Involvement of nitric oxide and biopterin in proinflammatory cytokine-induced apoptotic cell death in mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1

GC-MS and LC-TOF-MS profiles, toxicity, and macrophage-dependent in vitro anti-osteoporosis activity of Prunus africana (Hook f.) Kalkman Bark

Osteoporosis affects millions of people worldwide. As such, this study assessed the macrophage-dependent in vitro anti-osteoporosis, phytochemical profile and hepatotoxicity effects in zebrafish larvae of the stem bark extracts of P. africana. Mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMM) cells were plated in 96-well plates and treated with P. africana methanolic bark extracts at concentrations of 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/ml for 24 h. The osteoclast tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and cell viability were measured. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced Nitrite (NO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production inhibitory effects of P. africana bark extracts (Methanolic, 150 µg/ml) and β-sitosterol (100 µM) were conducted using RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, inhibition of IL-1β secretion and TRAP activity were determined for chlorogenic acid, catechin, naringenin and β-sitosterol. For toxicity study, zebrafish larvae were exposed to different concentrations of 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/ml P. africana methanolic, ethanolic and water bark extracts. Dimethyl sulfoxide (0.05%) was used as a negative control and tamoxifen (5 µM) and dexamethasone (40 µM or 80 µM) were positive controls. The methanolic P. africana extracts significantly inhibited (p < 0.001) TRAP activity at all concentrations and at 12.5 and 25 µg/ml, the extract exhibited significant (p < 0.05) BMM cell viability. NO production was significantly inhibited (all p < 0.0001) by the sample. IL-6 secretion was significantly inhibited by P. africana methanolic extract (p < 0.0001) and β-sitosterol (p < 0.0001) and further, chlorogenic acid and naringenin remarkably inhibited IL-1β production. The P. africana methanolic extract significantly inhibited RANKL-induced TRAP activity. The phytochemical study of P. africana stem bark revealed a number of chemical compounds with anti-osteoporosis activity. There was no observed hepatocyte apoptosis in the liver of zebrafish larvae. In conclusion, the stem bark of P. africana is non-toxic to the liver and its inhibition of TRAP activity makes it an important source for future anti-osteoporosis drug development.

Sepiapterin reductase: Characteristics and role in diseases

Sepiapterin reductase, a homodimer composed of two subunits, plays an important role in the biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin. Furthermore, sepiapterin reductase exhibits a wide distribution in different tissues and is associated with many diseases, including brain dysfunction, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease and cancer. With regard to drugs targeting sepiapterin reductase, many compounds have been identified and provide potential methods to treat various diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of sepiapterin reductase in many biological processes is unclear. Therefore, this article summarized the structure, distribution and function of sepiapterin reductase, as well as the relationship between sepiapterin reductase and different diseases, with the aim of finding evidence to guide further studies on the molecular mechanisms and the potential clinical value of sepiapterin reductase. In particular, the different effects induced by the depletion of sepiapterin reductase or the inhibition of the enzyme suggest that the non-enzymatic activity of sepiapterin reductase could function in certain biological processes, which also provides a possible direction for sepiapterin reductase research.

Chinese herbal medicine for bone health

CONTEXT

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been widely used in clinical practice to treat bone disease for thousands of years. They are cost-effective with fewer side effects and are more suitable for long-term use compared with chemically synthesized medicines.

OBJECTIVE

Chinese herbal formula prescribed among the CHMs is safe, and it is an alternative medicine for bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis.

METHODS

Science Direct and Google Scholar were used to search articles published. The input key words were CHM, osteoporosis, Chinese herbal formula, traditional Chinese medicine, single herb, multiple-herbs, and bone health. CHMs (single herb and formula) lacking sufficient proof and evidence in the literature were excluded and only those with high citation were retained.

RESULTS

A brief review was summarized to indicate the application and the potential mechanism of single herb formula and multi-herb formula in treating the common bone-related diseases such as inflammation, fracture, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.

CONCLUSION

In order to ensure safety and efficacy of all these CHMs, the prescriptions with single herb and multi-component formula must be verified and ensured by reliable pharmacological and toxicological methods. Much more effort needs to be done for studying the standardization, safety evaluation, and mechanism exploration of herb formula as well as confirming the compatibility of these herbs which make one.

