Low-dose dental irradiation decreases oxidative stress in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells without any changes in cell viability, cellular proliferation and cellular apoptosis

Irradiation affects the structural, cellular and molecular components of jawbones

PURPOSE

Emerging evidence shows that changes in the bone and its microenvironment following radiotherapy are associated with either an inhibition or a state of low bone formation. Ionizing radiation is damaging to the jawbone as it increases the complication rate due to the development of hypovascular, hypocellular, and hypoxic tissue. This review summarizes and correlates the current knowledge on the effects of irradiation on the bone with an emphasis on jawbone, as these have been a less extensively studied area.

CONCLUSIONS

The stringent regulation of bone formation and bone resorption can be influenced by radiation, causing detrimental effects at structural, cellular, vascular, and molecular levels. It is also associated with a high risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissues and an increased risk of fracture. Technological advances and research on animal models as well as a few human bone tissue studies have provided novel insights into the ways in which bone can be affected by high, low and sublethal dose of radiation. The influence of radiation on bone metabolism, cellular properties, vascularity, collagen, and other factors like inflammation, reactive oxygen species are discussed.

Cytoskeleton Response to Ionizing Radiation: A Brief Review on Adhesion and Migration Effects

The cytoskeleton is involved in several biological processes, including adhesion, motility, and intracellular transport. Alterations in the cytoskeletal components (actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules) are strictly correlated to several diseases, such as cancer. Furthermore, alterations in the cytoskeletal structure can lead to anomalies in cells’ properties and increase their invasiveness. This review aims to analyse several studies which have examined the alteration of the cell cytoskeleton induced by ionizing radiations. In particular, the radiation effects on the actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and migration have been considered to gain a deeper knowledge of the biophysical properties of the cell. In fact, the results found in the analysed works can not only aid in developing new diagnostic tools but also improve the current cancer treatments.

Low-dose X-ray irradiation induces morphological changes and cytoskeleton reorganization in osteoblasts

Recently, research into the biological effects of low dose X-ray irradiation (LDI) has been a focus of interest. Numerous studies have suggested that cells exhibit different responses and biological effects to LDI compared with high doses. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that LDI may promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro, thereby accelerating fracture healing in mice. However, the exact mechanism of action by which LDI exerts its effects remains unclear. Previous studies using microarrays revealed that LDI promoted the expression of genes associated with the cytoskeleton. In the current study, the effect of X-ray irradiation (0.5 and 5 Gy) on the morphology of MC3T3-E1 cells and fiber actin organization was investigated. Osteoblasts were treated with 0, 0.5 and 5 Gy X- ray irradiation, following which changes in the actin cytoskeleton were observed. The levels of RhoA, ROCK, cofilin and phosphorylated-cofilin were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Subsequently, osteoblasts were pretreated with ROCK specific inhibitor Y27632 to observe the changes of actin skeleton after X-ray irradiation. The results demonstrated that the cellular morphological changes were closely associated with radiation dose and exposure time. Furthermore, the gene expression levels of small GTPase RhoA and its effectors were increased following LDI. These results indicated that the RhoA/Rho-associated kinase pathway may serve a significant role in regulating LDI-induced osteoblast cytoskeleton reorganization.

Effect of autophagy on irradiation‑induced damage in osteoblast‑like MC3T3‑E1 cells

Autophagy is activated under radiation stress, which serves an important role in maintaining bone homeostasis. However, the underlying mechanisms of irradiation-induced autophagy in bone homeostasis is not well understood. The present study aimed to determine the effects of radiation-activated autophagy on pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. X-ray irradiation activated autophagy in a dose-dependent manner, with an increased fluorescence intensity of monodansylcadaverine staining, increased ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3β (LC3)-II/LC3-I, decreased p62 expression, and increased ATG5 and beclin-1 expression levels in MC3T3-E1 cells 72 h after irradiation compared with those in non-irradiated MC3T3-E1 cells. Irradiation reduced colony formation and mineralization in a dose-dependent manner in MC3T3-E1 cells at 2 and 3 weeks after irradiation, respectively. Decreased levels of alkaline phosphatase activity and runt-related transcription factor 2 expression were observed at 72 h post-irradiation. In addition, irradiation-induced apoptosis was accompanied by a decreased ratio of Bcl-2/BAX protein and increased the activity of caspase-3. By contrast, doxycycline (DOX)-inhibited autophagy attenuated the decreased colony formation and mineralization, and aggravated the increased cell apoptosis in irradiated MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, the ratio of phosphorylated P38/P38 was observed to be higher following DOX treatment within 1 week of irradiation, which was reversed 2 weeks post-irradiation. In conclusion, DOX-inhibited autophagy aggravated X-ray irradiation-induced apoptosis at an early stage, but maintained cell proliferation and mineralization at a late stage in irradiated MC3T3-E1 cells.

