Ablation of Cathepsin K Activity in the Young Mouse Causes Hypermineralization of Long Bone and Growth Plates

Cathepsin K deficiency in humans causes pycnodysostosis, which is characterized by dwarfism and osteosclerosis. Earlier studies of 10-week-old male cathepsin K-deficient (knockout, KO) mice showed their bones were mechanically more brittle, while histomorphometry showed that both osteoclasts and osteoblasts had impaired activity relative to the wild type (WT). Here, we report detailed mineral and matrix analyses of the tibia of these animals based on Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy and imaging. At 10 weeks, there was significant hypercalcification of the calcified cartilage and cortices in the KO. Carbonate content was elevated in the KO calcified cartilage as well as cortical and cancellous bone areas. These data suggest that cathepsin K does not affect mineral deposition but has a significant effect on mineralized tissue remodeling. Since growth plate abnormalities were extensive despite reported low levels of cathepsin K expression in the calcified cartilage, we used a differentiating chick limb-bud mesenchymal cell system that mimics endochondral ossification but does not contain osteoclasts, to show that cathepsin K inhibition during initial stages of mineral deposition retards the mineralization process while general inhibition of cathepsins can increase mineralization. These data suggest that the hypercalcification of the cathepsin K-deficient growth plate is due to persistence of calcified cartilage and point to a role of cathepsin K in bone tissue development as well as skeletal remodeling.     

Cathepsin K knockout mice develop osteopetrosis due to a deficit in matrix degradation but not demineralization.

Cathepsin K is a cysteine protease expressed predominantly in osteoclasts. Activated cathepsin K cleaves key bone matrix proteins and is believed to play an important role in degrading the organic phase of bone during bone resorption. Mutations in the human cathepsin K gene have been demonstrated to be associated with a rare skeletal dysplasia, pycnodysostosis. The degree of functional activity of the mutated forms of cathepsin K in these individuals has not been elucidated, but is predicted to be low or absent. To study the role of cathepsin K in bone resorption, we have generated mice deficient in the cathepsin K gene. Histologic and radiographic analysis of the mice revealed osteopetrosis of the long bones and vertebrae, and abnormal joint morphology. X-ray microcomputerized tomography images allowed quantitation of the increase in bone volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number in both the primary spongiosa and the metaphysis of the proximal tibiae. Not all bones were similarly affected. Chondrocyte differentiation was normal. The mice also had abnormalities in hematopoietic compartments, particularly decreased bone marrow cellularity and splenomegaly. The heterozygous animals appeared normal. Close histologic examination of bone histology revealed fully differentiated osteoclasts apposed to small regions of demineralized bone. This strongly suggests that cathepsin K-deficient osteoclasts are capable of demineralizing the extracellular matrix but are unable to adequately remove the demineralized bone. This is entirely consistent with the proposed function of cathepsin K as a matrix-degrading proteinase in bone resorption.     

Potent and selective inhibition of human cathepsin K leads to inhibition of bone resorption in vivo in a nonhuman primate.

Cathepsin K is a cysteine protease that plays an essential role in osteoclast-mediated degradation of the organic matrix of bone. Knockout of the enzyme in mice, as well as lack of functional enzyme in the human condition pycnodysostosis, results in osteopetrosis. These results suggests that inhibition of the human enzyme may provide protection from bone loss in states of elevated bone turnover, such as postmenopausal osteoporosis. To test this theory, we have produced a small molecule inhibitor of human cathepsin K, SB-357114, that potently and selectively inhibits this enzyme (Ki = 0.16 nM). This compound potently inhibited cathepsin activity in situ, in human osteoclasts (inhibitor concentration [IC]50 = 70 nM) as well as bone resorption mediated by human osteoclasts in vitro (IC50 = 29 nM). Using SB-357114, we evaluated the effect of inhibition of cathepsin K on bone resorption in vivo using a nonhuman primate model of postmenopausal bone loss in which the active form of cathepsin K is identical to the human orthologue. A gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) was used to render cynomolgus monkeys estrogen deficient, which led to an increase in bone turnover. Treatment with SB-357114 (12 mg/kg subcutaneously) resulted in a significant reduction in serum markers of bone resorption relative to untreated controls. The effect was observed 1.5 h after the first dose and was maintained for 24 h. After 5 days of dosing, the reductions in N-terminal telopeptides (NTx) and C-terminal telopeptides (CTx) of type I collagen were 61% and 67%, respectively. A decrease in serum osteocalcin of 22% was also observed. These data show that inhibition of cathepsin K results in a significant reduction of bone resorption in vivo and provide further evidence that this may be a viable approach to the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