Cytokines induce MMP-3-regulated proliferation of embryonic stem cell-derived odontoblast-like cells

OBJECTIVES

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 expression increases after pulpectomy and accelerates angiogenesis in rat dental pulp by an uncharacterised mechanism. Odontoblasts, a major component of dental pulp, could represent a therapeutic target. We investigated whether MMP-3 activity is induced by cytokines and/or is associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis in embryonic stem cell-derived odontoblast-like cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, an MMP-3 activity assay, a BrdU-cell proliferation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and DNA fragmentation analysis to evaluate siRNA-mediated downregulation of MMP-3 expression and activity, and any changes in the proliferative and apoptotic responses associated with this reduced expression.

RESULTS

Pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ, at relatively low concentrations) induced MMP-3 mRNA and protein expression, and increased MMP-3 activity and cell proliferation, but not apoptosis. MMP-3 silencing produced a potent and significant suppression of cytokine-induced MMP-3 expression and activity, decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. These effects were rescued by application of exogenous MMP-3.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokines induce MMP-3-regulated cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis effects in odontoblast-like cells derived from embryonic stem cells, in addition to their well-documented destructive role in inflammation.

Protective effect of apigenin against oxidative stress-induced damage in osteoblastic cells

Apigenin, a plant-derived flavonoid, was investigated to determine whether it could influence hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage and cellular dysfunction in the MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblastic cell line. In the present study, osteoblastic cells were treated with H2O2 in the presence or absence of apigenin. Cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were subsequently examined. It was observed that H2O2 reduced cell survival and ΔΨm, while it markedly increased the intracellular levels of ROS and apoptosis. However, pretreatment of cells with apigenin attenuated all the H2O2-induced effects. The antioxidants, catalase and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) also prevented H2O2-induced oxidative cell damage. In addition, treatment with apigenin resulted in a significant elevation of osteoblast differentiation genes including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen, osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osterix (OSX) and osteocalcin (OC) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) genes (BMP2, BMP4 and BMP7). In the mechanistic studies of cell signaling by the antioxidative potential of apigenin, it was found that apigenin activated the H2O2-induced decreased expression of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B2 (AKT2) genes and extracellular signal-related kinase (EPK) 2, which are key regulators of survival-related signaling pathways. By contrast, there were no changes in the expression of nuclear facor-κB (NF-κB) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) gene exposed to H2O2 in the present study. Apigenin also upregulated the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, SOD2 and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) 1. Taken together, these results suggested that apigenin attenuated oxidative-induced cell damage in osteoblastic cells and may be useful for the treatment of oxidative-related bone disease.

RETRACTED: Proinflammatory cytokines induce stromelysin-1-mediated cell proliferation in dental pulp fibroblast-like cells

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of a member of the author team as it contains fabricated/falsified data. All of the authors except Nobuaki Ozeki and Taiki Hiyama have agreed to retract the article; N Ozeki left Aichi Gakuin University in March 2018 and does not respond to coauthor inquiries. T Hiyama left Aichi Gakuin University and could not be reached.

Effects of Low-Dose versus High-Dose γ-Tocotrienol on the Bone Cells Exposed to the Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

Oxidative stress and apoptosis can disrupt the bone formation activity of osteoblasts which can lead to osteoporosis. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of γ-tocotrienol on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes activities, and apoptosis of osteoblast exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Osteoblasts were treated with 1, 10, and 100 μM of γ-tocotrienol for 24 hours before being exposed to 490 μM (IC₅₀) H₂O₂ for 2 hours. Results showed that γ-tocotrienol prevented the malondialdehyde (MDA) elevation induced by H₂O₂ in a dose-dependent manner. As for the antioxidant enzymes assays, all doses of γ-tocotrienol were able to prevent the reduction in SOD and CAT activities, but only the dose of 1 μM of GTT was able to prevent the reduction in GPx. As for the apoptosis assays, γ-tocotrienol was able to reduce apoptosis at the dose of 1 and 10 μM. However, the dose of 100 μM of γ-tocotrienol induced an even higher apoptosis than H₂O₂. In conclusion, low doses of γ-tocotrienol offered protection for osteoblasts against H₂O₂ toxicity, but itself caused toxicity at the high doses.

