Collagenase, procollagenase and bone resorption. Effects of heparin, parathyroid hormone and calcitonin

Drugs Causing Bone Loss

Drugs may cause bone loss by lowering sex steroid levels (e.g., aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer, GnRH agonists in prostate cancer, or depot medroxyprogestone acetate - DMPA), interfere with vitamin D levels (liver inducing anti-epileptic drugs), or directly by toxic effects on bone cells (chemotherapy, phenytoin, or thiazolidinedions, which diverts mesenchymal stem cells from forming osteoblasts to forming adipocytes). However, besides effects on the mineralized matrix, interactions with collagen and other parts of the unmineralized matrix may decrease bone biomechanical competence in a manner that may not correlate with bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual energy absorptiometry (DXA).Some drugs and drug classes may decrease BMD like the thiazolidinediones and consequently increase fracture risk. Other drugs such as glucocorticoids may decrease BMD, and thus increase fracture risk. However, glucocorticoids may also interfere with the unmineralized matrix leading to an increase in fracture risk, not mirrored in BMD changes. Some drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), paracetamol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may not per se be associated with bone loss, but fracture risk may be increased, possibly stemming from an increased risk of falls stemming from effects on postural balance mediated by effects on the central nervous system or cardiovascular system.This paper performs a systematic review of drugs inducing bone loss or associated with fracture risk. The chapter is organized by the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification.

Dual effects of heparin on BMP-2-induced osteogenic activity in MC3T3-E1 cells

Heparin displays several types of biological activities by binding to various extracellular molecules, including pivotal roles in bone metabolism. We have previously reported that heparin competitively inhibits the binding activity of bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) to BMP and the BMP receptor (BMPR) and suppresses BMP-2 osteogenic activity. In the present study, we examined whether heparin affects osteoblast differentiation induced by BMP-2 at various time points in vitro. We found that 72 h of treatment with heparin inhibited alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. However, 144 h of treatment enhanced the ALP activity in BMP-2-stimulated MC3T3-E1 cells. Although heparin decreased the phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 after 0.5 h of culture, prolonged periods of culture with heparin enhanced the Smad phosphorylation. In addition, 72 h of treatment with heparin enhanced the mRNA expression of runx2 and osterix in BMP-2-stimulated MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of BMP antagonists and inhibitory Smads induced by BMP-2 was preferentially blocked by heparin at the 24 and 48 h time points. These findings indicate biphasic effects of heparin on BMP-2 activity and suggest that heparin has complex effects on the BMP-2 osteogenic bioactivities. Prolonged culture with heparin stimulated BMP-2-induced osteogenic activity via down-regulation of BMP-2 antagonists and inhibitory Smads.

Regulation of collagenolytic protease secretion through c-Src in osteoclasts

The role of pp60c-src activity in the synthesis and secretion of the collagenolytic cysteine proteases (CCPs), cathepsin K (CAK), cathepsin L (CAL), and cathepsin B (CAB), by osteoclasts was investigated. Synthesis and secretion of CAL were up-regulated by 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3, but neither those of CAK, dominant relative to CAL, nor CAB, barely detectable, levels changed in the experiments. Though PP1, a pp60c-src inhibitor, had no effect on CCPs synthesis, suppressed the CAK and CAL secretion. Wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) inhibitor that works as a second messenger for pp60c-src, and cytochalasin B, an inhibitor of actin polymerization, suppressed the secretion of both CAK and CAL without suppressing synthesis. Hydroxyproline release, an indicator of degradation of type-I collagen, and F-actin ring formation, a structure linked to osteoclastic bone resorption, were suppressed by PP1, cytochalasin B or wortmannin. These results suggested inhibition of pp60c-src activity affected the osteoclastic cytoskeleton, which in turn reflected the suppression of bone resorption.

Differential regulation of MMP-13 (collagenase-3) and MMP-3 (stromelysin-1) in mouse calvariae

Bone resorption in mice involves the degradation of extracellular matrix. Whereas several proteases seem to be implicated in this process, it becomes increasingly clear that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), amongst them especially MMP-13 and MMP-3, play an essential role. We have purified MMP-13 and MMP-3 from mouse calvariae-conditioned media by differential fractionation and analyzed their collagenolytic, caseinolytic, gelatinolytic and proteoglycanolytic activities. It could be shown that in mouse calvariae-conditioned media most of the measured enzyme activities were due to MMP-13, although zymographies revealed that MMP-3, MMP-2, MMP-9 as well as TIMPs were present too. MMP-13 and MMP-3 proteins were detected and their enzyme activities were neutralized by specific polyclonal antisera. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that in cultures of mouse calvariae the production of MMP-13 was induced by the potent MMP-stimulator heparin and by parathyroid hormone (PTH), whereas the levels of MMP-3 remained unchanged. Although PTH-induced bone resorption was inhibited by calcitonin treatment, MMP-13 mRNA and protein expression were not significantly altered by this hormone. Together with previous observations, these results indicate that PTH regulates bone resorption through MMP-13, but not by MMP-3, and that its reversion by calcitonin involves neither of the two enzymes.

