联合补充维生素D、胶原肽和钙对成骨细胞发育的影响研究

目的：观察联合补充维生素D、胶原肽和钙对MC3T3-E1成骨细胞增殖及对骨保护素细胞内核因子κB受体活化因子配体（receptor activator of NF-κB ligand,RANKL）、骨保护素（Osteoprotegerin,OPG）基因表达的影响。方法：α-MEM培养基培养MC3T3-E1细胞。检测Ca2+（20 μg/mL）、维生素D（0、10-12、10-11mol/L）、胶原肽（0、50、100μg/mL）三者交互作用剂量对MC3T3-E1细胞增殖的作用及RANKL、OPG mRNA表达。结果：维生素D、胶原肽和钙交互剂量作用下细胞增殖水平无明显差异。维生素D联合钙能够明显降低RANKL mRNA表达水平,提高OPG mRNA表达水平,降低RANKL/OPG比值。而胶原肽联合钙对RANKL以及 OPG mRNA表达无明显影响。结论：维生素D联合钙可通过抑制小鼠成骨细胞RANKL mRNA表达、促进OPG mRNA表达,从而促进骨的形成,抑制骨的吸收。维生素D和钙联合补充胶原肽,对成骨细胞RANKL,OPG mRNA表达并无明显影响。     

钛颗粒对小鼠颅骨OPG/RANKL mRNA及蛋白表达的影响

目的:观察钛颗粒对小鼠颅骨中OPG/RANKL mRNA及其蛋白表达的影响,探讨关节置换术后骨溶解的发生机制。方法:取成年BALB/C小鼠40只,随机分为假手术组、钛颗粒低剂量组、钛颗粒中剂量组及高剂量组,每组10只。除假手术组外,其余各组分别将钛颗粒15、30、60 mg涂抹于小鼠颅骨表面后缝合切口。8周后取颅骨组织及外周血,运用real-time PCR及ELISA技术测定OPG/RANKL基因及蛋白表达情况。结果:与假手术组相比,钛颗粒低剂量组外周血中OPG蛋白表达及颅骨组织中OPG mRNA的表达均显著上升(P0.01),外周血中RANKL蛋白表达降低,但无统计学差异,颅骨组织中RANKL mRNA表达无显著差异;中剂量组及高剂量组外周血中OPG蛋白表达显著降低(p0.01),RANKL蛋白表达显著升高(P0.01),OPG mRNA表达显著降低(P0.01),RANKL mRNA表达显著升高(P0.01)。低中高三种不同剂量钛颗粒组组间相比,外周血中OPG、RAKNL蛋白及颅骨组织中其mRNA表达均存在明显差异(P0.01),高剂量组对OPG、RANKL蛋白及mRNA表达的影响更显著。结论:钛颗粒可以改变OPG/RANKL的mRNA及蛋白表达量,这可能是其导致关节置换术后体骨溶解进而产生松动的原因之一。     

基于OPG-RANK-RANKL系统研究饲粮不同钙水平对生长期WHBE兔骨代谢的影响

目的利用护骨素-核因子κB受体活化子-核因子κB受体活化子配体(OPG-RANK-RANKL)系统,探讨饲粮不同钙水平对生长期WHBE兔骨代谢影响。方法选择21只雄性断奶WHBE兔,随机分为3组(I、II、III组),分别饲以钙水平为0.95%,1.10%和1.30%,其他营养水平基本一致的饲粮。实验期42 d。实验结束,测定兔血清钙(Ca)、甲状旁腺素(PTH)和骨源性碱性酶(BALP)含量;分别运用荧光定量PCR法和免疫组织化学法对WHBE兔骨组织进行OPG-RANK-RANKL的基因转录和蛋白表达分析。最后以RANKL/OPG比值为指标,评估WHBE兔骨代谢与饲粮钙水平间的相关性。结果实验结果表明,I、II、III组在血清Ca、PTH含量和BALP活力上差异无显著性(P0.05)。WHBE兔骨组织RANKL mRNA表达水平和RANKL/OPG mRNA比值均以II组最低,与I、III组差异有显著性(P0.05)。钙水平对WHBE兔骨组织OPG-RANK-RANKL蛋白表达影响显著(P0.01),II组和III组OPG蛋白表达阳性指数均极显著高于I组(P0.01);而II组兔骨组织RANK蛋白表达阳性指数则极显著低于I组和III组(P0.01),RANKL/OPG的蛋白表达阳性指数比值以II组最低,与I组差异有显著性(P0.01)。此外,WHBE兔骨组织RANKL/OPG mRNA比值和的蛋白表达阳性指数比值均与饲粮钙水平间存在显著的二次曲线相关(R~2=0.4068,0.8433,P0.05,P0.001)。结论生长期WHBE兔的骨代谢与饲粮钙水平间呈显著相关性,当饲粮钙含量为1.10%时,生长期WHBE兔可获得较理想的骨代谢水平。     

