Comparative proteomics analysis of microvesicles in human serum for the evaluation of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an emerging health issue worldwide. Due to the decrease of bone mineral density and the deterioration of skeletal microarchitecture, osteoporosis could lead to increased bone fragility and higher fracture risk. Since lack of specific symptoms, novel serum proteomic indicators are urgently needed for the evaluation of osteoporosis. Microvesicles (MVs) are important messengers widely present in body fluids and have emerged as novel targets for the diagnosis of multiple diseases. In this study, MVs were successfully isolated from human serum and comprehensively characterized. Comparative proteomics analysis revealed differential MVs protein profiling in normal subjects, osteopenia patients, and osteoporosis patients. In total, about 200 proteins were identified and quantified from serum MVs, among which 19 proteins were upregulated (fold change >2) and five proteins were downregulated (fold change <0.5) in osteopenia group and osteoporosis group when compared with the normal group. Three protein candidates were selected for initial verification, including Vinculin, Filamin A, and Profilin 1. Profilin 1 was further pre‐validated in an independent sample set, which could differentiate osteoporosis group from osteopenia group and normal group (p < 0.05). Our data collectively demonstrate that serum MVs proteome can be valuable indicators for the evaluation and diagnostics of bone loss disease.     

血清外泌体的蛋白质组分析及其在骨质疏松中的应用

外泌体是细胞分泌的微小具膜囊泡，作为重要媒介参与细胞间的信号传递，已在疾病的诊断和治疗中发挥独特作用。骨质疏松症是全身性骨代谢疾病，容易引起骨密度减少并导致骨折，在老年人群中发病率很高，目前急需发展特异性体液诊断技术。本论文采用超速离心的方法，对血清中的外泌体进行了分离富集和表征，并采用液相色谱-质谱进行了外泌体蛋白质组学分析，共鉴定到了179个外泌体蛋白质，主要参与防御响应和免疫应答等生物过程。针对来自正常对照组、骨量减少组和骨质疏松组的血清样本，分离富集其中的外泌体，通过免标记定量蛋白质组学分析，分别鉴定到188、224和185个蛋白质。定量分析显示17个蛋白质的表达量在骨质疏松组和骨量减少组有显著改变（p<0.05），包括Integrin β 3、Integrin α 2 β 1、Talin 1和Gelsolin等，说明人体骨质在衰变过程中发生了系统性变化，并体现在血清外泌体中。该研究可为骨质疏松研究提供潜在的分子标志物，有助于阐明其病变机制。     

骨质疏松症的防治

骨质疏松症是中老年人的常见病，40岁以上6个人中就有一个患骨质疏松症。其发病原因与人体内钙和多种微量元素含量降低有关，也与老年人性激素尤其老年女性雌激素缺乏有关，还与人们不良饮食习惯和运动量减少等有关。骨质疏松症严重威胁老年人的健康和生活，而且有年轻化的趋势，应予高度关注。     

The Effects of Selenium on Bone Health: From Element to Therapeutics

Osteoporosis, characterized by low bone mass and a disruption of bone microarchitecture, is traditionally treated using drugs or lifestyle modifications. Recently, several preclinical and clinical studies have investigated the effects of selenium on bone health, although the results are controversial. Selenium, an important trace element, is required for selenoprotein synthesis and acts crucially for proper growth and skeletal development. However, the intake of an optimum amount of selenium is critical, as both selenium deficiency and toxicity are hazardous for health. In this review, we have systematically analyzed the existing literature in this field to determine whether dietary or serum selenium concentrations are associated with bone health. In addition, the mode of administration of selenium as a supplement for treating bone disease is important. We have also highlighted the importance of using green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles as therapeutics for bone disease. Novel nanobiotechnology will be a bridgehead for clinical applications of trace elements and natural products.     

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry revealed traces of dental problem associated with dental structure

Periodontal disease is a serious dental problem because it does not heal naturally and leads to tooth loss. In periodontal disease, inflammation at periodontal tissue is thought as predominant, and its effect against tooth itself remains unclear. In this study, we applied matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) to teeth for the first time. By comparing anatomical structure of tooth affected with periodontal disease with normal ones, we analyzed traces of the disease on tooth. We found signals characteristic of enamel, dentin, and dental pulp, respectively, in mass spectra obtained from normal teeth. Ion images reconstructed using these signals showed anatomical structures of the tooth clearly. Next, we performed IMS upon teeth of periodontal disease. Overall characteristic of the mass spectrum appeared similar to normal ones. However, ion images reconstructed using signals from the tooth of periodontal disease revealed loss of periodontal ligament visualized together with dental pulp in normal teeth. Moreover, ion image clearly depicted an accumulation of signal at m/z 496.3 at root surface. Such an accumulation that cannot be examined only from mass spectrum was revealed by utilization of IMS. Recent studies about inflammation revealed that the signal at m/z 496.3 reflects lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC). Infiltration of the signal is statistically significant, and its intensity profile exhibited the influence has reached deeply into the tooth. This suggests that influence of periodontal disease is not only inflammation of periodontal tissue but also infiltration of LPC to root surface, and therefore, anti-inflammatory treatment is required besides conventional treatments.     

