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Aims

This study examined the relationship between obesity (OB) and osteoporosis (OP), aiming to identify shared genetic markers and molecular mechanisms to facilitate the development of therapies that target both conditions simultaneously.

Methods

Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we analyzed datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify co-expressed gene modules in OB and OP. These modules underwent Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment and protein-protein interaction analysis to discover Hub genes. Machine learning refined the gene selection, with further validation using additional datasets. Single-cell analysis emphasized specific cell subpopulations, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), protein blotting, and cellular staining were used to investigate key genes.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 12, Issue 11 | Pages 691 - 701
3 Nov 2023
Dai Z Chen Y He E Wang H Guo W Wu Z Huang K Zhao Q

Aims

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased trabecular bone volume, and microarchitectural deterioration in the medullary cavity. Interleukin-19 (IL-19), a member of the IL-10 family, is an anti-inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by macrophages. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of IL-19 on osteoporosis.

Methods

Blood and femoral bone marrow suspension IL-19 levels were first measured in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone loss model. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was applied to knock down IL-19 for further validation. Thereafter, osteoclast production was stimulated with IL-19 in combination with mouse macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). The effect of IL-19 was subsequently evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The effect of IL-19 on osteoprotegerin (OPG) was then assessed using in vitro recombinant IL-19 treatment of primary osteoblasts and MLO-Y4 osteoblast cell line. Finally, transient transfection experiments and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments were used to examine the exact mechanism of action.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 12, Issue 11 | Pages 677 - 690
1 Nov 2023
Wang X Jiang W Pan K Tao L Zhu Y

Aims

Currently, the effect of drug treatment for osteoporosis is relatively poor, and the side effects are numerous and serious. Melatonin is a potential drug to improve bone mass in postmenopausal women. Unfortunately, the mechanism by which melatonin improves bone metabolism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to further investigate the potential mechanism of melatonin in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Methods

The effects of melatonin on mitochondrial apoptosis protein, bmal1 gene, and related pathway proteins of RAW264.7 (mouse mononuclear macrophage leukaemia cells) were analyzed by western blot. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to evaluate the effect of melatonin on cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effect of melatonin on the apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells and mitochondrial membrane potential. A reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection kit was used to evaluate the level of ROS in osteoclast precursors. We used bmal1-small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to downregulate the Bmal1 gene. We established a postmenopausal mouse model and verified the effect of melatonin on the bone mass of postmenopausal osteoporosis in mice via micro-CT. Bmal1 lentiviral activation particles were used to establish an in vitro model of overexpression of the bmal1 gene.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 12, Issue 9 | Pages 580 - 589
20 Sep 2023
Dai X Liu B Hou Q Dai Q Wang D Xie B Sun Y Wang B

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the global and local impact of fat on bone in obesity by using the diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse model.

Methods

In this study, we generated a diet-induced mouse model of obesity to conduct lipidomic and 3D imaging assessments of bone marrow fat, and evaluated the correlated bone adaptation indices and bone mechanical properties.


Aims

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) participates in various processes, such as the enhancement of immunity and inhibition of tumours. APS can affect osteoporosis (OP) by regulating the osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). This study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of APS in hBMSC proliferation and osteoblast differentiation.

Methods

Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to determine the expression of microRNA (miR)-760 and ankyrin repeat and FYVE domain containing 1 (ANKFY1) in OP tissues and hBMSCs. Cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The expression of cyclin D1 and osteogenic marker genes (osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2)) was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Mineral deposits were detected through Alizarin Red S staining. In addition, Western blotting was performed to detect the ANKFY1 protein levels following the regulation of miR-760. The relationship between miR-760 and ANKFY1 was determined using a luciferase reporter assay.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 12, Issue 7 | Pages 423 - 432
6 Jul 2023
Xie H Wang N He H Yang Z Wu J Yang T Wang Y

Aims. Previous studies have suggested that selenium as a trace element is involved in bone health, but findings related to the specific effect of selenium on bone health remain inconclusive. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis by including all the relevant studies to elucidate the association between selenium status (dietary intake or serum selenium) and bone health indicators (bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis (OP), or fracture). Methods. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to retrieve relevant articles published before 15 November 2022. Studies focusing on the correlation between selenium and BMD, OP, or fracture were included. Effect sizes included regression coefficient (β), weighted mean difference (WMD), and odds ratio (OR). According to heterogeneity, the fixed-effect or random-effect model was used to assess the association between selenium and bone health. Results. From 748 non-duplicate publications, 19 studies were included. We found a significantly positive association between dietary selenium intake (β = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 0.07, p = 0.029) as well as serum selenium (β = 0.13, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.26, p = 0.046) and BMD. Consistently, those with higher selenium intake had a lower risk of OP (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.72, p = 0.001), and patients with OP had a significantly lower level of serum selenium than healthy controls (WMD = -2.01, 95% CI -3.91 to -0.12, p = 0.037). High dietary selenium intake was associated with a lower risk of hip fracture (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.52, p < 0.001). Conclusion. Selenium was positively associated with BMD and inversely associated with OP; dietary selenium intake was negatively associated with hip fracture. The causality and therapeutic effect of selenium on OP needs to be investigated in future studies. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(7):423–432


