Effect of Raloxifene Treatment on Osteocyte Apoptosis in Postmenopausal Women

Increased osteocyte apoptosis, as the result of estrogen deficiency, could play a role in the decrease of bone mass and bone strength seen in postmenopausal osteoporosis. We investigated whether treatment with raloxifene of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis affects osteocyte apoptosis. Transiliac bone biopsies were obtained from 26 osteoporotic women at baseline and after 2 years of treatment with placebo or raloxifene. Immunohistochemical detection of cleaved caspase-3 was performed on sections from nondecalcified bone biopsies to visualize apoptosis. In the trabecular bone total osteocytes, positively stained osteocytes and empty lacunae were counted and percent positive cells and percent empty lacunae determined. Statistical evaluation was performed by Wilcoxon’s paired t-test and Spearman’s rank correlations. There was no significant difference in percentage positive osteocytes between baseline and follow-up biopsies in both the placebo and the raloxifene groups. The percentage empty lacunae increased significantly in the placebo group (11.20 ± 1.43 vs. 9.00 ± 2.25, P = 0.014) but not in the raloxifene group. At baseline in both groups combined, there was a negative correlation between indices of bone remodeling and the percentage positive osteocytes (bone formation rate/bone volume r = −0.67, P = 0.001). We found no direct evidence for an effect of raloxifene treatment on osteocyte apoptosis, but small effects of raloxifene treatment cannot be excluded. The percent of apoptotic osteocytes was dependent on the level of bone remodeling in an individual

A Three-Dimensional Mechanical Loading Model of Human Osteocytes in Their Native Matrix

Osteocytes are mechanosensory cells which are embedded in calcified collagenous matrix. The specific native matrix of osteocytes affects their regulatory activity, i.e., transmission of signaling molecules to osteoclasts and/or osteoblasts, in the mechanical adaptation of bone. Unfortunately, no existing in vitro model of cortical bone is currently available to study the mechanosensory function of human osteocytes in their native matrix. Therefore, we aimed to develop an in vitro three-dimensional mechanical loading model of human osteocytes in their native matrix. Human cortical bone explants containing osteocytes in their three-dimensional native matrix were cultured and mechanically loaded by three-point bending using a custom-made loading apparatus generating sinusoidal displacement. Osteocyte viability and sclerostin expression were measured 1–2 days before 5 min loading and 1 day after loading. Bone microdamage was visualized and quantified by micro-CT analysis and histology using BaSO4 staining. A linear relationship was found between loading magnitude (2302–13,811 µɛ) and force (1.6–4.9 N) exerted on the bone explants. At 24 h post-loading, osteocyte viability was not affected by 1600 µɛ loading. Sclerostin expression and bone microdamage were unaffected by loading up to 8000 µɛ. In conclusion, we developed an in vitro 3D mechanical loading model to study mechanoresponsiveness of viable osteocytes residing in their native matrix. This model is suitable to study the effect of changed bone matrix composition in metabolic bone disease on osteocyte mechanoresponsiveness

A Three-Dimensional Mechanical Loading Model of Human Osteocytes in Their Native Matrix

Osteocytes are mechanosensory cells which are embedded in calcified collagenous matrix. The specific native matrix of osteocytes affects their regulatory activity, i.e., transmission of signaling molecules to osteoclasts and/or osteoblasts, in the mechanical adaptation of bone. Unfortunately, no existing in vitro model of cortical bone is currently available to study the mechanosensory function of human osteocytes in their native matrix. Therefore, we aimed to develop an in vitro three-dimensional mechanical loading model of human osteocytes in their native matrix. Human cortical bone explants containing osteocytes in their three-dimensional native matrix were cultured and mechanically loaded by three-point bending using a custom-made loading apparatus generating sinusoidal displacement. Osteocyte viability and sclerostin expression were measured 1–2 days before 5 min loading and 1 day after loading. Bone microdamage was visualized and quantified by micro-CT analysis and histology using BaSO4 staining. A linear relationship was found between loading magnitude (2302–13,811 µɛ) and force (1.6–4.9 N) exerted on the bone explants. At 24 h post-loading, osteocyte viability was not affected by 1600 µɛ loading. Sclerostin expression and bone microdamage were unaffected by loading up to 8000 µɛ. In conclusion, we developed an in vitro 3D mechanical loading model to study mechanoresponsiveness of viable osteocytes residing in their native matrix. This model is suitable to study the effect of changed bone matrix composition in metabolic bone disease on osteocyte mechanoresponsiveness