A Histomorphometric Comparison of the Effects of Heparin and Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin on Cancellous Bone in Rats

Long-term heparin treatment causes osteoporosis through, an as yet, undefined mechanism. To investigate this phenomenon and to determine the relative benefits of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) use, we treated rats with once daily subcutaneous injections of either unfractionated heparin (1.0 U/g or 0.5 U/g), the LMWH, Tinzaparin (1.0 U/g or 0.5 U/g), or placebo (saline) for a period of 32 days. The effects on bone were then compared both histomorphometrically and biochemically by measuring urinary type I collagen cross-linked pyridinoline (PYD) and serum alkaline phosphatase, markers of bone resorption and formation, respectively. Histomorphometric analysis of the distal third of the right femur, in the region proximal to the epiphyseal growth plate, demonstrated that both heparin and LMWH decrease cancellous bone volume in a dose-dependent fashion, but that heparin causes significantly more cancellous bone loss than does LMWH. Although both heparin and LMWH decrease osteoblast and osteoid surface to a similar extent, only heparin increases osteoclast surface. In support of these histomorphometric findings, biochemical markers of bone turnover demonstrated that both heparin and LMWH treatment produce a dose-dependent decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase, consistent with reduced bone formation, whereas only heparin causes a transient increase in urinary PYD, consistent with an increase in bone resorption. Based on these observations, we conclude that heparin decreases cancellous bone volume both by decreasing the rate of bone formation and increasing the rate of bone resorption. In contrast, LMWH, causes less osteopenia than heparin because it only decreases the rate of bone formation.

Identification of peptide fragments generated by digestion of bovine and human osteocalcin with the lysosomal proteinases cathepsin B, D, L, H, and S

We have determined the primary cleavage sites in the bone Gla protein (BGP; osteocalcin) for several of the proteases that could act on the protein during bone resorption and turnover, cathepsins B, D, L, H, and S. The time course of BGP digestion by each cathepsin was first determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We then incubated human and bovine BGP with each cathepsin for a sufficient time to reduce the level of intact protein by at least 20-fold, isolated the major cleavage peptides, and identified each by N-terminal sequence analysis and by amino acid analysis. Our results show that BGP has relatively few cathepsin-sensitive sites and that these sites are located at the N and C terminus of the 49-residue protein. Cathepsins B, L, H, and S readily cleave BGP at the G7-A8 bond; cathepsin L also cleaves at R43-R44; cathepsin B also cleaves at R44-F45; and cathepsin D cleaves only at A41-Y42. The immunoreactivity of the major peptides generated by cathepsin cleavage was evaluated using the original radioimmunoassay developed for the detection of BGP in human serum. The BGP 8-49 fragment cross-reacts identically with native BGP, while the 8-43 and the 1-44 fragments require 20- to 40-fold higher concentrations to achieve the same level of displacement as the native protein. The 1-41 and 8-41 fragments are unable to significantly displace the labeled native BGP tracer at any concentration tested. These results demonstrate the utility of peptides generated by cathepsin digestion in the mapping of the antigenic epitopes recognized by a given BGP immunoassay.

Bone resorption and response to calcium-regulating hormones in the absence of tissue or urokinase plasminogen activator or of their type 1 inhibitor

Plasminogen activators (PA) are implicated in cell migration and tissue remodeling, two components of the bone resorption processes. Using mice with inactivated tissue PA (tPA), urokinase PA (uPA), or type 1 PA inhibitor (PAI-1) genes, we evaluated whether these processes, or their stimulation by parathyroid hormone (PTH) or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin (1,25[OH]2D3) are dependent on these genes. Two culture models were used, one involving 19-day fetal calvariae, to evaluate the direct resorptive activity of osteoclasis, and the other involving 45Ca-labeled 17-day fetal metatarsals, in which this activity depends on preliminary (pre)osteoclast migration. PTH similarly increased (about 10-fold) PA activity in calvariae from wild-type tPA+/+ and uPA+/+ or deficient uPA-/- and PAI-/- mice; it affected only tPA, not uPA. In tPA-/- bones, the low PA levels, due to uPA, were not influenced by PTH. Calcitonin did not affect PA responses to PTH. No differences were observed between tPA+/+, tPA-/-, uPA+/+, and uPA-/- calvariae for any parameter related to bone resorption (development of lacunae, release of calcium and lysosomal enzymes, accumulation of collagenase, loss of hydroxyproline), indicating similar responses to PTH or calcitonin. The progressive 45Ca release was largely similar in cultures of tPA+/+, tPA-/-, uPA+/+, uPA-/-, PAI+/+, or PAI-/- metatarsals and it was similarly enhanced by PTH or 1,25(OH)2D3. However, uPA-/- metatarsals released 45Ca at a slower rate at the beginning of the cultures, suggesting an impaired recruitment of the (pre)osteoclasts, which migrate at that time from the periosteum into the calcified cartilage. Thus, it appears that the direct resorptive activity of the osteoclasts does not necessitate the presence of either tPA or uPA, but uPA is likely to facilitate the migration of the (pre)osteoclasts toward the mineralized surfaces. Although considerably enhanced by PTH, tPA does not mediate the actions of PTH (nor of 1,25[OH]2D3) evaluated in these models.