Caspase-2 deficiency protects mice from diabetes-induced marrow adiposity

Type I (T1) diabetes is an autoimmune and metabolic disease associated with bone loss. Bone formation and density are decreased in T1-diabetic mice. Correspondingly, the number of TUNEL positive, dying osteoblasts increases in bones of T1-diabetic mice. Moreover, two known mediators of osteoblast death, TNFα and ROS, are increased in T1-diabetic bone. TNFα and oxidative stress are known to activate caspase-2, a factor involved in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Therefore, we investigated the requirement of caspase-2 for diabetes-induced osteoblast death and bone loss. Diabetes was induced in 16-week old C57BL/6 caspase-2 deficient mice and their wild type littermates and markers of osteoblast death, bone formation and resorption, and marrow adiposity were examined. Despite its involvement in extrinsic cell death, deficiency of caspase-2 did not prevent or reduce diabetes-induced osteoblast death as evidenced by a twofold increase in TUNEL positive osteoblasts in both mouse genotypes. Similarly, deficiency of caspase-2 did not prevent T1-diabetes induced bone loss in trabecular bone (BV/TV decreased by 30 and 50%, respectively) and cortical bone (decreased cortical thickness and area with increased marrow area). Interestingly, at this age, differences in bone parameters were not seen between genotypes. However, caspase-2 deficiency attenuated diabetes-induced bone marrow adiposity and adipocyte gene expression. Taken together, our data suggest that caspase-2 deficiency may play a role in promoting marrow adiposity under stress or disease conditions, but it is not required for T1-diabetes induced bone loss.

The bone marrow microenvironment contributes to type I diabetes induced osteoblast death

Type I diabetes increases an individual's risk for bone loss and fracture, predominantly through suppression of osteoblast activity (bone formation). During diabetes onset, levels of blood glucose and pro-inflammatory cytokines (including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)) increased. At the same time, levels of osteoblast markers are rapidly decreased and stay decreased chronically (i.e., 40 days later) at which point bone loss is clearly evident. We hypothesized that early bone marrow inflammation can promote osteoblast death and hence reduced osteoblast markers. Indeed, examination of type I diabetic mouse bones demonstrates a greater than twofold increase in osteoblast TUNEL staining and increased expression of pro-apoptotic factors. Osteoblast death was amplified in both pharmacologic and spontaneous diabetic mouse models. Given the known signaling and inter-relationships between marrow cells and osteoblasts, we examined the role of diabetic marrow in causing the osteoblast death. Co-culture studies demonstrate that compared to control marrow cells, diabetic bone marrow cells increase osteoblast (MC3T3 and bone marrow derived) caspase 3 activity and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 expression. Mouse blood glucose levels positively correlated with bone marrow induced osteoblast death and negatively correlated with osteocalcin expression in bone, suggesting a relationship between type I diabetes, bone marrow and osteoblast death. TNF expression was elevated in diabetic marrow (but not co-cultured osteoblasts); therefore, we treated co-cultures with TNFα neutralizing antibodies. The antibody protected osteoblasts from bone marrow induced death. Taken together, our findings implicate the bone marrow microenvironment and TNFα in mediating osteoblast death and contributing to type I diabetic bone loss.

Trypanosoma brucei pteridine reductase 1 is essential for survival in vitro and for virulence in mice

Gene knockout and knockdown methods were used to examine essentiality of pteridine reductase (PTR1) in pterin metabolism in the African trypanosome. Attempts to generate PTR1 null mutants in bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei proved unsuccessful; despite integration of drug selectable markers at the target locus, the gene for PTR1 was either retained at the same locus or elsewhere in the genome. However, RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in complete knockdown of endogenous protein after 48 h, followed by cell death after 4 days. This lethal phenotype was reversed by expression of enzymatically active Leishmania major PTR1 in RNAi lines ((oe)RNAi) or by addition of tetrahydrobiopterin to cultures. Loss of PTR1 was associated with gross morphological changes due to a defect in cytokinesis, resulting in cells with multiple nuclei and kinetoplasts, as well as multiple detached flagella. Electron microscopy also revealed increased numbers of glycosomes, while immunofluorescence microscopy showed increased and more diffuse staining for glycosomal matrix enzymes, indicative of mis-localisation to the cytosol. Mis-localisation was confirmed by digitonin fractionation experiments. RNAi cell lines were markedly less virulent than wild-type parasites in mice and virulence was restored in the (oe)RNAi line. Thus, PTR1 may be a drug target for human African trypanosomiasis.