不同温度下成骨细胞增殖及其OPG/RANKL mRNA表达的影响

目的:探讨不同温度下对小鼠成骨细胞MC3T3-E1的增殖以及OPG/RANKL表达水平的影响。方法:1.以小鼠成骨细胞MC3T3-E1为体外实验模型,MTT法检检测细胞的增殖情况。2.RT-PCR方法检测MC3T3-E1OPG/RANKL mRNA的表达水平。结果:设定对照组为37℃,高于对照组(38℃-39℃-40℃-41℃-42℃)分别作用于MC3T3-E1细胞1小时/天,连续1周,可刺激细胞增殖,OD值显著增加(P<0.05)。同时可增加OPG mRNA表达,降低RANKL mRNA表达,呈温度梯度依赖性。结论:热刺激促进MC3T3-E1细胞增殖,同时通过调节OPG/RANKL mRNA的表达,直接促进骨形成,抑制骨吸收。     

基于OPG/RANK/RANKL系统比较研究前肢畸形WHBE兔骨代谢特征

目的利用OPG(osteoprotegerin)/RANK(receptor activator of NF-κB)/RANKL(receptor activator of NF-κB ligand)系统比较研究前肢畸形WHBE兔骨代谢特征。方法取WHBE兔、日本大耳白兔、前肢畸型WHBE兔各10只,分为3组,标记为HWR(healthy WHBE rabbit)、HJR(healthy Japanese rabbit)和FMWR(forelimb malformation WHBE rabbit)组。用X射线机所拍摄X-线片观察各组兔前肢尺桡部形状并测定平均灰度值;通过骨组织石蜡切片HE染色对前肢骨组织进行微观形态分析;采用荧光定量PCR法检测OPG、RANKL基因在肝脏中表达;采用酶联免疫法和免疫组化法分别测定OPG/RANK/RANKL蛋白在血清和骨组织中的表达。结果与HWR和HJR组比较,FMWR组兔前肢尺桡部呈异常弯曲状,骨皮质明显变薄,X-线片所示灰度值显著低于HWR组(P0.05)。FMWR组兔在肝脏RANKL基因表达水平和RANKL/OPG mRNA比值(P0.01),血清RANK、RANKL蛋白含量及RANKL/OPG比值(P0.05,P0.01),骨组织RANKL蛋白表达阳性指数及RANKL/OPG比值(P0.05,P0.01)等指标上均显著高于HWR组和HJR组。与HJR组比较,HWR组兔肝脏OPG和RANKL基因表达水平显著提高(P0.05,P0.01)。结论前肢畸形WHBE兔存在骨质量下降、骨组织受损现象,RANKL/OPG比值明显升高,骨代谢紊乱是其骨骼发生畸形的主要原因。与日本大耳白兔在RANKL基因表达水平上的品种差异可能是WHBE兔对前肢畸形易感的诱因。     

仙灵骨葆对骨质疏松大鼠OPG/RANK/RANKL 表达的影响

目的:观察仙灵骨葆治疗骨质疏松模型大鼠后,对大鼠体内OPG/RANKL/RANK表达的影响。方法:卵巢摘除法建立SD大鼠骨质疏松模型,设立假手术组、对照组(单纯去卵巢组)、雌激素组(给予17β-雌二醇)和治疗组(给予仙灵骨葆)。术后1周开始给药,给药12周后检测各组大鼠股骨骨密度,ELISA法检测血清中OPG/RANKL含量,RT-PCR检测骨组织中OPG/RANK/RAN-KL mRNA表达,免疫组化检测骨组织中RANK的表达。结果:对照组大鼠骨密度显著低于假手术组;治疗组和雌激素组大鼠O-PG表达显著高于对照组,RANK及RANKL的表达显著低于对照组。结论:采用卵巢摘除法成功建立大鼠骨质疏松模型;仙灵骨葆可促进骨质疏松大鼠OPG的表达,并抑制RANK及RANKL的表达,对骨质疏松模型大鼠有治疗作用。     

