Expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in human osteoblastic cells stimulated by proinflammatory mediators

Effect of teriparatide on drug treatment of tuberculous spondylitis: an experimental study

Tuberculous spondylitis often develops catastrophic bone destruction with uncontrolled inflammation. Because anti-tuberculous drugs do not have a role in bone formation, a combination drug therapy with a bone anabolic agent could help in fracture prevention and promote bone reconstruction. This study aimed to investigate the influence of teriparatide on the effect of anti-tuberculous drugs in tuberculous spondylitis treatment. We used the virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv strain. First, we investigated the interaction between teriparatide and anti-tuberculosis drugs (isoniazid and rifampin) by measuring the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against H37Rv. Second, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of anti-tuberculosis drugs and teriparatide on our previously developed in vitro tuberculous spondylitis model of an Mtb-infected MG-63 osteoblastic cell line using acid-fast bacilli staining and colony-forming unit counts. Selected chemokines (interleukin [IL]-8, interferon γ-induced protein 10 kDa [IP-10], monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted [RANTES]) and osteoblast proliferation (alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and alizarin red S [ARS] staining) were measured. Teriparatide did not affect the MIC of isoniazid and rifampin. In the Mtb-infected MG-63 spondylitis model, isoniazid and rifampin treatment significantly reduced Mtb growth, and cotreatment with teriparatide did not change the anti-tuberculosis effect of isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (RFP). IP-10 and RANTES levels were significantly increased by Mtb infection, whereas teriparatide did not affect all chemokine levels as inflammatory markers. ALP and ARS staining indicated that teriparatide promoted osteoblastic function even with Mtb infection. Cotreatment with teriparatide and the anti-tuberculosis drugs activated bone formation (ALP-positive area increased by 705%, P = 0.0031). Teriparatide was effective against Mtb-infected MG63 cells without the anti-tuberculosis drugs (ARS-positive area increased by 326%, P = 0.0037). Teriparatide had no effect on the efficacy of anti-tuberculosis drugs and no adverse effect on the activity of Mtb infection in osteoblasts. Furthermore, regulation of representative osteoblastic inflammatory chemokines was not changed by teriparatide treatment. In the in vitro Mtb-infected MG-63 cell model of tuberculous spondylitis, cotreatment with the anti-tuberculosis drugs and teriparatide increased osteoblastic function.

The Role of Cytokines and Chemokines in Shaping the Immune Microenvironment of Glioblastoma: Implications for Immunotherapy

Glioblastoma is the most common form of primary brain tumour in adults. For more than a decade, conventional treatment has produced a relatively modest improvement in the overall survival of glioblastoma patients. The immunosuppressive mechanisms employed by neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells within the tumour can limit treatment efficacy, and this can include the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines and chemokines. These factors can play a significant role in immune modulation, thus disabling anti-tumour responses and contributing to tumour progression. Here, we review the complex interplay between populations of immune and tumour cells together with defined contributions by key cytokines and chemokines to these intercellular interactions. Understanding how these tumour-derived factors facilitate the crosstalk between cells may identify molecular candidates for potential immunotherapeutic targeting, which may enable better tumour control and improved patient survival.

The Osteoprotective Effects Of Kaempferol: The Evidence From In Vivo And In Vitro Studies

Kaempferol is a dietary bioflavonoid ubiquitously found in various types of plant. It possesses a wide range of medicinal properties suggesting its potential clinical utility that requires further investigation. The present review intends to highlight the efficacy of kaempferol and its molecular mechanisms of action in regulating bone metabolism. Many reports have acknowledged the bone-protecting property of kaempferol and kaempferol-containing plants using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Kaempferol supplementation showed bone-sparing effects in newborn rats, glucocorticoid-induced and ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic models as well as bone fracture models. It achieves the bone-protective effects by inhibiting adipogenesis, inflammation, oxidative stress, osteoclastic autophagy and osteoblastic apoptosis while activating osteoblastic autophagy. The anti-osteoporotic effects of kaempferol are mediated through regulation of estrogen receptor, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways. In summary, kaempferol exhibits beneficial effects on skeleton, thus is potentially effective for the prophylaxis and treatment of osteoporosis.

The chemokine MCP-1 (CCL2) in the host interaction with cancer: a foe or ally?

Macrophages are one of the most abundant leukocyte populations infiltrating tumor tissues and can exhibit both tumoricidal and tumor-promoting activities. In 1989, we reported the purification of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) from culture supernatants of mitogen-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor cells. MCP-1 is a potent monocyte-attracting chemokine, identical to the previously described lymphocyte-derived chemotactic factor or tumor-derived chemotactic factor, and greatly contributes to the recruitment of blood monocytes into sites of inflammatory responses and tumors. Because in vitro-cultured tumor cells often produce significant amounts of MCP-1, tumor cells are considered to be the main source of MCP-1. However, various non-tumor cells in the tumor stroma also produce MCP-1 in response to stimuli. Studies performed in vitro and in vivo have provided evidence that MCP-1 production in tumors is a consequence of complex interactions between tumor cells and non-tumor cells and that both tumor cells and non-tumor cells contribute to the production of MCP-1. Although MCP-1 production was once considered to be a part of host defense against tumors, it is now believed to regulate the vicious cycle between tumor cells and macrophages that promotes the progression of tumors.

