RESUMO
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and inflammatory cytokines released from activated macrophages in response to particulate debris greatly impact periprosthetic bone loss and consequent implant failure. In the present study, we found that a major polyphenolic component of green tea, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), inhibited Ti particle-induced TNF-alpha release in macrophages in vitro and calvarial osteolysis in vivo. The Ti stimulation of macrophages released TNF-alpha in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and EGCG substantially suppressed Ti particle-induced TNF-alpha release. Analysis of signaling pathway showed that EGCG inhibited the Ti-induced c-Jun N-terminus kinase (JNK) activation and inhibitory kappaB (IkappaB) degradation, and consequently the Ti-induced transcriptional activation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB. In a mouse calvarial osteolysis model, EGCG inhibited Ti particle-induced osteolysis in vivo by suppressing TNF-alpha expression and osteoclast formation. Therefore, EGCG may be a potential candidate compound for osteolysis prevention and treatment as well as aseptic loosening after total replacement arthroplasty.