Heme oxygenase-1 induction by (S)-enantiomer of YS-51 (YS-51S), a synthetic isoquinoline alkaloid, inhibits nitric oxide production and nuclear factor-kappaB translocation in ROS 17/2.8 cells activated with inflammatory stimulants

Activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) pathway contributes to inflammation-induced osteoporosis by suppressing bone formation and causing osteoblast apoptosis. We investigated the mechanism of action by which YS-51S, a synthetic isoquinoline alkaloid, inhibits iNOS expression and nitric oxide (NO) production in ROS 17/28 osteoblast cells activated with the mixture of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and LPS (MIX). YS-51S, concentration- and time-dependently, increased heme oxygenase (HO-1) expression. Treatment with YS-51S 1 h prior to MIX significantly reduced MIX-induced NO production and iNOS expression with the IC50 to NO production of 47+/-3.3 microM. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and western blot analysis showed that YS-51S inhibited MIX-mediated activation and translocation of NF-kappaB to nucleus by suppressing the degradation of its inhibitory protein IkappaBalpha in cytoplasm. YS-51S also reduced NF-kappaB-luciferase activity. In addition, an HO-1 inhibitor ZnPPIX, antagonized the inhibitory effect of YS-51S on iNOS expression and DNA strand break induced by MIX, indicating prevention of NO production by YS-51S is associated with HO-1 activity. Moreover, YS-51S inhibited the oxidation of cytochrome c(2+) by peroxynitrite (PN). Our results indicated that YS-51S may be beneficial in NO-mediated inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis by alleviating iNOS expression and NO-mediated cell death of osteoblast with 1) inducing HO-1 expression, 2) interfering the activation of NF-kappaB and 3) quenching of PN.

Parathyroid hormone modifies human periodontal ligament cell proliferation and survival in vitro

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells show traits that are typical of osteoblasts, such as osteoblastic marker gene expression and the ability to respond to parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulation in an osteoblast-like manner with respect to differentiation and local factor production. In the present study, we hypothesized that human PDL cells might respond to PTH stimulation with changes in proliferation and cell survival and thereby provide another mechanism by which PTH might affect the reparative potential of PDL cells. We speculated that the maturation state of the cells and the mode of PTH(1-34) administration would have an impact on the cellular response.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PDL cells were challenged with PTH(1-34) intermittently or continuously at different maturation states. Cell number, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, DNA fragmentation, nitric oxide production and the duration of the PTH(1-34) effect were determined.

RESULTS

Intermittent PTH(1-34) treatment of preconfluent cells caused a significant increase in proliferation and DNA fragmentation, whereas in more mature cells, proliferation was less enhanced while apoptosis was more pronounced than in immature cells. Continuous PTH(1-34) exposure did not alter proliferation in any maturation state but increased DNA fragmentation in preconfluent cells. PTH(1-34) prevented etoposide-induced apoptosis after 6 h but no longer after 24 h. Nitric oxide production was unaffected.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that human PDL cells respond to PTH(1-34) with changes in proliferative and apoptotic signaling in a maturation-state-dependent manner. Besides changes in local factor production, these findings provide a further possible mechanism to support the idea that PDL cells possess the potential to be involved in the regulation of dental hard tissue repair.

Effects of Interferon-Gamma on Bone Remodeling during Experimental Tooth Movement

Objective: To determine the effects of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) on bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement.

Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly categorized into five groups. IFN-γ was administered in three different doses (0.01, 0.02, and 0.05 μg/20 μL) and the remaining two groups served as control. Mandibular first molars were moved mesially by means of Ni-Ti closed coil springs in all groups. The results were evaluated histomorphometrically, and parameters of trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular bone number (Tr.N), and trabecular separation (Tr.Sep) were observed at the interradicular bone area of the mandibular first molars.

Results: Increases in BV/TV and Tr.N and decreases in Tr.Sep revealed the antiosteoclastic activity of IFN-γ.

Conclusion: IFN-γ administration may be useful clinically for anchorage control.