Sirtuin 6 suppresses hypoxia-induced inflammatory response in human osteoblasts via inhibition of reactive oxygen species production and glycolysis-A therapeutic implication in inflammatory bone resorption

Elevated glycolytic activity and redox imbalance induced by tissue hypoxia are common phenomena of chronic inflammation, including inflammatory bone diseases such as arthritis. However, relation between glycolysis and redox signaling in the inflammatory milieu is unclear. The histone deacetylase sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is a crucial modulator of inflammation and glucose metabolism, and it is also involved in cellular protection against oxidative injury. The aims of the study were to examine the connection between glycolysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human osteoblastic cells (HOB) and whether SIRT6 modulates inflammatory response via regulation of glycolytic activity and ROS generation. In HOB cultured under hypoxia, expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), lactate production and ROS generation were examined. The reciprocal effects between lactate and ROS production and their impact on inflammatory cytokine induction were assessed. The action of SIRT6 on the above reactions was determined. In a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), the relation between inflammatory activity and osteoblastic expression of LDHA, level of oxidative lesions, Cyr61 synthesis and macrophage recruitment were examined in joints with or without lentiviral-SIRT6 gene therapy. Results showed that hypoxia stress enhanced lactate and LDHA production in HOB. ROS generation was also increased, and there was a positive feedback between glycolysis and ROS formation. Overexpression of SIRT6 attenuated hypoxia-enhanced glycolysis and ROS generation. Hypoxia-induced expressions of Cyr61, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were suppressed by SIRT6 and the inhibitory effects overlapped with antiglycolytic and antioxidation mechanisms. In the model of CIA, forced expression of SIRT6 ameliorated disease progression, osteoblastic synthesis of Cyr61, and macrophage recruitment. More importantly, expression of LDHA and oxidative lesions were decreased in osteoblasts of SIRT6-treated joints. Our findings suggest that SIRT6 suppresses inflammatory response in osteoblasts via modulation of glucose metabolism and redox homeostasis. SIRT6-based strategy may possess therapeutic potential for inflammatory bone resorption. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(2):170-180, 2017.

Inflammatory Cell Migration in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. Self-reactive B and T lymphocytes cooperate to promote antibody responses against self proteins and are major drivers of disease. T lymphocytes also promote RA independently of B lymphocytes mainly through the production of key inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17, that promote pathology. While the innate signals that initiate self-reactive adaptive immune responses are poorly understood, the disease is predominantly caused by inflammatory cellular infiltration and accumulation in articular tissues, and by bone erosions driven by bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are giant multinucleated cells formed by the fusion of multiple myeloid cells that require short-range signals, such as the cytokines MCSF and RANKL, for undergoing differentiation. The recruitment and positioning of osteoclast precursors to sites of osteoclast differentiation by chemoattractants is an important point of control for osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Recently, the GPCR EBI2 and its oxysterol ligand 7a, 25 dihydroxycholesterol, were identified as important regulators of osteoclast precursor positioning in proximity to bone surfaces and of osteoclast differentiation under homeostasis. In chronic inflammatory diseases like RA, osteoclast differentiation is also driven by inflammatory cytokines such as TNFa and IL-1, and can occur independently of RANKL. Finally, there is growing evidence that the chemotactic signals guiding osteoclast precursors to inflamed articular sites contribute to disease and are of great interest. Furthering our understanding of the complex osteoimmune cell interactions should provide new avenues of therapeutic intervention for RA.

Understanding the host response to cell-laden poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels are promising in situ cell carriers for tissue engineering. However, their success in vivo will in part depend upon the foreign body reaction (FBR). This study tests the hypothesis that the FBR affects cells encapsulated within PEG hydrogels, and in turn influences the severity of the FBR. Fibroblasts were encapsulated within PEG hydrogels containing RGD to support cell attachment. Macrophages were seeded on top of cell-laden hydrogels to mimic in vivo macrophage interrogation and treated with lipopolysaccharide to induce an inflammatory phenotype. The presence of activated macrophages reduced fibroblast gene expression for extracellular matrix molecules and remodeling, but stimulated VEGF and IL-1β gene expression. Fibroblasts impacted macrophage phenotype leading to increased iNOS, IL-1β and TNF-α expressions. Syngeneic cell-laden and acellular hydrogels were also implanted subcutaneously into C57bl/6 mice for 2, 7 and 28 days. Encapsulated fibroblasts secreted collagen type I during the first week, but tissue deposition and cellularity decreased by 28 days. The presence of encapsulated fibroblasts led to greater acute inflammation, but did not influence the fibrotic response. In summary, this work emphasizes the importance of the host response in tissue engineering, and the potentially deleterious impact it may have on cell-laden synthetic scaffolds.

MKP1 regulates the induction of MCP1 by Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumolysin in human epithelial cells

Epithelial cells act as the first line of host defense against microbes by producing a range of different molecules for clearance. Chemokines facilitate the clearance of invaders through the recruitment of leukocytes. Thus, upregulation of chemokine expression represents an important innate host defense response against invading microbes such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. In this study, we report that the expression of Monocyte Chemotactic Protein 1 (MCP1) was highly induced in response to S. pneumoniae in vitro and in vivo. Among numerous virulence factors, pneumococcal pneumolysin was found to be the major factor responsible for this induction. Furthermore, MCP1 induction was mediated by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) whose activation was controlled by MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP1). Therefore, this study reveals novel roles of pneumolysin in mediating MKP1 expression for the regulation of MCP1 expression in human epithelial cells.

Impaired innate immune response and enhanced pathology during Citrobacter rodentium infection in mice lacking functional P-selectin

The selectin family of adhesion molecules mediates recruitment of immune cells to sites of inflammation which is critical for host resistance against infection. To characterize the role of selectins in host defence against Citrobacter rodentium infection, wild-type (WT) mice and mice lacking P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), P-, E- and L-selectin were infected using a Citrobacter-induced colitis model. Infected mice lacking PSGL-1 or P-selectin showed a more pronounced morbidity associated with higher bacterial load, elevated IL-12 p70, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, MCP-1 and IL-6 production, more severe inflammation and surprisingly higher leucocyte infiltration in the guts than WT control. Recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages and caecal inflammation were drastically reduced in infected P-selectin knockout mice receiving blocking monoclonal antibodies to ICAM-1 or LFA-1, indicating that these adhesion molecules may compensate for the loss of selectins in leucocyte recruitment. Furthermore, the adaptive immune response in mice lacking PSGL-1 or P-selectin remained functional since these infected mice were capable of eradicating the bacteria and being protected upon re-challenge with C. rodentium. These data demonstrate a definitive phenotypic impairment of innate response in mice lacking PSGL-1 or P-selectin, and suggest that these adhesion molecules are important in host innate immune response against Citrobacter infection.

