG mRNA was detected in proliferating chondrocytes and osteocytes. In the 2.5-year-old rat bones, the expression of RANKL, RANK, and OPG mRNA tended to decrease except for the endosteal region. In the ovariectomized rat bones, the expression of RANKL, RANK, and OPG mRNA increased, and high expression of OPG mRNA was induced in resting chondrocytes and osteocytes. These results suggest that estrogen deficiency stimulates the RANKL/RANK/OPG system and induces OPG in cells that have been thought to be less important for bone metabolism.     

Regulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand and osteoprotegerin mRNA expression by parathyroid hormone is predominantly mediated by the protein kinase a pathway in murine bone marrow cultures

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) mRNA and inhibits osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA expression in murine bone marrow cultures. To understand the mechanisms influencing these responses, we investigated the role of the protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) pathways in the regulation of RANKL and OPG mRNA expression in murine bone marrow cultures. Murine bone marrow cells were stimulated with bovine PTH(1-34) and (1-34) amide, which activate both pathways; PTH(3-34), which more selectively activates the PKC and calcium pathways; and human PTH (1-31), which stimulates adenylyl cyclase, but not protein kinase C. We also examined agents that more directly activate either the PKA pathway (forskolin [FSK] and 8-bromo cAMP [8-Br-cAMP]) or the PKC pathway (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate [PMA]) in murine bone marrow cultures. After 1 h, RANKL mRNA expression was stimulated to a similar degree by agents that activate either or both the PKA and PKC pathways. However, this effect was sustained for 24 h only with agents that stimulated PKA. OPG mRNA expression was inhibited by all agents that stimulated PKA at 6 h. In contrast, PKC-specific stimulators [PMA and bPTH(3-34)] had no effect on OPG regulation in this culture system. To determine the involvement of the PKC signaling pathway in responses of RANKL, bone marrow cells were pretreated with PMA for 24 h and then treated with PTH(1-34) or FSK for 2 h. PMA pretreatment did not alter the ability of PTH or FSK to stimulate RANKL or inhibit OPG mRNA expression. Treatment of cells with H-89, a PKA inhibitor, significantly reduced the ability of PTH and FSK to induce RANKL and inhibit OPG mRNA expression. Calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, significantly reduced PMA-stimulated RANKL mRNA expression without altering PTH- or FSK-mediated effects on RANKL or OPG mRNA. Cycloheximide, an inhibitor for protein synthesis, inhibited PTH-stimulated RANKL mRNA expression by 60% without altering the effect of PTH on OPG mRNA expression. To examine the involvement of prostaglandin in PMA-mediated responses, cells were treated with indomethacin, a nonspecific prostaglandin G/H synthase (PGHS) inhibitor, or NS-398, a selective inhibitor of PGHS-2. Neither PGHS inhibitor altered PMA-induced effects on RANKL and OPG mRNA expression. These results demonstrate that the PKA pathway is predominantly involved in the effects of PTH on RANKL mRNA expression in murine bone marrow cultures, but there is also a PKC-mediated response, which is not sustained. Inhibition of OPG by PTH appears to be a selective PKA response.     

Enhanced Immunoprotective Effects by Anti‐IL‐17 Antibody Translates to Improved Skeletal Parameters Under Estrogen Deficiency Compared With Anti‐RANKL and Anti‐TNF‐α Antibodies