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 12, Issue 6 | Pages 375 - 386
12 Jun 2023
Li Z

Aims

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as crucial regulators in osteoporosis (OP). Nonetheless, the effects and potential molecular mechanism of lncRNA PCBP1 Antisense RNA 1 (PCBP1-AS1) on OP remain largely unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role of lncRNA PCBP1-AS1 in the pathogenesis of OP.

Methods

Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), osteogenesis-related genes (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2)), PCBP1-AS1, microRNA (miR)-126-5p, group I Pak family member p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2), and their relative expression levels were determined. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of PAK2 protein. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to measure cell proliferation. To examine the osteogenic differentiation, Alizarin red along with ALP staining was used. RNA immunoprecipitation assay and bioinformatics analysis, as well as a dual-luciferase reporter, were used to study the association between PCBP1-AS1, PAK2, and miR-126-5p.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 12, Issue 1 | Pages 9 - 21
9 Jan 2023
Lu C Ho C Chen S Liu Z Chou PP Ho M Tien Y

Aims

The effects of remnant preservation on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and its relationship with the tendon graft remain unclear. We hypothesized that the co-culture of remnant cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) decreases apoptosis and enhances the activity of the hamstring tendons and tenocytes, thus aiding ACL reconstruction.

Methods

The ACL remnant, bone marrow, and hamstring tendons were surgically harvested from rabbits. The apoptosis rate, cell proliferation, and expression of types I and III collagen, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tenogenic genes (scleraxis (SCX), tenascin C (TNC), and tenomodulin (TNMD)) of the hamstring tendons were compared between the co-culture medium (ACL remnant cells (ACLRCs) and BMSCs co-culture) and control medium (BMSCs-only culture). We also evaluated the apoptosis, cell proliferation, migration, and gene expression of hamstring tenocytes with exposure to co-culture and control media.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 12 | Pages 854 - 861
1 Dec 2022
Park TJ Park SY Cho W Oh H Lee HJ Abd El-Aty AM Bayram C Jeong JH Jung TW

Aims

Myokine developmental endothelial locus-1 (DEL-1) has been documented to alleviate inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in various cell types. However, the effects of DEL-1 on inflammation, ER stress, and apoptosis in tenocytes remain unclear.

Methods

Human primary tenocytes were cultured in palmitate (400 μM) and palmitate plus DEL-1 (0 to 2 μg/ml) conditions for 24 hours. The expression levels of ER stress markers and cleaved caspase 3, as well as phosphorylated 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and autophagy markers, were assessed by Western blotting. Autophagosome formation was measured by staining with monodansylcadaverine, and apoptosis was determined by cell viability assay and caspase 3 activity assay.


Aims

This study examined whether systemic administration of melatonin would have different effects on osseointegration in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, depending on whether this was administered during the day or night.

Methods

In this study, a titanium rod was implanted in the medullary cavity of one femoral metaphysis in OVX rats, and then the rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham group (Sham, n = 10), OVX rat group (OVX, n = 10), melatonin day treatment group (OVX + MD, n = 10), and melatonin night treatment group (OVX + MN, n = 10). The OVX + MD and OVX + MN rats were treated with 30 mg/kg/day melatonin at 9 am and 9 pm, respectively, for 12 weeks. At the end of the research, the rats were killed to obtain bilateral femora and blood samples for evaluation.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 8 | Pages 548 - 560
17 Aug 2022
Yuan W Yang M Zhu Y

Aims. We aimed to develop a gene signature that predicts the occurrence of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) by studying its genetic mechanism. Methods. Five datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Unsupervised consensus cluster analysis was used to determine new PMOP subtypes. To determine the central genes and the core modules related to PMOP, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WCGNA) was applied. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis was used to explore the biological processes underlying key genes. Logistic regression univariate analysis was used to screen for statistically significant variables. Two algorithms were used to select important PMOP-related genes. A logistic regression model was used to construct the PMOP-related gene profile. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve, Harrell’s concordance index, a calibration chart, and decision curve analysis were used to characterize PMOP-related genes. Then, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the expression of the PMOP-related genes in the gene signature. Results. We identified three PMOP-related subtypes and four core modules. The muscle system process, muscle contraction, and actin filament-based movement were more active in the hub genes. We obtained five feature genes related to PMOP. Our analysis verified that the gene signature had good predictive power and applicability. The outcomes of the GSE56815 cohort were found to be consistent with the results of the earlier studies. qRT-PCR results showed that RAB2A and FYCO1 were amplified in clinical samples. Conclusion. The PMOP-related gene signature we developed and verified can accurately predict the risk of PMOP in patients. These results can elucidate the molecular mechanism of RAB2A and FYCO1 underlying PMOP, and yield new and improved treatment strategies, ultimately helping PMOP monitoring. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(8):548–560


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 8 | Pages 528 - 540
1 Aug 2022
Dong W Postlethwaite BC Wheller PA Brand D Jiao Y Li W Myers LK Gu W

Aims

This study investigated the effects of β-caryophyllene (BCP) on protecting bone from vitamin D deficiency in mice fed on a diet either lacking (D-) or containing (D+) vitamin D.

