Stimulative effects of cadmium on bone resorption in neonatal parietal bone resorption

The impact of E-cigarette vaping and vapour constituents on bone health

BACKGROUND

In contrast to cigarettes, electronic cigarette use (E-cigarettes) has grown substantially over the last decade. This is due to their promotion as both a safer alternative to cigarettes and as an aide to stop smoking. Critically, upon E-cigarette use, the user may be exposed to high doses of nicotine in addition to other compounds including flavouring chemicals, metal particulates and carbonyl compounds, particularly in highly vascularised tissues such as bone. However, there has been limited investigation into the impact of E-cigarette usage on bone physiology, particularly over extended time periods and there are no clinical recommendations regarding E-cigarette usage in relation to orthopaedic surgery. This literature review draws together data from studies that have investigated the impact of E-cigarette vapour and its major constituents on bone, detailing the models utilised and the relevant mechanistic and functional results.

MAIN BODY

Currently there is a lack of studies both in vivo and in vitro that have utilised E-cigarette vapour, necessary to account for changes in chemical composition of E-cigarette liquids upon vaping. There is however evidence that human bone and bone cells express nicotine receptors and exposure of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts to nicotine, in high concentrations may reduce their viability and impair function. Similarly, it appears that aldehydes and flavouring chemicals may also negatively impact osteoblast viability and their ability to form bone. However, such functional findings are predominantly the result of studies utilising bone cell lines such as MG-63 or Saos-2 cells, with limited use of human osteoblasts or osteoclasts. Additionally, there is limited consideration for a possible impact on mesenchymal stem cells, which can also play an import role in bone repair.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the function and mechanism of action of the various components of E-cigarette vapour in mediating human bone cell function, in addition to long term studies to determine the potential harm of chronic E-cigarette use on human bone will be important to inform users of potential risks, particularly regarding bone healing following orthopaedic surgery and injury.

Cadmium exposure triggers osteoporosis in duck via P2X7/PI3K/AKT-mediated osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation

Cadmium is a common environmental pollutant that accumulates in the bone and kidneys and causes severe health and social problems. However, the effects of Cd on the occurrence of osteoporosis and its mechanism of action in this process are unclear. To test whether Cd-induced osteoporosis is mediated via P2X7/PI3K/AKT signaling, duck bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and bone marrow macrophage cells (BMMs) were treated with Cd for 5 days, and duck embryos were treated with Cd_. Micro-CT analysis indicated that Cd-induced osteoporosis occurs in vivo, and histopathology and immunohistochemical analyses also revealed that Cd induced bone damage and the downregulation of osteogenic and bone resorption-related proteins. Cd exposure significantly inhibited the differentiation of BMSCs and BMMs into osteoblasts and osteoclasts in vitro, and promoted osteoblast and osteoclast apoptosis. Cd exposure significantly downregulated the P2X7/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro, and inhibition of this signaling pathway significantly aggravated osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Cd exposure also upregulated the OPG/RANKL ratio in vivo and in vitro, further inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. These results demonstrate that Cd causes osteoporosis in duck by inhibiting P2X7/PI3K/AKT signaling and increasing the OPG/RANKL ratio. These results establish a previously unknown mechanism of Cd-induced osteoporosis.

Environmental level of cadmium exposure stimulates osteoclasts formation in male rats

Low level of cadmium (Cd) exposure may enhance osteoclasts formation in vitro. The aim of the study was to observe the effects of Cd on osteoclasts formation in vivo. Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 4 groups which were given Cd via drinking water at concentrations of 0, 2, 10 and 50 mg/L for 12 weeks. At the 12th week, urine samples were collected from all of the rats. All rats were then sacrificed and the blood was collected for biomarkers assay. Bone tissues were dissected for mineral density determinations, histological investigation, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining and immunohistochemical staining. The bone mineral density and bone microstructure index of rats treated with 50mg Cd/L were obviously lower than in control rats. Histochemical investigation showed that Cd could induce osteoclasts formation in a dose-dependent manner. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5b levels in rats treated with Cd were higher than the control. Immunohistochemical investigation showed that Cd could enhance receptor-activated nuclear factor kappa B ligand expression (RANKL) and inhibit osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression. Our study evidences in vivo that excessive bone resorption mediated via osteoclasts is an important way for Cd toxic effects on bone and OPG/RANKL may play an important role.

