DNA Methylation Signatures of Bone Metabolism in Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis Aging-Related Diseases: An Updated Review

Identification of a Novel Mitochondrial-Related Gene Signature for BMSCs in Osteoporosis Combining Single-Cell and Bulk Transcriptome Data

Osteoporosis (OS) is a prevalent skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk, often linked to compromised functions of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant mitophagy are implicated in OS pathogenesis. This study aimed to identify a novel mitochondrial-related gene signature in BMSCs from OS patients by integrating single-cell and bulk transcriptome data. We analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data from GSE147287 and bulk transcriptome data from GSE35956 to identify differentially expressed mitochondrial-related genes (MRGs) in BMSCs between healthy individuals and OS patients. Key genes were identified using LASSO logistic regression and random forest algorithms, and their differential expression was validated by RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Functional assays, including osteogenic differentiation and β-galactosidase staining, were conducted following siRNA-mediated knockdown of DUT. We identified 28 differentially expressed MRGs, with four key genes (DUT, UQCR10, DNAJC4, and MRPL33) further confirmed. Electron microscopy scanning showed damage to BMSCs mitochondria and decreased osteogenic differentiation ability in OS. Silencing DUT significantly impairs the mitochondrial function and osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs, indicating its potential role in OS development. This study identifies a mitochondrial gene signature in BMSCs linked to osteoporosis, with DUT emerging as a key regulator. DUT silencing impairs mitochondrial function and osteogenic differentiation, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for OS.

Resetting the aging clock through epigenetic reprogramming: Insights from natural products

Epigenetic modifications play a critical role in regulating gene expression under various physiological and pathological conditions. Epigenetic modifications reprogramming is a recognized hallmark of aging and a key component of the aging clock used to differentiate between chronological and biological age. The potential for prospective diagnosis and regulatory capabilities position epigenetic modifications as an emerging drug target to extend longevity and alleviate age-related organ dysfunctions. In the past few decades, numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of natural products in various human diseases, including aging, with some advancing to clinical trials and clinical application. This review highlights the discovery and recent advancements in the aging clock, as well as the potential use of natural products as anti-aging therapeutics by correcting disordered epigenetic reprogramming. Specifically, the focus is on the imbalance of histone modifications, alterations in DNA methylation patterns, disrupted ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, and changes in RNA modifications. By exploring these areas, new insights can be gained into aging prediction and anti-aging interventions.

Causal inference study of plasma proteins and blood metabolites mediating the effect of obesity-related indicators on osteoporosis

Background

Osteoporosis and obesity are both major global public health problems. Observational studies have found that osteoporosis might be related to obesity. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis could overcome the limitations of observational studies in assessing causal relationships.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the causal potential relationship between obesity-related indicators and osteoporosis by using a two-sample MR analysis and to identify potential mediators.

Method

A total of 53 obesity-related indicators, 3,282 plasma protein lists, and 452 blood metabolite lists were downloaded from the public data set as instrumental variables, and the osteoporosis GWAS data of the MRC IEU Open GWAS database was used as the outcome indicators. Using two-sample univariate MR, multivariate MR, and intermediate MR, the causal relationship and mediating factors between obesity-related indicators and osteoporosis were identified.

Results

The IVW model results show that 31 obesity-related indicators may have a significant causal relationship with osteoporosis (P < 0.05), except for waist circumference (id: Ieu-a-71, OR = 1.00566); the remaining 30 indicators could reduce the risk of osteoporosis (OR: 0.983-0.996). A total of 25 plasma protein indicators may have a significant causal relationship with osteoporosis (P < 0.05), and 10 of them, such as ANKED46, KLRF1, and LPO, CA9 may have a protective effect on osteoporosis (OR: 0.996-0.999), while the other 15 such as ATP1B1, zinc finger protein 175, could increase the risk of osteoporosis (OR: 1.001-1.004). For blood metabolite indicators, except for alanine (id: Met a-469, OR: 1.071), the other six blood metabolite indicators including uridine and 1-linoleoylglycerophosphoethanolaminecan may have a protective effect on osteoporosis (P < 0.05, OR: 0.961-0.992). The direction of causal relationship of MR is all correct; the heterogeneity is all not significant and not affected by horizontal pleiotropy. Using multivariate and mediated MR analysis, it was found that the protective effect of obesity-related indicators against osteoporosis may be mediated by histone-lysine N-methyltransferase in plasma proteins and alanine in blood metabolites.