The effects of selective inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) on bone resorption and the identification of MMPs and TIMP-1 in isolated osteoclasts

We have compared the effects of a general matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor (CT435) with those of a concentration-dependent specific gelatinase inhibitor (CT543; Ki < 20 nM) on bone resorption in vitro. The test systems consisted of measuring: (i) the release of 45Ca2+ from prelabelled mouse calvarial explants; (ii) the release of 45Ca2+ from prelabelled osteoid-free calvarial explants co-cultured with purified chicken osteoclasts; and (iii) lacunar resorption by isolated rat osteoclasts cultured on ivory slices. Both CT435 and CT543 dose-dependently inhibited the release of 45Ca2+ from neonatal calvarial bones stimulated by either parathyroid hormone or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Moreover, CT543 produced a 40% inhibition at a concentration (10(−8) M) selective for the inhibition of human gelatinases A and B. CT435 (10(−5) M) and CT543 (10(−5) M) partially inhibited the release of 45Ca2+ from osteoid-free calvarial explants by chicken osteoclasts with a maximum of approximately 25% for unstimulated cultures, and approximately 36% for cultures stimulated by interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha; 10(−10) M). Neither inhibitor prevented lacunar resorption on ivory by unstimulated rat osteoclasts, but the compounds produced a partial reduction in both the number and total surface area of lacunae in IL-1 alpha-stimulated cultures, with maximal action at 10(−5) M. Neither of the inhibitors affected protein or DNA synthesis, nor the IL-1 alpha-stimulated secretion of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that isolated rabbit osteoclasts constitutively expressed gelatinase A and synthesized gelatinase B, collagenase and stromelysin, as well as the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) following IL-1 alpha stimulation. These experiments have shown that in addition to collagenase, gelatinases A and B are likely to play a significant role in bone resorption. They further suggest that MMPs produced by osteoclasts are released into the sub-osteoclastic resorption zone where they participate in bone collagen degradation.

Immunolocalisation of collagenase in rabbit periosteal tissue explants and extraction of the enzyme. The effect of the cytokines IL-1 alpha and EGF

The effect of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and murine epidermal growth factor (EGF) on incorporation of endogenously produced collagenase in the extracellular matrix of soft connective tissue was studied in an in vitro model system using periosteal explants obtained from rabbit calvariae. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated the highest level of collagenase in explants cultured for 72 hours with IL-1 alpha in combination with EGF. Most enzyme appeared to be associated with the extracellular matrix, but labeling was also found in numerous fibroblast-like cells. Explants cultured in the presence of IL-1 alpha alone contained less enzyme and in periostea treated without cytokines, or with EGF alone, only a faint label, if any, was seen. Freshly isolated, non-cultured periostea contained no detectable enzyme. Extraction of collagenase from periostea revealed that: (1) non-cultured periosteum did not contain detectable levels of enzyme. (2) The amount of total activatable enzyme synergistically increased (10-fold) under the influence of IL-1 alpha and EGF, whereas IL-1 alpha alone showed a 4-fold enhancement compared to control or EGF-incubated explants. (3) The latent fraction of the enzyme was synergistically increased (up to 100-fold or more) in periostea cultured in the presence of IL-1 alpha + EGF (21.17 mU/explant versus 0.05 mU/explant in controls). (4) Active collagenase, on the other hand, appeared to be present in a relatively high concentration in explants cultured without cytokines (2.45 mU/explant versus 0.36 mU/explant in IL-1 alpha + EGF-treated explants).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Increased activities of cathepsin B and other lysosomal hydrolases in fibroblasts and bone tissue cultured in the presence of cysteine proteinases inhibitors

Leupeptin is an established, reversible inhibitor of cathepsin B, a lysosomal cysteine proteinase. Yet, in rat fibroblasts as well as in foetal mouse calvaria, we observed an increase of the activity of cathepsin B in homogenates of cells and tissue harvested after culture in the presence of leupeptin. This effect was also seen for other lysosomal hydrolases, namely sphingomyelinase, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, arylsulphatase A and phospholipase A1 in fibroblasts, and beta-glucuronidase in mouse calvaria. In calvaria, antipain, another reversible cysteine proteinase inhibitor, caused a similar effect, whereas E-64, an irreversible inhibitor, was consistently inhibitory of the cathepsin B activity; yet it also caused an increase of beta-glucuronidase activity. The effect of leupeptin in fibroblasts was dose and time-dependent, required the continuous presence of the inhibitor, and was not dependent from protein synthesis. Actually, addition of cycloheximide caused a severe loss of activity of cathepsin B and of sphingomyelinase. In the presence of both cycloheximide and leupeptin, however, these two activities were retained to a value corresponding to that found in excess in cells cultivated with leupeptin alone. The data therefore suggests that leupeptin exerts the effects described in this paper by preventing the degradation of cathepsin B, sphingomyelinase and probably several other lysosomal hydrolases by cysteine proteinases. We therefore propose that cysteine proteinases play a key role in the control of the steady-state levels of these enzymes in normal conditions.

