Bone immunity and bone metabolism / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone density and structure are destroyed and fractures are caused by increased bone fragility,leading to high clinical disability and mortality rates. OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress in the role of bone immunity in physiological and pathological processes related to bone metabolism,providing ideas for the research and clinical application of bone immunity in bone diseases. METHODS:The first author searched PubMed and CNKI databases in November 2022 for relevant literature using the keywords of"osteoimmunology,immuno-skeletal interface,bone metabolism,skeletal metabolism,lymphocyte,immune factor"in English and Chinese,respectively.The time range of retrieval was mainly from January 2010 to November 2022,and a small number of classical long-term literatures were included.After reading the topic and abstract for preliminary screening and excluding repetitive studies,low-quality journals and unrelated literature,81 documents were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Osteoimmunology refers to that bone and immune cells share the same microenvironment and interact with each other to jointly perform the"bone immune system,"which includes all cells in the bone marrow.Immuno-skeletal interface has protective effects on bone under physiological conditions,but it may lead to bone destruction under pathological conditions.Osteoprotegerin is mainly derived from B cells and can inhibit osteoclast metabolism.However,when the body is in an inflammatory state,T cells and B cells work together to promote bone resorption.In addition,interleukin-1,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α regulate the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in vivo and affect bone metabolism.In most clinical diseases(such as rheumatoid arthritis,estrogen deficiency,HIV infection,and hyperparathyroidism),the immuno-skeletal interface interacts with the bone immune system,resulting in the regulation of bone metabolism.In terms of clinical prospect,the interaction between bone immunity and bone metabolism should be studied in order to propose new strategies for therapeutic intervention to reduce the risk of fracture.

Osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand and the application of relevant target therapy in oral medicine / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Osteoprotegerin(OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB(RANK)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)are important cytokines for coupling osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation and activation,and are key factors for regulating bone metabolism,which affect the immune system,bone regeneration and remodeling,and are closely related to the physiological and pathological remodeling of the alveolar bone. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the effects of the OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway on alveolar bone remodeling and the progress in its targeted therapy application in the dental field. METHODS:We searched relevant articles included in CNKI and PubMed databases with the keywords of"OPG,anti-RANKL antibody,RANKL,periodontitis,orthodontic tooth movement,implant,tooth eruption,periapical lesion,alveolar bone resorption"in Chinese and English,respectively.A total of 63 articles were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Anti-RANKL therapy can treat oral diseases by targeting the inhibition of osteoclast formation and alveolar bone absorption.Local and systemic anti-RANKL therapy can inhibit the progression of periodontitis,peri-implantitis and periapical lesions,and it also plays an important role in preventing orthodontic relapse,strengthening orthodontic anchorage and implant osseointegration.RANKL therapy can treat oral diseases by promoting osteoclast differentiation and alveolar bone absorption.RANKL treatment can accelerate orthodontic tooth movement,shorten the treatment cycle and reduce the incidence of orthodontic complications.Although there are limitations in anti-RANKL therapy,they can be avoided by rational applications,such as excluding local and systemic risk factors before treatment,regular oral maintenance and avoiding traumatic alveolar surgery as much as possible during treatment.

Human osteoarthritic chondrocytes up-regulate the expression of osteoprotegerin in osteoblasts via the Indian hedgehog signaling pathway / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Upregulation of hedgehog protein signaling can increase the expression of osteoarthritis markers,Runx2,a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs,collagen type X alpha 1,and matrix metalloproteinase 13,while inhibition of hedgehog proteins attenuates the severity of osteoarthritis.It is speculated that osteoarthritic chondrocytes can influence bone formation by affecting osteoblasts through the Indian hedgehog protein(IHH)signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes on subchondral osteoblasts. METHODS:Tibial plateau specimens from patients with osteoarthritis were collected.Chondrocytes were extracted using enzymatic digestion,and osteoblasts were extracted using enzymatic pre-digestion + bone block method.Chondrocytes were identified by toluidine blue staining and immunofluorescence and osteoblasts were identified by alkaline phosphatase staining and immunofluorescence.Chondrocytes were cultured in sodium alginate beads to maintain chondrocyte phenotype and co-cultured with osteoblasts.The co-culture system was added with IHH signaling pathway inhibitor(cyclopamine,10 nmol/L)and activator(purmorphamine,10 nmol/L)separately.After 48 hours of co-culture,osteoblasts from each group were collected,mRNA expressions of Gli1,osteoprotegerin,Runx2,parathyroid hormone-related peptide,alkaline phosphatase,receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand(RANKL)and osteocalcin were detected by qRT-PCR,and protein expressions of GLi1,oseoprotegerin and RANKL in osteoblasts were detected by western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The mRNA expression levels of GLi1,osteoprotegerin and RUNX2 in osteoblasts were significantly increased,while the mRNA expression levels of parathyroid hormone-related peptide were decreased(P＜0.05)when co-cultured with human osteoarthritic chondrocytes.The mRNA and protein levels of Gli1 were significantly decreased after the addition of IHH signaling pathway inhibitor(cyclopamine)(P＜0.05),and the mRNA and protein levels of Gli1 were significantly increased after the addition of IHH signaling pathway activator(purmorphamine)(P＜0.05).Osteoprotegerin showed the same trend as Gli1 in the experiment.The osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio followed the same trend as osteoprotegerin.To conclude,human osteoarthritic chondrocytes can promote the expression of Gli1,osteoprotegerin,Runx2 and other proteins in osteoblasts.The upregulation of osteoprotegerin is related to the IHH signaling pathway.Osteoarthritic chondrocytes can up-regulate the expression of osteoprotegerin in osteoblasts through the IHH signaling pathway and thus up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio,which will contribute to bone formation in subchondral bone.