Anti-Osteoporotic Effects of n-trans-Hibiscusamide and Its Derivative Alleviate Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss in Mice by Regulating RANKL-Induced Signaling

Osteoporosis is characterized by the deterioration of bone structures and decreased bone mass, leading to an increased risk of fracture. Estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women and aging are major factors of osteoporosis and are some of the reasons for reduced quality of life. In this study, we investigated the effects of n-trans-hibiscusamide (NHA) and its derivative 4-O-(E)-feruloyl-N-(E)-hibiscusamide (HAD) on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation and an ovariectomized osteoporosis mouse model. NHA and HAD significantly inhibited the differentiation of osteoclasts from bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) and the expression of osteoclast differentiation-related genes. At the molecular level, NHA and HAD significantly downregulated the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling molecules. However, Akt and NF-κB phosphorylation was inhibited only after NHA or HAD treatment. In the ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis model, both NHA and HAD effectively improved trabecular bone structure. C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), a bone resorption marker, and RANKL, an osteoclast stimulation factor, were significantly reduced by NHA and HAD. The tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-stained area, which indicates the osteoclast area, was also decreased by these compounds. These results show the potential of NHA and HAD as therapeutic agents for osteoporosis.     

Thermosensitive acetylated carboxymethyl chitosan gel depot systems sustained release caffeic acid phenethyl ester for periodontitis treatment

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of tooth support tissues leading to progressive destruction of periodontal soft tissues as well as alveolar bone, and can be treated with anti-inflammatory and bone-protective agents to prevent disease progression. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural polyphenolic compound with anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and bone tissue repair efficacy. In this work, we synthesized a thermosensitive hydrogel matrix of acetylated carboxymethyl chitosan (A-CC), and firstly applied for periodontal local drug delivery. The biocompatible CAPE-loaded A-CC hydrogel (CAPE-A-CC) has the advantages of forming a drug depot in situ, sustained release and precisely improving the drug concentration in the lesion sites compared with traditional systemic administration. In addition, CAPE-A-CC could significantly inhibit the expression of inflammatory cytokines of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 in macrophages, and increased the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSC) related to osteogenesis. This study develops a novel in situ thermosensitive hydrogel delivery system to improve the therapeutic potential of natural active ingredient for periodontitis therapy.     

The Skeletal Effects of Tanshinones: A Review

Background: Osteoporosis results from excessive bone resorption and reduced bone formation, triggered by sex hormone deficiency, oxidative stress and inflammation. Tanshinones are a class of lipophilic phenanthrene compounds found in the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which contribute to its anti-osteoporosis effects. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the skeletal beneficial effects of tanshinones. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in January 2021 using Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science from the inception of these databases. Original studies reporting the effects of tanshinones on bone through cell cultures, animal models and human clinical trials were considered. Results: The literature search found 158 unique articles on this topic, but only 20 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The available evidence showed that tanshinones promoted osteoblastogenesis and bone formation while reducing osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Conclusions: Tanshinones modulates bone remodelling by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and osteoblast apoptosis and stimulating osteoblastogenesis. Therefore, it might complement existing strategies to prevent bone loss.     

Bone Tissue Disorders: Healing Through Coordination Chemistry

Osteoporosis, Paget's disease and osteosarcoma are a few examples of bone tissue disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. These conditions can strictly limit the lifestyle of patients and may even lead to their demise. To prevent this or, at least, try to manage the situation, there are several treatments available on the market. Notwithstanding, research has been driven by the possibility to improve the existing therapies, as well as to find new approaches that could better respond to these diseases. In this Review the path is shown through which, in recent years, coordination compounds have been prepared and manufactured to be applied in the management of bone tissue disorders. Starting with the design and preparation of the coordination compounds with various dimensionalities, two approaches have been used: (1) they are prepared as three-dimensional cages that can act as delivery systems for therapeutic substances, or (2) they are constructed/prepared from compounds with intrinsic therapeutic properties. Following this, several strategies have been explored to manufacture the effective delivery to the patients. The versatility of coordination compounds has allowed their use in the preparation of drug tablets, coatings for titanium implants, or even scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. In the end, it becomes clear that these compounds can be a valuable approach to reach a better treatment for bone tissue disorders. Nonetheless, along the road, a few bumps have appeared concerning the therapeutic profile, such as the effect of the structural arrangement or particle size.     