Conclusion

Obesity may confer a protective effect against osteoporosis, potentially mediated by EHMT2 in plasma proteins and alanine in blood metabolites. Further empirical research is required to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind the influence of obesity on osteoporosis. Interventions on obesity-related factors to reduce the risk of osteoporosis while controlling other adverse effects associated with obesity may require further research.

Progress in multi-omics studies of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), a ubiquitous degenerative joint disorder, is marked by pain and disability, profoundly impacting patients' quality of life. As the population ages, the global prevalence of OA is escalating. Omics technologies have become instrumental in investigating complex diseases like OA, offering comprehensive insights into its pathogenesis and progression by uncovering disease-specific alterations across genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics levels. In this review, we systematically analyzed and summarized the application and recent achievements of omics technologies in OA research by scouring relevant literature in databases such as PubMed. These studies have shed light on new potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers, charting fresh avenues for OA diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, in our discussion, we highlighted the immense potential of spatial omics technologies in unraveling the molecular mechanisms of OA and in the development of novel therapeutic strategies, proposing future research directions and challenges. Collectively, this study encapsulates the pivotal advances in current OA research and prospects for future investigation, providing invaluable references for a deeper understanding and treatment of OA. This review aims to synthesize the recent progress of omics technologies in the realm of OA, aspiring to furnish theoretical foundations and research orientations for more profound studies of OA in the future.

Metabolism-Related Adipokines and Metabolic Diseases: Their Role in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects several joints but tends to be more prevalent in those that are weight-bearing, such as the knees, which are the most heavily loaded joints in the body. The incidence and disability rates of OA have continued to increase and seriously jeopardise the quality of life of middle-aged and older adults. However, OA is more than just a wear and tear disease; its aetiology is complex, and its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has emerged as a critical driver of OA development. This condition contributes to the formation of a distinct phenotype, termed metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis (MetS-OA),which differs from other metabolically related diseases by its unique pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical presentation. As key mediators of MetS, metabolic adipokines such as leptin, lipocalin, and resistin regulate inflammation and bone metabolism through distinct or synergistic signaling pathways. Their modulation of inflammatory responses and bone remodeling processes plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of OA. Due to their central role in regulating inflammation and bone remodeling, metabolic adipokines not only deepen our understanding of MetS-OA pathogenesis but also represent promising targets for novel therapeutic strategies that could slow disease progression and improve clinical outcomes in affected patients.

Abnormal methylation of Mill1 gene regulates osteogenic differentiation involved in various phenotypes of skeletal fluorosis in rats and methionine intervention

Excessive fluoride intake can lead to skeletal fluorosis. Nutritional differences in the same fluoride-exposed environment result in osteosclerosis, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia. DNA methylation has been found to be involved in skeletal fluorosis and is influenced by environment and nutrition. In a previous study, we screened eight genes with differential methylation associated with various phenotypes of skeletal fluorosis. By combining gene functions, Mill1 gene was selected for subsequent experiments. First, we found that the Mill1 gene was hypomethylated and upregulated in osteosclerosis skeletal fluorosis, whereas it was hypermethylated and downregulated in osteoporosis/osteomalacia skeletal fluorosis. Similar results were obtained in the cell experiments. Subsequently, we validated the regulation of Mill1 gene methylation using DNMT1 and TET2 enzyme inhibitors. Furthermore, we knockdown and overexpression experiments confirmed its downregulation inhibited osteogenic differentiation, whereas osteogenic differentiation was promoted by its overexpression. These findings imply that abnormal methylation of the Mill1 gene triggered by fluoride under diverse nutritional conditions, regulates its expression and participates in osteogenic differentiation, potentially resulting in various phenotypes of skeletal fluorosis. Eventually, we use methionine for interventions both in vivo and in vitro. The results indicated that under normal nutrition and fluoride exposure followed by methionine intervention, the methylation levels of the Mill1 gene increased, whereas its high expression and enhanced osteogenic differentiation were restrained. This study offers a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanism behind the various phenotypes of skeletal fluorosis through the perspective of DNA methylation and for employing nutrients to intervene in skeletal fluorosis.