(Pro)collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1) is present in rodent osteoclasts and in the underlying bone-resorbing compartment

Osteoclasts resorb the extracellular matrix of bone by secreting enzymes and acid into a sealed-off compartment that they form upon attachment to the bone surface. Although the lysosomal cysteine proteinases can degrade collagen after the demineralization of bone at low pH, several lines of evidence suggest that collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1, EC 3.4.24.7) may also be involved in this process. The question of whether collagenase is present in the osteoclast and/or in the bone-resorbing compartment has however not been resolved. We have prepared an anti-mouse collagenase antiserum and affinity-purified an IgG fraction that specifically immunoblots and immunoprecipitates (pro)collagenase. Using these antibodies, we demonstrate by immunolocalization the presence of (pro)collagenase both in the osteoclasts and in the extracellular subosteoclastic bone-resorbing compartment. These specific localizations were observed not only in mice but also in rat and rabbit osteoclasts and using not only the antibody we have prepared but also antibodies raised in other laboratories against rat (Jeffrey et al., J. Cell. Physiol. 143, 396–403, 1990) and rabbit (Brinckerhoff et al., J. Biol. Chem. 265, 22262–22269, 1990) collagenase. Intracellular collagenase was observed in the osteoclasts whether the cells were plated on bone or cultured on glass coverslips. It is proposed that osteoclastic collagenase is secreted in the resorbing compartment where it may cooperate with the lysosomal cysteine proteinases in the degradation of the collagen component of the matrix during the resorption of bone.

Participation of cathepsin L on bone resorption

The proteinase responsible for bone collagen degradation in osteo-resorption was examined. The bone pit formation induced by parathyroid hormone (PTH) was markedly suppressed by leupeptin, E-64 and cystatin A, while no inhibition was observed by CA-074, a specific inhibitor of cathepsin B. Pig leucocyte cysteine proteinase inhibitor (PLCPI), a specific inhibitor of cathepsin L, and chymostatin, a selective inhibitor of cathepsin L, completely inhibited the pit formation. Cathepsin L activity in osteoclasts was much higher than the other cathepsin activities. Serum calcium in rats placed on a low calcium diet was decreased by treatment of E-64 or cystatin A, but not by CA-074. These findings suggest that cathepsin L is the main proteinase responsible for bone collagen degradation.

Dermal mast cell granules bind interstitial procollagenase and collagenase

In order to identify structures in human skin that bind collagenase, sections from frozen or paraffin-embedded skin were incubated with either procollagenase or activated collagenase. After washing, bound procollagenase or collagenase was detected by immunofluorescence microscopy. In normal skin, procollagenase bound only to isolated granular dermal cells that were identified as mast cells on the basis of staining with fluoresceinated avidin and pinacyanol erythrosinate. When mast cells were degranulated by exposure to the ionophore A23187, extracellular granules bound procollagenase. Of various pathologic conditions examined, the highest binding of procollagenase occurred in specimens of urticaria pigmentosa. Procollagenase bound to granular cells and to abundant granules scattered throughout the dermis. Binding could be abolished by pre-treatment of tissue sections with heparinase or by pre-incubation of procollagenase with soluble heparin, suggesting that heparin is the binding agent in the granules. Activated collagenase also bound to dermal mast cells but in addition bound strongly to the dermal collagen. Enzymatic activity of activated collagenase was not inhibited by heparin in concentrations up to 10 mg/ml. There is evidence that mast cell tryptase can contribute to procollagenase activation. This study further supports a role for mast cells in collagenolysis by demonstrating that heparin from mast cells binds procollagenase and possibly serves as a reservoir for procollagenase, which may then subsequently be activated.

Tissue and urokinase plasminogen activators in bone tissue and their regulation by parathyroid hormone

The identification of the plasminogen activator (PA) types present in bone and the regulation of their activity by parathyroid hormone (PTH) were investigated in cultures of fetal mouse calvariae with the use of either a chromogenic substrate or a zymographic assay. PA was detected essentially in the tissue extracts of the explanted bones, with only 1-2% of the total activity released in the surrounding culture media. From their electrophoretic behavior compared to PAs of other mouse tissues and from their response to a specific antibody raised against the tissue type PA (tPA), two major molecular species, of 70 and 48 kD were identified as tPA and urokinase (uPA), respectively, a third minor species of 105 kD being likely to correspond to complexes between tPA and an inhibitor; the culture fluids, moreover, contained enzymatically active degradation products of uPA of 42 and 29 kD. The PA activity of the bone extracts was only minimally affected by the addition of fibrinogen fragments to the chromogenic assays. PTH induced bone resorption and stimulated in parallel the accumulation of PA in the tissue; other bone-resorbing agents, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and prostaglandin E2, had similar effects. Densitometric scanning of the zymograms of the bone extracts indicated that PTH stimulated only the production of tPA and had no effect on that of uPA. However, PTH also enhanced the release of uPA (both the 48 kD and the 29 kD forms) from the bones into the media. Although inhibiting bone resorption, calcitonin had no effect on the PTH-induced accumulation of PA in bone or on the release of tPA, but it prevented the PTH-induced accumulation of 29 kD uPA in the culture fluids. Thus these studies support the view that tPA and possibly also uPA may have a role in the physiology of bone; the nature of this role remains to be elucidated, however.