OPG/RANKL/RANK系统与骨破坏性疾病

近年来发现的OPG/RANKL/RANK系统在破骨细胞生成中起着至关重要的作用,是骨骼生理研究领域的重大进展。成骨细胞、骨髓基质细胞、激活的T淋巴细胞表达RANKL,与破骨细胞前体细胞或成熟破骨细胞表面上的RANK结合后,促进破骨细胞的分化及骨吸收活性。成骨细胞及骨髓基质细胞分泌表达OPG可与RANKL竞争性结合,从而阻断RANKL与RANK之间的相互作用。体内多种激素或因子通过影响骨髓微环境内的OPG/RANKL比率来调节骨代谢。此外,乳腺上皮细胞表达有RANK,孕期在性激素的诱导下可表达RANKL,OPG/RANKL/RANK系统在孕期乳腺发育以及母体向胎儿的钙转运过程中发挥重要作用。阻断RANKL/RANK通路有望给骨质疏松、类风湿关节炎及癌症骨转移等骨破坏性疾病的治疗开辟新的途径。进一步研究应了解OPG/RANKL/RANK系统与其它信号传导途径的关系,重视骨骼、免疫及内分泌系统之间的相互作用。目前,开发与OPG功能相似或促进其表达的合成药物有可能成为具有良好经济效益和社会效益的产业。     

回转对离体大鼠成骨细胞中骨粘连蛋白及骨桥素mRNA的影响

为研究模拟失重对成骨细胞细胞外基质mRNA的影响,实验采用离体人鼠成骨细胞水平轴回转模拟失重效应,用RT-PCR技术分别检测成骨细胞中骨桥素(osteopontin,OPN)及骨粘连蛋白(osteonectin,ON)mRNA的水平,并观察细胞培养液中碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)的活性和骨钙素(osteocalcim, BGP)含量的变化。结果观察到,分别回转24、48、72h后,OPN、ON的mRNA含量及细胞培养液中BGP含量均显著下降,细胞培养液中ALP活性也呈下降趋势。上述结果表明,模拟失重后成骨细胞OPN及ON的表达下调,进而使BGP及ALP的分泌量减少,从而导致骨钙化能力降低,提示模拟失重导致的细胞外基质蛋白基因表达下降可能是模拟火重引起骨丢失的原因之一。     

葛根素对体外培养的人老年女性骨质疏松症成骨细胞分化的初步研究

目的:观察葛根素对体外培养老年女性骨质疏松症骨折患者体外分离培养的成骨细胞分化的影响。方法:采集老年女性骨质疏松症股骨颈骨折行人工股骨头置换术中取下的股骨颈松质骨,采用骨组织块法原代培养成骨细胞。观察不同浓度(0、0.01、0.1、1μmol/L)葛根素对成骨细胞表达碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)、骨钙素(osteocalcin,OC)的影响,并比较各组成骨细胞钙化能力的大小。结果:0.01~1.00μmol/L的葛根素随着浓度增加,成骨细胞表达ALP、OC活性呈增强趋势,各浓度组两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);随葛根素浓度增高,成骨细胞钙化结节数量也明显增加,组间比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:葛根素呈浓度依赖性促进成骨细胞表达ALP、OC并能提高成骨细胞的钙化能力。     

胰岛素对2型糖尿病骨质疏松大鼠血清与骨OPG、RANKL表达的影响

目的:探讨胰岛素对2型糖尿病骨质疏松大鼠血清及骨OPG(osteoprotegerin)、RANKL(OPG receptor activator nuclear factork B)表达水平的影响。方法:以高脂高糖饲料喂养4周同时饮用3%果糖水导致胰岛素抵抗小鼠,再以小剂量链脲佐菌素(30mg/kg)腹腔注射1次,2周后诱导建立2型糖尿病小鼠模型。对照组动物则给予正常饲料及饮用水进行喂养。模型建立成功后,对模型2组大鼠进行胰岛素治疗,分别采用OPG和RANKLelisa试剂盒对正常动物模型和糖尿病动物模型血清和骨组织中OPG,RANKL含量进行比较分析,采用血糖分析仪对不同组动物的血糖进行比较分析,采用骨密度分析仪对动物的骨密度进行分析,了解高血糖对于骨密度及血清,骨组织中OPG,RANKL含量的影响以及胰岛素对高血糖骨质疏松造成的结果的影响。结果:相较于正常组大鼠,模型组大鼠血清及髂骨中OPG、血糖、糖化血红蛋白、髂骨密度表达显著下调(P0.05),而RANKL表达显著上调(P0.05),胰岛素处理的模型大鼠血清及骨中OPG含量较模型组大鼠显著升高,血清及骨组织中RANKL表达显著下调(P0.05)。结论:胰岛素能够显著降低2型糖尿病骨质疏松大鼠血清及骨组织中RANKL的表达,显著上调OPG的表达。     