Study of immunoelectron microscopic localization of cathepsin K in osteoclasts and other bone cells in the mouse femur

The localization of cathepsin K protein in mouse osteoclasts was examined by immunolight and immunoelectron microscopy using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method with anti-cathepsin K (mouse) antibody. With light microscopy, a strong immunoreaction for cathepsin K was found extracellularly along the bone and cartilage resorption lacunae and detected intracellularly in vesicles, granules, and vacuoles throughout the cytoplasm of multinuclear osteoclasts and chondroclasts attached to the surface of the bone or cartilage. Mononuclear cells, probably preosteoclasts, some distance from the bone also contained a few cathepsin K-positive vesicles and granules. Cathepsin K was sometimes found in the cisternal spaces of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and vesicles of the Golgi apparatus with electron microscopy of the basolateral region of the osteoclasts. Cathepsin K-positive vesicles and granules as lysosomal compartments were present in various stages of fusion with vacuoles as endosomal compartments that contained fragmented cathepsin K-negative fibril-like structures. Some of the vacuoles (endolysosomes), which seemed to be formed by this process of fusion, contained cathepsin K-positive vesicles and fibril-like structures that did not show the regular cross striation of type I collagen fibrils. In the apical region of the osteoclasts, cathepsin K-positive vesicles and pits had already fused with or were in the process of fusing with the ampullar extracellular spaces. There were large deposits of cathepsin K on fragmented fibril-like structures without regular cross striation in the extracellular spaces, as well as on and between the cytoplasmic processes of the ruffled border. There were also extensive deposits of cathepsin K on the type I collagen fibrils with cross striation in the bone resorption lacunae. Osteoblasts and osteocytes were negative for cathepsin K. In the immunocytochemical controls, no immunoreaction was found in the osteoclasts or preosteoclasts, or on the collagen fibrils in the resorption lacunae. The results indicate that cathepsin K is produced in mature osteoclasts attached to the bone and secreted into the bone resorption lacunae. The findings suggest that cathepsin K participates in the extracellular degradation of collagen fibrils in the resorption lacunae and in the subsequent degradation of the fragmented fibrils in the endolysosomes. It is also suggested that cathepsin K degrades the organic cartilage matrix.     

The bone lining cell: its role in cleaning Howship's lacunae and initiating bone formation.

In this study we investigated the role of bone lining cells in the coordination of bone resorption and formation. Ultrastructural analysis of mouse long bones and calvariae revealed that bone lining cells enwrap and subsequently digest collagen fibrils protruding from Howship's lacunae that are left by osteoclasts. By using selective proteinase inhibitors we show that this digestion depends on matrix metalloproteinases and, to some extent, on serine proteinases. Autoradiography revealed that after the bone lining cells have finished cleaning, they deposit a thin layer of a collagenous matrix along the Howship's lacuna, in close association with an osteopontin-rich cement line. Collagenous matrix deposition was detected only in completely cleaned pits. In bone from pycnodysostotic patients and cathepsin K-deficient mice, conditions in which osteoclastic bone matrix digestion is greatly inhibited, bone matrix leftovers proved to be degraded by bone lining cells, thus indicating that the bone lining cell "rescues" bone remodeling in these anomalies. We conclude that removal of bone collagen left by osteoclasts in Howship's lacunae is an obligatory step in the link between bone resorption and formation, and that bone lining cells and matrix metalloproteinases are essential in this process.     

Phagocytosis of bone collagen by osteoclasts in two cases of pycnodysostosis

Summary Electron microscopic examination of bone biopsies obtained from two patients suffering from pycnodysostosis revealed that osteoclasts contained (sometimes large) cytoplasmic vacuoles filled with bone collagen fibrils. These vacuoles stained positive for acid phosphatase activity, thereby suggesting that bone matrix had been phagocytosed and subsequently exposed to hydrolytic enzymes of the lysosomal apparatus. Collagen-containing vacuoles were not observed in osteoclasts of individuals not suffering from this disease.     