The expression of osteoclastogenesis-associated factors and osteoblast response to osteolytic prostate cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) has a propensity to metastasize to bone. Tumor cells replace bone marrow and can elicit an osteoblastic, osteolytic, or mixed bone response. Our objective was to elucidate the mechanisms and key factors involved in promoting osteoclastogenesis in PCa bone metastasis.

METHODS

We cultured osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells with conditioned medium (CM) from PC-3 and C4-2B cells. MC3T3-E1 mineralization decreased in the presence of PC-3 CM, whereas C4-2B CM had no effect on mineralization. Using oligo arrays and validating by real-time PCR, we observed a decrease in the expression of mineralization-associated genes in MC3T3-E1 cells grown in the presence of PC-3 CM. In addition, PC-3 CM induced the expression of osteoclastogenesis-associated genes IGFBP-5, IL-6, MCP-1, and RANKL while decreasing OPG expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, CM from MC3T3-E1 cells cultured in the presence of PC-3 CM, in association with soluble RANKL, increased osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 cells. Investigation of PCa metastases and xenografts by immunohistochemistry revealed that the osteoclastic factor IL-6 was expressed in the majority of PCa bone metastases and to a lesser extent in PCa soft tissue metastases. In vitro it was determined that soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) was necessary for IL-6 to inhibit mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells.

RESULTS

PC-3 cells inhibit osteoblast activity and induce osteoblasts to produce osteoclastic factors that promote osteoclastogenesis, and one of these factors, IL-6, is highly expressed in PCa bone metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-6 may have an important role in promoting osteoclastogenesis in PCa bone metastasis through its' interaction with sIL-6R.

The chemokine Cxcl1 is a novel target gene of parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related protein in committed osteoblasts

The PTH receptor (PTHR1) is expressed on osteoblasts and responds to PTH or PTHrP in an endocrine or autocrine/paracrine manner, respectively. A microarray study carried out on PTHR1-positive osteoblasts (Kusa 4b10 cells) identified the cysteine-X-cysteine (CXC) family chemokine ligand 1 (Cxcl1) as a novel immediate PTH/PTHrP-responsive gene. Cxcl1 is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant with recognized roles in angiogenesis and inflammation, but a role in bone biology has not been described. Cxcl1 mRNA levels were up-regulated 1 h after either PTH or PTHrP treatment of differentiated Kusa 4b10 osteoblasts (15-fold) and mouse calvarial osteoblasts (160-fold) and in rat metaphyseal bone (5-fold) 1 h after a single sc injection of PTH. Furthermore, PTH treatment stimulated a 10-fold increase in secreted Cxcl1 protein by both Kusa 4b10 cells and calvarial osteoblasts. Immunohistochemistry and PCR demonstrated that CXCR2, the receptor for Cxcl1, is highly expressed in osteoclast precursors (hemopoietic cells) but is predominantly undetectable in the osteoblast lineage, suggesting that osteoblast-derived Cxcl1 may act as a chemoattractant for osteoclast precursors. Confirming this hypothesis, recombinant Cxcl1 dose-dependently stimulated migration of osteoclast precursors in cell culture studies, as did conditioned media from Kusa 4b10 cells treated with PTH. These data indicate that local action through the PTHR1 could stimulate cells of the osteoblast lineage to release a chemokine capable of attracting osteoclast precursors to the bone environment.

Synergistic induction of CX3CL1 by TNF alpha and IFN gamma in osteoblasts from rheumatoid arthritis: involvement of NF-kappa B and STAT-1 signaling pathways

To explore the regulation of CX3CL1 in inflammatory bone diseases, CX3CL1 expression by osteoblasts (OB) was examined. Human OB isolated from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, osteoarthritis patients, and normal individuals were incubated in the presence of cytokines. Soluble CX3CL1 levels were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of CX3CL1 mRNA was examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Although tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α or interferon (IFN)-γ alone RA OB induced negligible CX3CL1 secretion, the combination of TNF-α and IFN-γ induced dramatic increases in both soluble CX3CL1 protein and mRNA transcripts. This synergistic effect was more pronounced in OB from RA than in OB from either osteoarthritis or normal individuals. The expression of CX3CL1 was markedly reduced by specific inhibitors of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) or STAT-1 transcription factor. These findings suggest that osteoblasts are an important cellular source of CX3CL1 and may play roles in inflammatory bone/joint diseases.

Osteoimmunology: cytokines and the skeletal system

It has become clear that complex interactions underlie the relationship between the skeletal and immune systems. This is particularly true for the development of immune cells in the bone marrow as well as the functions of bone cells in skeletal homeostasis and pathologies. Because these two disciplines developed independently, investigators with an interest in either often do not fully appreciate the influence of the other system on the functions of the tissue that they are studying. With these issues in mind, this review will focus on several key areas that are mediated by crosstalk between the bone and immune systems. A more complete appreciation of the interactions between immune and bone cells should lead to better therapeutic strategies for diseases that affect either or both systems.

Osteoimmunology: interactions of the bone and immune system

Bone and the immune system are both complex tissues that respectively regulate the skeleton and the body's response to invading pathogens. It has now become clear that these organ systems often interact in their function. This is particularly true for the development of immune cells in the bone marrow and for the function of bone cells in health and disease. Because these two disciplines developed independently, investigators in each don't always fully appreciate the significance that the other system has on the function of the tissue they are studying. This review is meant to provide a broad overview of the many ways that bone and immune cells interact so that a better understanding of the role that each plays in the development and function of the other can develop. It is hoped that an appreciation of the interactions of these two organ systems will lead to better therapeutics for diseases that affect either or both.