Cadmium induces differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts in the presence of RANKL

The mechanism of cadmium effects on bone is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of cadmium on osteoclasts differentiation and the probable mechanism. RAW264.7 cells were exposed to cadmium (0-60 nmol/L) in the presence or absence of receptor-activated nuclear factor κ B ligand (RANKL) for 5 days. Then, the viability, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and the formation of TRAP positive multinucleated osteoclasts were observed. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B (RANK), tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), c-src, c-fos, fos-related antigen 1 (Fra1) expression were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cadmium increased TRAP activity (20-40%) and TRAP positive cell formation in the presence of RANKL, but had no obvious influence on them without RANKL. RANK, TRAF6, Fra1, c-src and c-fos (at 15-30 nmol/L) expression were enhanced (30-70%) by cadmium in the presence of RANKL, but cadmium had little influence on them in the absence of RANKL. This study demonstrated that cadmium could induce differentiation of osteoclasts precursor into osteoclasts in the presence of RANKL. Even though the changes of gene expression were small, RANKL/RANK and downstream genes may play an important role in cadmium effects on osteoclasts.

Cadmium osteotoxicity in experimental animals: mechanisms and relationship to human exposures

Extensive epidemiological studies have recently demonstrated increased cadmium exposure correlating significantly with decreased bone mineral density and increased fracture incidence in humans at lower exposure levels than ever before evaluated. Studies in experimental animals have addressed whether very low concentrations of dietary cadmium can negatively impact the skeleton. This overview evaluates results in experimental animals regarding mechanisms of action on bone and the application of these results to humans. Results demonstrate that long-term dietary exposures in rats, at levels corresponding to environmental exposures in humans, result in increased skeletal fragility and decreased mineral density. Cadmium-induced demineralization begins soon after exposure, within 24 h of an oral dose to mice. In bone culture systems, cadmium at low concentrations acts directly on bone cells to cause both decreases in bone formation and increases in bone resorption, independent of its effects on kidney, intestine, or circulating hormone concentrations. Results from gene expression microarray and gene knock-out mouse models provide insight into mechanisms by which cadmium may affect bone. Application of the results to humans is considered with respect to cigarette smoke exposure pathways and direct vs. indirect effects of cadmium. Clearly, understanding the mechanism(s) by which cadmium causes bone loss in experimental animals will provide insight into its diverse effects in humans. Preventing bone loss is critical to maintaining an active, independent lifestyle, particularly among elderly persons. Identifying environmental factors such as cadmium that contribute to increased fractures in humans is an important undertaking and a first step to prevention.

Bone resorption and environmental exposure to cadmium in women: a population study

BACKGROUND

Environmental exposure to cadmium decreases bone density indirectly through hypercalciuria resulting from renal tubular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

We sought evidence for a direct osteotoxic effect of cadmium in women.

METHODS

We randomly recruited 294 women (mean age, 49.2 years) from a Flemish population with environmental cadmium exposure. We measured 24-hr urinary cadmium and blood cadmium as indexes of lifetime and recent exposure, respectively. We assessed the multivariate-adjusted association of exposure with specific markers of bone resorption, urinary hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) and lysylpyridinoline (LP), as well as with calcium excretion, various calciotropic hormones, and forearm bone density.