From Genomics to Metabolomics: Molecular Insights into Osteoporosis for Enhanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches

Osteoporosis (OP) is a prevalent skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. The advancements in omics technologies-genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics-have provided significant insights into the molecular mechanisms driving OP. These technologies offer critical perspectives on genetic predispositions, gene expression regulation, protein signatures, and metabolic alterations, enabling the identification of novel biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targets. This review underscores the potential of these multi-omics approaches to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications, paving the way for precision medicine in OP management. By integrating these technologies, researchers can contribute to improved diagnostics, preventative strategies, and treatments for patients suffering from OP and related conditions.

MicroRNA binding site variants-new potential markers of primary osteoporosis in men and women

Introduction

The identification of significant DNA markers of primary osteoporosis may gain new insights by studying genome regions involved in mechanisms of epigenetic regulation through interactions with microRNAs.

Methods

The authors searched for associations of polymorphic variants of microRNA binding sites of mRNA target genes and polymorphic loci of microRNA genes with primary osteoporosis in a cohort of women and men from the Volga-Ural region of Russia (N = 1.177).

Results

Using case-control association analysis, the authors found that rs1061947 (COL1A1), rs10793442 (ZNF239), rs6854081 (FGF2), and rs11614913 (miR-196a) were associated with osteoporotic fractures; rs5854 (MMP1) and rs2910164 (miR-146a) were associated with low bone mineral density; and rs10098470 (TPD52), rs11540149 (VDR), rs1042673 (SOX9), rs1054204 (SPARC), and rs1712 (FBXO5) were markers of both fractures and low bone mineral density. Among the identified associations, ethno specific trends were found, as well as sex-specific associations. Prognostic models were developed, among which the model for predicting osteoporosis in general in women (Area Under Curve = 0.909) achieved the highest level of predictive value. Thus, the potential role of polymorphic variants of microRNA binding sites in the development of primary osteoporosis in men and women from the Volga-Ural region of Russia was demonstrated.

Krüppel-like factors family in health and disease

Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are a family of basic transcription factors with three conserved Cys2/His2 zinc finger domains located in their C-terminal regions. It is acknowledged that KLFs exert complicated effects on cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and responses to stimuli. Dysregulation of KLFs is associated with a range of diseases including cardiovascular disorders, metabolic diseases, autoimmune conditions, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Their multidimensional roles in modulating critical pathways underscore the significance in both physiological and pathological contexts. Recent research also emphasizes their crucial involvement and complex interplay in the skeletal system. Despite the substantial progress in understanding KLFs and their roles in various cellular processes, several research gaps remain. Here, we elucidated the multifaceted capabilities of KLFs on body health and diseases via various compliable signaling pathways. The associations between KLFs and cellular energy metabolism and epigenetic modification during bone reconstruction have also been summarized. This review helps us better understand the coupling effects and their pivotal functions in multiple systems and detailed mechanisms of bone remodeling and develop potential therapeutic strategies for the clinical treatment of pathological diseases by targeting the KLF family.

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.

Inhibiting DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B confers protection against ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus and ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration via upregulating SLC40A1

Epigenetic changes are important considerations for degenerative diseases. DNA methylation regulates crucial genes by epigenetic mechanism, impacting cell function and fate. DNA presents hypermethylation in degenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue, but its role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) remains elusive. This study aimed to demonstrate that methyltransferase mediated hypermethylation was responsible for IVDD by integrative bioinformatics and experimental verification. Methyltransferase DNMT3B was highly expressed in severely degenerated NP tissue (involving human and rats) and in-vitro degenerated human NP cells (NPCs). Bioinformatics elucidated that hypermethylated genes were enriched in oxidative stress and ferroptosis, and the ferroptosis suppressor gene SLC40A1 was identified with lower expression and higher methylation in severely degenerated human NP tissue. Cell culture using human NPCs showed that DNMT3B induced ferroptosis and oxidative stress in NPCs by downregulating SLC40A1, promoting a degenerative cell phenotype. An in-vivo rat IVDD model showed that DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-AZA alleviated puncture-induced IVDD. Taken together, DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B aggravates ferroptosis and oxidative stress in NPCs via regulating SLC40A1. Epigenetic mechanism within DNA methylation is a promising therapeutic biomarker for IVDD.