Acupotomy prevents knee osteoarthritis in rats by modulating chondrocyte apoptosis in the mitochondrial pathway / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Acupotomy is effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis,but its mechanism is not very clear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of acupotomy on the apoptosis of knee chondrocytes in knee osteoarthritis rats based on osteoclast associated receptor(OSCAR)-tumor necrosis factor-associated apoptosis-inducing ligand(TRAIL)-osteoprotetin(OPG)pathway. METHODS:Twenty-seven Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group(n=9),model group(n=9)and acupotomy group(n=9).Rats in the normal group were routinely housed without any treatment.Animal models of knee osteoarthritis were established by knee injection of papain.Acupotomy intervention was performed 1 week after modeling,once a week for a total of three times.Relevant tests were performed at the end of the intervention. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The Lequesne MG behavioral scores of rats in the model group were elevated compared with the normal group(P<0.01),while the Lequesne MG behavioral scores of rats in the acupotomy group were decreased comparedwith the model group(P<0.01).Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that compared with the normal group,the cartilage surface of the rat's knee joints in the model group was worn and uneven and the chondrocytes were swollen,ruptured,reduced in number,and arranged disorderly;while the cartilage surface of the rat's knee joints in the acupotomy group was relatively smooth,and the chondrocytes were high in number and arranged in an orderly manner,with the structure basically clear.Immunohistochemical staining results showed that compared with the normal group,the positive expressions of OSCAR and TRAIL were increased in the model group(P<0.01),while the positive expression of OPG was decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the positive expressions of OSCAR and TRAIL in the acupotomy group were decreased(P<0.01),while the positive expression of OPG was increased(P<0.01).TUNEL staining results showed that compared with the normal group,the number of apoptotic cells in the model group were increased(P<0.01);compared with the model group,the number of apoptotic cells in the acupotomy group decreased(P<0.01).RT-qRCR and western blot results showed that compared with the normal group,the protein expressions of OSCAR,TRAIL and Bax in the model group were increased(P<0.01),and the protein expressions of OPG and Bcl-2 were decreased(P<0.01);compared with the model group,the protein expressions of OSCAR,TRAIL,and Bax in the acupotomy group were decreased(P<0.01),and the protein expressions of OPG and Bcl-2 were increased(P<0.01).To conclude,acupotomy can reduce cartilage injury of the knee joint in rats with knee osteoarthritis,which may be related to the blockage of mitochondrial pathway apoptotic signaling release by the OSCAR-TRAIL-OPG pathway.

Research progress on invasive cervical resorption / 口腔疾病防治

@#Tooth absorption can be divided into physiological absorption and pathological absorption. Root absorption of mature deciduous teeth is physiological absorption. Pathological absorption includes internal absorption and external absorption. Internal absorption, also known as intramedullary absorption, includes inflammatory absorption and alternative absorption. External tooth absorption originates from the outer surface of the root or the neck of the tooth and can be divided into inflammatory absorption, alternative absorption, pressure resorption and invasive cervical resorption. Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is pathological damage caused by many factors, which usually begins in the cemento-enamel junction and extends peripherally or horizontally in the dentin. It hardly invades the pulp. Orthodontic devices, trauma, bleaching, systemic diseases, and the use of certain medications can all lead to invasive cervical resorption. The clinical manifestations of ICR are usually asymptomatic or not obvious, and most of which are found in imaging examinations. Because caries and internal absorption are often misdiagnosed through plain apical radiography, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can help to better understand the situation of invasive cervical resorption. Because the pathogenesis and etiology of invasive cervical resorption are not fully understood, clinical negligence and inadequate treatment of invasive cervical resorption can even cause unnecessary tooth loss. This article reviews the latest research progress on the histopathologic features, pathogenic mechanism, susceptibility factors, diagnosis and treatment of ICR, with special emphasis on susceptibility factors and their mechanisms.