The Influence of Radiation on Bone and Bone Cells-Differential Effects on Osteoclasts and Osteoblasts

The bone is a complex organ that is dependent on a tight regulation between bone formation by osteoblasts (OBs) and bone resorption by osteoclasts (OCs). These processes can be influenced by environmental factors such as ionizing radiation (IR). In cancer therapy, IR is applied in high doses, leading to detrimental effects on bone, whereas radiation therapy with low doses of IR is applied for chronic degenerative and inflammatory diseases, with a positive impact especially on bone homeostasis. Moreover, the effects of IR are of particular interest in space travel, as astronauts suffer from bone loss due to space radiation and microgravity. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the effects of IR on bone with a special focus on the influence on OCs and OBs, as these cells are essential in bone remodeling. In addition, the influence of IR on the bone microenvironment is discussed. In summary, the effects of IR on bone and bone remodeling cells strongly depend on the applied radiation dose, as differential results are provided from in vivo as well as in vitro studies with varying doses of IR. Furthermore, the isolated effects of IR on a single cell type are difficult to determine, as the bone cells and bone microenvironment are building a tightly regulated network, influencing on one another. Therefore, future research is necessary in order to elucidate the influence of different bone cells on the overall radiation-induced effects on bone.

Effects of low-dose irradiation on human osteoblasts and periodontal ligament cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of dental x-ray on proliferation and mineralization in human primary osteoblasts as well as on proliferation and apoptotic potential in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells.

DESIGN

Primary osteoblasts and PDL cells were irradiated with various doses of periapical radiography by repeated exposures and further incubated for 1, 3 or 7 days. Cell proliferation was assayed by BrdU incorporation. The effect of dental x-ray on mineralization in osteoblasts either before or after x-ray exposures was determined by Alizarin red staining. Both mRNA and protein expressions of BCL-2, an anti-apoptotic gene, and BAX, a pro-apoptotic gene, in PDL cells were analyzed by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

Neither the proliferative nor the mineralization ability of irradiated osteoblasts was different from that of non-irradiated osteoblasts at any doses or time points. By contrast, there was a significant decrease in the proliferation of PDL cells on day 3 after repeated exposures to dental x-ray for 20 times (P < 0.05), whereas the ratio of BCL-2 to BAX mRNA and protein expressions in these irradiated PDL cells was significantly increased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Upon multiple exposures to dental x-ray used in intraoral radiography up to 20 times, there is no effect on the proliferation or the mineralization of osteoblasts, whereas the proliferative and apoptotic potentials of PDL cells are transiently decreased.

Re-evaluation of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model using new paradigms and modern molecular studies

The linear no-threshold (LNT) model is currently used to estimate low dose radiation (LDR) induced health risks. This model lacks safety thresholds and postulates that health risks caused by ionizing radiation is directly proportional to dose. Therefore even the smallest radiation dose has the potential to cause an increase in cancer risk. Advances in LDR biology and cell molecular techniques demonstrate that the LNT model does not appropriately reflect the biology or the health effects at the low dose range. The main pitfall of the LNT model is due to the extrapolation of mutation and DNA damage studies that were conducted at high radiation doses delivered at a high dose-rate. These studies formed the basis of several outdated paradigms that are either incorrect or do not hold for LDR doses. Thus, the goal of this review is to summarize the modern cellular and molecular literature in LDR biology and provide new paradigms that better represent the biological effects in the low dose range. We demonstrate that LDR activates a variety of cellular defense mechanisms including DNA repair systems, programmed cell death (apoptosis), cell cycle arrest, senescence, adaptive memory, bystander effects, epigenetics, immune stimulation, and tumor suppression. The evidence presented in this review reveals that there are minimal health risks (cancer) with LDR exposure, and that a dose higher than some threshold value is necessary to achieve the harmful effects classically observed with high doses of radiation. Knowledge gained from this review can help the radiation protection community in making informed decisions regarding radiation policy and limits.

Early antioxidant responses via the concerted activation of NF-κB and Nrf2 characterize the gamma-radiation-induced adaptive response in quiescent human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The radiation-induced adaptive response (RI-AR) is a non-targeted effect which is outside the scope of the classical Linear-No-Threshold (LNT) dose-response paradigm. However, the mechanisms of the RI-AR are not well understood. We have studied the RI-AR in quiescent human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs in G₀ phase were 'primed' with a low dose (100 mGy gamma radiation) and then, after an 'adaptive window' of 4 h, 'challenged' with a high dose (2 Gy). A small (5.7%) increase in viability and a decrease in DNA strand breaks were seen in primed cells, compared to non-primed cells. This was consistent with lower levels of reactive oxygen species, higher mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin reductase, and glutathione peroxidase, in the primed cells. Reduced oxidative stress in primed PBMCs correlated with greater nuclear translocation of the redox-sensitive transcription factors Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Distinct differences in responses were seen in PBMCs irradiated with low dose (100 mGy) and high dose (2 Gy). These findings provide insight into the mechanisms of radioadaptation in human cells.