Collagenolytic cysteine proteinases of bone tissue. Cathepsin B, (pro)cathepsin L and a cathepsin L-like 70 kDa proteinase

The aim of the work was to identify and characterize the cysteine proteinases of bone tissue, as these enzymes appear necessary for bone resorption. Three cysteine-dependent proteolytic activities were separated from a homogenate of mouse calvaria by a fractionation procedure involving (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. The first two are typical cathepsins B and L with respect to (1) their reactivity with anti-(cathepsin B) and anti-(cathepsin L) antibodies respectively, (2) their relative rate constants for inhibition by benzyloxycarbonyl-Phe-Phe-CHN2 and L-3-carboxy-trans-2,3-epoxypropionyl-L-leucylamido-(4-guanid ino)butane and (3) their enzymic properties, such as the higher activities of cathepsin L against collagen and gelatin as compared with cathepsin B, and the fact that benzyloxycarbonyl-Arg-Arg 4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide is hydrolysed only by cathepsin B. Cathepsin L was mainly recovered in its precursor form, as indicated by its apparent 40 kDa molecular mass and its relative stability at pH 7.2. The third enzyme is a cathepsin L-like proteinase with an apparent molecular mass of 70 kDa. It is immunoprecipitated by anti-(cathepsin L) antibodies, and appears as the 25 kDa band of mature cathepsin L in Western blots. It further resembles (pro)cathepsin L with regard to its activities against synthetic substrates and proteins such as collagen, and with regard to its response to various inhibitors. However, unlike (pro)cathepsin L, it is eluted as a 70 kDa protein on gel filtration (even in the presence of 1% Brij or 1 M-NaCl), it is stable at pH values as high as 9, and it exhibits stronger affinity for phenyl-Sepharose. It might thus result from a strong complex between mature cathepsin L and another entity that confers stability at alkaline pH and favours hydrophobic interactions. This 70 kDa activity was also detected in mouse muscle and long bones of Ca(2+)-deficient chicks but not in mouse liver, spleen or kidney.

The induction of specific metabolic alterations in mouse calvarial organ cultures by glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans specifically regulate the amount of calcium released from bone cultures; the mechanisms responsible for this regulation are not known. Media from glycosaminoglycan-stimulated bone organ cultures were analysed to determine (1) if specific calcium-releasing substances were selectively produced, and (2) if protein synthesis was differentially affected by glycosaminoglycans. Chondroitin sulphate B, hyaluronic acid and keratan sulphate at 100 micrograms/ml significantly increased prostaglandin release when compared with control cultures. In combination with suboptimal concentrations of PTH, chondroitin sulphate B, heparin and keratan sulphate significantly stimulated prostaglandin release. When indomethacin was included in the test assays, the stimulated prostaglandin release was abolished. Heparin-treated cultures released the greatest percentage of latent collagenase activity followed by hyaluronic acid-treated cultures. Organ cultures treated with heparin and PTH amount of active collagenase. Stimulation increased interleukin-1 above control levels but with no significant difference among the glycosaminoglycans except for keratan sulphate cultures with which had the greatest amount of interleukin-1. Collagen protein decreased between 48 and 72 h under both control and experimental conditions. Examination of the predominant [35S]-methionine labelled proteins revealed that prostaglandin E2 treatment resulted in a relative shift in labelling to higher molecular-weight proteins as time in culture increased (up to 144 h). After 48 h, when equal amounts of labelled protein were analysed, there was a predominance in labelling of a 200,000 Da protein in the prostaglandin-treated cultures. These findings demonstrate that modulation of calcium release by glycosaminoglycans results in the selective release of molecules capable of stimulating calcium release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibition of bone resorption in vitro by serine-esterase inhibitors

The effect of two synthetic serine esterase inhibitors, N-alpha-dansyl(p-guanidino)phenylalaninepiperidine hydrochloride (I 2581) and D-phenylalanyl-L-prolyl-L-arginine chloromethyl ketone (D-Phe-Pro-Arg-CH2Cl), on bone resorption in organ cultured mouse calvaria from neonatal mice has been examined. Mineral mobilization was assessed by analyzing the release of 45Ca, stable calcium (Ca2+) and inorganic phosphate (Pi). Organic matrix degradation was studied by analyzing the release of 3H from [3H]proline-labelled bones, and by quantifying the amounts of hydroxyproline in bone after culture. It was found that I 2581, at and above 30 mumol/l, dose-dependently inhibited 45Ca release induced by thrombin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), prostaglandin E2 and 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D-3. I 2581 (50 mumol/l) inhibited PTH-stimulated release of 3H from [3H]proline-labelled bones, and this effect was reversible after withdrawal of I 2581. I 2581 (50 mumol/l) inhibited the release of Ca2+, Pi, beta-glucuronidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in bones stimulated by PTH and 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D-3, without affecting the release of lactate dehydrogenase. In parallel, I 2581 decreased PTH and 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D-3 induced reduction of hydroxyproline levels in bones after culture. I 2581 (50 mumol/l) did not affect the basal release of 45Ca, Ca2+, beta-glucuronidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, nor the basal amounts of hydroxyproline in bones after culture. D-Phe-Pro-Arg-CH2Cl (100 mumol/l) significantly inhibited PTH- and PGE2-induced release of 45Ca without affecting basal release of radioactive calcium. These data indicate that activation of serine proteinase(s) may be a necessary step in the mechanism of action of several stimulators of bone resorption.