A procedure for DNA methylation assessment in osteoporosis-related gene promoters of umbilical cord blood: A study on the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) birth cohort

Introduction

It is believed that DNA methylation can modify disease susceptibility in response to environmental factors as early as the perinatal period. In this study, we aimed to present a streamlined DNA methylation analysis procedure for osteoporosis-related gene promoters in the umbilical cord blood.

Methods

The Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) birth cohort was established in 2016. In this study, a total of 300 umbilical cord blood samples were collected at the time of delivery. For all samples, DNA was extracted and converted using sodium bisulfite. Multiple primer sets were designed for Wnt1, Wnt10b, β-catenin, OPG, and RANKL gene promoters in the online MethPrimer platform. Next, bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP), as the gold standard method for exploring methylated and unmethylated cytosines, was performed in a gradient-controlled setting. The PCR products were then purified and directly sequenced. Subsequently, the chromatograms were interpreted.

Results

For Wnt10b, β-catenin, and OPG genes, the converted DNA could be successfully amplified. The frequency of acceptable chromatograms for analysis was 195 for Wnt10b (195/300, 0.65%), 198 for β-catenin (198/300, 0.66%), and 50 for OPG (50/50, 100%).

Conclusion

BSP can be efficiently used to investigate the methylation of target gene promoters in umbilical cord blood DNA.

The osteoporosis susceptibility SNP rs188303909 at 2q14.2 regulates EN1 expression by modulating DNA methylation and E2F6 binding

EN1 encodes a homeodomain-containing transcription factor and is a determinant of bone density and fracture. Previous powerful genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near EN1 at 2q14.2 locus for osteoporosis, but the causal SNPs and functional mechanisms underlying these associations are poorly understood. The target genes regulated by the transcription factor EN1 are also unclear. In this study, we identified rs188303909, a functional CpG-SNP, as a causal SNP for osteoporosis at 2q14.2 through the integration of functional and epigenomic analyses. Functional experiments demonstrated that unmethylated rs188303909 acted as a strong allele-specific distal enhancer to regulate EN1 expression by modifying the binding of transcription factor E2F6, but rs188303909 methylation attenuated the active effect of E2F6 on EN1 expression. Importantly, transcription factor EN1 could differentially bind osteoporosis GWAS lead SNPs rs4869739-T and rs4355801-G to upregulate CCDC170 and COLEC10 expression, thus promoting bone formation. Our study provided a mechanistic insight into expression regulation of the osteoporosis susceptibility gene EN1, which could be a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis precision medicine. KEY MESSAGES: CpG-SNP rs188303909 is a causal SNP at the osteoporosis susceptibility locus 2q14.2. Rs188303909 distally regulates EN1 expression by modulating DNA methylation and E2F6 binding. EN1 upregulates CCDC170 and COLEC10 expression through osteoporosis GWAS lead SNPs rs4869739 and rs4355801.

DNA methylation of promoter region inhibits galectin-1 expression in BMSCs of aged mice

Senile osteoporosis increases fracture risks. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are sensitive to aging. Deep insights into BMSCs aging are vital to elucidate the mechanisms underlying age-related bone loss. Recent advances showed that osteoporosis is associated with aberrant DNA methylation of many susceptible genes. Galectin-1 (Gal-1) has been proposed as a mediator of BMSCs functions. In our previous study, we showed that Gal-1 was downregulated in aged BMSCs and global deletion of Gal-1 in mice caused bone loss via impaired osteogenesis potential of BMSCs. Gal-1 promoter is featured by CpG islands. However, there are no reports concerning the DNA methylation status in Gal-1 promoter during osteoporosis. In the current study, we sought to investigate the role of DNA methylation in Gal-1 downregulation in aged BMSCs. The potential for anti-bone loss therapy based on modulating DNA methylation is explored. Our results showed that Dnmt3b-mediated Gal-1 promoter DNA hypermethylation plays an important role in Gal-1 downregulation in aged BMSCs, which inhibited β-catenin binding on Gal-1 promoter. Bone loss of aged mice was alleviated in response to in vivo deletion of Dnmt3b from BMSCs. Finally, when bone marrow of young wild-type (WT) mice or young Dnmt3bPrx1-Cre mice was transplanted into aged WT mice, Gal-1 level in serum and trabecular bone mass were elevated in recipient aged WT mice. Our study will benefit for deeper insights into the regulation mechanisms of Gal-1 expression in BMSCs during osteoporosis development, and for the discovery of new therapeutic targets for osteoporosis via modulating DNA methylation status.NEW & NOTEWORTHY There is Dnmt3b-mediated DNA methylation in Gal-1 promoter in aged bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC). DNA methylation causes Gal-1 downregulation and osteogenesis attenuation of aged BMSC. DNA methylation blocks β-catenin binding on Gal-1 promoter. Bone loss of aged mice is alleviated by in vivo deletion of Dnmt3b from BMSC.