Activated T cell has a key role in the interaction between bone and immune system. T cells produce proinflammatory cytokines, including receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), and interleukin 17 (IL‐17), all of which augment osteoclastogenesis. RANKL and TNF‐α are targeted by inhibitors such as denosumab, a human monoclonal RANKL antibody, and infliximab, which neutralizes TNF‐α. IL‐17 is also an important mediator of bone loss, and an antibody against IL‐17 is undergoing phase II clinical trial for rheumatoid arthritis. Although there are a few studies showing suppression of Th17 cell differentiation and induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) by infliximab, the effect of denosumab remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of anti‐TNF‐α, anti‐RANKL, or anti‐IL‐17 antibody administration to estrogen‐deficient mice on CD4⁺ T‐cell proliferation, CD28 loss, Th17/Treg balance and B lymphopoesis, and finally, the translation of these immunomodulatory effects on skeletal parameters. Adult Balb/c mice were treated with anti‐RANKL/‐TNF‐α/‐IL‐17 subcutaneously, twice a week, postovariectomy (Ovx) for 4 weeks. Animals were then autopsied; bone marrow cells were collected for FACS and RNA analysis and serum collected for ELISA. Bones were dissected for static and dynamic histomorphometry studies. We observed that although anti‐RANKL and anti‐TNF‐α therapies had no effect on Ovx‐induced CD4⁺ T‐cell proliferation and B lymphopoesis, anti‐IL‐17 effectively suppressed both events with concomitant reversal of CD28 loss. Anti‐IL‐17 antibody reduced proinflammatory cytokine production and induced Tregs. All three antibodies restored trabecular microarchitecture with comparable efficacy; however, cortical bone parameters, bone biomechanical properties, and histomorphometry were best preserved by anti‐IL‐17 antibody, likely attributable to its inhibitory effect on osteoblast apoptosis and increased number of bone lining cells and Wnt10b expression. Based on the superior immunoprotective effects of anti‐IL‐17, which appears to translate to a better skeletal preservation, we propose beginning clinical trials using a humanized antibody against IL‐17 for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Mechanisms Involved in the Establishment of Tolerance Through Costimulatory Blockade and BMT: Lack of Requirement for CD40L-Mediated Signaling for Tolerance or Deletion of Donor-reactive CD4+ Cells

We have previously shown that high levels of multiline-age mixed hematopoietic chimerism and systemic T-cell tolerance can be achieved in mice without myeloablation through the use of anti-CD40L and costimulatory blockade alone (plus CTLA4Ig) or with recipient CD8 depletion and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Chimeric mice permanently accept donor skin grafts (> 100 days), and rapidly reject third-party grafts. The mechanisms by which costimulatory blockade facilitates the engraftment of allogeneic hematopoietic cells have not been defined. To further understand the in vivo mechanisms by which the administration of anti-CD40L mAb facilitates the engraftment of donor bone marrow and rapidly tolerizes CD4+ T cells, we analyzed the establishment of chimerism and tolerance in CD40L -/- mice. We demonstrate here that anti-CD40L mAb treatment is required only to prevent CD40L/CD40 interactions, and that no signal to the T cell through CD40L is necessary for the induction of CD4+ tolerance. Peripheral deletion of donor-reactive CD4+ T cells occurs rapidly in CD40L -/- mice receiving bone marrow transplantation (BMT), indicating that this deletion in the presence of anti-CD40L is not due to targeting of activated CD4+ cells by the antibody. Complete CD4+ cell tolerance is observed by both skin graft acceptance and in vitro assays before deletion is complete, indicating that additional mechanisms play a role in inducing CD4+ T-cell tolerance as the result of BMT in the presence of CD40/CD40L blockade.     

Expression of RANKL and OPG correlates with age-related bone loss in male C57BL/6 mice.

Osteoblasts regulate the recruitment and activity of osteoclasts through expression of RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG). To determine whether expression of RANKL and OPG change with age and how these changes relate to the bone loss of aging, we measured bone mass and cancellous volume, and expression of RANKL, OPG, alkaline phosphatase (AP), osteocalcin (OC), and alpha I collagen (COLL) in whole bone and osteoblast-like cells in culture using 6-week- (young), 6-month- (adult), and 24-month-old (old) mice. Cancellous volume decreased by 20% from young to adult and by 52% from adult to old. RANKL mRNA levels in whole bone were 2.1-fold and 4.4-fold higher in adult and old mice, respectively, compared with young mice, whereas OPG mRNA levels decreased with age slightly. RANKL expression was negatively (r = -0.99) and OPG was positively (r = 0.92) correlated with cancellous bone volume. Expression of RANKL was higher and OPG lower in cells from older animals early in culture (day 7). With cell maturation, RANKL mRNA levels in cells from young and adult mice increased, whereas levels in cells from old animals decreased. By 21 and 28 days of culture, no differences were found in RANKL mRNA in osteoblast-like cells among different age groups. We conclude that expression of RANKL and OPG change with age in whole bone and in cultured osteoblast-like cells. These changes favor increased osteoclast over osteoblast activity, and may explain, in part, the imbalance in bone formation and resorption associated with aging.     

Melatonin at pharmacologic doses increases bone mass by suppressing resorption through down-regulation of the RANKL-mediated osteoclast formation and activation.