Articular responses to purified cartilage proteoglycans

To examine whether proteoglycans (PGs) liberated from cartilage might contribute to articular changes in arthritis, cartilage PGs were injected intraarticularly into rabbit knee joints. Twice-weekly injections of PG (2.5 mg) provoked synovial hypertrophy, synovitis, erosion of the articulating surfaces, and loss of metachromasia of the articular cartilage. These changes were accompanied by a marked elevation in the production of neutral collagenase and gelatinase by both synoviocytes and chondrocytes. The synoviocytes of experimental knee joints also produced factor(s), possibly related to interleukin-1, which provoked the activation of chondrocytes. Our data are consistent with the idea that free PG fragments mediate some of the pathophysiologic changes that occur in arthritic joints. This property may be particularly important in osteoarthritis.

Glycosaminoglycan stimulation of calcium release from mouse calvariae. Specificity for hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate

Heparin in combination with suboptimal concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been shown to stimulate calcium release from bone organ cultures. The mechanism of action of heparin, however, is not known. One possible mechanism relates to the highly sulfated structure of heparin. We have compared heparin to other glycosaminoglycans to stimulate calcium release from mouse calvarial organ cultures in the presence and absence of suboptimal concentrations of parathyroid hormone. The exogenous addition of heparin to bone cultures demonstrated only slight effects on calcium release at 5.0, 10, and 100 micrograms/ml. The addition of hyaluronic acid to the calvarial cultures caused a significant release of calcium at 10 and 100 micrograms/ml compared to 5 micrograms/ml hyaluronic acid. Dermatan sulfate was equally as effective as hyaluronic acid at 100 micrograms/ml but not at 10 micrograms/ml. A comparison of heparin- and hyaluronic acid-stimulated release demonstrated a significantly greater amount of calcium release with hyaluronic acid 100 micrograms/ml. At 5.0 and 10 micrograms/ml, there was no difference between heparin and hyaluronic acid in the amount of calcium released into the culture medium. When heparin was added to the organ cultures with suboptimal concentrations of PTH, there was a significant enhancement of calcium release observed with 10 and 100 micrograms/ml heparin compared to heparin addition alone. When hyaluronic acid was added with suboptimal concentrations of PTH, no significant enhancement of calcium release was observed with 100 micrograms/ml hyaluronic acid. Dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfates A and C, and keratan sulfate, in combination with PTH, stimulated significant calcium release compared to the glycosaminoglycan added alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Direct extraction and assay of bone tissue collagenase and its relation to parathyroid-hormone-induced bone resorption

A method has been developed for the quantitative extraction of collagenase from as little as one 19-day-fetal-mouse calvarium. About 20-40 munits of collagenase are extracted per mg of tissue, all in a latent form that, after proper activation, shows the typical properties of mammalian collagenase. Culturing the calvaria for 2 days with parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases their procollagenase content up to 3-fold and induces bone resorption. Both PTH effects are prevented by cycloheximide, but not by indomethacin. Calcitonin inhibits resorption without affecting the PTH-induced procollagenase synthesis. The role of this synthesis is discussed in relation to the mechanisms of bone resorption.

Inhibition of bone resorption in culture by (+)-catechin

A pretreatment with (+)-catechin renders embryonic mouse calvaria in culture resistant to the action of bone resorbing agents, either parathyroid hormone (PTH), prostaglandin E2 or retinoic acid, and inhibits in a parallel way the enhanced excretion of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, a reference lysosomal enzyme, induced by these agents; it has, however, no effect on the small spontaneous leakage of lactate dehydrogenase from the explants. Moreover, the resorption induced in calvaria by a pretreatment with PTH or retinoic acid is inhibited by a further culture with catechin. This inhibition of bone resorption is discussed in relation with the collagen-stabilizing properties of (+)-catechin.

Effects of heparin, histamine, and salmon calcitonin on mouse calvarial bone resorption

A quantitative mouse calvarial bone resorption assay was employed to investigate the effects of the mast cell products, heparin and histamine, and of salmon calcitonin. 'Amorphous' heparin, containing a range of molecular weight fractions, inhibited resorption by 15-20% at concentrations of 0.75-5.0 mg/ml. A 'defined' heparin species of mol.wt 13 500 inhibited resorption by 14-28% at 10(-5)-10(-4) mol/l. Histamine inhibited resorption by 19-55% at 10(-3)-10(-2) mol/l. It is proposed that heparin and histamine depress coupled bone resorption and formation and may lead to net loss of bone. Salmon calcitonin inhibited resorption at concentrations as low as 10 pg/ml. 'Amorphous' (but not 'defined') heparin blunted calcitonin induced inhibition of bone resorption and may derepress osteoclasts.