Identification of potential pathogenic genes related to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OS) are the most common orthopedic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To identify important genes as biomarkers for the pathogenesis of OA and OS.

METHODS

Microarray data for OA and OS were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the OA and healthy control groups and between the OS and healthy control groups were identified using the Limma software package. Overlapping hub DEGs were selected using MCC, MNC, DEGREE, and EPC. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to mine OA- and OS-related modules. Shared hub DEGs were identified, human microRNA disease database was used to screen microRNAs associated with OA and OS, and an miRNA-target gene network was constructed. Finally, the expression of shared hub DEGs was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 104 overlapping DEGs were identified in both the OA and OS groups, which were mainly related to inflammatory biological processes, such as the Akt and TNF signaling pathways Forty-six hub DEGs were identified using MCC, MNC, DEGREE, and EPC modules using different algorithms. Seven modules with 392 genes that highly correlated with disease were identified in the WGCNA. Furthermore, 10 shared hub DEGs were identified between the OA and OS groups, including OGN, FAP, COL6A3, THBS4, IGFBP2, LRRC15, DDR2, RND3, EFNB2, and CD48. A network consisting of 8 shared hub DEGs and 55 miRNAs was constructed. Furthermore, CD48 was significantly upregulated in the OA and OS groups, whereas EFNB2, DR2, COL6A3, and RND3 were significantly downregulated in OA and OS. Other hub DEGs were significantly upregulated in OA and downregulated in OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The ten genes may be promising biomarkers for modulating the development of both OA and OS.

The Diagnostic Features of Peripheral Blood Biomarkers in Identifying Osteoarthritis Individuals: Machine Learning Strategies and Clinical Evidence

BACKGROUND

People with osteoarthritis place a huge burden on society. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent disease progression and to select the best treatment strategy more effectively. In this study, the aim was to examine the diagnostic features and clinical value of peripheral blood biomarkers for osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this project was to investigate the diagnostic features of peripheral blood and immune cell infiltration in osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Two eligible datasets (GSE63359 and GSE48556) were obtained from the GEO database to discern differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The machine learning strategy was employed to filtrate diagnostic biomarkers for OA. Additional verification was implemented by collecting clinical samples of OA. The CIBERSORT website estimated relative subsets of RNA transcripts to evaluate the immune-inflammatory states of OA. The link between specific DEGs and clinical immune-inflammatory markers was found by correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 67 robust DEGs were identified. The nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group C member 2 (NR2C2), transcription factor 4 (TCF4), stromal antigen 1 (STAG1), and interleukin 18 receptor accessory protein (IL18RAP) were identified as effective diagnostic markers of OA in peripheral blood. All four diagnostic markers showed significant increases in expression in OA. Analysis of immune cell infiltration revealed that macrophages are involved in the occurrence of OA. Candidate diagnostic markers were correlated with clinical immune-inflammatory indicators of OA patients.

CONCLUSION

We highlight that DEGs associated with immune inflammation (NR2C2, TCF4, STAG1, and IL18RAP) may be potential biomarkers for peripheral blood in OA, which are also associated with clinical immune-inflammatory indicators.

Methylation of the Vitamin D Receptor Gene in Human Disorders

The Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) mediates the actions of 1,25-Dihydroxvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), which has important roles in bone homeostasis, growth/differentiation of cells, immune functions, and reduction of inflammation. Emerging evidences suggest that epigenetic modifications of the VDR gene, particularly DNA methylation, may contribute to the onset and progression of many human disorders. This review aims to summarize the available information on the role of VDR methylation signatures in different pathological contexts, including autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, and others. The reversible nature of DNA methylation could enable the development of therapeutic strategies, offering new avenues for the management of these worldwide diseases.