Distinct biological effects of low-dose radiation on normal and cancerous human lung cells are mediated by ATM signaling

Low-dose radiation (LDR) induces hormesis and adaptive response in normal cells but not in cancer cells, suggesting its potential protection of normal tissue against damage induced by conventional radiotherapy. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well established. We addressed this in the present study by examining the role of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) signaling pathway in response to LDR using A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells and HBE135-E6E7 (HBE) normal lung epithelial cells. We found that LDR-activated ATM was the initiating event in hormesis and adaptive response to LDR in HBE cells. ATM activation increased the expression of CDK4/CDK6/cyclin D1 by activating the AKT/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β signaling pathway, which stimulated HBE cell proliferation. Activation of ATM/AKT/GSK-3β signaling also increased nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, leading to increased expression of antioxidants, which mitigated cellular damage from excessive reactive oxygen species production induced by high-dose radiation. However, these effects were not observed in A549 cells. Thus, the failure to activate these pathways in A549 cells likely explains the difference between normal and cancer cells in terms of hormesis and adaptive response to LDR.

Effect of low-dose X-ray irradiation and Ti particles on the osseointegration of prosthetic

Low-dose irradiation (LDI) exhibits a positive effect on osteoblasts and inhibitory effect of inflammation. Here, we test the hypothesis that LDI can promote osseointegration and inhibit the inflammatory membrane formation in the presence of titanium (Ti) particles. Endotoxin-free titanium particles were injected into rabbit, prior to the insertion of a Ti6-Al-4-V sticks pre-coated with hydroxyapatite. Two days after operation, both distal femurs of the animal were exposed to 0.5 Gy X-ray irradiation. All ani-mals were euthanized 8 weeks after the operation. The PINP concentration was determined at day 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after operation. Trabecular morphology around the implants 8 weeks after operation was assessed using micro-CT, then the maximum push out force of simples was assessed using biomechanics test. Five samples in each group were chosen for bone histomorphology study without decalcification 8 weeks after operation. The results confirmed that the LDI can significantly improve ingrowth of bone into the prosthetic interface and stability of the prosthesis when there was no wear particles. Although promotion effects for bone formation induced by LDI can be counteracted by wear particles, LDI can significantly inhibit the interface membrane formation around the implant induced by wear particles. Based on these results, we conclude that LDI may be useful for enhancing the stability of prosthesis when there are no wear particles and for inhibiting the interface membrane formation during the early stage of aseptic loosening in the presence of wear particles. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1688-1696, 2016.

Low-dose X-ray irradiation promotes osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and fracture healing

Great controversy exists regarding the biologic responses of osteoblasts to X-ray irradiation, and the mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, the biological effects of low-dose radiation on stimulating osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and fracture healing were identified using in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal studies. First, low-dose (0.5 Gy) X-ray irradiation induced the cell viability and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells. However, high-dose (5 Gy) X-ray irradiation inhibited the viability and proliferation of osteoblasts. In addition, dynamic variations in osteoblast differentiation markers, including type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase, Runx2, Osterix and osteocalcin, were observed after both low-dose and high-dose irradiation by Western blot analysis. Second, fracture healing was evaluated via histology and gene expression after single-dose X-ray irradiation, and low-dose X-ray irradiation accelerates fracture healing of closed femoral fractures in rats. In low-dose X-ray irradiated fractures, an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells, cartilage formation and fracture calluses was observed. In addition, we observed more rapid completion of endochondral and intramembranous ossification, which was accompanied by altered expression of genes involved in bone remodeling and fracture callus mineralization. Although the expression level of several osteoblast differentiation genes was increased in the fracture calluses of high-dose irradiated rats, the callus formation and fracture union were delayed compared with the control and low-dose irradiated fractures. These results reveal beneficial effects of low-dose irradiation, including the stimulation of osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and fracture healing, and highlight its potential translational application in novel therapies against bone-related diseases.

Decreased jaw bone density and osteoblastic insulin signaling in a model of obesity

Previous studies have demonstrated that decreased bone mass results from either the impairment of osteoblastic insulin signaling or obesity. Our previous study revealed that 12-week high-fat-diet (HFD) consumption caused obesity as well as peripheral and brain insulin resistance. However, the osteoblastic insulin resistance induced by HFD has not been elucidated. Therefore, we hypothesized that 12-week HFD rats exhibited not only peripheral insulin resistance but also osteoblastic insulin resistance, which leads to decreased jawbone quality. We found that the jawbones of rats fed a 12-week HFD exhibited increased osteoporosis. The osteoblastic cells isolated from HFD-fed rats exhibited the impairment of osteoblastic insulin signaling as well as reduction of cell proliferation and survival. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that insulin resistance induced by 12-week HFD impaired osteoblastic insulin signaling, osteoblast proliferation, and osteoblast survival and resulted in osteoporosis in the jawbone.