Exendin-4 and eldecalcitol synergistically promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through M2 macrophages polarization via PI3K/AKT pathway

Eldecalcitol ameliorates diabetic osteoporosis and glucolipid metabolic disorder by promoting Treg cell differentiation through SOCE

Active vitamin D, known for its role in promoting osteoporosis, has immunomodulatory effects according to the latest evidence. Eldecalcitol (ED-71) is a representative of the third-generation novel active vitamin D analogs, and its specific immunological mechanisms in ameliorating diabetic osteoporosis remain unclear. We herein evaluated the therapeutic effects of ED-71 in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), delving into its underlying mechanisms. In a T2DM mouse model, ED-71 attenuated bone loss and marrow adiposity. Simultaneously, it rectified imbalanced glucose homeostasis and dyslipidemia, ameliorated pancreatic β-cell damage and hepatic glycolipid metabolism disorder. Subsequently, in mice injected with the Treg cell-depleting agent CD25, we observed that the beneficial effects of ED-71 mentioned earlier were partially contingent on the Treg subsets ratio. Mechanistically, ED-71 promoted the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Treg subsets, facilitating Ca2+ influx and the expression of ORAI1 and STIM1, pivotal proteins in store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). The SOCE inhibitor, 2-APB, partially attenuated the positive effects of ED-71 observed in the above results. Overall, ED-71 regulates SOCE-mediated Treg cell differentiation, accomplishing the dual purpose of simultaneously ameliorating diabetic osteoporosis and glucolipid metabolic disorders, showcasing its potential in osteoimmunity therapy and interventions for diseases involving SOCE.

Contribution of macrophage polarization in bone metabolism: A literature review

Macrophage polarization divides macrophages into two main cell subpopulations, classically and alternatively activated macrophages (M1 and M2, respectively). M1 polarization promotes osteoclastogenesis, while M2 polarization promotes osteogenesis. The physiological homeostasis of bone metabolism involves a high dynamic balance between osteoclastic-mediated bone resorption and formation. Reportedly, M1/M2 imbalance causes the onset and persistence of inflammation-related bone diseases. Therefore, understanding the research advances in functions and roles of macrophages in such diseases will provide substantial guidance for improved treatment of bone diseases. In this review, we underscore and summarize the research advances in macrophage polarization, and bone-related diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis, over the last 5 years. Our findings showed that targeting macrophages and balancing macrophage polarization can effectively reduce inflammation and decrease bone destruction while promoting bone formation and vascular repair. These results indicate that regulating macrophage and macrophage polarization to restore homeostasis is a prospective approach for curing bone-related diseases.

PBMC-mediated modulation of macrophage polarization in RAW264.7 cells through STAT1/STAT6 signaling cascades

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), sourced autologously, offer numerous advantages when procured: easier acquisition process, no in vitro amplification needed, decreased intervention and overall increased acceptability make PBMC an attractive candidate for cell therapy treatment. However, the exact mechanism by which PBMC treat diseases remains poorly understood. Immune imbalance is the pathological basis of many diseases, with macrophages playing a crucial role in this process. However, research on the role and mechanisms of PBMC in regulating macrophages remains scarce. This study employed an in vitro co-culture model of PBMC and RAW264.7 macrophages to explore the role and mechanisms of PBMC in regulating macrophages. The results showed that the co-culturing led to decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines and increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 or in the culture supernatant. Additionally, the pro-inflammatory, tissue matrix-degrading M1 macrophages decreased, while the anti-inflammatory, matrix-synthesizing, regenerative M2 macrophages increased in both RAW264.7 and monocytes within PBMC. Moreover, co-cultured macrophages exhibited a significantly decreased p-STAT1/STAT1 ratio, while the p-STAT6/STAT6 ratio significantly increased. This suggests that PBMC may inhibit M1 macrophage polarization by blocking STAT1 signaling cascades and may promote M2 macrophage polarization through the activation of STAT6 signaling cascades. Overall, this study sheds light on the role and mechanism of PBMC in regulating macrophages. Moreover, it was found that monocytes within co-cultured PBMC differentiated into M2 macrophages in the presence of macrophages. This finding provides experimental evidence for the use of PBMC in treating inflammatory diseases, especially macrophage-depleting inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis.