RESULTS

In all women, the effect sizes associated with a doubling of lifetime exposure were 8.4% (p=0.009) for HP, 6.9% (p=0.10) for LP, 0.77 mmol/day (p=0.003) for urinary calcium, -0.009 g/cm(2) (p=0.055) for proximal forearm bone density, and -16.8% (p=0.065) for serum parathyroid hormone. In 144 postmenopausal women, the corresponding effect sizes were -0.01223 g/cm(2) (p=0.008) for distal forearm bone density, 4.7% (p=0.064) for serum calcitonin, and 10.2% for bone-specific alkaline phosphatase. In all women, the effect sizes associated with a doubling of recent exposure were 7.2% (p=0.001) for urinary HP, 7.2% (p=0.021) for urinary LP, -9.0% (p=0.097) for serum parathyroid hormone, and 5.5% (p=0.008) for serum calcitonin. Only one woman had renal tubular dysfunction (urinary retinol-binding protein >338 microg/day).

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of renal tubular dysfunction, environmental exposure to cadmium increases bone resorption in women, suggesting a direct osteotoxic effect with increased calciuria and reactive changes in calciotropic hormones.

Lactational Transfer of Cadmium from Meriones shawi shawi Mothers to Their Pups and Its Effects on Calcium Homeostasis and Bone Calcium in Pups

Cadmium (Cd) was given to Meriones shawi shawi dams in the diet (1 g CdCl2/1.5 kg of diet) from day 1 to day 21 of lactation. Pups were killed at 5, 10, 14 and 21 days of lactation. Thereafter, liver, kidney, femur and stomach content were removed and plasma was collected to element analyses. Cd in stomach content, kidney, liver and femur and calcium (Ca) in stomach content, femur and plasma were determined in pups by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results indicate that Cd was transferred to the suckling and it was detected in the liver, the kidney and the femur from the 5th, the 10th and the 14th days of age, respectively. Stomach content of Ca was increased significantly from the 10th day to the end of lactation, whereas Ca levels increase in plasma and femur only at day 10 of lactation.

Environmental exposure to cadmium at a level insufficient to induce renal tubular dysfunction does not affect bone density among female Japanese farmers

Some recent research suggests that environmental exposure to cadmium, even at low levels, may increase the risk of osteoporosis, and that the bone demineralization is not just a secondary effect of renal dysfunction induced by high doses of cadmium as previously reported. To investigate the effect of exposure to cadmium at a level insufficient to induce kidney damage on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism, we conducted health examinations on 1380 female farmers from five districts in Japan who consumed rice contaminated by low-to-moderate levels of cadmium. We collected peripheral blood and urine samples and medical and nutritional information, and measured forearm BMD. Analysis of the data for subjects grouped by urinary cadmium level and age-related menstrual status suggested that cadmium accelerates both the increase of urinary calcium excretion around the time of menopause and the subsequent decrease in bone density after menopause. However, multivariate analyses showed no significant contribution of cadmium to bone density or urinary calcium excretion, indicating that the results mentioned above were confounded by other factors. These results indicate that environmental exposure to cadmium at levels insufficient to induce renal dysfunction does not increase the risk of osteoporosis, strongly supporting the established explanation for bone injury induced by cadmium as a secondary effect.

Involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases and protein kinase C in cadmium-induced prostaglandin E2 production in primary mouse osteoblastic cells

We previously reported that cadmium (Cd) induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) biosynthesis through the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and induction of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in primary mouse osteoblastic cells. In the present study, we further investigated the mechanism of PGE2 production by Cd focusing on the main mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) subfamilies that mediate prostaglandin synthesis, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2 MAPK), c-jun-amino-terminal kinase (JNK MAPK) and p38 MAPK, and protein kinase C (PKC) which is activated by Cd in several kinds of cells. Cd at 2 microM and above stimulated PGE2 production in osteoblastic cells and its production was inhibited by the kinase-specific inhibitors PD98059, SB203580, curcumin, and calphostin C. Calphostin C also inhibited the production of PGE2 by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which is a potent activator of PKC. PD98059 inhibited PGE2 production stimulated by PMA as well as Cd, indicating that activation of PKC by ERK1/2 MAPK was necessary for Cd-stimulated PGE2 production. Moreover, Cd stimulated the phosphorylation of these three MAPKs, and inhibition of the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 MAPK by calphostin C was also observed. On the other hand, Cd was found to phosphorylate cPLA2 and the phosphorylation was inhibited by PD98059, indicating that cPLA2 was activated by Cd through ERK1/2 MAPK and released arachidonic acid (AA), a substrate of COX-2, from membranous phospholipids. From these results, it was suggested that activation of each of the ERK1/2, p38, and JNK MAPK cascades in addition to that of PKC and cPLA2 played an important role in the Cd-stimulated biosynthesis of PGE2 in mouse osteoblastic cells.