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids regulate osteogenic differentiation potential of osteoporotic adipose-derived stem cells

Osteoporosis(OP) is a noncommunicable bone disease caused by a shift in the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and can severely affect the health of elderly persons. Autologous stem-cell transplantation can improve reduced bone density and weakened fracture healing abilities in patients with OP. However, OP can adversely affect the osteogenesis and proliferation abilities of autologous adipose-derived stem cells(ASCs). Therefore, an effective drug is required to facilitate autologous A...     

LAXS investigation of finger phantoms

Osteoporosis is a bone condition that is caused mainly by the degradation of trabecular and cortical bone resulting in the decrease of bone strength and eventually leads to bone fracture. A low angle X-ray scattering (LAXS) system that uses mainly the coherent scattering process for the characterisation of materials was constructed to study such bone conditions. Several finger phantoms were fabricated to simulate bone of varying densities. The LAXS method was able to identify the changes in bone density quite well by comparing energy dispersive X-ray diffraction patterns as well as the angular patterns. Quantitative information can be extracted from such patterns that relate to bone loss. Signature patterns at low exposure times were produced in order to reduce the dose received with reasonable identification power but at slightly higher statistical errors compared with long exposure patterns. Use of other parameters to increase the sensitivity was attempted.     

Pharmacological evaluation of LiuWei Zhuanggu Granules in rats

Many commonly consumed foods, herbs and spices contain a complex array of naturally occurring bioactive molecules called phytochemicals, which may confer health benefits. In this study, the impact of LiuWei Zhuanggu Granules (LWZGG) on mineral metabolism in osteopenia development was evaluated. Results showed that serum estrogen, bone gla protein (BGP), and calcitonin (CT) levels, bone Ca, Zn and Cu levels, femur, lumbar vertebrae and trabecular bone density, tibia maximum stress and maximum bending strength were increased, and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum and urine Ca, Zn and Cu levels were decreased in rat bone. It can be concluded that LWZGG is useful to improve bone quality in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.     

A triterpene glycoside from black cohosh that inhibits osteoclastogenesis by modulating RANKL and TNFalpha signaling pathways

Osteoporosis is a major age-related source of morbidity and mortality. Increased bone resorption mediated by osteoclasts is central to its pathogenesis. Cytokines, particularly RANKL and TNFalpha, are often increased under pathologic conditions, leading to enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Black cohosh (Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa L), a popular herbal supplement for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, was recently shown to have the beneficial effect of preventing bone loss. Here, we demonstrate that 25-acetylcimigenol xylopyranoside (ACCX), a triterpenoid glycoside isolated from black cohosh, potently blocks in vitro osteoclastogenesis induced by either RANKL or TNFalpha. This blockage of osteoclastogenesis elicited by ACCX results from abrogation of the NF-kappaB and ERK pathways induced by either RANKL or TNFalpha, respectively. Importantly, this compound attenuates TNFalpha-induced bone loss in vivo. Therefore, ACCX represents a potential lead for the development of a new class of antiosteoporosis agents.     

骨质疏松与微量元素

骨质疏松与某些矿物质的饮食摄取不足、过量或不平衡有关，但微量元素在骨质疏松的病理、诊断和治疗中也起着十分重要的作用。适量的Ｂ、Ｆ、Ｓｉ、Ｍｎ、Ｃｕ、Ｚｎ、Ｇｅ、Ｓｒ和Ｖ、Ｉ、Ｍｏ对骨骼的发育和代谢是必需的，但Ｐｂ、Ｃｄ、Ａｌ则可能是骨质疏松的危险因子。高尿锌可被用作骨质疏松的生物化学标记物，锶可代替钙用作骨矿化的标记物。临床实践表明，氟可明显增加骨质疏松患者的长轴骨密度和显著降低脊椎骨新骨折的发生     

Biological and medical significance of calcium phosphates

The inorganic part of hard tissues (bones and teeth) of mammals consists of calcium phosphate, mainly of apatitic structure. Similarly, most undesired calcifications (i.e. those appearing as a result of various diseases) of mammals also contain calcium phosphate. For example, atherosclerosis results in blood-vessel blockage caused by a solid composite of cholesterol with calcium phosphate. Dental caries result in a replacement of less soluble and hard apatite by more soluble and softer calcium hydrogenphosphates. Osteoporosis is a demineralization of bone. Therefore, from a chemical point of view, processes of normal (bone and teeth formation and growth) and pathological (atherosclerosis and dental calculus) calcifications are just an in vivo crystallization of calcium phosphate. Similarly, dental caries and osteoporosis can be considered to be in vivo dissolution of calcium phosphates. On the other hand, because of the chemical similarity with biological calcified tissues, all calcium phosphates are remarkably biocompatible. This property is widely used in medicine for biomaterials that are either entirely made of or coated with calcium phosphate. For example, self-setting bone cements made of calcium phosphates are helpful in bone repair and titanium substitutes covered with a surface layer of calcium phosphates are used for hip-joint endoprostheses and tooth substitutes, to facilitate the growth of bone and thereby raise the mechanical stability. Calcium phosphates have a great biological and medical significance and in this review we give an overview of the current knowledge in this subject.     