DNA methylation-mediated Rbpjk suppression protects against fracture nonunion caused by systemic inflammation

Challenging skeletal repairs are frequently seen in patients experiencing systemic inflammation. To tackle the complexity and heterogeneity of the skeletal repair process, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing and revealed that progenitor cells were one of the major lineages responsive to elevated inflammation and this response adversely affected progenitor differentiation by upregulation of Rbpjk in fracture nonunion. We then validated the interplay between inflammation (via constitutive activation of Ikk2, Ikk2ca) and Rbpjk specifically in progenitors by using genetic animal models. Focusing on epigenetic regulation, we identified Rbpjk as a direct target of Dnmt3b. Mechanistically, inflammation decreased Dnmt3b expression in progenitor cells, consequently leading to Rbpjk upregulation via hypomethylation within its promoter region. We also showed that Dnmt3b loss-of-function mice phenotypically recapitulated the fracture repair defects observed in Ikk2ca-transgenic mice, whereas Dnmt3b-transgenic mice alleviated fracture repair defects induced by Ikk2ca. Moreover, Rbpjk ablation restored fracture repair in both Ikk2ca mice and Dnmt3b loss-of-function mice. Altogether, this work elucidates a common mechanism involving a NF-κB/Dnmt3b/Rbpjk axis within the context of inflamed bone regeneration. Building on this mechanistic insight, we applied local treatment with epigenetically modified progenitor cells in a previously established mouse model of inflammation-mediated fracture nonunion and showed a functional restoration of bone regeneration under inflammatory conditions through an increase in progenitor differentiation potential.

Causal association of epigenetic aging and osteoporosis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

The relationship between aging and osteoporosis is well established. However, the relationship between the body's physiological age, i.e. epigenetic age, and osteoporosis is not known. Our goal is to analyze the bidirectional causal relationship between epigenetic clocks and osteoporosis using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

METHODS

We used SNPs closely associated with GrimAge, Hannum, PhenoAge, and HorvathAge in epigenetic age and SNPs closely associated with femoral neck bone mineral density, lumbar spine bone mineral density, and forearm bone mineral density as instrumental variables, respectively, using the inverse variance weighting method and several other MR methods to assess the bidirectional causal relationship between epigenetic age and osteoporosis.

RESULT

There was no evidence of a clear causal relationship of epigenetic age (GrimAge, Hannum, PhenoAge, and HorvathAge) on femoral neck bone mineral density, lumbar spine bone mineral density, and forearm bone mineral density. In reverse Mendelian randomization analysis showed a significant causal effect of lumbar spine bone mineral density on GrimAge: odds ratio (OR) = 0.692, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (0.538-0.890), p = 0.004. The results suggest that a decrease in lumbar spine bone mineral density promotes an acceleration of GrimAge.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant bidirectional causal relationship between epigenetic age and osteoporosis A decrease in lumbar spine bone density may lead to an acceleration of the epigenetic clock "GrimAge". Our study provides partial evidence for a bidirectional causal effect between epigenetic age and Osteoporosis.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a widespread systemic disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and an imbalance of the microarchitecture of bone tissue. Experimental and clinical studies devoted to investigating the main pathogenetic mechanisms of osteoporosis revealed the important role of estrogen deficiency, inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and epigenetic factors in the development of bone resorption due to osteoclastogenesis, and decreased mineralization of bone tissue and bone formation due to reduced function of osteoblasts caused by apoptosis and age-depended differentiation of osteoblast precursors into adipocytes. The current review was conducted to describe the basic mechanisms of the development of osteoporosis at molecular and cellular levels and to elucidate the most promising therapeutic strategies of pathogenetic therapy of osteoporosis based on articles cited in PubMed up to September 2023.

Mendelian randomization to evaluate the causal relationship between liver enzymes and the risk of six specific bone and joint-related diseases

Background

Studies of liver dysfunction in relation to bone and joint-related diseases are scarce, and its causality remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate whether serum liver enzymes are causally associated with bone and joint-related diseases using Mendelian randomization (MR) designs.