ED-71 Ameliorates Bone Loss in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Enhancing Osteogenesis Through Upregulation of the Circadian Rhythm Coregulator BMAL1

Purpose

Bone loss is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Circadian rhythms play a significant role in T2DM and bone remodeling. Eldecalcitol (ED-71), a novel active vitamin D analog, has shown promise in ameliorating T2DM. We aimed to investigate whether the circadian rhythm coregulator BMAL1 mediates the anti-osteoporotic effect of ED-71 in T2DM and its associated mechanisms.

Methods

A T2DM mouse model was established using high-fat diet (HDF) and streptozotocin (STZ) injection, and blood glucose levels were monitored weekly. HE staining, Masson staining, and Micro-CT were performed to assess the changes in bone mass. IHC staining and IF staining were used to detect osteoblast status and BMAL1 expression and RT-qPCR was applied to detect the change of oxidative stress factors. In vitro, high glucose (HG) stimulation was used to simulate the cell environment in T2DM. RT-qPCR, Western blot, IF, ALP staining and AR staining were used to detect osteogenic differentiation and SIRT1/GSK3β signaling pathway. DCFH-DA staining was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.

Results

ED-71 increased bone mass and promoted osteogenesis in T2DM mice. Moreover, ED-71 inhibited oxidative stress and promoted BMAL1 expression in osteoblasts The addition of STL1267, an agonist of the BMAL1 transcriptional repressor protein REV-ERB, reversed the inhibitory effect of ED-71 on oxidative stress and the promotional effect on osteogenic differentiation. In addition, ED-71 facilitated SIRT1 expression and reduced GSK3β activity. The inhibition of SIRT1 with EX527 partially attenuated ED-71's effects, whereas the GSK3β inhibitor LiCl further enhanced ED-71's positive effects on BMAL1 expression.

Conclusion

ED-71 ameliorates bone loss in T2DM by upregulating the circadian rhythm coregulator BMAL1 and promoting osteogenesis through inhibition of oxidative stress. The SIRT1/GSK3β signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of BMAL1.

Unraveling the molecular and immunological landscape: Exploring signaling pathways in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, characterized by compromised bone density and microarchitecture, represents a significant global health challenge, particularly in aging populations. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, providing valuable insights into the pivotal role of signal transduction in maintaining bone homeostasis. The exploration encompasses cellular signaling pathways such as Wnt, Notch, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, and TGF-β, all of which play crucial roles in bone remodeling. The dysregulation of these pathways is a contributing factor to osteoporosis, necessitating a profound understanding of their complexities to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying bone loss. The review highlights the pathological significance of disrupted signaling in osteoporosis, emphasizing how these deviations impact the functionality of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, ultimately resulting in heightened bone resorption and compromised bone formation. A nuanced analysis of the intricate crosstalk between these pathways is provided to underscore their relevance in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis. Furthermore, the study addresses some of the most crucial long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with osteoporosis, adding an additional layer of academic depth to the exploration of immune system involvement in various types of osteoporosis. Finally, we propose that SKP1 can serve as a potential biomarker in osteoporosis.

The GLP-1 receptor agonist exenatide improves recovery from spinal cord injury by inducing macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype

Although a wide variety of mechanisms take part in the secondary injury phase of spinal cord injury (SCI), inflammation is the most important factor implicated in the sequelae after SCI. Being central to the inflammation reaction, macrophages and their polarization are a topic that has garnered wide interest in the studies of SCI secondary injury. The glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist exenatide has been shown to enhance the endoplasmic reticulum stress response and improve motor function recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Since exenatide has also been reported to induce the production of M2 cells in models of cerebral infarction and neurodegenerative diseases, this study was conducted to examine the effects of exenatide administration on the inflammation process that ensues after spinal cord injury. In a rat contusion model of spinal cord injury, the exenatide group received a subcutaneous injection of 10 μg exenatide immediately after injury while those in the control group received 1 mL of phosphate-buffered saline. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the effects of exenatide administration on the macrophages infiltrating the injured spinal cord, especially with regard to macrophage M1 and M2 profiles. The changes in hind limb motor function were assessed based on Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB scale) scores. The improvement in BBB scale scores was significantly higher in the exenatide group from day 7 after injury and onwards. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed an increase in the expression of M2 markers and anti-inflammatory interleukins in the exenatide group that was accompanied by a decrease in the expression of M1 markers and inflammatory cytokines. Immunohistochemical staining showed no significant difference in M1 macrophage numbers between the two groups, but a significantly higher number of M2 macrophages was observed in the exenatide group on day 3 after injury. Our findings suggest that exenatide administration promoted the number of M2-phenotype macrophages after SCI, which may have led to the observed improvement in hind limb motor function in a rat model of SCI.