Pueraria mirifica extract and puerarin enhance proliferation and expression of alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen in primary baboon osteoblasts

Phytoestrogen-rich Pueraria mirifica (PM) tuberous extract is a promising candidate for the development of anti-osteoporosis drugs for postmenopausal women, but its action has never been validated in humans or in non-human primates, which are more closely related to humans than rodents. In vitro study of non-human primate osteoblasts is thus fundamental to prepare for in vivo studies of phytoestrogen effects on primate bone. This study aimed to establish a culture system of baboon primary osteoblasts and to investigate the effects of PM extract and its phytoestrogens on these cells. Primary osteoblasts from adult baboon fibulae exhibited osteoblast characteristics in regard to proliferation, differentiation, mineralization, and estrogen receptor expression. They responded to 17β-estradiol by increased proliferation rate and mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen, and osteocalcin. After being exposed for 48 h to 100 μg/ml PM extract, 1000 nM genistein, or 1000 nM puerarin, primary baboon osteoblasts markedly increased the rate of proliferation and mRNA levels of ALP and type I collagen without changes in Runx2, osterix, or osteocalcin expression. PM extract, genistein, and puerarin also decreased the RANKL/OPG ratio, suggesting that they could decrease osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. However, neither PM extract nor its phytoestrogens altered calcium deposition in osteoblast culture. In conclusion, we have established baboon primary osteoblast culture, which is a new tool for bone research and drug discovery. Furthermore, the present results provide substantial support for the potential of PM extract and its phytoestrogens to be developed as therapeutic agents against bone fragility.     

Interleukin 6 and/or Interleukin 17A Modulate the OPG/RANKL System of MC3T3-E1 Murine Osteoblast Cell Line

Cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-17 which act as key regulators of the immune response have been identified to have a potential role in the bone remodeling mechanism. Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) has been shown to regulate osteoclast differentiation and function while the osteoprotegerin (OPG) blocks the binding of RANKL and inhibits the differentiation of osteoclasts, thus favoring osteogenesis. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) on the other hand works as early mineralization indicator in bone regulation. The current study aims to determine the potential role of IL-6 and IL-17A in regulating the OPG/RANKL system of the murine osteoblast cell line (MC3T3-E1). Gene expression analysis showed significant up-regulation of OPG and ALP by all the treated groups (rIL-6, rIL-17A and rIL-6 + rIL-17A). In contrast, treatment of cells with rIL-6 and/or rIL-17A showed down-regulation of RANKL expression. Interestingly, the osteoblast cells treated with combinations of rIL-6 + rIL17A showed marked increased in OPG/RANKL ratio. Similar pattern of protein expression was observed in the osteoblasts treated with rIL-6 and/or rIL-17A as detected by western blotting and ELISA. These findings suggest a new mechanism of regulation by these cytokines on the expression of OPG and RANKL, which could promote osteogenesis and diminish osteoclastogenesis.     

Expression of RANKL/OPG during bone remodeling in vivo

The interaction between receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) plays a dominant role in osteoclastogenesis. As both proteins are produced by osteoblast lineage cells, they are considered to represent a key link between bone formation and resorption. In this study, we investigated the expression of RANKL and OPG during bone remodeling in vivo to determine the relationship between osteoclastogenic stimulation and osteoblastic differentiation.Total RNA was prepared from rat femurs after marrow ablation on days 0, 3, 6, and 9. The temporal activation patterns of osteoblast-related genes (procollagen α1 (I), alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, and osteocalcin) were examined by Northern blot analysis. An appreciable increase in the expression of these osteoblast markers was observed on day 3. The peak increase in gene expression was observed on day 6 followed by a slight reduction by day 9. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the OPG mRNA expression was markedly upregulated on day 6 and slightly decreased on day 9. In contrast, RANKL mRNA expression was increased by more than 20-fold on day 9. The RANKL/OPG ratio, an index of osteoclastogenic stimulation, peaked on day 9. Histological analysis showed that RANKL and OPG immunoreactivity were predominantly associated with bone marrow cells. The expression of bone formation markers was activated in the bone formation phase, followed by the stimulation of RANKL/OPG expression in the bone resorption phase, which confirmed that these molecules are key factors linking bone formation to resorption during bone remodeling.     