This study evaluated if melatonin would increase bone mass in mice. Four groups of 4-week-old male ddy mice received daily injections of vehicle or 1, 5, or 50 mg/kg of melatonin, respectively, for 4 weeks. Treatment with 5 mg/kg per day or 50 mg/kg per day of melatonin significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD; by 36%, p < 0.005) and bone mass (bone volume per tissue volume [BV/TV] by 49%, p < 0.01, and trabecular thickness [Tb.Th] by 19%, p < 0.05). This treatment significantly reduced bone resorption parameters (i.e., osteoclast surface [Oc.S/bone surface [BS]] by 74%,p < 0.05, and osteoclast number [N.Oc/BS] by 76%,p < 0.005) but did not increase histomorphometric bone formation parameters (i.e., bone formation rate [BFR/ BS], mineral apposition rate [MAR], and osteoid volume [OV/TV]), indicating that melatonin increases bone mass predominantly through suppression of bone resorption. Melatonin (1-500 microM) in vitro caused dose-dependent reduction (p < 0.001 for each) in the number and area of resorption pits formed by osteoclasts derived from bone marrow cells but not those formed by isolated rabbit osteoclasts. Because RANKL increases, while osteoprotegerin (OPG) serves as a soluble decoy receptor for RANKL to inhibit osteoclast formation and activity, the effect of melatonin on the expression of RANKL and OPG in mouse MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells was investigated. Melatonin (5-500 microM) increased in a dose-dependent manner and reduced the mRNA level of RANKL and both mRNA and protein levels of OPG in MC3T3-E1 cells (p < 0.001 for each). In summary, these findings indicated for the first time that melatonin at pharmacologic doses in mice causes an inhibition of bone resorption and an increase in bone mass. These skeletal effects probably were caused by the melatonin-mediated down-regulation of the RANKL-mediated osteoclast formation and activation.     

Liver-derived IGF-I is permissive for ovariectomy-induced trabecular bone loss

INTRODUCTION: Estrogen deficiency results in trabecular bone loss, associated with T-cell proliferation in the bone marrow. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is involved in the regulation of both bone metabolism and lymphopoiesis. A major part of serum IGF-I is derived from the liver. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of liver-derived IGF-I for ovariectomy (ovx)-induced trabecular bone loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice with adult liver-specific IGF-I inactivation (LI-IGF-I-/-) and wild type mice (WT) were either ovx or sham operated. After 5 weeks, the skeletal phenotype was analyzed by pQCT and microCT. The bone marrow cellularity was analyzed using FACS technique, and mRNA levels were quantified using real-time PCR. RESULTS: Ovx resulted in a pronounced reduction in trabecular bone mineral density (-52%, P < 0.001), number (-45%, P < 0.01) and thickness (-13%, P < 0.01) in WT mice while these bone parameters were unaffected by ovx in LI-IGF-I-/- mice. Furthermore, ovx increased the number of T-cells in the bone marrow of the femur in WT but not in LI-IGF-I-/- mice. Interleukin 7 (IL-7) has been reported to stimulate the formation and function of osteoclasts by inducing the expression of receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) on T-cells. IL-7 mRNA levels and the RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio in bone were increased by ovx in WT but not in LI-IGF-I-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: Liver-derived IGF-I is permissive for ovx-induced trabecular bone loss. Our studies indicate that IGF-I might exert this permissive action by modulation of the number of T-cells and the expression of IL-7, which in turn is of importance for the RANKL/OPG ratio and consequently osteoclastogenesis in the bone marrow.     

低频振动对BMSCs成骨能力影响及机制的在体实验研究

[目的]通过在体实验,研究低频振动对骨髓基质干细胞(bone marrow stromal cells,BMSCs)成骨能力及其OPG基因、RANKL基因表达的影响,并初步探讨其机制.[方法]实验用新西兰兔80只,制作骨缺损模型,骨缺损区植入脱钙骨基质明胶及BMSCs复合物,随机分组:对照组(A组);12.5 Hz振动频率组(B组);25 Hz振动频率组(C组);50 Hz振动频率组(D组);100Hz振动频率组(E组).振动组于第7 d开始接受振动干预5周;振动结束后对不同频率振动组别OPG mRNA、RANKL mRNA进行检测.[结果]振动组BMSCs OPG、RANKL基因表达明显上调(P＜0.05),以25 Hz显著(P＜0.01);100 Hz振动组BMSCs OPG、RANKL基因表达下调(P＜0.05).[结论]低频振动可调控BMSCs的骨向分化并且促进其成骨能力,可能与其促进OPG基因表达上调有关.