The osteoclast and periodontitis

The osteoclast may play an important rŏle in the variable rate of osseous destruction seen in periodontitis. Current understanding of various aspects of the osteoclast may help explain this fact. This review paper will first look at two theories of cell origin of the osteoclast: the multipotential osteoprogenitor cell theory and the hemopoietic stem cell theory. Next, ultrastructural features characteristic to the cell such as the ruffled border, clear zone, and lysosomal system, will be discussed. Thirdly, current and proposed theories on the actual mechanism of bone degradation are considered. This includes the one-cell theory and the two-cell theory. Finally, elements which activate the osteoclast are enumerated and their delicate interplay is outlined. In the context of this information, pathways found in the periodontal lesion (microbial agents, inflammatory cells and their products) which attract and activate elements of the osteoclastic system are discussed.

A new synthetic inhibitor of mammalian tissue collagenase inhibits bone resorption in culture

A specific and potent synthetic inhibitor of mammalian tissue collagenase and related metallo-proteinases inhibits the collagen matrix resorption induced by parathyroid hormone (PTH) in cultured embryonic mouse calvaria. The inhibition is reversible, dose-dependent and virtually complete at 50 microM inhibitor concentration whereas that due to a less potent stereoisomer is much weaker. The PTH-enhanced secretion of calvarial lysosomal enzymes and the small spontaneous leakage of lactate dehydrogenase are not affected by the inhibitor. These results suggest that collagenase plays a critical role in bone resorption. Its role is discussed in relation to that of cysteine-proteinases that have also been implicated in this process.

Bisphosphonates and bone resorption: effects on collagenase and lysosomal enzyme excretion

When added to cultures of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated bones, dichloromethylenebisphosphonate (C12MBP) and 3-amino-1-hydroxypropydilene-1,1-bisphosphonate (AHPrBP) inhibit completely and in a parallel manner the development of resorption lacunae, the loss of calcium by the explants and their PTH-induced excretion of lysosomal hydrolases (beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase). The loss of collagen (hydroxyproline) by the bones is usually less inhibited than their loss of calcium and their heparin-induced excretion of collagenase is unaffected. To interpret these data, it is proposed that these bisphosphonates act more on the activity of osteoclasts, suppressing simultaneously their excretion of lysosomal enzymes and their erosion of mineralized bone matrix, than on that of other cell types (osteoblasts ?) responsible for collagenase production and the removal of uncalcified collagen.

Evidence for two pathways for stimulation of collagenolysis in bone

The effect of parathormone (PTH), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or interleukin-1 (IL-1) on calcium release and collagen degradation in bone was examined in vitro using labeled neonatal calvaria of normal mice and also of osteopetrotic microphthalmic (mi/mi) mice that have defective osteoclasts. All three agents stimulated calcium release from normal bone but not from mi/mi bone. PTH stimulated the degradation of both noncalcified and calcified collagen in normal bone as well as the degradation of noncalcified collagen in mi/mi bone. However, LPS and IL-1 only stimulated the degradation of calcified collagen in normal bone. One-half maximal stimulation of noncalcified collagen degradation in normal or mi/mi bone was achieved by about 3 nM PTH compared with about 1 nM PTH for that of calcium release from normal bone. While calcitonin (CT) and leupeptin inhibited calcium release and thereby the degradation of calcified collagen, neither agent inhibited PTH-stimulated noncalcified collagen degradation in normal or mi/mi bone. The data indicate the existence of two pathways that lead to collagen degradation in bone. One is intimately connected with the resorptive process stimulated by a variety of agents, and is probably mediated by osteoclasts. A second mechanism is sensitive only to PTH and appears to be associated with nonosteoclastic cells since it can operate under conditions in which osteoclasts are thought to be inactive or are inhibited.

Mast cells at sites of cartilage erosion in the rheumatoid joint

Cartilage-pannus junctions of the rheumatoid lesion have been examined by histochemical and ultrastructural techniques in an attempt to identify the cells responsible for cartilage degradation. Mast cells have been identified at sites of cartilage erosion in 3 specimens of rheumatoid joint. It is known that mast cells participate in immunological reactions, produce the vasoactive and proteinase-modulating agents histamine and heparin as well as their own degradative proteinases. The close association of mast cells with sites of cartilage erosion suggests they may play an important role in the pathophysiology of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Cathepsin-B activity in otosclerosis

Cathepsin-B activity was determined fluorimetrically in the otosclerotic stapes footplate, the stapes superstructure, normal temporal cortical bone, and os frontale osteoma. Measurements with a synthetic substrate made determinations in individual samples possible. The cathepsin-B activity in the otosclerotic stapes footplate was one order of magnitude higher than that of the superstructure, which was not affected by the disease. The cortical bone and the superstructure displayed similar activities, as did os frontale osteoma and otosclerosis. The high lysosomal proteinase activity appears to be closely connected to the otosclerotic bone resorption process.