Cytokine-induced nitric-oxide-dependent apoptosis in mouse osteoblastic cells: Involvement of p38MAP kinase

The apoptotic signalling induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines was examined in mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Annexin-V/propidium iodine double-staining analysis demonstrated that the combination of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and interferon-gamma caused cell death in osteoblastic cells mediated by apoptosis, not necrosis. Treatment with these cytokines resulted in potent enhancement of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA and nitric-oxide (NO) in the cells. A specific inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, i.e. SB203580, dose dependently inhibited the induction of iNOS mRNA, its enzyme product, NO and DNA fragmentation (as an apoptosis index) in the cytokine-treated cells (P<0.05). In contrast, PD98059, a specific inhibitor of MEK that acts immediately upstream of classic MAP kinase, had no effect on the induction of iNOS, NO or DNA fragmentation in the cells. These results demonstrate that this cytokine-induced apoptosis in mouse osteoblastic cells was mediated by a p38MAP-kinase-dependent iNOS system.

Nitric Oxide Induces Osteoblast Apoptosis through a Mitochondria-Dependent Pathway

Osteoblasts contribute to bone remodeling. Nitric oxide can regulate osteoblast activities. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the pathophysiological effects of nitric oxide on osteoblasts and its possible mechanism using neonatal rat calvarial osteoblasts as the experimental model. Exposure of osteoblasts to sodium nitroprusside, a nitric oxide donor, decreased alkaline phosphatase activities and cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Apoptotic analysis revealed that sodium nitroprusside time-dependently increased the percentages of osteoblasts undergoing apoptosis. Administration of sodium nitroprusside reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential of osteoblasts. In parallel with the mitochondrial dysfunction, levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and cytochrome c were significantly elevated following sodium nitroprusside administration. Exposure of osteoblasts to sodium nitroprusside significantly increased caspase-3 activity. Results of this study show that nitric oxide, decomposed from sodium nitroprusside, can induce osteoblast apoptosis through a mitochondrion-dependent cascade that causes mitochondrial dysfunction, release of intracellular reactive oxygen species and cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytoplasm, and activation of caspase-3.

2,6-Diisopropylphenol Protects Osteoblasts from Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis through Suppression of Caspase-3 Activation

2,6-Diisopropylphenol is an intravenous anesthetic agent used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Since it is similar to alpha-tocopherol, 2,6-diisopropylphenol may have antioxidant effects. Osteoblasts play important roles in bone remodeling. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the protective effects of 2,6-diisopropylphenol on oxidative stress-induced osteoblast insults and their possible mechanisms, using neonatal rat calvarial osteoblasts as the experimental model. Clinically relevant concentrations of 2,6-diisopropylphenol (3 and 30 microM) had no effect on osteoblast viability. However, 2,6-diisopropylphenol at 300 microM time-dependently caused osteoblast death. Exposure to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide donor, increased amounts of nitrite in osteoblasts. 2,6-Diisopropylphenol did not scavenge basal or SNP-releasing nitric oxide. Hydrogen peroxide (HP) enhanced levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species in osteoblasts. 2,6-Diisopropylphenol significantly reduced HP-induced oxidative stress. Exposure of osteoblasts to SNP and HP decreased cell viability time-dependently. 2,6-Diisopropylphenol protected osteoblasts from SNP- and HP-induced cell damage. Analysis by a flow cytometric method revealed that SNP and HP induced osteoblast apoptosis. 2,6-Diisopropylphenol significantly blocked SNP- and HP-induced osteoblast apoptosis. Administration of SNP and HP increased caspase-3 activities. However, 2,6-diisopropylphenol significantly decreased SNP- and HP-enhanced caspase-3 activities. This study shows that a therapeutic concentration of 2,6-diisopropylphenol can protect osteoblasts from SNP- and HP-induced cell insults, possibly via suppression of caspase-3 activities.

Agastache rugosa leaf extract inhibits the iNOS expression in ROS 17/2.8 cells activated with TNF-α and IL-1β

It has been suggested that nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) may act as a mediator of cytokine-induced effects on bone turn-over. NO is also recognized as an important factor in bone remodeling, i.e., participating in osteoblast apoptosis in an arthritic joint. The components of Agastache rugosa are known to have many pharmacological activities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Agastache rugosa leaf extract (ELAR) on NO production and the iNOS expression in ROS 17/2.8 cells activated by a mixture of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. A preincubation with ELAR significantly and concentration-dependently reduced the expression of iNOS protein in ROS 17/2.8 cells activated with the cytokine mixture. Consequently, the NO production was also significantly reduced by ELAR with an IC50 of 0.75 mg/mL. The inhibitory mechanism of iNOS induction by ELAR prevented the activation and translocation of NF-kappaB (p65) to the nucleus from the cytosol fraction. Furthermore, ELAR concentration-dependently reduced the cellular toxicity induced by sodium nitroprusside, an NO-donor. These results suggest that ELAR may be beneficial in NO-mediated inflammatory conditions such as osteoporosis.