Methods

A total of 40 female mice were assigned to four treatment groups (n = 10/group): D+ diet with propylene glycol control, D+ diet with BCP, D-deficient diet with control, and D-deficient diet with BCP. The D+ diet is a commercial basal diet, while the D-deficient diet contains 0.47% calcium, 0.3% phosphorus, and no vitamin D. All the mice were housed in conditions without ultraviolet light. Bone properties were evaluated by X-ray micro-CT. Serum levels of klotho were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 5 | Pages 304 - 316
17 May 2022
Kim MH Choi LY Chung JY Kim E Yang WM

Aims

The association of auraptene (AUR), a 7-geranyloxycoumarin, on osteoporosis and its potential pathway was predicted by network pharmacology and confirmed in experimental osteoporotic mice.

Methods

The network of AUR was constructed and a potential pathway predicted by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) terms enrichment. Female ovariectomized (OVX) Institute of Cancer Research mice were intraperitoneally injected with 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM AUR for four weeks. The bone mineral density (BMD) level was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The bone microstructure was determined by histomorphological changes in the femora. In addition, biochemical analysis of the serum and assessment of the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of osteoclastic markers were performed.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 5 | Pages 260 - 269
3 May 2022
Staats K Sosa BR Kuyl E Niu Y Suhardi V Turajane K Windhager R Greenblatt MB Ivashkiv L Bostrom MPG Yang X

Aims

To develop an early implant instability murine model and explore the use of intermittent parathyroid hormone (iPTH) treatment for initially unstable implants.

Methods

3D-printed titanium implants were inserted into an oversized drill-hole in the tibiae of C57Bl/6 mice (n = 54). After implantation, the mice were randomly divided into three treatment groups (phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-control, iPTH, and delayed iPTH). Radiological analysis, micro-CT (µCT), and biomechanical pull-out testing were performed to assess implant loosening, bone formation, and osseointegration. Peri-implant tissue formation and cellular composition were evaluated by histology.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 4 | Pages 200 - 209
1 Apr 2022
Liu YD Liu JF Liu B

Aims

The role of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in diabetes-induced osteoporosis (DM-OS) progression remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the effect of DMF on DM-OS development.

Methods

Diabetic models of mice, RAW 264.7 cells, and bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) were established by streptozotocin stimulation, high glucose treatment, and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) treatment, respectively. The effects of DMF on DM-OS development in these models were examined by micro-CT analysis, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, osteoclast differentiation of RAW 264.7 cells and BMMs, H&E and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of TRAP5b and c-terminal telopeptides of type 1 (CTX1) analyses, reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and Western blot.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 2 | Pages 121 - 133
22 Feb 2022
Hsu W Lin S Hung J Chen M Lin C Hsu W Hsu WR

Aims

The decrease in the number of satellite cells (SCs), contributing to myofibre formation and reconstitution, and their proliferative capacity, leads to muscle loss, a condition known as sarcopenia. Resistance training can prevent muscle loss; however, the underlying mechanisms of resistance training effects on SCs are not well understood. We therefore conducted a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of SCs in a mouse model.

Methods

We compared the differentially expressed genes of SCs in young mice (eight weeks old), middle-aged (48-week-old) mice with resistance training intervention (MID+ T), and mice without exercise (MID) using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 12 | Pages 820 - 829
15 Dec 2021
Schmidutz F Schopf C Yan SG Ahrend M Ihle C Sprecher C