Mapping the Response of Human Osteocytes in Native Matrix to Mechanical Loading Using RNA Sequencing

Osteocytes sense mechanical loads and transduce mechanical signals into a chemical response. They are the most abundant bone cells deeply embedded in mineralized bone matrix, which affects their regulatory activity in the mechanical adaptation of bone. The specific location in the calcified bone matrix hinders studies on osteocytes in the in vivo setting. Recently, we developed a three-dimensional mechanical loading model of human osteocytes in their native matrix, allowing to study osteocyte mechanoresponsive target gene expression in vitro. Here we aimed to identify differentially expressed genes by mapping the response of human primary osteocytes in their native matrix to mechanical loading using RNA sequencing. Human fibular bone was retrieved from 10 donors (age: 32–82 years, 5 female, 5 male). Cortical bone explants (8.0 × 3.0 × 1.5 mm; length × width × height) were either not loaded or mechanically loaded by 2000 or 8000 μɛ for 5 minutes, followed by 0, 6, or 24 hours post-culture without loading. High-quality RNA was isolated, and differential gene expression analysis performed by R2 platform. Real-time PCR was used to confirm differentially expressed genes. Twenty-eight genes were differentially expressed between unloaded and loaded (2000 or 8000 μɛ) bone at 6 hours post-culture, and 19 genes at 24 hours post-culture. Eleven of these genes were related to bone metabolism, ie, EGR1, FAF1, H3F3B, PAN2, RNF213, SAMD4A, and TBC1D24 at 6 hours post-culture, and EGFEM1P, HOXD4, SNORD91B, and SNX9 at 24 hours post-culture. Mechanical loading significantly decreased RNF213 gene expression, which was confirmed by real-time PCR. In conclusion, mechanically loaded osteocytes differentially expressed 47 genes, of which 11 genes were related to bone metabolism. RNF213 might play a role in mechanical adaptation of bone by regulating angiogenesis, which is a prerequisite for successful bone formation. The functional aspects of the differentially expressed genes in bone mechanical adaptation requires future investigation

Exploration of the skeletal phenotype of the Col1a1 +/Mov13 mouse model for haploinsufficient osteogenesis imperfecta type 1

Introduction: Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder, characterized by skeletal dysplasia and fragile bones. Currently only two mouse models have been reported for haploinsufficient (HI) mild Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI); the Col1a1+/Mov13 (Mov13) and the Col1a1+/-365 mouse model. The Mov13 mice were created by random insertion of the Mouse Moloney leukemia virus in the first intron of the Col1a1 gene, preventing the initiation of transcription. Since the development of the Mov13 mice almost four decades ago and its basic phenotypic characterization in the 90s, there have not been many further studies. We aimed to extensively characterize the Mov13 mouse model in order to critically evaluate its possible use for preclinical studies of HI OI. Methods: Bone tissue from ten heterozygous Mov13 and ten wild-type littermates (WT) C57BL/6J mice (50% males per group) was analyzed at eight weeks of age with bone histomorphometry, micro computed tomography (microCT), 3-point bending, gene expression of different collagens, as well as serum markers of bone turnover Results: The Mov13 mouse presented a lower bone strength and impaired material properties based on our results of 3-point bending and microCT analysis respectively. In contrast, no significant differences were found for all histomorphometric parameters. In addition, no significant differences in Col1a1 bone expression were present, but there was a significant lower P1NP concentration, a bone formation marker, measured in serum. Furthermore, bone tissue of Mov13 mice presented significantly higher expression of collagens (Col1a2, Col5a1 and Col5a2), and bone metabolism markers (Bglap, Fgf23, Smad7, Edn1 and Eln) compared to WT. Finally, we measured a significantly lower Col1a1 expression in heart and skin tissue and also determined a higher expression of other collagens in the heart tissue. Conclusion: Although we did not detect a significant reduction in Col1a1 expression in the bone tissue, a change in bone structure and reduction in bone strength was noted. Regrettably, the variability of the bone phenotype and the appearance of severe lymphoma in adult Mov13 mice, does not favor their use for the testing of new long-term drug studies. As such, a new HI OI type 1 mouse model is urgently needed

Magnesium prevents vascular calcification in Klotho deficiency

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Effects of different training modalities on phosphate homeostasis and local Vitamin D metabolism in rat bone