Methods

Genetic data on serum liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase (ALP); alanine transaminase (ALT); gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)) and six common bone and joint-related diseases (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoporosis, osteoarthritis (OA), ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout) were derived from independent genome-wide association studies of European ancestry. The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was applied for the main causal estimate. Complementary sensitivity analyses and reverse causal analyses were utilized to confirm the robustness of the results.

Results

Using the IVW method, the positive causality between ALP and the risk of osteoporosis diagnosed by bone mineral density (BMD) at different sites was indicated (femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total body BMD, odds ratio (OR) [95% CI], 0.40 [0.23-0.69], 0.35 [0.19-0.67], and 0.33 [0.22-0.51], respectively). ALP was also linked to a higher risk of RA (OR [95% CI], 6.26 [1.69-23.51]). Evidence of potential harmful effects of higher levels of ALT on the risk of hip and knee OA was acquired (OR [95% CI], 2.48 [1.39-4.41] and 3.07 [1.49-6.30], respectively). No causal relationship was observed between GGT and these bone and joint-related diseases. The study also found that BMD were all negatively linked to ALP levels (OR [95% CI] for TBMD, FN-BMD, and LS-BMD: 0.993 [0.991-0.995], 0.993 [0.988-0.998], and 0.993 [0.989, 0.998], respectively) in the reverse causal analysis. The results were replicated via sensitivity analysis in the validation process.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a significant association between liver function and bone and joint-related diseases.

Therapeutic approach of natural products that treat osteoporosis by targeting epigenetic modulation

Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic disease that affects bone, resulting in a progressive decrease in bone mass, quality, and micro-architectural degeneration. Natural products have become popular for managing OP in recent years due to their minimal adverse side effects and suitability for prolonged use compared to chemically synthesized products. These natural products are known to modulate multiple OP-related gene expressions, making epigenetics an important tool for optimal therapeutic development. In this study, we investigated the role of epigenetics in OP and reviewed existing research on using natural products for OP management. Our analysis identified around twenty natural products involved in epigenetics-based OP modulation, and we discussed potential mechanisms. These findings highlight the clinical significance of natural products and their potential as novel anti-OP therapeutics.

Regulation of human ZNF687, a gene associated with Paget's disease of bone

Mutations in Zinc finger 687 (ZNF687) were associated with Paget's disease of bone (PDB), a disease characterized by increased bone resorption and excessive bone formation. It was suggested that ZNF687 plays a role in bone differentiation and development. However, the mechanisms involved in ZNF687 regulation remain unknown. This study aimed to obtain novel knowledge regarding ZNF687 transcriptional and epigenetic regulation. Through in silico analysis, we hypothesized three ZNF687 promoter regions located upstream exon 1 A, 1B, and 1 C and denominated promoter regions 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Their functionality was confirmed by luciferase activity assays and positive/negative regulatory regions were identified using promoter deletions constructs. In silico analysis revealed a high density of CpG islands in these promoter regions and in vitro methylation suppressed promoters' activity. Using bioinformatic approaches, bone-associated transcription factor binding sites containing CpG dinucleotides were identified, including those for NFκB, PU.1, DLX5, and SOX9. By co-transfection in HEK293 and hFOB cells, we found that DLX5 specifically activated ZNF687 promoter region 1, and its methylation impaired DLX5-driven promoter stimulation. NFκB repressed and activated promoter regions 1 and 2, respectively, and these activities were affected by methylation. PU.1 induced ZNF687 promoter region 1 which was affected by methylation. SOX9 differentially regulated ZNF687 promoters in HEK293 and hFOB cells that were impaired after methylation. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into ZNF687 regulation by demonstrating that NFκB, PU.1, DLX5, and SOX9 are regulators of ZNF687 promoters, and DNA methylation influences their activity. The contribution of the dysregulation of these mechanisms in PDB should be further elucidated.

Chronic Pain in Musculoskeletal Diseases: Do You Know Your Enemy?