Aims. The distal radius is a major site of osteoporotic bone loss resulting in a high risk of fragility fracture. This study evaluated the capability of a cortical index (CI) at the distal radius to predict the local bone mineral density (BMD). Methods. A total of 54 human cadaver forearms (ten singles, 22 pairs) (19 to 90 years) were systematically assessed by clinical radiograph (XR), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), CT, as well as high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT). Cortical bone thickness (CBT) of the distal radius was measured on XR and CT scans, and two cortical indices mean average (CBTavg) and gauge (CBTg) were determined. These cortical indices were compared to the BMD of the distal radius determined by DXA (areal BMD (aBMD)) and HR-pQCT (volumetric BMD (vBMD)). Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to compare the results and degree of reliability. Results. The CBT could accurately be determined on XRs and highly correlated to those determined on CT scans (r = 0.87 to 0.93). The CBTavg index of the XRs significantly correlated with the BMD measured by DXA (r = 0.78) and HR-pQCT (r = 0.63), as did the CBTg index with the DXA (r = 0.55) and HR-pQCT (r = 0.64) (all p < 0.001). A high correlation of the BMD and CBT was observed between paired specimens (r = 0.79 to 0.96). The intra- and inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC 0.79 to 0.92). Conclusion. The cortical index (CBTavg) at the distal radius shows a close correlation to the local BMD. It thus can serve as an initial screening tool to estimate the local bone quality if quantitative BMD measurements are unavailable, and enhance decision-making in acute settings on fracture management or further osteoporosis screening. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):820–829


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 12 | Pages 807 - 819
1 Dec 2021
Wong RMY Wong PY Liu C Chung YL Wong KC Tso CY Chow SK Cheung W Yung PS Chui CS Law SW

Aims. The use of 3D printing has become increasingly popular and has been widely used in orthopaedic surgery. There has been a trend towards an increasing number of publications in this field, but existing literature incorporates limited high-quality studies, and there is a lack of reports on outcomes. The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review with Level I evidence on the application and effectiveness of 3D printing. Methods. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The keywords used for the search criteria were ((3d print*) OR (rapid prototyp*) OR (additive manufactur*)) AND (orthopaedic). The inclusion criteria were: 1) use of 3D printing in orthopaedics, 2) randomized controlled trials, and 3) studies with participants/patients. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Collaboration Tool and PEDro Score. Pooled analysis was performed. Results. Overall, 21 studies were included in our study with a pooled total of 932 participants. Pooled analysis showed that operating time (p < 0.001), blood loss (p < 0.001), fluoroscopy times (p < 0.001), bone union time (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.040), accuracy (p < 0.001), and functional scores (p < 0.001) were significantly improved with 3D printing compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in complications. Conclusion. 3D printing is a rapidly developing field in orthopaedics. Our findings show that 3D printing is advantageous in terms of operating time, blood loss, fluoroscopy times, bone union time, pain, accuracy, and function. The use of 3D printing did not increase the risk of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):807–819


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 11 | Pages 734 - 741
1 Nov 2021
Cheng B Wen Y Yang X Cheng S Liu L Chu X Ye J Liang C Yao Y Jia Y Zhang F

Aims. Despite the interest in the association of gut microbiota with bone health, limited population-based studies of gut microbiota and bone mineral density (BMD) have been made. Our aim is to explore the possible association between gut microbiota and BMD. Methods. A total of 3,321 independent loci of gut microbiota were used to calculate the individual polygenic risk score (PRS) for 114 gut microbiota-related traits. The individual genotype data were obtained from UK Biobank cohort. Linear regressions were then conducted to evaluate the possible association of gut microbiota with L1-L4 BMD (n = 4,070), total BMD (n = 4,056), and femur total BMD (n = 4,054), respectively. PLINK 2.0 was used to detect the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) × gut microbiota interaction effect on the risks of L1-L4 BMD, total BMD, and femur total BMD, respectively. Results. We detected five, three, and seven candidate gut microbiota-related traits for L1-L4 BMD, total BMD, and femur BMD, respectively, such as genus Dialister (p = 0.004) for L1-L4 BMD, and genus Eisenbergiella (p = 0.046) for total BMD. We also detected two common gut microbiota-related traits shared by L1-L4 BMD, total BMD, and femur total BMD, including genus Escherichia Shigella and genus Lactococcus. Interaction analysis of BMD detected several genes that interacted with gut microbiota, such as phospholipase D1 (PLD1) and endomucin (EMCN) interacting with genus Dialister in total BMD, and COL12A1 and Discs Large MAGUK Scaffold Protein 2 (DLG2) interacting with genus Lactococcus in femur BMD. Conclusion. Our results suggest associations between gut microbiota and BMD, which will be helpful to further explore the regulation mechanism and intervention gut microbiota of BMD. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(11):734–741


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 9 | Pages 611 - 618
27 Sep 2021
Ali E Birch M Hopper N Rushton N McCaskie AW Brooks RA

Aims

Accumulated evidence indicates that local cell origins may ingrain differences in the phenotypic activity of human osteoblasts. We hypothesized that these differences may also exist in osteoblasts harvested from the same bone type at periarticular sites, including those adjacent to the fixation sites for total joint implant components.

Methods

Human osteoblasts were obtained from the acetabulum and femoral neck of seven patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and from the femoral and tibial cuts of six patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Osteoblasts were extracted from the usually discarded bone via enzyme digestion, characterized by flow cytometry, and cultured to passage three before measurement of metabolic activity, collagen production, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression, and mineralization.