THE THREE KEY PLAYERS IN OSTEOIMMUNOLOGY: RANK, RANKL AND OSTEOPROTEGERIN.

The RANK, RANKL and OPG interaction plays a major role in bone resorption and remodelling. The history dates back to mid 1990s when the RANK/ RANKL interaction was found to mediate osteoblastic stromal cells to stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption. This interaction was found to induce several cytokines including the TNF superfamily, thereby activating the pathways of bone remodelling. The Osteoprotegerin (OPG) prevents the binding of RANKL to RANK, thereby preventing the excessive bone resorption. When there is an imbalance in the levels of RANK/RANKL/OPG, the metabolic activity of the bone cells gets altered and thus there is loss of balance between bone formation and resorption. Thus, studying the inter – relationship between RANK, RANKL and OPG becomes critical for assessing the osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head Based on OPG/RANK/RANKL Signaling Pathway： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head （ONFH） is a painful and debilitating disease caused by impaired blood supply to the femoral head and cellular and tissue degeneration， leading to gradual destruction of the bone structure and progressive collapse of the femoral head. The main pathological mechanism of ONFH is the disruption of the balance between bone absorption and the reconstruction of new bone， resulting from microcirculation damage and decreased cellular tissue ability. This imbalance leads to biomechanical changes and accelerates the pathological progression of ONFH. In the early stages， clinical manifestations may not be obvious， mainly presenting as pain or discomfort in the hip or groin area， which can be relieved after rest. In the later stage of the disease， pain intensifies， and limb shortening， lower limb weakness， difficulty walking， or limping may occur. Currently， western medicine commonly uses osteogenic agents， anticoagulants， and artificial joint replacement for treatment， but there are also many issues such as prosthesis loosening and infection. Research has shown that traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） treatment of ONFH takes a holistic approach and employs multi-functional， multi-target， and multi-system Chinese medicine therapies， ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. The osteoprotegerin （OPG）/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB （RANK）/RANK ligand （RANKL） signaling pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining the dynamic balance of bone remodeling. TCM treatments utilize this pathway to promote apoptosis of osteoclasts， reduce bone resorption， and accelerate bone formation， thereby playing an important role in the prevention and treatment of ONFH. This paper reviewed the role of OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway and related cytokine expression in ONFH by reviewing relevant literature in China and abroad and research status of Chinese medicinal monomers， Chinese medicinal formulations， and combinations with physical therapy in increasing osteoblast secretion， promoting OPG expression， enhancing cytokine expression levels， and inhibiting osteoclast activity for the prevention and treatment of ONFH. This paper is expected to provide new ideas and directions for TCM in the prevention and treatment of ONFH.

Effect of single nucleotide variation of OPG gene on osteoporosis in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of single nucleotide variation of osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene on the occurrence of osteoporosis (OP) in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) .Methods:From Apr. 2018 to Apr. 2022, 276 pregnant women with GDM who underwent prenatal examination and gave birth in Linyi People’s Hospital were collected for analysis, general data were collected and bone mineral density was tested. According to the bone mineral density test results, they were divided into normal group and OP group. The OPG genotype was tested, and the general information, OPG genotype and allele frequency of the two groups were compared. The differences in bone mineral density among different genotypes of OPG were compared, and the genotypes affecting the risk of OP in GDM patients were analyzed.Results:There was no significant difference in the general data of the two groups of patients (all P>0.05). The allelic distribution of the rs3134069 and rs2073618 loci of the OPG gene in the two groups of patients conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium law (all P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of the AC genotype at rs3134069 between the two groups ( χ2=7.75, P=0.005). Taking patients with the AA genotype as a reference, patients with the AC genotype had a lower risk of developing OP ( OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.03-0.59). There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of CC genotype at rs2073618 between the two groups ( χ2=11.30, P=0.001). Taking patients with GG genotype as a reference, patients with CC genotype had a higher risk of developing OP ( OR=7.42, 95% CI: 2.19-27.18). Comparing rs3134069 and rs2073618 loci, there was no significant difference in bone mineral density at each part of the three genotypes (all P>0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression model showed that the AC genotype of rs3134069 ( OR=0.18, 95% CI: 0.03-0.70, P=0.029) was a protective factor for the induction of OP, while GC genotype of rs2073618 ( OR=6.86, 95% CI: 1.57-27.15, P=0.007) were the risk factors for OP in GDM patients. Conclusion:The CC genotype of rs2073618 is significantly positively correlated with the susceptibility to OP in GDM patients.