Pronounced induction of testicular PGF2$alpha; and suppression of testosterone by cadmium?prevention by zinc

In order to investigate the effects of cadmium (Cd) on testicular prostaglandin F(2 alpha) (PGF(2 alpha)) production, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to CdCl(2) by subcutaneous injections. Dose-response as well as temporal-response experiments were performed, and PGF(2 alpha) levels were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The highest cadmium dose (10 micromol/kg) caused a dramatic elevation of testicular PGF(2 alpha), which was established to occur 48 h after exposure. At this point of time, cadmium-treated animals displayed PGF(2 alpha) levels 16.7 times higher than saline-injected controls. No significant differences were found with the lower doses used (1 and 5 micromol/kg). In addition, the influence of pre-treatment with zinc (Zn) was assessed. The very strong stimulatory effect on PGF(2 alpha) synthesis (22.3-fold) detected after exposure to 20 micromol/kg cadmium, was completely absent in the group given zinc (1 mmol/kg) prior to cadmium exposure. Plasma testosterone concentrations were determined in the three experiments, and all groups with strongly elevated PGF(2 alpha) levels showed drastically lowered concentrations of testosterone. Zinc pre-treatment abolished not only the cadmium-induced rise in PGF(2 alpha) but also the testosterone reduction. Additionally, cadmium was found to inhibit the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), which is responsible for the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis. The present findings establish that cadmium can cause a strong induction of testicular PGF(2 alpha) production, which might help to explain the well-known antisteroidogenic effect of this heavy metal. Such an inhibitory effect could be due to reduced levels of StAR.

Microarray analysis of changes in bone cell gene expression early after cadmium gavage in mice

We developed an in vivo model for cadmium-induced bone loss in which mice excrete bone mineral in feces beginning 8 h after cadmium gavage. Female mice of three strains [CF1, MTN (metallothionein-wild-type), and MT1,2KO (MT1,2-deficient)] were placed on a low-calcium diet for 2 weeks. Each mouse was gavaged with 200 microg Cd or vehicle only. Fecal calcium was monitored daily for 9 days, beginning 4 days before cadmium gavage, to document the bone response. For CF1 mice, bones were taken from four groups: +/- Cd, 2 h after Cd and +/- Cd, 4 h after Cd. MTN and MT1,2KO strains had two groups each: +/-Cd, 4 h after Cd. PolyA+ RNA preparations from marrow-free shafts of femura and tibiae of each +/- Cd pair were submitted to Incyte Genomics for microarray analysis. Fecal Ca results showed that bone calcium excreted after cadmium differed for the three mouse strains: CF1, 0.24 +/- 0.08 mg; MTN, 0.92 +/- 0.22 mg; and MT1,2KO, 1.7 +/- 0.4 mg. Gene array results showed that nearly all arrayed genes were unaffected by cadmium. However, MT1 and MT2 had Cd+/Cd- expression ratios >1 in all four groups, while all ratios for MT3 were essentially 1, showing specificity. Both probes for MAPK 14 (p38 MAPK) had expression ratios >1, while no other MAPK responded to cadmium. Vacuolar proton pump ATPase and integrin alpha v (osteoclast genes), transferrin receptor, and src-like adaptor protein genes were stimulated by Cd; other src-related genes were unaffected. Genes for bone formation, stress response, growth factors, and signaling molecules showed little or no response to cadmium. Results support the hypothesis that Cd stimulates bone demineralization via a p38 MAPK pathway involving osteoclast activation.

