Lithium chloride inhibits titanium particle-induced osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway

Effect of chronic lithium on mechanical sensitivity and trabecular bone loss induced by type-1 diabetes mellitus in mice

Type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic condition characterized by long-term hyperglycemia that results in several complications such as painful peripheral neuropathy, bone deterioration, and increased risk of bone fractures. Lithium, a first-line therapy for bipolar disorder, has become an attractive agent for attenuating peripheral neuropathy and menopause-induced bone loss. Therefore, our aim was to determine the effect of chronic lithium treatment on mechanical hypersensitivity and trabecular bone loss induced by T1DM in mice. T1DM was induced in male C57BL/6J mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg/day, for 5 consecutive days). 12 weeks after T1DM-induction, mice received a daily intraperitoneal injection of vehicle, 30 or 60 mg/kg lithium (as LiCl) for 6 weeks. Throughout the treatment period, blood glucose levels and mechanical sensitivity were evaluated every 2 weeks. After lithium treatment, the femur and L5 vertebra were harvested for microcomputed tomography (microCT) analysis. T1DM mice showed significant hyperglycemia, mechanical hypersensitivity, and significant trabecular bone loss as compared with the control group. Chronic lithium treatment did not revert the hindpaw mechanical hypersensitivity nor hyperglycemia associated to T1DM induced by STZ. In contrast, microCT analysis revealed that lithium reverted, in a dose-dependent manner, the loss of trabecular bone associated to T1DM induced by STZ at both the distal femur and L5 vertebra. Lithium treatment by itself did not affect any trabecular bone parameter in non-diabetic mice.

Beneficial effect of pristimerin against the development of osteoporosis in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rats by the RANKL/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis is a major cause of bone fracture in post-menopausal women. We evaluated the effects of pristimerin treatment on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis, and its possible molecular mechanism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Rats were ovariectomised and biochemical markers of bone formation were determined from serum samples. The microarchitectures of bone tissues were analyzed via micro-CT scans and Western blotting assays. The cytotoxic effects of pristimerin, the differentiation of osteoclasts, and bone reabsorption were evaluated in vitro using RAW 264.7 cells.

RESULTS

Treatment with pristimerin attenuated changes in markers of bone formation and reabsorption such as creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), collagen type I fragments (CTX), bone Gla-protein (BGP), and osteocalcin (OC) in the serum of ovariectomised rats. It also appeared to restore the microarchitecture of bone tissue. The expression levels of TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF-6), nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB p65), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) protein were significantly lower, while those of Akt and PI3K were significantly higher, in the bone tissues of the pristimerin-treated group than in negative controls. Pristimerin had no cytotoxic effect on RAW 264.7 cells and reduced the differentiation of osteoclasts, bone reabsorption, and translocation of p65 in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Pristimerin reduces the effects of osteoporosis by restoring the altered RANKL/TRAF-6/NF-κB pathway in ovariectomised rats.

Lithium chloride inhibits infectious bronchitis virus-induced apoptosis and inflammation

Avian infectious bronchitis (IB) was caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a coronavirus, which leads to enormous economic losses in the poultry industry. Studies have shown that lithium chloride (LiCl) is a good virus inhibitor. Through cell culture, virus infection, and RT-qPCR, we found that LiCl could down-regulate the apoptosis-related genes Caspase-3 and Bax, up-regulate Bcl-2, and down-regulate the inflammatory-related genes (NF-κB, NLRP3, TNF-α, and IL-1β) via inhibiting virus replication. Finally, clinical trials showed that LiCl could inhibit IBV-induced apoptosis and inflammatory in chicken embryos as well as reduce the mortality and deformity rate of chicken embryos. The results showed that LiCl has antiviral activity against IBV and clinical effects. Further studies are required to explore the exact action mechanism of LiCl on IBV-induced apoptosis and inflammation.

Lithium chloride prevents glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral heads and strengthens mesenchymal stem cell activity in rats

Background:

Accumulating evidence suggests that lithium influences mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. As decreased bone formation in femoral heads is induced by glucocorticoids (GCs), we hypothesized that lithium has a protective effect on GC-induced osteonecrosis of femoral heads (ONFH).

Methods:

A rat ONFH model was induced by methylprednisolone (MP) and the effect of lithium chloride on the models was evaluated. Micro-computed tomography (CT)-based angiography and bone scanning were performed to analyze the vessels and bone structure in the femoral heads. Hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining were performed to evaluate the trabecular structure and osteocalcin (OCN) expression, respectively. Bone marrow-derived MSCs were isolated from the models, and their proliferative and osteogenic ability was evaluated. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to detect osteogenic-related proteins including Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, and Collagen I.