Correlation between Serum Osteoprotegerin/Soluble Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κβ Ligand Levels and the Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo study the possible correlation between serum osteoprotegerin （OPG）/soluble receptor activator of the nuclear factor κB ligand （sRANKL） levels and the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction （LADD） in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）. MethodsTotally 68 T2DM patients and 37 healthy controls were selected. Serum OPG and sRANKL were determined by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The left ventricular diastolic function of T2DM patients was measured by transthoracic echocardiography， where E/A < 1 were regarded as LVDD. T2DM patients were further divided into two subgroups according to E/A ratio （E/A≥1.0 and E/A<1）. Spearman correlation analysis， logistic regression and ROC curves were used to assess the possible correlation between serum OPG/sRANKL and LADD in T2DM patients. ResultsCompared with the healthy controls， serum OPG level in T2DM patients was higher with statistically significant difference （P <0.01）， while serum sRANKL level was lower without statistically significant difference （P =0.32）. T2DM patients with E/A<1 had significantly higher OPG level and lower sRANKL level than those with E/A≥1（P <0.01） in subgroup analysis. Spearman correlation analysis showed serum OPG level was negatively correlated with E/A ratio， while sRANKL was positively related with E/A ratio. In single factor logistic regression analyses， serum OPG ［OR （95% CI）=1.068 （1.031， 1.106）， P<0.001］ and sRANKL ［OR （95% CI）=0.976 （0.959， 0.992）， P=0.003］ were significant correlation with LVDD in T2DM patients. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of combined OPG and sRANKL in diagnosing T2DM patients LADD were 78.13% and 88.3%， respectively （area under the curve： 0.857； 95% CI=（0.768， 0.946）； P<0.001）. ConclusionsThe elevated OPG and decreased sRANKL levels may be associated with LADD in T2DM patients.

Study on the role and mechanism of osteogenesis induced by advanced platelet-rich fibrin and β-tricalcium phosphate complex / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To investigate the role and mechanism of bone formation caused by the ratio of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) in rabbit femur defect model, which provides a new idea for clinical treatment of bone defect.@*Methods @#Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were divided into model group, 1∶1 complex group (A-PRF∶β-TCP=1∶1), 2∶1 complex group (A-PRF∶β- TCP=2∶1) and 4∶1 complex group (A-PRF∶β- TCP=4∶1）, with 6 rabbits in each group. Femoral defect models were constructed in each group. In the composite group, the bone defect was filled with composite material, while in the model group, no material was filled. After 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized and specimens were collected. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.SP) and trabecular number (Tb.N) in femoral defect tissue were measured by micro-CT and photographed. Hematoxylin - eosin staining was used to detect the pathological changes of new bone tissue. The morphological changes of the new bone tissue were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Determination of phospho-mitogen activated protein kinase p38 (p-p38MAPK), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and phospho-cysteine aspartic protease-3 (p-Caspase3) in newborn femur by ELISA. The mRNA expressions of osteoprotegerin (OPG), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and p38MAPK were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The expression of OPG, BMP-2, RANKL, p-p38MAPK and p-Caspase3 protein in the new bone tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry. @*Results @#In the model group, bone formation in the femoral defect area was slow and osteogenic quality was poor. Compared with the model group, the bone formation and neocapillaries of femoral defect area in the complex group was good, BMD, BV.TV, Tb.Th, Tb.N were increased, and Tb.Sp were decreased, the expressions of p-p38MAPK, CHOP and p-Caspase3 were decreased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of OPG and BMP-2 were increased. The mRNA expression of RANKL and p38MAPK was decreased. Apoptosis in new bone tissue of each group showed the lowest apoptosis rate in samples of the 2∶1 complex group (P<0.05); A-PRF: β-TCP=2∶1 ratio has the best osteogenic effect. @*Conclusion@#The complex composed of A-PRF and β-TCP can promote the expression of OPG, inhibit the expression of RANKL and phosphorylation of p38MAPK, reduce the apoptosis of new bone tissue cells, and promote osteogenic differentiation.