PTHrP-induced MCP-1 production by human bone marrow endothelial cells and osteoblasts promotes osteoclast differentiation and prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro

Prostate cancer (PCa) preferentially metastasizes to bone resulting in osteoblastic lesions with underlying osteolytic activities. The mechanisms through which PCa cells promote osteolytic activities and subsequent osteoblastic bone formation remain poorly understood. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), produced by bone cells and PCa, binds to receptors on osteoblasts and stimulates bone formation and resorption. We have previously reported that MCP-1 acts as a paracrine and autocrine factor for PCa progression. However, the role of PTHrP in regulating MCP-1 expression in bone microenvironment, specifically by human bone marrow endothelial cells (HBME) and osteoblasts (hFOB), as well as by PCa cells, has not been studied. Accordingly, we first determined the effect of PTHrP on MCP-1 expression by bone cells and PCa cells. PTHrP induced both MCP-1 protein and mRNA expression by HBME and hFOB cells, but not by PCa LNCaP and PC3 cells. To further determine the mechanisms of PTHrP-induced MCP-1 transcription, analysis of the MCP-1 promoter was performed. MCP-1 promoter activity was induced by PTHrP. Both C/EBPbeta and NF-kappaB binding elements are required for PTHrP-induced MCP-1 transcription. Finally, when a constitutively-active PTH receptor construct was transfected into HBME and hFOB cells, MCP-1 production was increased. The conditioned media collected from these cells induced osteoclast differentiation and PC3 proliferation and invasion in vitro. These inductions were partially inhibited by MCP-1 neutralizing antibody. We conclude that PTHrP-induced MCP-1 production by HBME and hFOB cells promotes osteoclast differentiation in vitro and such induction may play a critical role in PCa development in the bone microenvironment.

Constitutively active parathyroid hormone receptor signaling in cells in osteoblastic lineage suppresses mechanical unloading-induced bone resorption

Multiple signaling pathways participate in the regulation of bone remodeling, and pathological negative balance in the regulation results in osteoporosis. However, interactions of signaling pathways that act comprehensively in concert to maintain bone mass are not fully understood. We investigated roles of parathyroid hormone receptor (PTH/PTHrP receptor) signaling in osteoblasts in unloading-induced bone loss using transgenic mice. Hind limb unloading by tail suspension reduced bone mass in wild-type mice. In contrast, signaling by constitutively active PTH/PTHrP receptor (caPPR), whose expression was regulated by the osteoblast-specific Col1a1 promoter (Col1a1-caPPR), suppressed unloading-induced reduction in bone mass in these transgenic mice. In Col1a1-caPPR transgenic (Tg) mice, hind limb unloading suppressed bone formation parameters in vivo and mineralized nodule formation in vitro similarly to those observed in wild-type mice. In addition, serum osteocalcin levels and mRNA expression levels of type I collagen, Runx2 and Osterix in bone were suppressed by unloading in both wild-type mice and Tg mice. However, in contrast to unloading-induced enhancement of bone resorption parameters in wild-type mice, Col1a1-caPPR signaling suppressed, rather than enhanced, osteoclast number and osteoclast surface as well as urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion upon unloading. Col1a1-caPPR signaling also suppressed mRNA expression levels of RANK and c-fms in bone upon unloading. Although the M-CSF and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) mRNA levels were enhanced in control Tg mice, these levels were suppressed in unloaded Tg mice. These results indicated that constitutive activation of PTH/PTHrP receptor signaling in osteoblastic cells suppresses unloading-induced bone loss specifically through the regulation of osteoclastic activity.

Attenuation of osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function by apigenin

The physiological effects of the flavone, apigenin on bone cells were studied. We first show that apigenin inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)- and interferon gamma (IFNgamma)-induced secretion of several osteoclastogenic cytokines from MC3T3-E1 mouse calvarial osteoblast cell line. Ligands of the TNF receptor family constitute the most potent osteoclastic cytokines. In MC3T3-E1 cells, apigenin dose-dependently (from 5 to 20 microM) inhibits TNFalpha-induced production of the osteoclastogenic cytokines, IL-6 (interleukin-6), RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell-expressed and -secreted), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and MCP-3. In addition, apigenin inhibits IFNgamma-stimulated secretion of monokines, CXCL-9, and -10 in MC3T3-E1 cells. Next, we show that apigenin strongly inhibits differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to adipocytes with attendant inhibition of adipocyte differentiation-induced IL-6, MCP-1, and leptin production. Inhibition of adipogenic differentiation by apigenin could be due to induction of osteogensis as it robustly upregulates mRNA levels of bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6). Finally, the presence of apigenin inhibited osteoclast differentiation from the RAW 264.7 cell line by reducing receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa ligand (RANKL)-induced expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), RANK, and calcitonin receptor but not CCR1, resulting in the inhibition of multinucleated osteoclast formation. Similarly, apigenin inhibited expression of the osteoclast differentiation markers TRAP, RANK, and c-Fms in osteoclast precursor cells obtained from mouse bone marrow following treatment with RANKL and macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF). Furthermore, apigenin induced apoptosis of mature osteoclasts obtained from rabbit long bone and inhibited bone resorption. In all instances, a structurally related compound, flavone had no significant effect. These data suggest that apigenin has multiple effects on all three bone cells that could prevent bone loss in vivo.

Differential activity of kaempferol and quercetin in attenuating tumor necrosis factor receptor family signaling in bone cells

Increasing data from epidemiological and in vitro studies show that the isoflavonoids, genistein and daidzein, and the flavonols, quercetin and kaempferol, are protective against postmenopausal bone loss. However, the physiological mechanisms for these effects are not well understood. We now report that kaempferol exerts profound antiosteoclastogenic effects by acting on both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Kaempferol but not quercetin dose-dependently inhibited tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)-induced production of the osteoclastogenic cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) in osteoblasts. The effect on IL-6 was posttranscriptional, whereas kaempferol reduced MCP-1 mRNA levels. In addition, in mouse primary calvarial osteoblasts, kaempferol but not quercetin blocked TNFalpha-induced translocation of the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) subunit p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. However, TNFalpha-stimulated intracellular ROS production was unaltered by kaempferol. In RAW264.7 cells, a monocyte/macrophage precursor for osteoclasts, both kaempferol and quercetin dose-dependently inhibited the receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced immediate-early oncogene c-fos expression at 6 h. After 3-5 days, both flavonols robustly inhibited RANKL-induced expression of the osteoclastic differentiation markers, RANK and calcitonin receptor. Consistent with down regulation of these osteoclastic differentiation markers, both flavonols strongly attenuated the RANKL-induced formation of multinucleated osteoclasts. However, kaempferol was more potent than quercetin in inhibiting RANKL-stimulated effects on RAW264.7 cells. Thus, our data indicate that kaempferol exerts profound antiosteoclastogenic effects by specifically antagonizing TNF receptor family action on bone cells at two distinct levels, by disrupting production of osteoclastogenic cytokines from osteoblasts and attenuating osteoclast precursor cell differentiation.