Degradation of collagen and proteoglycan by macrophages and fibroblasts. Individual potentialities of each cell type and cooperative effects through the activation of fibroblasts by macrophages

Fibroblasts and macrophages of various sources (peritoneal, alveolar or bone marrow-derived), from either rabbit or mouse, were cultured, independently or together, at the surface of [3H]proteoglycan/[14C]collagen-coated plates to evaluate their capacities for proteoglycan and collagen degradation. The various macrophage populations differed widely in their potentialities for proteoglycan and particularly, for collagen degradation, native collagen being significantly degraded, in this model only by rabbit alveolar macrophages. Fibroblasts were as active in proteoglycan degradation as the most active macrophage preparations, but their potential for collagen degradation appeared much higher than that of macrophages. Moreover, all types of macrophages secreted a factor, a monokine, that activated collagen and proteoglycan degradation by fibroblasts. Thus, fibroblasts might well be a major effector cell, active in connective tissue degradations occurring under chronic inflammatory situations.

Granuloma collagenase and EDTA-sensitive neutral protease production in hepatic murine schistosomiasis

Mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni represent a model for study of hepatic fibrosis in humans. Production of trypsin-activatable inactive collagenase and EDTA-sensitive neutral protease was measured in the culture medium in which granuloma explants or primary cultures were maintained. Collagenase production was maximal in granulomas obtained from liver of mice 8 weeks postinfection and was inhibited by Actinomycin D or cycloheximide, and enhanced by lymphocyte factor(s) or heparin. Isolated schistosome eggs did not release these enzymatic activities but did release EDTA-insensitive protease activity. Both enzymes were separated by ion-exchange chromatography and purified to homogeneity. Isolated collagenase had an isoelectric point of 6.2 and molecular weight of 60,000 and had the functional characteristics of a tissue collagenase. The specific activity of collagenase was 33 units per mg protein at an optimum pH 7.5 and lacked proteolytic activity against noncollagenous protein substrates. Isolated EDTA-sensitive neutral protease had specific caseinolytic activity of 150 units per mg protein and gelatinolytic activity of 300 units per mg protein at an optimum pH 7.5; the enzyme lacked activity against undenatured collagen. Isoelectric point was pH 6.0. Protease activity was inhibited by known inhibitors of collagenases. Production and activation of EDTA-sensitive neutral protease and collagenase accompany increased collagen synthesis and content in the liver of mice 8 weeks postinfection with S. mansoni cercariae. Continued accumulation of liver collagen under these conditions suggests an insufficiency in collagenase activity relative to the increase in collagen synthesis.

Inhibition of bone resorption in culture by inhibitors of thiol proteinases

Leupeptin, antipain, tosyl-lysylchloromethane (Tos-Lys-CH2Cl) and benzyloxy-carbonylphenylalanylalanyldiazomethane (Z-Phe-Ala-CHN2) inhibit reversibly the resorption induced by parathyroid hormone or heparin in cultured mouse bones. Leupeptin and antipain do not affect collagenase production and activity or the enhanced secretion of beta-glucuronidase induced by the bone-resorbing agents. They might thus act by a direct (extracellular?) inhibition of lysosomal thiol proteinases.

Relationship between bone resorption and lysosomal enzyme release as demonstrated by the effect of 1 alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D-3 in an organ culture system

The effect of 1 alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D-3 on the release of calcium (40Ca, 45Ca), inorganic phosphate and lysosomal enzymes, on glucose consumption and lactate production was studied in a bone organ culture system using half calvaria from 6--7-day-old mice. 1 alpha-Hydroxy-vitamin D-3 stimulated the mobilization of minerals and increased the release of beta-glucuronidase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and acid phosphatase, while no effect on the release of lactate dehydrogenase was seen. 1 alpha-Hydroxy-vitamin D-3 also caused a significant increase in the total activities of acid phosphatase in the bones after culture, indicating increased enzyme synthesis. The stimulatory effect on the release of Pi and beta-glucuronidase was also obtained after a temporary exposure to 1 alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D-3. The stimulation by 1 alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D-3 on the release of Ca2+, Pi and beta-glucuronidase was suppressed by a protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. No effect by 1 alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D-3 on glucose consumption and lactate production was registered, suggesting that increased mineral mobilization does not require increased lactate production. It is concluded that although the data in the present paper do not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between lysosomal enzyme release and bone resorption, they give further support to the concept that the processes are intimately associated.

Release of lysosomal hydrolases from bone explants affected by dental plaque

Lysosomal hydrolases as indicators of plaque-induced bone resorption in tissue culture were studied. Fetal rat bones cultured in a synthetic medium containing sonicated and filtrated human dental plaque were used as bones to be resorbed. Acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase were found to be the most suitable enzymes for studying the degradation rate of bone cell lysosomes. When dental plaque is used as a resorbing agent, special attention has to be paid to the fact that plaque extract contains similar lysosomal hydrolase activity. Plaque hydrolases in the present study were quite stable in culture medium. No significant adsorption of enzymes by fetal rat bones occurred while remarkable adsorption by synthetic hydroxyapatite was found. The present results indicate that dental plaque is able to release lysosomal hydrolases from bone explants. This release corresponds to the degree of resorption measured by 45Ca release from bones.