Effects of low-level laser on the expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor‑α, osteoprotegerin, and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in human periodontal ligament cells / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to determine the effects of low-level laser (LLL) on the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs) stimulated by high glucose; and identify the molecular mechanism of LLL therapy in the regulation of periodontal inflammation and bone remodeling during orthodontic treatment in diabetic patients.@*METHODS@#HPDLCs were cultured in vitro to simulate orthodontic after loading and irradiated with LLL therapy. The cultured cells were randomly divided into four groups: low glucose Dulbecco's modification of Eagle's medium (DMEM)+stress stimulation (group A), high glucose DMEM+stress stimulation (group B), hypoglycemic DMEM+LLL therapy+stress stimulation (group C), and hyperglycemic DMEM+LLL therapy+stress stimulation (group D). Groups C and D were further divided into C1 and D1 (energy density: 3.75 J/cm2) and C2 and D2 (energy density: 5.625 J/cm2). Cells in groups A, B, C, and D were irradiated by LLL before irradiation. At 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, the supernatants of the cell cultures were extracted at regular intervals, and the protein expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, OPG, and RANKL were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.@*RESULTS@#1) The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α secreted by HPDLCs increased gradually with time under static pressure stimulation. After 12 h, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α secreted by HPDLCs in group A were significantly higher than those in groups B, C1, and C2 (P<0.05), which in group B were significantly higher than those in groups D1, and D2 (P<0.01). 2) The OPG protein concentration showed an upward trend before 24 h and a downward trend thereafter. The RANKL protein concentration increased, whereas the OPG/RANKL ratio decreased with time. Significant differen-ces in OPG, RANKL, and OPG/RANKL ratio were found among group A and groups B, C1, C2 as well as group B and groups D1, D2 (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#1) In the high glucose+stress stimulation environment, the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α secreted by HPDLCs increased with time, the expression of OPG decreased, the expression of RANKL increased, and the ratio of OPG/RANKL decreased. As such, high glucose environment can promote bone resorption. After LLL therapy, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α decreased, indicating that LLL therapy could antagonize the increase in the levels of inflammatory factors induced by high glucose environment and upregulate the expression of OPG in human HPDLCs, downregulation of RANKL expression in HPDLCs resulted in the upregulation of the ratio of OPG/RANKL and reversed the imbalance of bone metabolism induced by high glucose levels. 2) The decrease in inflammatory factors and the regulation of bone metabolism in HPDLCs were enhanced with increasing laser energy density within 3.75-5.625 J/cm2. Hence, the ability of LLL therapy to modulate bone remodeling increases with increasing dose.