The role and mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells regulating macrophage plasticity in spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder comprising primary mechanical injury and secondary inflammatory response-mediated injury for which an effective treatment is still unavailable. It is well known that secondary inflammatory responses are a significant cause of difficulties in neurological recovery. An immune imbalance between M1/M2 macrophages at the sites of injury is involved in developing and progressing the secondary inflammatory response. Recently, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have shown significant therapeutic potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their potential multidirectional differentiation and immunomodulatory properties. Accumulating evidence shows that MSCs can regulate the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization, suppress downstream inflammatory responses, facilitate tissue repair and regeneration, and improve the prognosis of SCI. This article briefly overviews the impact of macrophages and MSCs on SCI and repair. It discusses the mechanisms by which MSCs regulate macrophage plasticity, including paracrine action, release of exosomes and apoptotic bodies, and metabolic reprogramming. Additionally, the article summarizes the relevant signaling pathways of MSCs that regulate macrophage polarization.

Zuo Gui Wan Promotes Osteogenesis via PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway: Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation

OBJECTIVE

Osteogenesis is vitally important for bone defect repair, and Zuo Gui Wan (ZGW) is a classic prescription in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for strengthening bones. However, the specific mechanism by which ZGW regulates osteogenesis is still unclear. The current study is based on a network pharmacology analysis to explore the potential mechanism of ZGW in promoting osteogenesis.

METHODS

A network pharmacology analysis followed by experimental validation was applied to explore the potential mechanisms of ZGW in promoting the osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

RESULTS

In total, 487 no-repeat targets corresponding to the bioactive components of ZGW were screened, and 175 target genes in the intersection of ZGW and osteogenesis were obtained. And 28 core target genes were then obtained from a PPI network analysis. A GO functional enrichment analysis showed that the relevant biological processes mainly involve the cellular response to chemical stress, metal ions, and lipopolysaccharide. Additionally, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that multiple signaling pathways, including the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway, were associated with ZGW-promoted osteogensis. Further experimental validation showed that ZGW could increase alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as well as the mRNA and protein levels of ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), and runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx 2). What's more, Western blot analysis results showed that ZGW significantly increased the protein levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT, and the increases of these protein levels significantly receded after the addition of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Finally, the upregulated osteogenic-related indicators were also suppressed by the addition of LY294002.

CONCLUSION

ZGW promotes the osteogenesis of BMSCs via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Macrophage Polarization and the Regulation of Bone Immunity in Bone Homeostasis

Bone homeostasis is a dynamic equilibrium state of bone formation and absorption, ensuring skeletal development and repair. Bone immunity encompasses all aspects of the intersection between the skeletal and immune systems, including various signaling pathways, cytokines, and the crosstalk between immune cells and bone cells under both homeostatic and pathological conditions. Therefore, as key cell types in bone immunity, macrophages can polarize into classical pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and alternative anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages under the influence of the body environment, participating in the regulation of bone metabolism and playing various roles in bone homeostasis. M1 macrophages can not only act as precursors of osteoclasts (OCs), differentiate into mature OCs, but also secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines to promote bone resorption; while M2 macrophages secrete osteogenic factors, stimulating the differentiation and mineralization of osteoblast precursors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and subsequently increase bone formation. Once the polarization of macrophages is imbalanced, the resulting immune dysregulation will cause inflammatory stimulation, and release a large amount of inflammatory factors affecting bone metabolism, leading to pathological conditions such as osteoporosis (OP), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and steroid-induced femoral head necrosis (SANFH). In this review, we introduce the signaling pathways and related factors of macrophage polarization, as well as their relationships with immune factors, OB, OC, and MSC. We also discuss the roles of macrophage polarization and bone immunity in various diseases of bone homeostasis imbalance, as well as the factors regulating them, which may help to develop new methods for treating bone metabolic disorders.