Osteoclastic bone degradation and the role of different cysteine proteinases and matrix metalloproteinases: differences between calvaria and long bone.

Osteoclastic bone degradation involves the activity of cathepsin K. We found that in addition to this enzyme other, yet unknown, cysteine proteinases participate in digestion. The results support the notion that osteoclasts from different bone sites use different enzymes to degrade the collagenous bone matrix. INTRODUCTION: The osteoclast resorbs bone by lowering the pH in the resorption lacuna, which is followed by secretion of proteolytic enzymes. One of the enzymes taken to be essential in resorption is the cysteine proteinase, cathepsin K. Some immunolabeling and enzyme inhibitor data, however, suggest that other cysteine proteinases and/or proteolytic enzymes belonging to the group of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may participate in the degradation. In this study, we investigated whether, in addition to cathepsin K, other enzymes participate in osteoclastic bone degradation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In bones obtained from mice deficient for cathepsin K, B, or L or a combination of K and L, the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts was analyzed at the electron microscopic level. In addition, bone explants were cultured in the presence of different selective cysteine proteinase inhibitors and an MMP inhibitor, and the effect on resorption was assessed. Because previous studies showed differences in resorption by calvarial osteoclasts compared with those present in long bones, in all experiments, the two types of bone were compared. Finally, bone extracts were analyzed for the level of activity of cysteine proteinases and the effect of inhibitors hereupon. RESULTS: The analyses of the cathepsin-deficient bone explants showed that, in addition to cathepsin K, calvarial osteoclasts use other cysteine proteinases to degrade bone matrix. It was also shown that, in the absence of cathepsin K, long bone osteoclasts use MMPs for resorption. Cathepsin L proved to be involved in the MMP-mediated resorption of bone by calvarial osteoclasts; in the absence of this cathepsin, calvarial osteoclasts do not use MMPs for resorption. Selective inhibitors of cathepsin K and other cysteine proteinases showed a stronger effect on calvarial resorption than on long bone resorption. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that (1) cathepsin K-deficient long bone osteoclasts compensate the lack of this enzyme by using MMPs in the resorption of bone matrix; (2) cathepsin L is involved in MMP-mediated resorption by calvarial osteoclasts; (3) in addition to cathepsin K, other, yet unknown, cysteine proteinases are likely to participate in skull bone degradation; and finally, (4) the data provide strong additional support for the existence of functionally different bone-site specific osteoclasts.     

Morphological alterations in dental and periodontal tissues in murine mucopolysaccharidosis type VII

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) in humans are frequently associated with tooth and periodontal aberrations. Although the cause is known, namely, enzyme deficiency, the pathophysiology of these alterations is not well defined. A murine MPS VII (-glucuronidase deficiency) model has earlier been identified with morphological, genetic, and biochemical characteristics that closely mimic those of human MPS VII. The present investigation describes the histopathological alterations in dental and periodontal tissues from such mutant mice. Homozygous animals were identified by external phenotypical features and as being -glucuronidase deficient by a fluorometric assay of liver samples. In the incisor and the periodontium, abnormalities were evident in both cells and the extracellular matrices. Mesenchyme-derived cells were more aberrant than epithelial cells. Moreover, undifferentiated cells appeared unaffected, whereas actively synthesizing and resorbing cells were distended by virtually empty or granular material-containing vacuoles, the content presumably being glycosaminoglycans. The cells most affected were those in which macromolecular turnover is normally the highest, namely, odontoblasts, postsecretory ameloblasts, and periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Extracellularly, predentin displayed abnormal collagen fibrils, whereas mineralization defects occurred in both dentin and enamel. This murine model of MPS VII provides a good tool for understanding the pathophysiology of this disease in bone, periodontium, and teeth.     