Shire Biqing Pill in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Damp-heat Obstruction Syndrome and Its Effect on OPG/RANKL/RANK Signaling Pathway and TNF-α / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the clinical efficacy of Shire Biqing pill in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis （damp-heat obstruction syndrome） and its effect on the expression of serum osteoprotegerin （OPG）， nuclear factor-κB receptor activating factor ligand （RANKL）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and to explore its mechanism from the perspective of bone destruction. MethodPatients with rheumatoid arthritis （damp-heat obstruction syndrome） were randomly divided into two groups， with 36 patients in each group. The control group was treated with methotrexate tablets and celecoxib capsule， while the treatment group was treated with Shire Biqing pill based on the control group. The treatment period was 3 months. The pain visual analogue scale （VAS） score， joint tenderness number， joint swelling number， disease activity score （DAS28-ESR）， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptom quantitative score， and related adverse reactions were recorded before and after treatment， and the peripheral serum OPG， RANKL， TNF-α， erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）， and Creactive protein （CRP） were detected. ResultAfter treatment， the total effective rate was 88.57% （31/35） in the treatment group and 79.41% （27/34） in the control group. The total effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group （Z=-2.089， P<0.05）. The pain VAS score， joint tenderness number， joint swelling number， and DAS28-ESR of the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment （P<0.05）， and the pain VAS score， joint tenderness number， joint swelling number， and DAS28-ESR of the treatment group were significantly better than those of the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. Compared with that before treatment， the TCM symptom quantitative score in the two groups decreased significantly （P<0.05）， and the decrease was more obvious in the treatment group than in the control group （P<0.05）. Compared with those before treatment， the levels of RANKL， TNF-α， ESR， and CRP in the two groups decreased and the level of OPG increased （P<0.05）， and the changes in the treatment group were more obvious that in the control group （P<0.05）. There were no serious adverse events or serious adverse reactions during this clinical trial. ConclusionShire Biqing pill can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis （damp-heat obstruction syndrome） with good safety. Shire Biqing pill effectively regulate the OPG/RANKL/RANK system and reduce the pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α， which may be its mechanism in the intervention in rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes in Signaling Pathways Associated with CKD-MBD： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has certain advantages in the treatment of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder （CKD-MBD）. In recent years， there have been many studies on the treatment of CKD-MBD by Chinese medicinal compounds and monomers. As revealed by literature retrieval， the research on the mechanism of Chinese medicine in intervening in signaling pathways related to CKD-MBD was mainly based on self-made Chinese medicinal compounds， and the action pathways involved fibroblast growth factor 23/Klotho （FGF23/Klotho） signaling pathway， Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway， receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin （RANK/RANKL/OPG） system， and other signaling pathways. TCM can improve calcium and phosphorus metabolism and bone metabolism disorder， and regulate inflammatory reaction， oxidative stress， apoptosis， and autophagy by regulating this series of signaling pathways for the treatment of CKD-MBD. This paper introduced the research results of these signaling pathways and the mechanism of TCM in the treatment of CKD-MBD in order to provide ideas and references for the related research of Chinese medicine in the treatment of CKD-MBD.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy: RANK/RANKL/OPG (receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin) system and glucocorticoids / Distrofia muscular de Duchenne: el sistema RANK/RANKL/OPG (receptor activador del factor nuclear-kB/ligando de RANK/osteoprotegerina) y glucocorticoides

Abstract Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked inherited disorder. Patients present with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) due to glucocorticoid therapy and progressive muscle weakness. Bone remodeling allows bone volume and structure to be maintained and controlled by local and systemic factors. These include the receptor activator of the nuclear factor-kB (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system, a determining pathway in the balance between bone formation and resorption. Disruptions in this complex, caused by factors such as glucocorticoids, can affect bone metabolism. The extensive action of the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway suggests an influence on dystrophic muscle pathophysiology. This review aimed to highlight some aspects of the RANK/RANKL/OPG system, the effect of glucocorticoids on this pathway, and the pathophysiology of the patient with DMD.

Resumen La distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) es un trastorno hereditario ligado al cromosoma X. Los pacientes presentan una disminución de la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) debido a los efectos adversos del tratamiento con glucocorticoides y a la debilidad muscular progresiva. El remodelado óseo permite mantener el volumen y la estructura ósea, proceso controlado por factores locales y sistémicos. Entre ellos destaca el sistema del receptor activador del factor nuclear-kB (RANK), su ligando natural RANKL (RANKL) y la osteoprotegerina (OPG), una vía determinante en el equilibrio entre la resorción y formación ósea. Las alteraciones en este complejo, originadas por factores como los glucocorticoides, pueden afectar el metabolismo óseo. La amplia acción de RANKL y OPG ha sugerido una influencia en la fisiopatología de la DMD. El objetivo de esta revisión fue destacar algunos aspectos del sistema RANK/RANKL/OPG, el efecto de los glucocorticoides en esta vía y la fisiopatología del paciente con DMD.

Correlation between serum osteopontin and osteopontin and type 2 diabetes mellitus with coronary heart disease / 中国综合临床

Objective:To study the relationship between serum osteopontin and osteopontin and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with coronary heart disease, and to evaluate the correlation between the levels of serum osteopontin and osteopontin with the severity of coronary artery lesions in T2DM patients.Methods:A total of 100 T2DM patients who were suspected to have stable coronary heart disease and underwent coronary angiography from November 2019 to December 2020 were selected from the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, according to coronary angiography results, 60 patients with confirmed coronary heart disease were classified as the case group and 40 patients with non-coronary heart disease were classified as the control group for retrospective analysis. The clinical data and biochemical indicators of all patients were recorded, and Gensini score was calculated. The concentration of osteopontin and osteopontin in serum was quantitatively determined by double-antibody enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the mean of normal distribution measurement data between the two groups. The non normal distribution data are represented by M ( Q1, Q3), and Mann Whitney U test is used for comparison between groups. Composition comparison between count data groups χ 2 inspection. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between serum osteopontin and osteopontin and Gensini score in patients with T2DM. Results:Univariate analysis showed that serum osteopontin and osteopontin were (13.076(8.433, 23.552) μg/L) and (0.437(0.300, 0.630) μg/L) significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (6.367(4.605, 9.048) μg/L) and (0.299(0.196, 0.399) μg/L) respectively, with statistically significant differences ( Z=5.12, 3.28, all P<0.001). Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that osteoprotegerin ( OR=2.887, 95% CI:1.850-8.515, P=0.024) and osteopontin ( OR=13.109, 95%CI: 2.557-67.204, P=0.002) were associated with T2DM combined with coronary heart disease, and the risk of T2DM combined with coronary heart disease increased with higher levels of osteoprotegerin and osteopontin. Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum osteopontin and osteoprotegerin were positively correlated with Gensini score in T2DM patients ( r=0.591, 0.467; all P<0.05). Conclusion:Serum osteopontin and osteoprotegerin are associated with T2DM combined with coronary heart disease, and high serum osteopontin and osteoprotegerin are risk factors for T2DM combined with coronary heart disease; serum osteopontin and osteoprotegerin are positively correlated with the degree of coronary artery disease in T2DM patients.