The Synergistic Effect of Zuogui Pill and Eldecalcitol on Improving Bone Mass and Osteogenesis in Type 2 Diabetic Osteoporosis

Background and Objectives: The incidence of diabetic osteoporosis, an important complication of diabetes mellitus, is increasing gradually. This study investigated the combined effect of the Zuogui pill (ZGP) and eldecalcitol (ED-71), a novel vitamin D analog, on type 2 diabetic osteoporosis (T2DOP) and explored their action mechanism. Materials and Methods: Blood glucose levels were routinely monitored in db/db mice while inducing T2DOP. We used hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining, micro-computed tomography, and serum biochemical analysis to evaluate changes in the bone mass and blood calcium and phosphate levels of mice. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess the osteoblast and osteoclast statuses. The MC3T3-E1 cell line was cultured in vitro under a high glucose concentration and induced to undergo osteogenic differentiation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunofluorescence, ALP, and alizarin red staining were carried out to detect osteogenic differentiation and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway activity. Results: ZGP and ED-71 led to a dramatic decrease in blood glucose levels and an increase in bone mass in the db/db mice. The effect was strongest when both were used together. ZGP combined with ED-71 promoted osteoblast activity and inhibited osteoclast activity in the trabecular bone region. The in vitro results revealed that ZGP and ED-71 synergistically promoted osteogenic differentiation and activated the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or AKT inhibitor ARQ092 altered the synergistic action of both on osteogenic differentiation. Conclusions: The combined use of ZGP and ED-71 reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic mice and promoted osteogenic differentiation through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, resulting in improved bone mass. Our study suggests that the abovementioned combination constitutes an effective treatment for T2DOP.

Efferocytosis: An Emerging Therapeutic Strategy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes Complications

Increasing evidence indicates that chronic, low-grade inflammation is a significant contributor to the fundamental pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Efferocytosis, an effective way to eliminate apoptotic cells (ACs), plays a critical role in inflammation resolution. Massive accumulation of ACs and the proliferation of persistent inflammation caused by defective efferocytosis have been proven to be closely associated with pancreatic islet β cell destruction, adipose tissue inflammation, skeletal muscle dysfunction, and liver metabolism abnormalities, which together are considered the most fundamental pathological mechanism underlying T2DM. Therefore, here we outline the association between the molecular mechanisms of efferocytosis in glucose homeostasis, T2DM, and its complications, and we analyzed the present constraints and potential future prospects for therapeutic targets in T2DM and its complications.

Intravenous injection of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorates not only blood glucose but also nephrotic complication of diabetic rats through autophagy-mediated anti-senescent mechanism

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most severe complications of diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by early occurrence of albuminuria and end-stage glomerulosclerosis. Senescence and autophagy of podocytes play an important role in DN development. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) have potential in the treatment of diabetes and its complications. However, the role of hucMSCs in the treatment of DN and the underlying mechanism remain unclear.

METHODS

In vivo, a streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Sprague Dawley rat model was established to determine the renoprotective effect of hucMSCs on DN by biochemical analysis, histopathology, and immunohistochemical staining of renal tissues. And the distribution of hucMSCs in various organs in rats within 168 h was analyzed. In vitro, CCK8 assay, wound healing assay, and β-galactosidase staining were conducted to detect the beneficial effects of hucMSCs on high glucose-induced rat podocytes. Real-time PCR and western blot assays were applied to explore the mechanism of action of hucMSCs.