Direct effects of osteoprotegerin on human bone cell metabolism

Purpose

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) affects bone metabolism by intercepting the RANK-RANKL interaction which prevents osteoclastic differentiation and consequently reduces bone resorption. Different bone phenotypes of mice overexpressing OPG and of mice with knockdown of receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) or RANK-ligand (RANKL) suggest that the mechanism of action of the OPG-RANKL-RANK system in regulating bone remodeling is not completely understood. Furthermore, OPG increases bone mass and density independently from reduced osteoclastogenesis which is consistent with the possibility that OPG may directly affect bone metabolism beyond its known role as decoy receptor for RANKL.

Methods

We treated primary human osteoblastic cells with OPG and inhibitory anti-RANKL antibodies and measured cellular ALP activity, in vitro mineralization, vitronectin receptor protein expression and ERK phosphorylation. We also analyzed the mRNA co-expression of ALP and OPG ex vivo in bone biopsies from acute and old stable vertebral fractures.

Results

OPG directly increased ALP activity and in vitro mineralization of HOC, enhanced expression of the vitronectin receptor thereby increasing adherence of HOC to vitronectin and stimulated ERK phosphorylation. All OPG-mediated effects could be prevented by RANKL antibodies or RANKL-siRNA transfection and MAPK inhibitor PD98059 reduced the stimulatory effect of OPG on integrin αv expression. In acutely fractured vertebrae OPG and ALP mRNA expression was significantly increased compared to stable vertebral fractures. In conclusion, OPG exerts direct osteoanabolic effects on HOC metabolism via RANKL in addition to its well described role as decoy receptor for RANKL.     

Retracted: Long non-coding RNA MEG3 silencing and microRNA-214 restoration elevate osteoprotegerin expression to ameliorate osteoporosis by limiting TXNIP

Studies have shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 plays a key role in osteoporosis (OP), but its regulatory mechanism is somewhat incompletely clear. Here, we intend to probe into the mechanism of MEG3 on OP development by modulating microRNA-214 (miR-214) and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). Rat models of OP were established. MEG3, miR-214 and TXNIP mRNA expression in rat femoral tissues were detected, along with TXNIP, OPG and RANKL protein expression. BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N and Tb.Th in tissue samples were measured. Ca, P and ALP contents in rat serum were also determined. Primary osteoblasts were isolated and cultured. Viability, COL-I, COL-II and COL-Χ mRNA expression, PCNA, cyclin D1, OCN, RUNX2 and osteolix protein expresion, ALP content and activity, and mineralized nodule area of rat osteoblasts were further detected. Dual-luciferase reporter gene and RNA-pull down assays verified the targeting relationship between MEG3, miR-214 and TXNIP. MEG3 and TXNIP were up-regulated while miR-214 was down-regulated in femoral tissues of OP rats. MEG3 silencing and miR-214 overexpression increased BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, trabecular bone area, collagen area and OPG expression, and down-regulated RANKL of femoral tissues in OP rats. MEG3 silencing and miR-214 overexpression elevated Ca and P and reduced ALP in OP rat serum, elevated osteoblast viability, differentiation ability, COL-I and COL-Χ expression and ALP activity, and reduced COL-II expression of osteoblasts. MEG3 specifically bound to miR-214 to regulate TXNIP. MEG3 silencing and miR-214 overexpression promote proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in OP by down-regulating TXNIP, which further improves OP.     

Prolactin decreases the expression ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand/osteoprotegerin in human fetal osteoblast cells

Prolactin (PRL) enhanced bone remodeling leading to net bone loss in adult and net bone gain in young animals. Studies in PRL-exposed osteoblasts derived from adult humans revealed an increase in the expression ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), thus supporting the previous finding of PRL-induced bone loss in adults. This study thus investigated the effects of PRL on the osteoblast functions and the RANKL/OPG ratio in human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells which strongly expressed PRL receptors. After 48h incubation, PRL increased osteocalcin expression, but had no effect on cell proliferation. However, the alkaline phosphatase activity was decreased in a dose-response manner within 24h. The effect of PRL on alkaline phosphatase was abolished by LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. PRL also decreased the RANKL/OPG ratio by downregulating RANKL and upregulating OPG expression, implicating a reduction in the osteoblast signal for osteoclastic bone resorption. It could be concluded that, unlike the osteoblasts derived from adult humans, PRL-exposed hFOB cells exhibited indices suggestive of bone gain, which could explain the in vivo findings in young rats. The signal transduction of PRL in osteoblasts involved the PI3K pathway.     