Functional expression of beta-chemokine receptors in osteoblasts: role of regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) in osteoblasts and regulation of its secretion by osteoblasts and osteoclasts

The expression and functions of receptors for the beta-chemokine, regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES)/CCL5, were investigated in osteoblasts. Both primary osteoblasts and the MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cell line express the RANTES receptors, CCR1, 3, 4, and 5 (by RT-PCR), which encode functional receptors in osteoblasts as shown by [125I]-RANTES binding followed by Scatchard analysis. Expression of all four RANTES receptor mRNAs in osteoblast is in contrast to the reports of expression of CCR1 being the only RANTES receptor expressed by osteoclasts. Exogenous RANTES elicits chemotaxis of osteoblasts and promotes cell survival via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with attendant phosphorylation of Akt. Osteoclastic RANTES, obtained from the conditioned medium of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand-differentiated RAW264.7 cells also induces chemotaxis of MC3T3-E1 cells. Incubating the conditioned medium with an anti-RANTES neutralizing antibody attenuated this effect. RANTES secretion from osteoblast is inhibited by differentiation promoting hormones, e.g. 1,25 (OH)2D3 and dexamethasone, whereas macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (but not macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta) and elevated calcium induce it. Elevated calcium also stimulated RANTES secretion by osteoclasts. Therefore, RANTES is an osteoblast chemoattractant and a survival-promoting molecule whose regulation in osteoblast is varied. Furthermore, RANTES secreted from osteoclasts induces osteoblast chemotaxis. Therefore, expression of RANTES and its receptors in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts could enable this chemokine to act in autocrine/paracrine modes.

MEK/ERK and signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways modulate oncostatin M-stimulated CCL2 expression in human osteoblasts through a common transcription factor

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects of oncostatin M (OSM), a gp130-type cytokine, on CCL2 expression in MG-63 cells, a human osteosarcoma cell line with a characteristic osteoblastic phenotype, and to investigate the signaling pathway involved.

METHODS

The expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for CCL2 and c-Fos was analyzed by Northern blotting. Amounts of CCL2 released into the supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blotting was used to examine the activation of MAPK signaling pathways. Interactions between activator protein 1 (AP-1) and DNA were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

RESULTS

OSM stimulated CCL2 expression at both the mRNA and the protein levels. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) was also induced by OSM. However, the up-regulation of CCL2 mRNA was COX-2-independent but required tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C (PKC). OSM stimulated the phosphorylation of MEK-1/2 and ERK-1/2 but not p38 and JNK. A transient elevation of c-Fos mRNA was induced by OSM, but PD 98059 (MEK inhibitor), fludarabine (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 [STAT-1] inhibitor), and piceatannol (STAT-3 and STAT-5 inhibitor) abolished this effect. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that OSM stimulated AP-1-DNA binding, which was also abolished by PD 98059, fludarabine, and piceatannol. Supershift study further confirmed the role of c-Fos in the above interaction. PD 98059, fludarabine, piceatannol, and curcumin (AP-1 inhibitor) inhibited the OSM-induced expression of CCL2.

CONCLUSION

OSM induces CCL-2 expression in osteoblasts. Activation of the MEK/ERK and STAT pathways, which leads to c-Fos expression and AP-1-DNA binding, is involved in the process. The signaling requires tyrosine kinase and PKC but not COX-2.

Significant involvement of CCL2 (MCP-1) in inflammatory disorders of the lung

Mounting evidence suggests that CCL2 (MCP-1) and its hematopoietic cell receptor CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) are involved in inflammatory disorders of the lung. In animal models of allergic asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), CCL2 expression and protein production are increased and the disease process is attenuated by CCL2 immunoneutralization. Mechanisms by which CCL2 may be acting include recruitment of regulatory and effector leukocytes; stimulation of histamine or leukotriene release from mast cells or basophils; induction of fibroblast production of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and procollagen; and enhancement of Th2 polarization. Recently, polymorphism for CCL2 has been described with increased cytokine-induced release of CCL2 by monocytes and increased risk of allergic asthma. These studies identify potentially important roles for CCL2 in these lung inflammatory disorders. While CCL2 inhibition in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may be hazardous by interfering with defense against bacteremia, future studies are needed to determine if CCL2/CCR2 antagonism will offer breakthrough therapy for patients with allergic asthma, IPF, or BOS, and to confirm the hypothesis that CCL2 polymorphism places patients at greater risk for these disorders.

Differential regulation of chemokine secretion in tuberculous and staphylococcal osteomyelitis

Bone infection or osteomyelitis is characterized by uncontrolled inflammation and destructive bone loss although little is known about immunopathogenesis of infection. We investigated control of chemokine secretion from osteoblasts infected with either Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which normally elicits a granulomatous host response, or Staphylococcus aureus, which drives a host response dominated by neutrophil influx. We show that M. tuberculosis infection of cultured and primary osteoblasts induces extensive secretion of the chemokines interleukin (IL)-8, inducible protein (IP) 10, RANTES, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) 1 within 72 h (1630 +/- 280 pg/ml per 4 x 10(5) cells, 74,130 +/- 8480 pg/ml per 4 x 10(5) cells, 18,330 +/- 3040 pg/ml per 4 x 10(5) cells, and 138,670 +/- 13,340 pg/ml per 4 x 10(5) cells, respectively, for MG-63 osteoblasts). S. aureus infection also results in secretion of these chemokines but secretion is delayed and of lesser magnitude (210 +/- 10 pg/ml per 4 x 10(5) cells, 11,570 +/- 1240 pg/ml per 4 x 10(5) cells, 930 +/- 34 pg/ml per 4 x 10(5) cells, and 13,770 +/- 720 pg/ml per 4 x 10(5) cells for IL-8, IP-10, RANTES, and MCP-1, respectively). The minimal up-regulation of secretion of the neutrophil attractant IL-8 in staphylococcal infection is both striking and unexpected. In both infections, chemokine secretion was dependent on the presence of live organisms. Differences in kinetics and magnitude of chemokine secretion are associated with distinct patterns of mRNA expression, as assessed by ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, nuclear localization of the transcription factor activator protein (AP) 1 in M. tuberculosis-infected osteoblasts also is distinct as compared with S. aureus-infected cells. In summary, this study shows that osteoblasts have an important pathogen-specific role in control of chemokine gene expression and secretion during the human immune response to osteomyelitis.