An atypical subtrochanteric femoral fracture from pycnodysostosis: A lesson from nature

This case describes a man with an unusual cause of an atypical subtrochanteric fracture, pycnodysostosis. This condition results from mutations involving the cathepsin K gene. New antiresorptive treatments for osteoporosis inhibit the cathepsin K enzyme in osteoclasts. Therefore, there should be vigilant monitoring for the development of long‐term complications noted to occur in diseases of reduced osteoclast function, including pycnodysostosis, in patients receiving these novel antiresorptive agents. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Comparison in localization between cystatin C and cathepsin K in osteoclasts and other cells in mouse tibia epiphysis by immunolight and immunoelectron microscopy

We compared the distribution of a cysteine proteinase inhibitor, cystatin C, with that of cathepsin K in osteoclasts of the mouse tibia by immunolight and immunoelectron microscopy. Light microscopically, strong immunoreactivity for cystatin C was found extracellularly along the resorption lacuna and intracellularly in the organelles of osteoclasts. In serial sections, various patterns of cystatin C and cathepsin K localization were seen, specifically: (1) some resorption lacuna were positive for both cystatin C and cathepsin K; (2) others were positive for either cystatin C or cathepsin K, but not both; and (3) some lacuna were negative for both. In osteoclasts, the localization of cystatin C was similar to that of cathepsin K. Furthermore, cystatin C immunoreactivity was detected in preosteoclasts and osteoblasts, whereas cathepsin K was seen only in preosteoclasts. Electron microscopically, cystatin C immunoreactive products were found in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, vesicles, granules, and vacuoles of osteoclasts. These cystatin C-positive vesicles had fused or were in the process of fusion with the ampullar vacuoles (extracellular spaces) containing cystatin C-positive, fragmented, fibril-like structures. The extracellular cystatin C was deposited on and between the cytoplasmic processes of ruffled borders, and on and between type I collagen fibrils. In the basolateral region of osteoclasts, cystatin C-positive vesicles and granules also fused with vacuoles that contained cystatin C-positive or negative fibril-like structures. These results indicate that osteoclasts not only synthesize and secrete cathepsin K from the ruffled border into the bone resorption lacunae, but also a cysteine proteinase inhibitor, cystatin C. Therefore, it is suggested that cystatin C regulates the degradation of bone matrix by cathepsin K, both extracellularly and intracellularly.     

In vitro study of encapsulation therapy for Fabry disease using genetically engineered CHO cell line

Fabry disease is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal hydrolase alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-gal). The deficiency of this enzyme leads to the systemic deposition of ceramide trihexoside (CTH) in various tissues and organs. Enzyme replacement using IV doses of recombinant human alpha-gal produced in CHO cells or in human fibroblasts is currently being evaluated in clinical trials as a potential therapy for this disease. However, it requires lifelong therapy involving a large amount of purified alpha-gal. As a novel approach for treatment of Fabry disease we used polymer encapsulated Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells genetically modified to express alpha-gal. The secreted high levels of alpha-gal passed through the semipermeable polymeric membrane. Using coculture system with Fabry fibroblasts, the secreted enzyme was taken up in cells, resulting in reduced accumulation of CTH in Fabry fibroblasts. This in vitro study demonstrated that an encapsulated alpha-gal-secreting cell line can be used to treat Fabry mice by transplantation in vivo. Judging from the protection against immune rejection by a semipermeable synthetic membrane, this novel approach may be applied to treat patients with Fabry disease and other lysosomal storage diseases.     

Cathepsin K Preferentially Solubilizes Matured Bone Matrix

Bone collagen undergoes a series of enzymatic and nonenzymatic posttranslational modifications with maturation. The aim of this study was to analyze the collagenolytic efficiency of cathepsin K in relation to the extent of bone collagen age. Bone collagen posttranslational maturation was induced in vitro by preincubating bovine fetal cortical bone specimens at 37?°C for different times. The collagen enzymatic cross-links pyridinoline (PYD) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD), the advanced glycation end product pentosidine (PEN), and the native (α) and β-isomerized C-telopeptide (CTX) isomers were measured in each bone specimen. After extraction, bone collagen was incubated with human recombinant cathepsin K at different concentrations and its collagenolytic activity was measured by the release of hydroxyproline. To assess the affinity of cathepsin K for isomerized and nonisomerized CTX isomers, incubation with cathepsin K was also performed in the presence of various concentrations of a specific inhibitor. We showed that preincubation of bone collagen at 37?°C induces a marked increase in the bone concentration of PYD, DPD, and PEN and of CTX isomerization as reflected by the ratio of α-/βCTX. This increase was associated with a parallel increase in the efficiency of cathepsin K to solubilize bone collagen. When cathepsin K was incubated in the presence of an inhibitor, the β-isomerized form of collagen from 3-month- and 8-year-old bovine bone was more susceptible to degradation than the native α form. These results suggest that the collagenolytic activity of cathepsin K may be increased toward more matured bone collagen.     