RESULTS

The in vivo data revealed that hucMSCs were distributed into kidneys and significantly protected kidneys from diabetic damage. The in vitro data indicated that hucMSCs improved cell viability, wound healing, senescence of the high glucose-damaged rat podocytes through a paracrine action mode. Besides, the altered expressions of senescence-associated genes (p16, p53, and p21) and autophagy-associated genes (Beclin-1, p62, and LC3) were improved by hucMSCs. Mechanistically, hucMSCs protected high glucose-induced injury in rat podocytes by activating autophagy and attenuating senescence through the AMPK/mTOR pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, hucMSCs might be a promising therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of DN-induced renal damages.

mTOR Signaling Pathway in Bone Diseases Associated with Hyperglycemia

The interplay between bone and glucose metabolism has highlighted hyperglycemia as a potential risk factor for bone diseases. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus worldwide and its subsequent socioeconomic burden, there is a pressing need to develop a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in hyperglycemia-mediated bone metabolism. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that senses extracellular and intracellular signals to regulate numerous biological processes, including cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. As mounting evidence suggests the involvement of mTOR in diabetic bone disease, we provide a comprehensive review of its effects on bone diseases associated with hyperglycemia. This review summarizes key findings from basic and clinical studies regarding mTOR's roles in regulating bone formation, bone resorption, inflammatory responses, and bone vascularity in hyperglycemia. It also provides valuable insights into future research directions aimed at developing mTOR-targeted therapies for combating diabetic bone diseases.

Exosomal miRNAs-mediated macrophage polarization and its potential clinical application

Macrophages are highly heterogeneous and plastic immune cells that play an important role in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms and tumor cells. After different stimuli, macrophages can polarize to the M1 phenotype to show a pro-inflammatory effect and the M2 phenotype to show an anti-inflammatory effect. The balance of macrophage polarization is highly correlated with disease progression, and therapeutic approaches to reprogram macrophages by targeting macrophage polarization are feasible. There are a large number of exosomes in tissue cells, which can transmit information between cells. In particular, microRNAs (miRNAs) in the exosomes can regulate the polarization of macrophages and further affect the progression of various diseases. At the same time, exosomes are also effective "drug" carriers, laying the foundation for the clinical application of exosomes. This review describes some pathways involved in M1/M2 macrophage polarization and the effects of miRNA carried by exosomes from different sources on the polarization of macrophages. Finally, the application prospects and challenges of exosomes/exosomal miRNAs in clinical treatment are also discussed.

Eldecalcitol effectively prevents alveolar bone loss by partially improving Th17/Treg cell balance in diabetes-associated periodontitis

Background: Diabetes-associated periodontitis (DPD) is an inflammatory and destructive disease of periodontal tissues in the diabetic population. The disease is manifested as more severe periodontal destruction and is more difficult to treat when compared with periodontitis (PD). Eldecalcitol (ELD) is a novel active vitamin D3 analog; however, little clinical evidence is available on its role on improving PD and DPD, and its specific mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the preventative effects of ELD toward PD and DPD and explored its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Experimental PD and DPD mouse models were established by ligation combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis injection in C57BL/6J and C57BLKS/J Iar- + Leprdb/+Leprdb (db/db) mice, respectively. Simultaneously, ELD (0.25 μg/kg) was orally administered to mice via an intragastric method. Micro-computed tomography (CT), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining were used to evaluate alveolar bone alterations in vivo. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were also used to examine gene expression and probe systemic and local changes in Treg and Th17 cell numbers. Additionally, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine changes in STAT3/STAT5 signaling. Results: Micro-CT and HE staining showed that the DPD group had higher alveolar bone loss when compared with the PD group. After applying ELD, alveolar bone loss decreased significantly in both PD and DPD groups, and particularly evident in the DPD group. IHC and TRAP staining also showed that ELD promoted osteoblast activity while inhibiting the number of osteoclasts, and after ELD treatment, the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) to osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio decreased. More importantly, this decreasing trend was more obvious in the DPD group. Flow cytometry and qRT-PCR also showed that the systemic Th17/Treg imbalance in PD and DPD groups was partially resolved when animals were supplemented with ELD, while immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR data showed the Th17/Treg imbalance was partially resolved in the alveolar bone of both ELD supplemented groups. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining showed increased p-STAT5 and decreased p-STAT3 levels after ELD application. Conclusion: ELD exerted preventative effects toward PD and DPD by partially rectifying Th17/Treg cell imbalance via STAT3/STAT5 signaling. More importantly, given the severity of DPD, we found ELD was more advantageous in preventing DPD.