Objectives. Mechanical loading may be an important factor in the regulation of bone derived hormones involved in phosphate homeostasis. This study investigated the effects of peak power and endurance training on expression levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27b1) in bone. Methods. Thirty-eight rats were assigned to six weeks of training in four groups: peak power (PT), endurance (ET), PT followed by ET (PET) or no training (control). In cortical bone, FGF23 was quantified using immunohistochemistry. mRNA expression levels of proteins involved in phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis were quantified in cortical bone and kidney. C-terminal FGF23, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphate concentrations were measured in plasma or serum. Results. Neither FGF23 mRNA and protein expression levels in cortical bone nor FGF23 plasma concentrations differed between the groups. In cortical bone, mRNA expression levels of sclerostin (SOST), dental matrix protein 1 (DMP1), phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome (PHEX) and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) were lower after PT compared to ET and PET. Expression levels of CYP27b1 and vitamin D receptor (VDR) in tibial bone were decreased after PT compared to ET. In kidney, no differences between groups were observed for mRNA expression levels of CYP27b1, 24-hydroxylase (CYP24), VDR, NaPi-IIa cotransporter (NPT2a) and NaPi-IIc cotransporter (NPT2c). Serum PTH concentrations were higher after PT compared to controls. Conclusion. After six weeks, none of the training modalities induced changes in FGF23 expression levels. However, PT might have caused changes in local phosphate regulation within bone compared to ET and PET. CYP27b1 and VDR expression in bone was reduced after PT compared to ET, suggesting high intensity peak power training in this rat model is associated with decreased vitamin D signalling in bone

Increased expression of matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) in cortical bone of the rat tibia after mechanical loading: identification by oligonucleotide microarray.

Skeletal integrity in humans and animals is maintained by daily mechanical loading. It has been widely accepted that osteocytes function as mechanosensors. Many biochemical signaling molecules are involved in the response of osteocytes to mechanical stimulation. The aim of this study was to identify genes involved in the translation of mechanical stimuli into bone formation. The four-point bending model was used to induce a single period of mechanical loading on the right tibia, while the contra lateral left tibia served as control. Six hours after loading, the effects of mechanical loading on gene-expression were determined with microarray analysis. Protein expression of differentially regulated genes was evaluated with immunohistochemistry. Nine genes were found to exhibit a significant differential gene expression in LOAD compared to control. MEPE, Garnl1, V2R2B, and QFG-TN1 olfactory receptor were up-regulated, and creatine kinase (muscle form), fibrinogen-B beta-polypeptide, monoamine oxidase A, troponin-C and kinesin light chain-C were down-regulated. Validation with real-time RT-PCR analysis confirmed the up-regulation of MEPE and the down-regulation of creatine kinase (muscle form) and troponin-C in the loaded tibia. Immunohistochemistry showed that the increase of MEPE protein expression was already detectable six hours after mechanical loading. In conclusion, these genes probably play a role during translation of mechanical stimuli six hours after mechanical loading. The modulation of MEPE expression may indicate a connection between bone mineralization and bone formation after mechanical stimulation

Osteocyte Apoptosis, Bone Marrow Adiposity, and Fibrosis in the Irradiated Human Mandible

Purpose: To assess the effect of radiation therapy on osteocyte apoptosis, osteocyte death, and bone marrow adipocytes in the human mandible and its contribution to the pathophysiology of radiation damage to the mandibular bone. Methods and Materials: Mandibular cancellous bone biopsies were taken from irradiated patients and nonirradiated controls. Immunohistochemical detection of cleaved caspase-3 was performed to visualize apoptotic osteocytes. The number of apoptotic osteocytes per bone area and per total amount of osteocytes, osteocytes per bone area, and empty lacunae per bone area were counted manually. The percentage fibrotic tissue and adipose tissue per bone marrow area, the percentage bone marrow of total area, and the mean adipocyte diameter (μm) was determined digitally from adjacent Goldner stained sections. Results: Biopsies of 15 irradiated patients (12 men and 3 women) and 7 nonirradiated controls (5 men and 2 women) were assessed. In the study group a significant increase was seen in the number of empty lacunae, the percentage of adipose tissue of bone marrow area, and the adipocyte diameter. There was no significant difference in bone marrow fibrosis nor apoptotic osteocytes between the irradiated group and the controls. Conclusions: Irradiation alone does not seem to induce excessive bone marrow fibrosis. The damage to bone mesenchymal stem cells leads to increased marrow adipogenesis and decreased osteoblastogenic potential. Early osteocyte death resulting in avital persisting bone matrix with severely impaired regenerative potential may contribute to the vulnerability of irradiated bone to infection and necrosis