Molecular mechanism of nitric oxide-induced osteoblast apoptosis

Nitric oxide (NO) can regulate osteoblast activities. Our previous study showed that NO induced osteoblast apoptosis. This study was further aimed to evaluate the mechanism of NO-induced osteoblast apoptosis from the viewpoints of mitochondrial functions, intracellular oxidative stress, and the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein using neonatal rat calvarial osteoblasts as the experimental model. Exposure of osteoblasts to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, significantly increased amounts of lactate dehydrogenase in the culture medium, and decreased cell viability in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Administration of SNP in osteoblasts time-dependently led to DNA fragmentation. The mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced following SNP administration. SNP decreased complex I NADH dehydrogenase activity in a time-dependent manner. Levels of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were suppressed by SNP. In parallel with the mitochondrial dysfunction, SNP time-dependently increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that SNP reduced Bcl-2 protein levels. Exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IFN-gamma significant increased endogenous nitrite production. In parallel with the increase in endogenous NO, administration of LPS and IFN-gamma suppressed cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP synthesis. Results of this study show that NO released from SNP can induce osteoblast insults and apoptosis, and the mechanism may involve the modulation of mitochondrial functions, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and Bcl-2 protein.

Involvement of iNOS-dependent NO production in the stimulation of osteoclast survival by TNF-alpha

Osteoclasts, cells primarily responsible for bone resorption, differentiate from hematopoietic progenitor cells under the influence of various hormones, cytokines, and differentiation factors. Once fully differentiated, osteoclasts rapidly die in the absence of any survival factor. We have previously shown that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) promotes the survival of differentiated osteoclasts. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and consequent NO production is often stimulated under inflammatory conditions. In this study, we found that TNF-alpha, but not receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand and interleukin 1, increased the expression of iNOS both at the mRNA and protein levels. Subsequently, an enhanced NO level was detected both inside the cells and the culture medium of TNF-alpha-stimulated osteoclasts. Blocking NOS activity with L-NAME prevented TNF-alpha-induced NO generation by osteoclasts and the osteoclast survival stimulated by TNF-alpha. The iNOS selective inhibitor L-NIL also suppressed TNF-alpha-induced osteoclast survival, whereas low concentrations of NO releaser NOC-18 were sufficient to promote osteoclast survival. Furthermore, antiapoptotic and caspase suppressive effects of TNF-alpha on osteoclasts were abolished by L-NAME. Our findings indicate that iNOS-dependent NO generation contributes to the survival-promoting function of TNF-alpha in osteoclasts.

Dual roles for NF-kappaB activation in osteoblastic cells by serum deprivation: osteoblastic apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest

To clarify the mechanisms of osteoblastic cell death, we examined whether serum deprivation would cause activation of the apoptotic signal cascade and arrest of the cell cycle in mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Serum withdrawal from osteoblastic cell cultures resulted in growth arrest and cell-cycle arrest at G0/G1, which actions were accompanied by transient and potent activation of NF-kappaB, caspase-8, caspase-2, caspase-3, and caspase-9 in this order. Apoptosis, but not necrosis, in serum-deprived cells could be detected by FACS using Annexin-V/propidium iodine double staining. Serum deprivation also resulted in transient activation of the 20S proteasome, which is an important component for regulation of the cell cycle by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The 20S proteasome inhibitor (PSI) but not NF-kappaB inhibitor SN50 suppressed the activation of proteasomes in serum-deprived cells. Although caspase inhibitors could not prevent the G0/G1 arrest in the serum-deprived cells, SN50 and the 20S proteasome inhibitor could block it. Since SN50, 20S proteasome inhibitor and caspase inhibitor could rescue cells from serum deprivation-induced apoptosis, the pathway for NF-kappaB/caspase activation is independent of the NF-kappaB/cell-cycle pathway, and the events downstream of the NF-kappaB/caspase-9 cascade lead to apoptosis. Taken together, our present results identify a novel role for NF-kappaB in cell-cycle and apoptosis regulation and underscore the significance of each independent signal cascade in serum-deprived osteoblastic cells.