Eldecalcitol prevented OVX-induced osteoporosis through inhibiting BMSCs senescence by regulating the SIRT1-Nrf2 signal

Background: Aging and oxidative stress are considered to be the proximal culprits of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Eldecalcitol (ED-71), a new active vitamin D derivative, has shown a good therapeutic effect on different types of osteoporosis, but the mechanism is unclear. This study focused on exploring whether ED-71 could prevent bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporosis by regulating the cell senescence of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and explaining its specific mechanism of action. Materials and methods: An ovariectomized (OVX) rat model was established and 30 ng/kg ED-71 was administered orally once a day. The weight of rats was recorded regularly. Micro-computed tomography (CT) and histochemical staining were used to evaluate bone mass, histological parameters, and aging-related factors. Rat bone mesenchymal stem cells were extracted and cultivated in vitro. Aging cells were marked with senescence-associated β-gal (SA-β-gal) dyeing. The mRNA and protein levels of aging-related factors and SIRT1-Nrf2 signal were detected by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by DCFH-DA staining. Results: Compared with the Sham group, the bone volume of the ovariectomized group rats decreased while their weight increased significantly. ED-71 prevented bone loss and inhibited weight gain in ovariectomized rats. More importantly, although the expression of aging-related factors in the bone tissue increased in the ovariectomized group, the addition of ED-71 reversed changes in these factors. After extracting and in vitro culturing bone mesenchymal stem cells, the proportion of aging bone mesenchymal stem cells was higher in the ovariectomized group than in the Sham group, accompanied by a significant decrease in the osteogenic capacity. ED-71 significantly improved the bone mesenchymal stem cells senescence caused by ovariectomized. In addition, ED-71 increased the expression of SIRT1 and Nrf2 in ovariectomized rat bone mesenchymal stem cells. Inhibition of SIRT1 or Nrf2 decreased the inhibitory effect of ED-71 on bone mesenchymal stem cells senescence. ED-71 also showed a suppression effect on the reactive oxygen species level in bone mesenchymal stem cells. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that ED-71 could inhibit the cell senescence of bone mesenchymal stem cells in ovariectomized rats by regulating the SIRT1-Nrf2 signal, thereby preventing bone loss caused by osteoporosis.

Alpha fetoprotein promotes polarization of macrophages towards M2-like phenotype and inhibits macrophages to phagocytize hepatoma cells

Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) is a cancer biomarker for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC); however, its role in macrophage polarization and phagocytosis remains unclear. In the present study, we explored the correlation between AFP regulation of macrophage function and the possible regulatory mechanisms. Human mononuclear leukemia cells (THP-1) and monocytes from healthy donors were used to analyze the effect of AFP on the macrophages' phenotype and phagocytosis. THP-1 cells and healthy human donor-derived monocytes were polarized into M0 macrophages induced by phorbol ester (PMA), and M0 macrophages were polarized into M1 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ). Interleukin-4(IL-4) and interleukin-13(IL-13) were used to induce M0 macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages. Tumor-derived AFP(tAFP) stimulated M0 macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages and inhibited M1 macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells. The role of AFP in promoting macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages and inhibiting the M1 macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells may be involved in activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. AFP could also enhanced the migration ability of macrophages and inhibited the apoptosis of HCC cells when co-cultured with M1-like macrophages. AFP is a pivotal cytokine that inhibits macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells.

ED-71 Prevents Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis by Regulating Osteoblast Differentiation via Notch and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways

PURPOSE

Long-term glucocorticoid- usage can lead to glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). The study focused on the preventative effects of a novel active vitamin D3 analog, eldecalcitol (ED-71), against GIOP and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Intraperitoneal injection of methylprednisolone (MPED) or dexamethasone (DEX) induced the GIOP model within C57BL/6 mice in vivo. Simultaneously, ED-71 was orally supplemented. Bone histological alterations, microstructure parameters, novel bone formation rates, and osteogenic factor changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, micro-computed tomography, calcein/tetracycline labeling, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The osteogenic differentiation level and mineralization in pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were evaluated in vitro using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red (AR) staining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

ED-71 partially prevented bone mass reduction and microstructure parameter alterations among GIOP-induced mice. Moreover, ED-71 also promoted new bone formation and osteoblast activity while inhibiting osteoclasts. In vitro, ED-71 promoted osteogenic differentiation and mineralization in DEX-treated MC3T3-E1 cells and boosted the levels of osteogenic-related factors. Additionally, GSK3-β and β-catenin expression levels were elevated after ED-71 was added to cells and were accompanied by reduced Notch expression. The Wnt signaling inhibitor XAV939 and Notch overexpression reversed the ED-71 promotional effects toward osteogenic differentiation and mineralization.