Polyethylene and methyl methacrylate particle-stimulated inflammatory tissue and macrophages up-regulate bone resorption in a murine neonatal calvaria in vitro organ system

There is considerable evidence that orthopaedic wear debris plays a crucial role in the pathology of aseptic loosening of joint prostheses. This study examined the effect of inflammatory membranes stimulated with methyl methacrylate and polyethylene on bone resorption, using the murine air pouch model. The capacity of RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages exposed to polymer particles to produce factors affecting bone metabolism was also studied. Neonatal calvaria bones were co-cultured with either pouch membranes or conditioned media from activated macrophages. Bone resorption was measured by the release of calcium from cultured bones, and the activity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in both bone sections and culture medium was also assayed. Results showed that inflammatory pouch membrane activated by methyl methacrylate and polyethylene enhanced osteoclastic bone resorption. Conditioned media from particles stimulated mouse macrophages also stimulated bone resorption, although this effect was weaker than resorption induced by inflammatory pouch membranes. The addition of the particles directly into the medium of cultured calvaria bones had little effect on bone resorption. Our observations indicate that both inflammatory tissue and macrophages provoked by particles can stimulate bone resorption in cultured mouse neonatal calvaria bones. This simple in vitro bone resorption system allows us to investigate the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanism of wear debris induced bone resorption and to screen potential therapeutic approaches for aseptic loosening.

Effects of cadmium on bone: an in vivo model for the early response

Cadmium (Cd) exposure induces bone resorption in vitro and in vivo that can lead to low bone mass and increased incidence of fracture. We have developed an animal model for following the early skeletal response to Cd. A low-calcium (but not calcium-deficient) diet is used to increase gastrointestinal absorption of calcium so that the endogenous fecal calcium excretion is essentially the total fecal calcium excretion. The bone response is followed by quantitation of stable fecal calcium and does not require a radioactive label. After mice were adjusted to a low-calcium diet, Cd was administered by a single gavage and fecal calcium was monitored to determine the magnitude of the calcium release from bone. Fecal calcium excretion (microg Ca/hr; mean +/- SE) remained at the background level for 8 hr (13.6 +/- 1.8, n = 18) but increased during the 8- to 24-hr and 24- to 56-hr collection periods (43.8 +/- 6.8, n = 12; 50.75 +/- 3.7, n = 6, respectively). The bone response was transient and dropped to nearly background levels during the 56- to 104-hr collection period. Blood calcium levels were normal throughout the time course. Bone resorption occurred at Cd levels of 7.9 +/- 0.7 microg/liter blood (mean +/- SE, n = 6), which is in the range of occupational exposure levels. The transient nature of the bone response contrasted to the slow but continuing rise observed in blood Cd levels. These results suggest that a threshold level of Cd is required for a bone response but that chronic levels of Cd in blood do not necessarily indicate the occurrence of continuous active bone resorption. This model can be used to probe early gene changes (prior to the bone response) that may be occurring in response to Cd exposure.

Characterisation of the effects of cadmium on the release of calcium and on the activity of some enzymes from neonatal mouse calvaria in culture