Activation of caspases is required for osteoblastic differentiation

Previous studies have shown that mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells undergo apoptosis when exposed to a mixture of proinflammatory cytokines. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)s are important regulators of osteoblast differentiation. Because regulation of osteoblastic differentiation is poorly understood, we sought to determine if BMP-4-induced differentiation of osteoblastic cells depends on the activity of the key apoptotic proteases, i.e. the caspases. BMP-4 induced the growth arrest and differentiation of osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1, as evidenced by the appearance of osteoblastic phenotypes such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activation and parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent production of cAMP. Surprisingly, BMP-4 induced transient and potent activation of caspase-8, caspase-2, and caspase-3, in this order. However, no apoptosis or necrosis in BMP-4-treated cells could be detected by FACS using annexin-V/propodium iodine double staining. Peptide inhibition of caspase activity led to a dramatic reduction in ALP activation and PTH-induced production of cAMP in BMP-4-treated cells. Although BMP-4 treatment resulted in cell-cycle G0/G1 arrest as detected by FACS cell-cycle analysis, caspase inhibitors (caspase-8, caspase-2, and caspase-3 inhibitors) could block the G0/G1 arrest in MC3T3-E1 cells. Taken together, these results confirm a unique and unanticipated role for the caspase-mediated signal cascade in the differentiation of osteoblasts.

Soybean isoflavones inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis and the production of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2 in osteoblastic cells

The effects of individual soybean isoflavones, genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone) and daidzein (4',7-dihydroxyisoflavone), on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced apoptosis and the production of local factors in osteoblastic cells has been investigated. Soybean isoflavones increased DNA synthesis and the number of viable cells. When cells were treated with TNF-alpha, the number of viable cells dose-dependently decreased. The decrease in cell number caused by TNF-alpha treatment was due to apoptosis, which was confirmed by TUNEL and cell death ELISA analyses. Soybean isoflavones inhibited apoptosis of osteoblastic cells subjected to TNF-alpha treatment. MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells secrete interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) constitutively, but at low levels. Soybean isoflavones had no effect on the constitutive production of these local factors. When cells were treated with TNF-alpha (10(-10)M), the production of IL-6 and PGE(2), but not that of IL-1beta and NO, significantly increased. Treatment with soybean isoflavones (10(-5)M), in the presence of TNF-alpha (10(-10)M), for 48 h inhibited production of IL-6 and PGE(2), suggesting the antiresorptive action of soy phytoestrogen may be mediated by decreases in these local factors. The findings of this study thus suggest that soybean isoflavones may promote the function of osteoblastic cells and play an important role in bone remodeling.

Differential expression of the Fas-Fas ligand system on cytokine-induced apoptotic cell death in mouse osteoblastic cells

Apoptotic signalling, particularly in the Fas-Fas ligand (FasL) system, was studied in a mouse osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3-E1. A combination of the cytokines tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and interferon-gamma activated the Fas-FasL-dependent cell-death system. The cytokines caused significant enhancement of Fas mRNA and Fas protein, and led to apoptotic cell death. Western blot demonstrated that FasL protein was continuously present in MC3T3-E1 cells, although the cytokines had no effect on the induction of FasL. Exogenous FasL caused a decrease in cell viability and a large increase in apoptotic cell death in cells pre-treated with cytokines, indicating that the Fas-FasL system has the potential to cause apoptosis in osteoblastic cells. Treatment with anti-Fas IgG (antagonistic antibody) inhibited the DNA fragmentation induced by cytokines in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that cytokine-induced Fas may cause apoptotic cell death in MC3T3-E1 cells. Taken together, these findings show that cytokine-induced apoptotic cell death was mediated by the autocrine or paracrine Fas-FasL system in mouse osteoblastic cells, and suggest that cytokine-induced apoptosis could have an important role in localised bone destruction associated with inflammatory bone diseases such as periodontal disease.