Influence of Materials Properties on Bio-Physical Features and Effectiveness of 3D-Scaffolds for Periodontal Regeneration

Periodontal diseases are multifactorial disorders, mainly due to severe infections and inflammation which affect the tissues (i.e., gum and dental bone) that support and surround the teeth. These pathologies are characterized by bleeding gums, pain, bad breath and, in more severe forms, can lead to the detachment of gum from teeth, causing their loss. To date it is estimated that severe periodontal diseases affect around 10% of the population worldwide thus making necessary the development of effective treatments able to both reduce the infections and inflammation in injured sites and improve the regeneration of damaged tissues. In this scenario, the use of 3D scaffolds can play a pivotal role by providing an effective platform for drugs, nanosystems, growth factors, stem cells, etc., improving the effectiveness of therapies and reducing their systemic side effects. The aim of this review is to describe the recent progress in periodontal regeneration, highlighting the influence of materials’ properties used to realize three-dimensional (3D)-scaffolds, their bio-physical characteristics and their ability to provide a biocompatible platform able to embed nanosystems.     

氢质子MR波谱及双回波同反相位成像评价腰椎骨质疏松的研究

为探究氢质子MR波谱(MRS)的脂肪分数(FF)、脂水比(LWR)及双回波同反相位信号比值(SIR)与腰椎定量CT(QCT)骨矿物质密度(BMD)的相关性,并评估MRS、双回波同反相位成像对腰椎骨质减低及骨质疏松的诊断价值,本研究对因腰腿痛就诊的120名患者资料进行了回顾性分析,根据QCT分类标准将患者分为正常组、骨量减少组和骨质疏松组。所行MRI检查包括MRS和双回波同反相位成像,测量腰2~4椎体FF、LWR及双回波同反相位SIR。结果发现,FF、LWR、SIR与BMD呈负相关;FF、LWR与SIR呈正相关。FF、LWR、SIR、BMD在骨量正常组、骨量减少组和骨质疏松组任意两组间差异均有显著性(P<0.001)。本研究表明MRS及双回波同反相位成像可通过无创无辐射检测骨髓脂肪组织而间接反映骨代谢情况。     

β-Boswellic Acid Inhibits RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation and Function by Attenuating NF-κB and Btk-PLCγ2 Signaling Pathways

Osteoporosis is a systemic metabolic bone disorder that is caused by an imbalance in the functions of osteoclasts and osteoblasts and is characterized by excessive bone resorption by osteoclasts. Targeting osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption is considered a good fundamental solution for overcoming bone diseases. β-boswellic acid (βBA) is a natural compound found in Boswellia serrata, which is an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and anti-cancer effects. Here, we explored the anti-resorptive effect of βBA on osteoclastogenesis. βBA significantly inhibited the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand (RANKL) and suppressed bone resorption without any cytotoxicity. Interestingly, βBA significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB, Btk, and PLCγ2 and the degradation of IκB. Additionally, βBA strongly inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of c-Fos and NFATc1 induced by RANKL and subsequently attenuated the expression of osteoclast marker genes, such as OC-STAMP, DC-STAMP, β3-integrin, MMP9, ATP6v0d2, and CtsK. These results suggest that βBA is a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of excessive osteoclast-induced bone diseases such as osteoporosis.     

Anti-Osteoporotic activity of metal complexes of amine carboxyboranes

Metal complexes of trimethylamine carboxyborane successfully suppressed calcium flux from both paired pup calvaria bones and rat UMR-106 osteosarcoma cultured cells over a 48 h period. These agents increased uptake of calcium into the cell cultures and accelerated [³H]proline incorporation into collagen. Copper and iron complexes of the trimethylamine carboxyborane were more potent compared with the cobalt and chromium complexes. The agents effectively reduced Iysosomal enzyme activity and also proteolytic enzyme activities of macrophages. Since macrophages invade the bone surface and assist in the demineralization and digestion of collagen, those agents may be potentially useful to retard diseases involving bone reconstruction. Influx of white blood cells and macrophages to sites of degradation most probably would be inhibited by the agents, based on sponge test observations in mice. Osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy was minimized by injections of tetrakis[u-(trimethylamine-boranecarboxylato)-bis(trimethylamine-carboxyborane)dicopper(II)] into rats at 3.5 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for 14 days. Bone volume, density, weight and calcium content returned to normal baseline control values. In addition, the copper complex returned serum calcium, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D₃ values to normal levels. One possible mode of action of these derivatives is the regulation of the production and release of chemical mediators initiating bone loss, e.g. tumor necrosis factor, TNF α and interleukins 11 or 11-2.