Rutaecarpine exerted anti-osteroporosis / 药学学报

Osteoprotegerin (OPG), secreted by osteoblasts, is a marker of bone turnover. OPG can inhibit osteoclastic differentiation by binding receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). In this study, we found that rutaecarpine (RUT) had the up-regulating OPG activity, and it could significantly increase OPG protein levels in both mouse embryonic osteogenic precursor MC3T3-E1 and human osteosarcoma U-2OS cells. Osteoblastogenic differentiation calcified nodules staining results showed that RUT significantly promoted the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Osteoclastic differentiation tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining results showed that RUT obviously inhibited the osteoclast differentiation of mouse macrophages RAW264.7 induced by RANKL. In vivo studies showed that low-dose RUT group (5 mg·kg-1·day-1) and high-dose RUT group (45 mg·kg-1·day-1) treatments for 3 months significantly increased bone density in ovariectomized (OVX) rats; calcein double labeling experiment and toluidine blue staining results indicated that low-dose RUT group promoted bone formation and decreased bone loss in vivo; immunohistochemistry results showed that low-dose RUT group increased the expression of OPG in rat femur. All animal procedures were performed in accordance with the regulations of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. In summary, this study demonstrated that RUT could up-regulate OPG expression and had promoting osteoblastic differentiation and inhibiting osteoclastic differentiation effects in vitro and in vivo.

Effect of daidzein on OPG and RANKL expression in human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the regulatory effect of daidzein on osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) expression in MG-63 cells and its mechanism. Methods RT-PCR, Western blot and siRNA were used to study the regulatory effect of daidzein on OPG and RANKL expression in human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. Results Daidzein could promote the expression of OPG mRNA and protein in MG-63 cells and inhibit the expression of RANKL mRNA and protein, which could be blocked by ICI 182780. It was confirmed that ERa and ER0 mediated not only the promoting effect of daidzein on OPG expression of MG-63 cells but also the inhibition of RANKL. Conclusions Daidzein promotes OPG gene expression in MG-63 cells and inhibits the expression of RANK gene expression through ERa and ERβ pathways.