Effects of antisense mediated inhibition of cathepsin K on human osteoclasts obtained from peripheral blood.

Cathepsin K is a cystein protease that displays a proteolytic activity against Type I collagen and is abundantly and selectively expressed in osteoclasts where it plays a critical role in bone degradation. Its direct role in bone tissue has been defined by knock-out mice studies and inhibiting strategies in animals models. However, direct proof of cathepsin K function in human osteoclast model in vitro is lacking. The aim of this study is to analyze cathepsin K expression and localization in human osteoclasts obtained from peripheral blood and to examine cathepsin K function in these cells by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-ODN) strategy. AS-ODN was added to the culture of osteoclast precursors induced to differentiate by RANKL and M-CSF. AS-ODN treatment produced a significant down-regulation of cathepsin K mRNA (>80%) and protein expression, as verified respectively by Real-time PCR and by immunocytochemistry or Western blot. The cathepsin K inhibition caused an impairment of resorption activity as evaluated by a pit formation assay ( p = 0.045) and by electron microscopy, while the acidification process was unaffected. We demonstrated that antisense strategies against cathepsin K are selectively effective to inhibit resorption activity in human osteoclasts, like in animal models.     

RANKL-Induced Increase in Cathepsin K Levels Restricts Cortical Expansion in a Periostin-Dependent Fashion: A Potential New Mechanism of Bone Fragility

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κΒ ligand (RANKL) is necessary and sufficient to promote osteoclastogenesis and a key pathogenic factor in osteoporosis. Failure of periosteal apposition to compensate for bone loss due to endosteal resorption further contributes to bone fragility. Whether these two processes are biologically related, however, remains unknown. Using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), we first examined cortical bone parameters at distal radius and tibia in postmenopausal women (PMW) as well as in cadaveric human adult humeri. Increases in medullary area were negatively correlated with cortical bone volume but positively with total bone volume, and this relationship was stronger in the dominant arm, suggesting a mechanically driven process. To investigate the role of RANKL in this dual process, we used mice overexpressing huRANKL (huRANKLTg⁺). Trabecular and cortical bone volume (Ct.BV) are reduced in these mice, whereas cortical total volume (Ct.TV) is increased. In these bones, Sost mRNA levels are downregulated and periostin (Postn) mRNA levels upregulated, hence providing a positive message for periosteal bone formation. In turn, genetic deletion of Postn in huRANKLTg⁺ mice prevented the increase in Ct.TV and aggravated bone fragility. In contrast, cathepsin K (Ctsk) ablation improved Ct.TV in both huRANKLTg⁺ and wild-type (WT) mice and stimulated periosteal bone formation, while augmenting Postn protein levels. Therefore, bone strength in huRANKLTg⁺/Ctsk^−/− mice was restored to WT levels. These findings suggest that high levels of RANKL not only induce endosteal bone loss but may somewhat restrict periosteal bone formation by triggering periostin degradation through cathepsin K, hence providing a biological mechanism for the observed limited increase in cortical area in postmenopausal women. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).     

Mutations of CTSK result in pycnodysostosis via a reduction in cathepsin K protein.