Musculoskeletal pain is a condition that characterises several diseases and represents a constantly growing issue with enormous socio-economic burdens, highlighting the importance of developing treatment algorithms appropriate to the patient’s needs and effective management strategies. Indeed, the algic condition must be assessed and treated independently of the underlying pathological process since it has an extremely negative impact on the emotional and psychic aspects of the individual, leading to isolation and depression. A full understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in nociceptive stimulation and central sensitization is an important step in improving approaches to musculoskeletal pain. In this context, the bidirectional relationship between immune cells and neurons involved in nociception could represent a key point in the understanding of these mechanisms. Therefore, we provide an updated overview of the magnitude of the musculoskeletal pain problem, in terms of prevalence and costs, and summarise the role of the most important molecular players involved in the development and maintenance of pain. Finally, based on the pathophysiological mechanisms, we propose a model, called the “musculoskeletal pain cycle”, which could be a useful tool to counteract resignation to the algic condition and provide a starting point for developing a treatment algorithm for the patient with musculoskeletal pain.

Epigenetic modifications in spinal ligament aging

Spinal stenosis is a common degenerative spine disorder in the aged population and the spinal ligament aging is a main contributor to this chronic disease. However, the underlying mechanisms of spinal ligament aging remain unclear. Epigenetics is the study of heritable and reversible changes in the function of a gene or genome that occur without any alteration in the primary DNA sequence. Epigenetic alterations have been demonstrated to play crucial roles in age-related diseases and conditions, and they are recently studied as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the field of cancer research. The main epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation alteration, histone modifications as well as dysregulated noncoding RNA modulation, have all been implicated in spinal ligament aging diseases. DNA methylation modulates the expression of critical genes including WNT5A, GDNF, ACSM5, miR-497 and miR-195 during spinal ligament degeneration. Histone modifications widely affect gene expression and obvious histone modification abnormalities have been found in spinal ligament aging. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert crucial regulating effects on spinal ligament aging conditions via targeting various osteogenic or fibrogenic differentiation related genes. To our knowledge, there is no systematic review yet to summarize the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms of spinal ligament aging in degenerative spinal diseases. In this study, we systematically discussed the different epigenetic modifications and their potential functions in spinal ligament aging process.

Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through regulating forkhead box F1/Wnt/β-Catenin axis

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by inadequate bone formation of osteoblasts and excessive bone resorption of osteoclasts. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), with the potential of osteogenic differentiation, have been widely used in the bone tissues engineering for the treatment of bone diseases, including postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) has been reported to be implicated in bone formation during the development of Rett syndrome. However, the influence of MeCP2 on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs during osteoporosis remains unclear. Firstly, mice model with estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis was established through ovariectomy (OVX). MeCP2 was found to be down-regulated in bone tissues and BMSCs of OVX-induced osteoporosis mice. Secondly, over-expression of MeCP2 enhanced the calcium deposition of BMSCs isolated from the OVX-induced osteoporosis mice. Moreover, expression of osteogenic biomarkers including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), and osteocalcin (OCN) was increased in BMSCs by overexpression of MeCP2. Thirdly, over-expression of MeCP2 reduced protein expression of forkhead box F1 (FOXF1) and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), while enhanced Wnt5a and β-catenin expression in BMSCs. Over-expression of FOXF1 attenuated MeCP2 over-expression-induced decrease of FOXF1 and APC, as well as increase of Wnt5a and β-catenin. Finally, the increased calcium deposition, protein expression of ALP, RUNX2COL1A1 and OCN induced by concomitant overexpression of MeCP2 were also restored by FOXF1 over-expression. In conclusion, MeCP2 promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through regulating FOXF1/Wnt/β-Catenin axis to attenuate osteoporosis. MeCP2 over-expression reduced FOXF1 to promote the activation of Wnt5a/β-Catenin and promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs during the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Autophagy and Polyphenols in Osteoarthritis: A Focus on Epigenetic Regulation

Autophagy is an intracellular mechanism that maintains cellular homeostasis in different tissues. This process declines in cartilage due to aging, which is correlated with osteoarthritis (OA), a multifactorial and degenerative joint disease. Several studies show that microRNAs regulate different steps of autophagy but only a few of them participate in OA. Therefore, epigenetic modifications could represent a therapeutic opportunity during the development of OA. Besides, polyphenols are bioactive components with great potential to counteract diseases, which could reverse altered epigenetic regulation and modify autophagy in cartilage. This review aims to analyze epigenetic mechanisms that are currently associated with autophagy in OA, and to evaluate whether polyphenols are used to reverse the epigenetic alterations generated by aging in the autophagy pathway.