CONCLUSION

ED-71 prevented GIOP by enhancing osteogenic differentiation through Notch and Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling. The results provide a novel translational direction for the clinical application of ED-71 against GIOP.

ED-71 inhibited osteoclastogenesis by enhancing EphrinB2-EphB4 signaling between osteoclasts and osteoblasts in osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a degenerative skeletal disease essentially caused by bone remodeling disorder. EphrinB2-EphB4 signaling play critical regulatory roles in bone remodeling via communication between osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Eldecalcitol (ED-71), a new vitamin D analog, is a high-potential drug for treating osteoporosis; however, its mechanism has yet to be determined. This study aims to investigate whether EphrinB2-EphB4 signal mediates the process of osteoporosis improved by ED-71.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ovariectomized (OVX) rat model was constructed in vivo. ED-71 at 30 ng/kg was orally administered once daily for 8 weeks. Osteoclast activity and EphrinB2-EphB4 expression were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA levels of oxidation stress factors in the bone tissue were tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). An H₂O₂-stimulated model in vitro was established to simulate the status of osteoporosis. Osteoclastogenesis and associated protein were detected by TRAP staining, F-actin ring formation assay, PCR, and Western blot analysis. EprhrinB2 and EphB4 levels were determined by immunofluorescence, PCR, and Western blot analysis. EprhrinB2 small-interfering RNA knocked down the EprhrinB2 in osteoclasts, and an EphB4 antibody blocked EphB4 in osteoblasts.

RESULTS

ED-71 prevented bone loss and decreased the number of osteoclasts in vivo relative to the OVX group. In addition, the bone tissue of OVX rat displayed as an increased level of oxidation stress, which could be inhibited by ED-71. In vitro, in the simulation of osteoporosis with H₂O₂, ED-71 reversed the increase H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. ED-71 then inhibited osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function, accompanied by increased EphrinB2 expression in osteoclasts. Notably, EphrinB2 knockdown reversed the inhibitory effect of ED-71 on osteoclasts. ED-71 also enhanced EphB4 expression in osteoblasts in vivo and in vitro. Further research showed that ED-71 inhibited osteoclastogenesis in co-culture systems, which was weakened by blocking EphB4 in osteoblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

ED-71 inhibited osteoclastogenesis by enhancing EphrinB2-EphB4 signaling between osteoclasts and osteoblasts, preventing osteoporosis. This theory explains the role of ED-71 in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Immunoporosis: Role of immune system in the pathophysiology of different types of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a skeletal system disease characterized by low bone mass and altered bone microarchitecture, with an increased risk of fractures. Classical theories hold that osteoporosis is essentially a bone remodeling disorder caused by estrogen deficiency/aging (primary osteoporosis) or secondary to diseases/drugs (secondary osteoporosis). However, with the in-depth understanding of the intricate nexus between both bone and the immune system in recent decades, the novel field of "Immunoporosis" was proposed by Srivastava et al. (2018, 2022), which delineated and characterized the growing importance of immune cells in osteoporosis. This review aimed to summarize the response of the immune system (immune cells and inflammatory factors) in different types of osteoporosis. In postmenopausal osteoporosis, estrogen deficiency-mediated alteration of immune cells stimulates the activation of osteoclasts in varying degrees. In senile osteoporosis, aging contributes to continuous activation of the immune system at a low level which breaks immune balance, ultimately resulting in bone loss. Further in diabetic osteoporosis, insulin deficiency or resistance-induced hyperglycemia could lead to abnormal regulation of the immune cells, with excessive production of proinflammatory factors, resulting in osteoporosis. Thus, we reviewed the pathophysiology of osteoporosis from a novel insight-immunoporosis, which is expected to provide a specific therapeutic target for different types of osteoporosis.