Involvement of sphingosine kinase in TNF-alpha-stimulated tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis in C6 glioma cells

In C6 glioma cells, the sphingolipid second messenger ceramide potentiates expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) without affecting GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of 6(R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)), a cofactor required for iNOS activity. TNF-alpha also stimulates sphingosine kinase, the enzyme that phosphorylates sphingosine to form sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP), a further metabolite of ceramide. Several clones of C6 cells, expressing widely varying levels of sphingosine kinase, were used to examine the role of SPP in regulation of GTPCH and BH(4) biosynthesis. Overexpression of sphingosine kinase, with concomitant increased endogenous SPP levels, potentiated the effect of TNF-alpha on GTPCH expression and activity and BH(4) biosynthesis. In contrast, enforced expression of sphingosine kinase had no effect on iNOS expression or NO formation. Furthermore, N,N-dimethylsphingosine, a potent sphingosine kinase inhibitor, completely eliminated the increased GTPCH activity and expression induced by TNF-alpha. Surprisingly, we found that, although C6 cells can secrete SPP, which is enhanced by TNF-alpha, treatment of C6 cells with exogenous SPP or dihydro-SPP had no affect on BH(4) biosynthesis. However, both SPP and dihydro-SPP markedly stimulated ERK 1/2 in C6 cells, which express cell surface SPP receptors. Interestingly, although this ERK activation was blocked by PD98059, which also reduced cellular proliferation induced by enforced expression of sphingosine kinase, PD98059 had no effect on GTPCH activity. Collectively, these results suggest that only intracellularly generated SPP plays a role in regulation of GTPCH and BH(4) levels.

Nitric oxide induces osteoblast apoptosis through the de novo synthesis of Bax protein

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in the physiological and pathophysiological regulations of osteoblast functions. This study is designed to evaluate the toxic effects of NO released by sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, on neonatal Wistar rat calvarial osteoblasts from the analyses of cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, cell morphology, apoptotic cells, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-label (TUNEL) assay, DNA ladder, and immunocytochemistry and Western blot for proapoptotic Bax protein. SNP increased the levels of nitrite, an oxidative product of NO, in the culture medium of osteoblasts in concentration- and time-dependent manners, and altered cell morphologies to round and shrinkage shapes. Administration of osteoblasts with SNP resulted in concentration- and time-dependent decreases of cell viability and ALP activity. Analysis of apoptotic cells revealed that SNP increased the percentages of osteoblasts processing apoptosis. Analyses of TUNEL and DNA ladder showed that SNP caused DNA fragmentation. Pretreatment with cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, partially blocked SNP-induced osteoblast apoptosis. Imunocytochemical and immunoblotting analyses revealed that SNP increased Bax protein in osteoblasts. This study suggests that SNP could increase the levels of NO in osteoblasts, and cause osteoblast apoptosis possibly through the de novo synthesis of proapoptotic Bax protein.

Nitric oxide and bone

Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical which has important effects on bone cell function. The endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is widely expressed in bone on a constitutive basis, whereas inducible NOS is only expressed in response to inflammatory stimuli. It is currently unclear whether neuronal NOS is expressed by bone cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF cause activation of the iNOS pathway in bone cells and NO derived from this pathway potentiates cytokine and inflammation induced bone loss. These actions of NO are relevant to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, which are characterized by increased NO production and cytokine activation. Interferon gamma is a particularly potent stimulator of NO production when combined with other cytokines, causing very high concentrations of NO to be produced. These high levels of NO inhibit bone resorption and formation and may act to suppress bone turnover in severe inflammation. The eNOS isoform seems to play a key role in regulating osteoblast activity and bone formation since eNOS knockout mice have osteoporosis due to defective bone formation. Other studies have indicated that the NO derived from the eNOS pathway acts as a mediator of the effects of oestrogen in bone. eNOS also mediates the effects of mechanical loading on the skeleton where it acts along with prostaglandins, to promote bone formation and suppress bone resorption. Pharmacological NO donors have been shown to increase bone mass in experimental animals and preliminary evidence suggests that these agents may also influence bone turnover in man. These data indicate that the L-arginine/NO pathway represents a novel target for therapeutic intervention in the prevention and treatment of bone diseases.

Osteoclast differentiation factor in human osteosarcoma cell line

A sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF/RANKL/ OPGL/TRANCE) utilizing a polyclonal antibody that recognizes both human soluble ODF and mouse ODF in combination with a osteoclasogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF/OPG) was developed. We can quantify the ODF level in not only human ODF (detection limit: 0.05 ng/ml), but also mouse ODF by virtue of cross-reactivity. Employing this assay system, we demonstrated that ODF is constitutively present as a membrane-bound form in both the human osteosarcoma cell lines, MG-63, HOS and SaOS-2, and the mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1.