Results:

Micro-CT analysis showed a high degree of osteonecrotic changes in the rats that received only MP injection. Treatment with lithium reduced this significantly in rats that received lithium (MP + Li group); while 18/20 of the femoral heads in the MP showed severe osteonecrosis, only 5/20 in the MP + Li showed mild osteonecrotic changes. The MP + Li group also displayed a higher vessel volume than the MP group (0.2193 mm³vs. 0.0811 mm³, P < 0.05), shown by micro-CT-based angiography. Furthermore, histological analysis showed better trabecular structures and more OCN expression in the femoral heads of the MP + Li group compared with the MP group. The ex vivo investigation indicated higher proliferative and osteogenic ability and upregulated osteogenic-related proteins in MSCs extracted from rats in the MP + Li group than that in the MP group.

Conclusions:

We concluded that lithium chloride has a significant protective effect on GC-induced ONFH in rats and that lithium also enhances MSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in rats after GC administration.

High dose lithium chloride causes colitis through activating F4/80 positive macrophages and inhibiting expression of Pigr and Claudin-15 in the colon of mice

OBJECTIVE

Lithium chloride (LiCl) was a mood stabilizer for bipolar affective disorders and it could activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Colon is one of a very susceptible tissues to Wnt signaling pathway, and so it would be very essential to explore the toxic effect of a high dose of LiCl on colon.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with 200 mg/kg LiCl one dose a day for 5 days to activate Wnt signal pathway in intestines. H&E staining was used to assess the colonic tissues of mice treated with high dose of LiCl. The expression of inflammation-associated genes and tight junction-associated genes in colons was measured using qPCR, Western blot and immunostaining methods. The gut microbiome was tested through 16S rDNA gene analysis.

RESULTS

The differentiation of enteroendocrine cells in colon was inhibited by treatment of 200 mg/kg LiCl. The F4/80 positive macrophages in colon were activated by high dose of LiCl, and migrated from the submucosa to the lamina propria. The expression of pro-inflammatory genes TNFα and IL-1β was increased in the colon of high dose of LiCl treated mice. Clostridium_sp_k4410MGS_306 and Prevotellaceae_UCG_001 were specific and predominant for the high dose of LiCl treated mice. The expression of IgA coding genes, Pigr and Claudin-15 was significantly decreased in the colon tissues of the high dose of LiCl treated mice.

CONCLUSION

200 mg/kg LiCl might cause the inflammation in colon of mice through activating F4/80 positive macrophages and inhibiting the expression of IgA coding genes in plasma cells and the expression of Pigr and Claudin-15 in colonic epithelial cells, providing evidences for the toxic effects of high dose of LiCl on colon.

Effects of systemic medication on root resorption associated with orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review of animal studies

BACKGROUND

Theoretically, root resorption could be modulated by any medication taken that exhibits possible effects on the implicated molecular pathways.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically investigate and appraise the quality of the available evidence from animal studies, regarding the effect of commonly prescribed systemic medication on root resorption associated with orthodontic tooth movement.

SEARCH METHODS

Search without restrictions in eight databases (PubMed, Central, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Arab World Research Source, ClinicalTrials.gov, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global) and hand searching until April 2018 took place. One author developed detailed search strategies for each database that were based on the PubMed strategy and adapted accordingly.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Controlled studies investigating the effect of systemic medications on root resorption associated with orthodontic tooth movement.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Following study retrieval and selection, relevant data were extracted and the risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE's Risk of Bias Tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were finally identified, most of which at unclear risk of bias. Root resorption was shown to increase in Vitamin C treated animals in comparison with the control group, whereas a comparative decrease was noted after the administration of the alendronate, ibuprofen, growth hormone, low doses of meloxicam, simvastatin, lithium chloride and strontium ranelate. No difference was noted for acetaminophen, aspirin, fluoxetine, atorvastatin, misoprostol, zoledronic acid and zinc. Finally, inconsistent effects were observed after the administration of celecoxib, prednisolone and L-thyroxine. The quality of the available evidence was considered at best as low.

CONCLUSIONS

The pharmaceutical substances investigated were shown to exhibit variable effects on root resorption. Although the overall quality of evidence provides the clinician with a cautious perspective on the strength of the relevant recommendations, good practice would suggest that it is important to identify patients consuming medications and consider the possible implications.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42017078208).

Puerarin inhibits titanium particle-induced osteolysis and RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway

Osteolysis around the prosthesis and subsequent aseptic loosening are the main causes of prosthesis failure. Inflammation due to wear particles and osteoclast activation are the key factors in osteolysis and are also potential targets for the treatment of osteolysis. However, it is not clear whether puerarin can inhibit chronic inflammation and alleviate osteolysis. In this study, we investigated the effect of puerarin on Ti particle-induced inflammatory osteolysis in vivo in rat femoral models and in vitro in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast activation models. Our in vivo results showed that puerarin significantly inhibited Ti particle-induced osteolysis and the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. In vitro, puerarin prevented RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption and F-actin ring formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, puerarin decreased the phosphorylation of p65 and prevented p65 moving from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Puerarin also reduced the expression of osteoclast-specific factors and inhibited the inflammatory response. In conclusion, our study proves that puerarin can block the NF-κB signalling pathway to inhibit osteoclast activation and inflammatory processes, which provides a new direction for the treatment of osteolysis-related diseases.