Regulation of osteoclast activity

Osteoclasts are the primary cell type responsible for bone resorption. This paper reviews many of the known regulators of osteoclast activity, including hormones, cytokines, ions, and arachidonic acid metabolites. Most of the hormones and cytokines that inhibit osteoclast activity act directly on the osteoclasts. In contrast, most of the hormones and cytokines that stimulate osteoclast activity act indirectly through osteoblasts. Particularly interesting in this regard are agents that directly inhibit activity of highly purified osteoclasts yet stimulate activity of osteoclasts that are co-cultured with osteoblasts. Recent studies have demonstrated that the primary mechanism by which bone resorptive agents stimulate osteoclast activity indirectly is likely to be up-regulation of production of osteoclast differentiation factor/osteoprotegerin ligand (ODF/OPGL) by the osteoblasts. In addition to discussing regulators of osteoclast activity per se, this paper also reviews the role of osteoclast apoptosis to limit the extent of bone resorption.

Chemokines are upregulated during orthodontic tooth movement

In the early stage of orthodontic tooth movement, an acute inflammatory response characterized by the migration of leukocytes occurs. This response suggests the presence of specific chemotactic signals that may play a role in the mechanism of bone remodeling, in particular in resorption. The aim of the present study was to explore the induction of potential chemokines at the resorption side during orthodontic tooth movement. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) were examined by in situ hybridization using radioactive synthetic oligoneucleotide probes. Mesial movement of the upper first molars was performed with a fixed appliance for 3, 7, and 10 days. The results demonstrated that MCP-1, RANTES, and MIP-2 were highly expressed during orthodontic movement. On day 3, MCP-1 showed maximum induction in the pressure zone, followed in intensity by RANTES and MIP-2, although not in the contralateral control side. The induction of these chemokines had declined on day 7 and reached low levels on day 10. Our data suggest that chemokines are induced early in the application of force, and such induction may contribute to the early inflammatory response that may be responsible in part for the ensuing bone remodeling.

The MCP/eotaxin subfamily of CC chemokines

Migration of leukocytes from the bone marrow to the circulation, the primary lymphoid organs and inflammatory sites is directed by chemokines and specific receptor interactions. Besides the role of this group of low molecular weight cytokines in leukocyte attraction and activation, anti-HIV and hematopoietic activities were also attributed to chemokines. On the basis of the number and arrangement of the conserved cysteines, chemokines are subdivided in two multi-member families, namely the CXC and CC chemokines, whereas fractalkine (CX3C) and lymphotactin (C) are unique relatives. The CC chemokines possess four cysteines of which the first two are adjacent. Functionally, they form a rather heterogeneous family. Here, the focus is on the monocyte chemotactic proteins and eotaxin which, on a structural basis, can be considered as a CC chemokine subfamily. Not only the protein sequences, but also the gene structures, chromosomal location, biological activities and receptor usage exhibit considerable similarities. The review is complemented with a comparison of the biological functions of the MCP/eotaxin-subfamily in physiology and pathology.

A Complex Element Regulates IFN-γ-Stimulated Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Gene Transcription

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is induced in chronic osseous inflammation, and is temporally and spatially correlated with monocyte recruitment. We investigated the mechanism of MCP-1 regulation in a human osteoblastic cell line in response to IFN-γ, a potent mediator of the immune inflammatory response. Nuclear run-on and stability studies demonstrated that IFN-γ stimulated MCP-1 transcription and did not enhance mRNA stabilization. Using MCP-1 promoter/reporter gene constructs, we determined that IFN-γ-enhanced MCP-1 transcription is regulated by a 29-bp element located at −227 relative to the ATG start codon. This element contains a 13-bp CT-rich sequence (GCTTCCCTTTCCT) adjacent to a IFN-γ activation site (GAS). Since deletion of the CT sequence enhanced both the magnitude and duration of IFN-γ-stimulated, GAS-mediated transcription, we have termed it the IFN response-inhibitory sequence (IRIS). The combined IRIS/GAS sequence is highly conserved in mouse, rat, and bovine MCP-1 genes. In gel-shift assays, nuclear extracts from IFN-γ-stimulated osteoblastic cells formed two specific inducible bands with labeled IRIS/GAS DNA. Both bands were supershifted by anti-STAT1 Abs, but not by Abs to STAT2, p48(ISGF-3γ), IFN-regulatory factor-1, or IFN-regulatory factor-2. Formation of one of the bands required the presence of the IRIS moiety. IRIS/GAS DNA also formed a number of specific complexes with constitutively expressed factors, none of which were affected by the above Abs. These studies establish a mechanism for IFN-γ-stimulated MCP-1 expression and identify a complex element that regulates MCP-1 gene transcription.