Study on the relationship of interleukin-37 and osteoprotegerin with coronary artery disease and its risk degree / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship of interleukin (IL)-37, osteoprotegerin with coronary artery disease and its stenosisdegree.Methods:The prospective research method was used. From April 2018 to June 2019, two hundred and eleven suspected or diagnosed coronary artery disease patients who had chest pain or discomfort in Dalian Friendship Hospital were selected. The patients underwent selective percutaneous coronary angiography and completed coronary stenosis score (Gensini score). According to the degree of coronary stenosis, 211 patients were divided into the control group(coronary stenosis<50%, 45 cases), single-vessel stenosis group (single-vessel stenosis ≥ 50%, 52 cases), double-vesselstenosis group (double-vesselstenosis ≥ 50%, 58 cases), and triple-vessel stenosis group (triple-vessel stenosis ≥ 50%, 56 cases). The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipoprotein a, uric acid, creatinine were measured by the automatic biochemical analyzer. The serum levels of IL-37 and osteoprotegerin were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:There were no statistical differences in FBG, uric acid, creatinine, TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, ApoA1 and ApoB among 4 groups ( P>0.05). In the control group, single-vessel stenosis group, double-vessel stenosis group and triple-vessel stenosis group, lipoprotein a was (0.266 ± 0.060), (0.283 ± 0.070), (0.289 ± 0.066) and (0.307 ± 0.084) mg/L respectively; coronary stenosis score was (8.27 ± 7.08), (437.45 ± 98.47), (493.72 ± 125.19) and (522.61 ± 149.34) scores respectively; IL-37 was (342.27 ± 122.36), (437.45 ± 98.47), (493.72 ± 125.19) and (522.61 ± 149.34) ng/L respectively; osteoprotegerin was (378.29 ± 111.95), (458.39 ± 115.37), (502.50 ± 116.88) and (533.39 ± 139.83) ng/L respectively; and there were statistical differences among 4 groups ( P<0.05 or <0.01). IL-37, osteoprotegerin and lipoproteina were positively correlated with coronary stenosis score ( r = 0.43, 0.42 and 0.23, P<0.05), the osteoprotegerin was positively correlated with IL-37( r = 0.73, P<0.05). The multivariate linear regression analysis result showed that the IL-37 and osteoprotegerin were independent protective factors of coronary stenosis degree( β = 0.07 and 0.07, t = 2.72 and 2.57, P<0.01 or <0.05),and lipoproteina was independent risk factor of coronary stenosis degree ( β = 0.97, t = 2.89, P<0.01). Conclusions:IL-37 and osteoprotegerin are positively correlated with the degree of coronary stenosis. They are anti-inflammatory and protective factors of coronary heart disease.

Effect of different orthodontic forces on the expression of T helper cell 17 cell-related cytokines in the pressure side of periodontal tissue in rats / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aimed to explore the changes in the expression of the characteristic transcription factor retinoid related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) and the cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) of T helper cell 17 (Th17) in the pressure side of the periodontal tissue of rats under different orthodontic forces. Their effects on the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the quantity of osteoclast (OC) were also explored. The role of Th17 cell in alveolar bone remodeling under different forces was preliminarily investigated.@*METHODS@#A total of 108 rats were chosen and randomly divided into three groups. Mesial forces of 0, 50, and 100 g were loaded on the maxillary first molar in the three groups. The rats were executed at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days. The expression of RORγt mRNA was quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of IL-17 protein was quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of RORγt and OPG proteins were quantified, and the quantity of OC was counted via immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#The expression levels of RORγt and IL-17 and the quantity of OC increased first and then decreased in the 50 and 100 g groups, and the peak values of the two groups were on days 5 and 7, respectively. The expression levels in the 50 g group basically recovered to normal level on day 14, while that in the 100 g group remained at a high level. The expression levels in the 50 g group were higher than those in the 0 g group and lower than those in the 100 g group. The expression of OPG in the 50 g group decreased first, then increased, and finally decreased. It basically recovered to normal level on day 14. The expression of OPG in the 100 g group decreased first and then increased. It remained at a high level on day 14. The expression in the 50 g group was significantly higher than that in the 0 g group on day 7, while the expression in the 100 g group was significantly higher than that in the 0 g group on day 14.@*CONCLUSIONS@#RORγt, IL-17, and OPG were expressed regularly over time under different orthodontic forces, indicating that Th17 participated in the process of bone resorption on the pressure side of periodontal tissue by secreting IL-17.

Correlation between serum bone protein and disease severity and cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Objective　To investigate the relationship between serum Osteopontin (OPN),Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Osteocalcin (OCN) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the severity of the disease and cognitive impairment Relationship.Methods　Fifty-two PD patients (PD group) were included,and H-Y staging,UPDRSⅢ,and MoCA score were performed.According to the MoCA score,PD was divided into a cognitively normal group of 20 cases and a cognitively impaired group of 32 cases.In the same period,36 healthy subjects (control group) were included,and the serum OPN,OPG and OCN levels in each group were detected for statistical analysis.Results　The serum OPN and OCN levels in the PD group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05),and OPG was lower than the control group (P<0.05);serum OPN was higher in PD cognitive impairment group than in normal PD cognitive group (P<0.05);Results from spearman correlation analysis showed that serum OPN and OCN of PD patients were positively correlated with H-Y staging and UPDRSⅢ score (P<0.05).OPN was negatively correlated with MoCA score,attention,calculation ability and abstract thinking (P<0.05),and serum OCN level was positively correlated with delayed recall (P<0.05);Logistic regression analysis suggests that OPN is a risk factor for PD cognitive impairment.Conclusion　Serum OPN,OPG and OCN are related to the pathogenesis of PD.Serum OPN and OCN can further evaluate the condition of PD patients and are related to cognitive impairment.