Pycnodyostosis, an autosomal recessive osteosclerosing skeletal disorder, has recently been shown to result from mutations in the cathepsin K gene. Cathepsin K, a lysosomal cysteine protease with an abundant expression in osteoclasts, has been implicated in osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and remodeling. DNA sequence analysis of the cathepsin K gene in a nonconsanguineous family demonstrated compound heterozygozity for mutations in two affected siblings. We have identified a missense mutation with a single base G-->A transition at cDNA nucleotide 236, resulting in conversion of a conserved glycine to a glutamine residue (G79E). The other mutation is an A-->T transition at nucleotide 154, leading to the substitution of a lysine residue by a STOP codon (K52X) predicting premature termination of the precursor cathepsin K polypeptide. Sequencing of genomic and cDNAs from the parents demonstrated that the missense mutation was inherited from the father and the nonsense mutation from the mother. Protein expression in both affected children was virtually absent, while in the parents was reduced by 50-80% compared with controls. The protein studies demonstrate that even significantly reduced cathepsin K levels do not have any phenotypic effect, whereas absent cathepsin K results in pycnodysostosis.     

Inhibition of cathepsin K for treatment of osteoporosis

Cathepsin K is the protease that is primarily responsible for the degradation of bone matrix by osteoclasts. Inhibitors of cathepsin K are in development for treatment of osteoporosis. Currently available antiresorptive drugs interfere with osteoclast function. They inhibit both bone resorption and formation, due to the coupling between these processes. Cathepsin K inhibitors, conversely, target the resorption process itself and may not interfere with osteoclast stimulation of bone formation. In fact, when cathepsin K is absent or inhibited in mice, rabbits, or monkeys, bone formation is maintained or increased. In humans, inhibition of cathepsin K is associated with sustained reductions in bone resorption markers but with smaller and transient reductions in bone formation markers. The usefulness of cathepsin K inhibitors in osteoporosis is now being examined in phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials of postmenopausal osteoporotic women.     

A rare case of pycnodysostosis: Technical difficulties in managing long bone fractures

Pycnodysostosis is a rare inherited disorder of autosomal recessive trait causing cathepsin K deficiency, leading to failure of osteoclastic activity. Brittle and sclerotic bones which are prone for frequent fractures is the characteristic feature of this congenital disorder. Despite good healing potential there are few issues in the management of fractures in pycnodysostosis patients. In this article we report the challenges faced in managing a fracture of the femoral shaft in a 12 year old girl with pycnodysostosis. For early rehabilitation and to avoid deformity and shortening, we opted for surgical fixation over conservative treatment. Narrow medullary canal ruled out the option for titanium elastic nail fixation. 4.5mm dynamic compression plate was used to fix the fracture. Sclerotic bone made drilling extremely difficult. Deformed femoral shaft allowed plating over the anterior surface only, instead of the routine lateral surface plating. Postoperative fracture healing was satisfactory. Implant was removed after 18 months.     

针刀松解法对移植于裸鼠的人皮肤增生性瘢痕组织中成纤维细胞的影响

目的观察针刀松解法对移植于裸鼠皮下人增生性瘢痕成纤维细胞增殖细胞核抗原(proliferation cell nuclearantigen,PCNA)、Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原、bcl-2和bax的作用,探讨其对移植于裸鼠皮下的人增生性瘢痕组织中成纤维细胞生物学特性的影响。方法取6例人增生性瘢痕组织,削去瘢痕表皮及皮下组织,将每例增生性瘢痕组织分成重约0.2 g的3块,每只裸鼠移植1块,共移植于18只裸鼠背部皮下,建立增生性瘢痕裸鼠动物模型。移植后10 d在瘢痕组织内分3点分别注射生理盐水0.1 ml(对照组)、注射0.1 mg/ml曲安奈德0.1 ml(曲安奈德组)、将小针刀刺进瘢痕组织内,在瘢痕内向四周切割剥离至瘢痕周边(针刀松解组)进行治疗,每组6只。治疗后14 d取材,利用HE染色计数分析各组成纤维细胞的含量;免疫组织化学染色检测各组PCNA、Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原、bcl-2和bax表达阳性成纤维细胞数的变化。结果 HE染色结果:与对照组成纤维细胞数量(913.33±148.95)个/mm2相比,曲安奈德组(853.33±62.82)个/mm2和针刀松解组(863.33±75.28)个/mm2均降低,但是差异无显著性(P>0.05)。免疫组织化学染色结果:曲安奈德组和针刀松解组PCNA、Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白阳性的成纤维细胞数量减少,与对照组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);3组bcl-2和bax阳性的成纤维细胞数量以及bcl-2/bax比率差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论 针刀松解法具有抑制移植于裸鼠皮下人增生性瘢痕成纤维细胞的增殖和分泌合成的能力;针刀松解对增生性瘢痕成纤维细胞中bcl-2和bax表达及其比率没有影响。     

Development and characterization of a human in vitro resorption assay: demonstration of utility using novel antiresorptive agents.