Chemokine production by a human alveolar epithelial cell line in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

To investigate the role of chemokines during the initial local response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the human lung, we studied chemokine production by the human alveolar epithelial cell line A549 after infection with M. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis-infected A549 cells produced mRNAs and protein for monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) but not mRNAs for macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha (MIP-1alpha), MIP-1beta, and RANTES. Chemokine production in response to M. tuberculosis was not dependent on production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1beta, or IL-6. Two virulent clinical M. tuberculosis isolates, the virulent laboratory strain H37Rv, and the avirulent strain H37Ra elicited production of comparable concentrations of MCP-1 and IL-8, whereas killed M. tuberculosis and three Mycobacterium avium strains did not. The three virulent M. tuberculosis strains grew more rapidly than the avirulent M. tuberculosis strain in the alveolar epithelial cell line, and the three M. avium strains did not grow intracellularly. These findings suggest that intracellular growth is necessary for mycobacteria to elicit production of MCP-1 and IL-8 by alveolar epithelial cells but that virulence and the rate of intracellular growth do not correlate with chemokine production. Alveolar epithelial cells may contribute to the local inflammatory response in human tuberculosis by producing chemokines which attract monocytes, lymphocytes, and polymorphonuclear cells.

Regulation of periodontal ligament cell functions by interleukin-1beta

Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells maintain the attachment of the tooth to alveolar bone. These cells reside at a site in which they are challenged frequently by bacterial products and proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), during infections. In our initial studies we observed that IL-1beta down-regulates the osteoblast-like characteristics of PDL cells in vitro. Therefore, we examined the functional significance of the loss of the PDL cell's osteoblast-like characteristics during inflammation. In this report we show that, during inflammation, IL-1beta can modulate the phenotypic characteristics of PDL cells to a more functionally significant lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-responsive phenotype. In a healthy periodontium PDL cells exhibit an osteoblast-like phenotype and are unresponsive to gram-negative bacterial LPS. Treatment of PDL cells with IL-1beta inhibits the expression of their osteoblast-like characteristics, as assessed by the failure to express transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and proteins associated with mineralization, such as alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. As a consequence of this IL-1beta-induced phenotypic change, PDL cells become responsive to LPS and synthesize proinflammatory cytokines. The IL-1beta-induced phenotypic changes in PDL cells were transient, as removal of IL-1beta from PDL cell cultures resulted in reacquisition of their osteoblast-like characteristics and lack of LPS responsiveness. The IL-1beta-induced phenotypic changes occurred at concentrations that are frequently observed in tissue exudates during periodontal inflammation (0.05 to 5 ng/ml). The results suggest that, during inflammation in vivo, IL-1beta may modulate PDL cell functions, allowing PDL cells to participate directly in the disease process by assuming LPS responsiveness at the expense of their normal structural properties and functions.

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 regulates chemokine and complement production by human proximal tubular epithelial cells

Previously it has been demonstrated that human proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) are able to produce chemokines (such as IL-8 and MCP-1) and complement components (such as C2, C3, C4 and factor H), and that production of these proteins is regulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1alpha), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Since TGF-beta is also expressed in the renal interstitium during inflammation, we investigated the effect of TGF-beta on the production of chemokines and complement components by PTEC in culture. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 up-regulated IL-8 production by an average of 4.17 +/- 1.0 fold. macrophage chemoattractant phagocyte (MCP-1) production, on the other hand, was down-regulated by TGF-beta 1 by an average of 2.2 +/- 0.7 fold. The production of C3 and C4 was also down-regulated after incubation with TGF-beta 1 (1.9 +/- 0.3- and 3.0 +/- 1.2-fold, respectively). All effects were dose- and time-dependent and were found to be specific for TGF-beta 1, as assessed by inhibition of the effect with a neutralizing antibody against TGF-beta 1. These data, together with the knowledge that TGF-beta, chemokines and complement components play a role in several types of renal disease, suggest that TGF-beta is involved in the regulation of local expression of chemokines and complement components by tubular cells.

Interleukin-6 Induces Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and in the U937 Cell Line

Induction of chemokine gene expression from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated by proinflammatory cytokines plays an important role in both wound repair and response to infectious agents. In the present study, we show that the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) potently induced mRNA expression and secretion of the CC chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) in PBMCs. In addition, because human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in vivo and in vitro has been shown to dysregulate the production of and/or the response to cytokines, PBMCs from both healthy uninfected and HIV-infected individuals were studied for their constitutive and IL-6–induced expression of MCP-1. No substantial differences were observed between the two groups of individuals. In addition, IL-6 upregulated MCP-1 expression in the promonocytic cell line U937 and in its chronically HIV-infected counterpart, U1. In these cell lines, IL-6 selectively induced MCP-1 and not other chemokines, including regulated upon activation normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), MIP-1β, and IL-8. IL-6 induction of MCP-1 was partially inhibited by hydrocortisone in U1 cells. Thus, IL-6 activates PBMCs to secrete MCP-1, a CC chemokine pivotal for monocyte recruitment in tissue and organs in which important inflammatory events occur.

Interleukin-6 Induces Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and in the U937 Cell Line

Induction of chemokine gene expression from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated by proinflammatory cytokines plays an important role in both wound repair and response to infectious agents. In the present study, we show that the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) potently induced mRNA expression and secretion of the CC chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) in PBMCs. In addition, because human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in vivo and in vitro has been shown to dysregulate the production of and/or the response to cytokines, PBMCs from both healthy uninfected and HIV-infected individuals were studied for their constitutive and IL-6–induced expression of MCP-1. No substantial differences were observed between the two groups of individuals. In addition, IL-6 upregulated MCP-1 expression in the promonocytic cell line U937 and in its chronically HIV-infected counterpart, U1. In these cell lines, IL-6 selectively induced MCP-1 and not other chemokines, including regulated upon activation normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), MIP-1β, and IL-8. IL-6 induction of MCP-1 was partially inhibited by hydrocortisone in U1 cells. Thus, IL-6 activates PBMCs to secrete MCP-1, a CC chemokine pivotal for monocyte recruitment in tissue and organs in which important inflammatory events occur.