Modeled microgravity stimulates osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by increasing osteoblast RANKL/OPG ratio

Mechanical unloading causes detrimental effects on the skeleton, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We investigated the effect of microgravity on osteoblast ability to regulate osteoclastogenesis. Mouse osteoblast primary cultures were grown for 24 h at unit gravity or under simulated microgravity, using the NASA-developed Rotating Wall Vessel bioreactor. Conditioned media (CM) from osteoblasts subjected to microgravity increased osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in mouse bone marrow cultures. In these osteoblasts, the RANKL/OPG ratio was higher relative to 1g. Consistently, treatment with high concentrations of OPG-inhibited osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in the presence of CM arising from osteoblasts cultured under microgravity. Microgravity failed to affect osteoblast differentiation and function in the time frame of the experiment, as we found no effect on alkaline phosphatase mRNA and activity, nor on Runx2, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and collagen1A2 mRNA expression. In contrast, microgravity induced a time dependent increase of ERK-1/2 phosphorylation, while phospho-p38 and phospho-JNK remained unchanged. Apoptosis, revealed by bis-benzimide staining, was similar among the various gravity conditions, while it was increased under microgravity after treatment with the MEK-1/2 inhibitor, PD98059, suggesting a protection role by ERK-1/2 against cell death. In conclusion, microgravity is capable to indirectly stimulate osteoclast formation and activity by regulating osteoblast secretion of crucial regulatory factors such as RANKL and OPG. We hypothesize that this mechanism could contribute to bone loss in individuals subjected to weightlessness and other unloading conditions.     

Anthraquinone compounds from Morinda officinalis inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro

The root of Morinda officinalis has been claimed to have a protective effect against bone loss in sciatic neurectomized and ovariectomized osteoporotic rats, and this protective effect is supposed to be attributed to anthraquinone compounds in the plant. In the present study, we investigated the effects of three anthraquinones isolated from M. officinalis, including 1, 3, 8-trihydroxy-2-methoxy-anthraquinone (1), 2-hydroxy-1-methoxy-anthraquinone (2) and rubiadin (3) on bone resorption activity in vitro and the mechanism on osteoclasts derived from rat bone marrow cells. Compound 1, 2 and 3 decreased the formation of bone resorption pits, the number of multinucleated osteoclasts, and the activity of tartrate resistant acid phosphates (TRAP) and cathepsin K in the coculture system of osteoblasts and bone marrow cells in the presence of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamine D(3) and dexamethasone. They also enhanced the apoptosis of osteoclasts induced from bone marrow cells with M-CSF and RANKL. In addition, Compound 1, 2 and 3 improved the ratio of mRNA and protein expression of OPG and RANKL in osteoblasts, interfered with the JNK and NF-κB signal pathway, and reduced the expression of calcitonin receptor (CTR) and carbonic anhydrase/II (CA II) in osteoclasts induced from bone marrow cells with M-CSF and RANKL. These findings indicate that the anthraquinone compounds from M. officinalis are potential inhibitors of bone resorption, and may also serve as evidence to explain the mechanism of the inhibitory effects of some other reported anthraquinones on bone loss.     

Prolactin decreases expression of Runx2, osteoprotegerin, and RANKL in primary osteoblasts derived from tibiae of adult female rats

Hyperprolactinemia caused by physiological or pathological conditions, such as those occurring during lactation and prolactinoma, respectively, results in progressive osteopenia. The underlying mechanisms, however, are controversial. Prolactin (PRL) may directly attenuate the functions of osteoblasts, since these bone cells express PRL receptors. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of PRL on the expression of genes related to the osteoblast functions by using quantitative real-time PCR technique. Herein, we used primary osteoblasts that were derived from the tibiae of adult rats and displayed characteristics of differentiated osteoblasts, including in vitro mineralization. Osteoblasts exposed for 48 h to 1000 ng/mL PRL, but not to 10 or 100 ng/mL PRL, showed decreases in the mRNA expression of Runx2, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaBeta ligand (RANKL) by 60.49%, 72.74%, and 87.51%, respectively. Nevertheless, PRL did not change the RANKL/OPG ratio, since expression of OPG and RANKL were proportionally decreased. These concentrations of PRL had no effect on the mRNA expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin, nor on mineralization. High pathologic concentrations of PRL (1000 ng/mL) may downregulate expression of genes that are essential for osteoblast differentiation and functions. The present results explained the clinical findings of hyperprolactinemia-induced bone loss.