Exposure to cadmium (Cd) causes skeletal impairments, such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia, in many mammalian species, including humans. There is, however, some controversy about the mechanism of action of these Cd-induced skeletal effects, although both a direct influence on bone cells and effects that are secondary to renal damage caused by the metal have been demonstrated. In the present study, we cultured calvarial bones from neonatal mice and exposed them to Cd to study the effects of the metal on calcium release and on the activity of some enzymes of importance for bone resorption and bone formation. Cd dose-dependently stimulated calcium release from the bones. Maximal release was noted at Cd concentrations of 0.4-0.8 microM, which was similar to the level of release in the presence of maximal stimulatory concentrations of parathyroid hormone (10 nM) and prostaglandin E2 (10 microM). Cykloheximide (1 microM) inhibited calcium release elicited by Cd, prostaglandin E2 and parathyroid hormone. Cd-induced calcium release was linearly increased from 24 to 72 hr of culture. Production of prostaglandin E2 by the bone specimens was dose-dependently stimulated by Cd and inhibited by 1 microM indomethacin. Cd-induced calcium release was inhibited by acetazolamide (100 microM), indomethacin (1 microM) and ibuprofen (10 microM). Prostaglandin E2-stimulated calcium release was not inhibited by indomethacin. Exposure to 32 microM Cd, present during a 48-hr incubation period, significantly decreased prostaglandin E2-stimulated calcium release from 38.9% to 29.8%. Calcium release induced by parathyroid hormone was more sensitive to inhibition by the metal (i.e., Cd concentrations of 0.2 and 32 microM decreased the release from 37.7% to 31% and 19%, respectively). Cd present in the culture medium during a 48-hr incubation dose-dependently inhibited the activity of alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in the bones but did not influence the activity of carbonic anhydrase. We conclude that Cd has a direct stimulatory effect on bone resorption, and this effect is dependent on prostaglandin production and also on protein synthesis. On the other hand, Cd also has an inhibitory effect on bone resorption (i.e., resorption is inhibited by higher concentrations of the metal). Moreover, Cd may impair bone formation by impeding the activity of alkaline phosphatase.

Stimulative effects of lead on bone resorption in organ culture

To clarify whether hypercalcemia after injection of Pb to rats is due to biological bone resorption or physicochemical mineral dissolution, the effect of lead (Pb) on release of previously incorporated 45Ca in organ culture was investigated. Pb at 50 microM and above stimulated the release of 45Ca and hydroxyproline (Hyp). Pb did not stimulate 45Ca release from the bones inactivated by freezing and thawing. Eel calcitonin (ECT), bafilomycin A1 and scopadulcic acid B (SDB) inhibited Pb-stimulated 45Ca release. These results indicate that Pb-induced 45Ca release is due to osteoclastic bone resorption. Pb-stimulated bone resorption was inhibited by indomethacin and flurbiprofen. Pb stimulated the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from the bones into the media. There was significantly high correlation between 45Ca and PGE2 release. Pb-induced bone resorption was inferred to be mediated by PGE2. From these results, it was suggested that hypercalcemia after Pb injection might be caused by biological bone resorption.

Effects of lead on osteoclast-like cell formation in mouse bone marrow cell cultures

To examine an effect of lead (Pb) on the process of osteoclast-like cell formation from its progenitors, we used a mouse bone marrow culture system in which osteoclast-like multinucleated cells (MNCs) were formed in response to bone-resorbing agents. In a 9-day culture period, Pb dose-dependently stimulated MNC formation over the concentration range 2-10 microM, whereas at 40 microM Pb, MNC formation declined. In an 11-day culture period, MNC formation reached a maximum at 5 microM Pb and decreased with increasing concentration of Pb at 10-40 microM. Pb-stimulated MNC formation was inhibited by both indomethacin and SC19220, an antagonist of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor. Pb stimulated the production of PGE2 in marrow cell cultures, suggesting that Pb-stimulated MNC formation is dependent on the production of PGE2. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine potentiated Pb-stimulated MNC formation and 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine, an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, inhibited it. A calcium ionophore A23187 increased Pb-induced MNC formation and verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, depressed it. It is possible that a PGE2-induced increase in the levels of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and calcium ions in marrow cells is involved in Pb-induced MNC formation. Pb and parathyroid hormone showed a synergistic stimulation on MNC formation. From these results, Pb is thought to induce osteoclast-like cell formation by a mechanism involving PGE2 which increases the intracellular levels of cAMP and calcium ions.