Colony-stimulating factor-1 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 chemotaxis for monocytes in the rat dental follicle

Tooth eruption requires the influx of mononuclear cells (monocytes) into the dental follicle to form osteoclasts that resorb the alveolar bone to form an eruption pathway. Candidate molecules to attract these monocytes are colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) which is produced in the dental follicle, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), which is known to be a chemoattractant for monocytes. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction techniques, it was shown that the follicle cells of the first mandibular molar of the rat transcribe MCP-1 with maximal expression in vivo at day 3 postnatally, the time of peak expression of CSF-1 as well. This is also the day of peak influx of monocytes into the follicle. To determine if these molecules that were produced by the dental follicle were chemotactic, a chemotactic assay using a mouse monocyte cell line was conducted. CSF-1 or MCP-1 alone were found to be chemotactic for the monocytes and conditioned medium from the cultured follicle cells also was chemotactic. Incubating the conditioned medium with antibodies against either CSF-1 or MCP-1 reduced the chemotaxis. The results demonstrate that both CSF-1 and MCP-1 produced by the dental follicle are chemotactic for monocytes and that these chemoattractants might be responsible for the influx of monocytes into the follicle necessary to initiate tooth eruption.

[Inflammation and bone metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis. Pathogenetic viewpoints and therapeutic possibilities]

BACKGROUND

Systemic osteoporosis is a common and pathogenetically heterogenous complication in rheumatoid arthritis. Various factors such as disease activity, dosage and duration of glucocorticoid treatment and immobilization are involved in pathogenesis of osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

INFLAMMATION AND BONE METABOLISM

Proinflammatory cytokines secreted by immunocompetent cells have a role in the regulation of the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The effects of these proinflammatory cytokines include the inhibition of bone formation and an increase in bone resorption. Interleukin-6 and nitric oxide induced in osteoblasts by proinflammatory cytokines are likely to be important mediators between these cytokines and the function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Furthermore, disease activity dependent changes in the secretion of glucocorticoids and in vitamin D metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in this disease. Alteration of bone remodeling associated with immobilization is an important factor of systemic bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis.

CONCLUSION

The inflammatory process in rheumatoid arthritis may cause penarticular and systemic bone loss by various cytokine and hormone mediated mechanisms. Concluding from these pathogenetic mechanisms, bisphosphonates and active vitamin D metabolites are likely to be effective therapeutic options in osteoporosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 induces monocyte recruitment that is associated with an increase in numbers of osteoblasts

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a member of the chemokine family of cytokines. The principal function of MCP-1 is thought to be the stimulation of monocyte recruitment. Monocyte products are potential regulators of bone cell activity. Growth factors produced by monocytes may stimulate bone formation, while cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-6 can induce bone resorption. To determine whether MCP-1 enhances recruitment of monocytes during bone healing, studies were carried out in which MCP-1 was applied to osseous sites in vivo. Changes in monocyte number were determined by immunohistochemistry using the antibody ED-1 specific for peripheral monocytic cells. The effect of MCP-1 on osteoblast number was determined by counting the number of alkaline phosphatase positive cells in close proximity to bone. For comparison, osteoblast number was also determined following stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB plus IGF-1 in vivo. Results indicate that MCP-1 stimulated a large increase in monocyte recruitment compared to vehicle alone. An increase in monocytes induced by MCP-1 was associated with an increase in the number of osteoblasts lining the bone surface, although not to the same magnitude as a positive control, PDGF-BB, and IGF-1. These results indicate that MCP-1 induces the recruitment of monocytes to bone and suggest that the recruitment is associated with an increase in osteoblast number. This is likely to occur via indirect mechanisms, because MCP-1 did not directly enhance DNA synthesis in osteoblastic cells in vitro. Thus, activated mononuclear phagocytes may play an important role in osseous wound healing by stimulating proliferation of osteoblastic cells, presumably through the elaboration of growth factors.

In vivo parathyroid hormone stimulates in vitro bone resorption by bovine monocytes

Cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage have been thought to play a role in bone resorption. We examined the effects of in vivo administration of parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the ability of monocytes to degrade bone in vitro. Administration of parathyroid hormone for 4 d resulted in sustained hypercalcemia and a transient 1-d increase in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Parathyroid hormone significantly stimulated bone degradation by monocytes 2.6 times more than that of pretreatment controls. Parathyroid hormone treatment significantly enhanced (threefold) release of superoxide anion by monocytes stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and increased migration of monocytes to bone particles in vitro. Continuous 7-d infusion of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (50 micrograms/d) elevated plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 until infusions were discontinued. Increased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was associated with hypercalcemia, which continued for several days postinfusion. In vivo administration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 did not affect in vitro ability of monocytes to degrade bone. We concluded that in vivo administration of parathyroid hormone enhanced in vitro responsiveness of isolated monocytes in a manner consistent with a role for monocytes in bone remodeling. Furthermore, these data suggested that circulating monocytes could be a useful experimental model for further studies on parathyroid hormone responsiveness and bone resorption for the cow with milk fever.

Adenyl cyclase and interleukin 6 are downstream effectors of parathyroid hormone resulting in stimulation of bone resorption

Parathyroid hormone and other bone resorptive agents function, at least in part, by inducing osteoblasts to secrete cytokines that stimulate both differentiation and resorptive activity of osteoclasts. We previously identified two potentially important cytokines by demonstrating that parathyroid hormone induces expression by osteoblasts of IL-6 and leukemia inhibitory factor without affecting levels of 14 other cytokines. Although parathyroid hormone activates multiple signal transduction pathways, induction of IL-6 and leukemia inhibitory factor is dependent on activation of adenyl cyclase. This study demonstrates that adenyl cyclase is also required for stimulation of osteoclast activity in cultures containing osteoclasts from rat long bones and UMR106-01 rat osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells. Since the stimulation by parathyroid hormone of both cytokine production and bone resorption depends on the same signal transduction pathway, we hypothesized that IL-6 might be a downstream effector of parathyroid hormone. We found that addition of exogenous IL-6 mimics the ability of parathyroid hormone to stimulate bone resorption. More importantly, an antibody directed against the IL-6 receptor blocks moderate stimulation of osteoclast activity induced by the hormone. Interestingly, strong stimulation of resorption overcomes this dependence on IL-6. Thus, parathyroid hormone likely induces multiple, redundant cytokines that can overcome the IL-6 requirement associated with moderate stimulation. Taken together with studies showing that many other bone resorptive agents also stimulate IL-6 production, our results suggest that IL-6 may be a downstream effector of these agents as well as of parathyroid hormone.