The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and glutamine metabolism in the pathogenesis of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis: Repositioning of niclosamide and concerns about lithium

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis is a serious health problem which may lead to advanced liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to investigate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and glutamine aminohydrolase enzyme (l-glutaminase) in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and the potential benefits of niclosamide in treating liver fibrosis.

METHODS

Ninety male Albino rats were divided into 6 equal groups (n = 15) as follows: a normal control group (NC), CCl₄-only treated group (Fib.) which received 1 mg/kg CCl₄ two times weekly, niclosamide-treated group (Niclo.) which received 5 mg/kg of niclosamide one time daily, lithium chloride-treated group (LiCl) which received 100 mg/kg of LiCl one time daily, niclosamide-and-CCl₄-treated group (Niclo. + Fib.) which received same doses of niclosamide and CCl₄ given to other groups, and finally lithium chloride-and-CCl₄-treated rat group (LiCl + Fib.) which received same doses of LiCl and CCl₄ given to other groups. All treatments were administered orally for 8 weeks. Liver tissue was assessed for l-hydroxyproline, beta-catenin (β-catenin), l-glutaminase activity, as well as the gene expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and Dishevelled-2 (Dvl2). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of alpha smooth muscle actin α-SMA were performed. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total bilirubin were measured.

RESULTS

The group of niclosamide-and-CCl₄-treated rats showed a significant decrease in total bilirubin, ALT and AST, β-catenin, l-hydroxyproline, l-glutaminase activity, and gene expression of TGF-β1 and Dvl2. Moreover, the liver tissue in this group of rats showed mild α-SMA reactivity compared with the rats treated with CCl₄ only (fibrosis group). On the other hand, lithium chloride-and-CCl₄-treated rats showed a significant increase in liver indices, TGF-β1 expression, β-catenin, l-hydroxyproline, and l-glutaminase activity with severe α-SMA reactivity and apoptosis in the liver tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Niclosamide protected rats against liver fibrosis by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and glutaminolysis.

The Skeletal-Protecting Action and Mechanisms of Action for Mood-Stabilizing Drug Lithium Chloride: Current Evidence and Future Potential Research Areas

Lithium, the lightest natural-occurring alkali metal with an atomic number of three, stabilizes the mood to prevent episodes of acute manic and depression. Multiple lines of evidence point to lithium as an anti-suicidal, anti-viral, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective and osteoprotective agent. This review article provides a comprehensive review of studies investigating the bone-enhancing effects of lithium and its possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Most of the animal experimental studies reported the beneficial effects of lithium in defective bones but not in healthy bones. In humans, the effects of lithium on bones remain heterogeneous. Mechanistically, lithium promotes osteoblastic activities by activating canonical Wingless (Wnt)/beta (β)-catenin, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) transduction pathways but suppresses osteoclastic activities by inhibiting the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and calcium signaling cascades. In conclusion, lithium confers protection to the skeleton but its clinical utility awaits further validation from human clinical trials.

Release of lithium from 3D printed polycaprolactone scaffolds regulates macrophage and osteoclast response

The immunomodulatory effects of lithium have been reported across a range of models and contexts. Lithium appears to have a positive effect on osteogenesis in vivo, while in vitro outcomes throughout the literature are varied. Tissue engineering approaches have rarely targeted local lithium delivery within a regenerative setting. We hypothesized that part of the positive effects of lithium in vivo may be due to an immunomodulatory effect manifesting in a local environment. To achieve a sustained lithium release from scaffold constructs, we blended lithium carbonate, a soluble salt of lithium, with the biomaterial polymer polycaprolactone (PCL). We printed constructs of PCL alone, and with 5% (5Li) and 10% (10Li) lithium carbonate. Mechanical testing revealed that mechanical properties were largely retained with lithium carbonate incorporation, and we measured a consistent release of the ion over a 7 day period. The efficacy of our construct system was then assessed using a primary mouse macrophage culture, and a differentiated osteoclast culture. We found that the lithium released from constructs had a great effect on macrophage polarization, resulting in pronounced upregulation of immunomodulatory (M2) genes, and a decrease in pro-inflammatory (M1) genes. This was reflected in cytokine expression, and illustrated through immunofluorescent staining. Osteoclast activity was greatly suppressed by the lithium incorporation, with a marked effect on gene expression and actin ring formation. Our work demonstrated an effective system for local lithium delivery, confirmed the pronounced effects that lithium has on macrophage and osteoclast response, and sets the stage for further innovations in ion release for targeted tissue engineering.

Lithium-containing biomaterials inhibit osteoclastogenesis of macrophagesin vitroand osteolysisin vivo

Li-containing bioceramics were promising biomaterials for inhibiting osteoclastogenesis of macrophages and osteolysisin vivo, potentially using for treating osteoporosis.