A human in vitro resorption assay has been developed using osteoclastoma-derived osteoclasts and used to evaluate novel antiresorptive agents including antagonists of the alphavbeta3 integrin, and inhibitors of cathepsin K and the osteoclast ATPase. The potency of novel compounds in the in vitro resorption assay correlates with functional assays for each class of inhibitor: the human alphavbeta3-mediated cell adhesion assay for the vitronectin receptor antagonists (r2 = 0.82), the chick osteoclast vacuolar ATPase enzyme assay for the H+-ATPase inhibitors (r2 = 0.77) and the recombinant human cathepsin K enzyme assay for the cathepsin K inhibitors (r2 = 0.80). Cell suspensions, rich in osteoclasts, are prepared by collagenase digestion of the tumor tissue. These cells can be stored long-term in liquid nitrogen and upon thawing maintain their bone-resorbing phenotype. The cryopreserved cells can be cultured on bovine cortical bone for 24-48 h and resorption can be measured by either confocal microscopy or biochemical assays. The resorptive activity of osteoclasts derived from a number of tumors can be inhibited reproducibly using a number of mechanistically unique antiresorptive compounds. In addition, the measurement of resorption pits by laser confocal microscopy correlates with the release of type I collagen C-telopeptides or N-telopeptides, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Resorption can be measured reproducibly using a 48-h incubation of osteoclasts on bone slices, or a 24-h incubation with bone particles. This in vitro human osteoclast resorption assay provides a robust system for the evaluation of inhibitors of osteoclastic function that may be developed for the treatment of metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis.     

Mechanisms of the Anabolic Effects of Teriparatide on Bone: Insight From the Treatment of a Patient With Pycnodysostosis

Pycnodysostosis is an extremely rare genetic osteosclerosis caused by cathepsin K deficiency. We hypothesized that teriparatide, a potent anabolic agent used in the treatment of osteoporosis, might reduce skeletal fragility by activating bone turnover. We studied a typical case of pycnodysostosis in a 37‐yr‐old woman who exhibited short stature, skull and thorax deformities, and a history of severe fragility fractures. Cathepsin K gene sequencing was performed. Before and after 6 mo of 20 μg/d teriparatide, biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured, and 3D bone structure and microarchitecture was assessed in vivo by HR‐pQCT. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of transiliac bone biopsies were performed, and the degree of mineralization was evaluated by quantitative microradiography. In vitro assessment of bone resorption was performed after separation and differentiation of CD14⁺ monocytes from peripheral blood. Bone structure assessed by HR‐pQCT on the radius and tibia showed augmentation of cortical and trabecular density. Transiliac bone biopsy showed highly increased bone mass (+63% versus age‐ and sex‐matched controls), a decrease in bone remodeling without evidence of active osteoblasts, and a severe decrease in the dynamic parameters of bone formation (mineralizing surfaces, ?90% and bone formation rate, ?93% versus age‐ and sex‐matched controls). This depressed bone turnover probably explained the increased degree of mineralization. The presence of a novel missense mutation leading to an A141V amino acid substitution confirmed a genetic defect of cathepsin K as the cause of the disease. The deficiency of active osteoclasts was confirmed by an in vitro study that showed a decreased concentration of CD14⁺ monocytes (the precursor of osteoclasts) in blood. These osteoclasts had low resorptive activity when incubated on bone slices. After 6 mo of teriparatide, the structure, microarchitecture, and turnover of bone—assessed by HR‐pQCT, histology, and bone turnover markers—remained unchanged. Our data strongly suggest that some features of the osteoclastic phenotype—that are absent in pycnodysostosis—are a prerequisite for the anabolic effect of PTH on osteoblasts.