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Bone Erosion (bone + erosion)
Selected AbstractsOsteoblast Function Is Compromised at Sites of Focal Bone Erosion in Inflammatory Arthritis,,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 9 2009Nicole C Walsh PhD Abstract In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), synovial inflammation results in focal erosion of articular bone. Despite treatment attenuating inflammation, repair of erosions with adequate formation of new bone is uncommon in RA, suggesting that bone formation may be compromised at these sites. Dynamic bone histomorphometry was used in a murine model of RA to determine the impact of inflammation on osteoblast function within eroded arthritic bone. Bone formation rates at bone surfaces adjacent to inflammation were similar to those observed in nonarthritic bone; therefore, osteoblast activity is unlikely to compensate for the increased bone resorption at these sites. Within arthritic bone, the extent of actively mineralizing surface was reduced at bone surfaces adjacent to inflammation compared with bone surfaces adjacent to normal marrow. Consistent with the reduction in mineralized bone formation, there was a notable paucity of cells expressing the mid- to late stage osteoblast lineage marker alkaline phosphatase, despite a clear presence of cells expressing the early osteoblast lineage marker Runx2. In addition, several members of the Dickkopf and secreted Frizzled-related protein families of Wnt signaling antagonists were upregulated in arthritic synovial tissues, suggesting that inhibition of Wnt signaling could be one mechanism contributing to impaired osteoblast function within arthritic bone. Together, these data indicate that the presence of inflammation within arthritic bone impairs osteoblast capacity to form adequate mineralized bone, thus contributing to the net loss of bone and failure of bone repair at sites of focal bone erosion in RA. [source] Association of the IL4R single-nucleotide polymorphism I50V with rapidly erosive rheumatoid arthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 5 2006Iryna Prots Objective To examine whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the interleukin-4 receptor gene IL4R influence susceptibility to, or radiographic progression in, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods The contribution of 2 SNPs (I50V and Q551R) in the coding region of IL4R to RA susceptibility was analyzed by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction in a case,control study of 471 RA patients and 371 healthy controls. Patients with available radiographs of the hands and feet obtained 2 years after disease onset (n = 302) were stratified retrospectively according to radiologic outcome into an erosive and a nonerosive group to evaluate the association between IL4R SNPs and disease progression. Results No differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the I50V or Q551R SNPs were identified between the RA patients and healthy controls. In contrast, significant differences in the distribution of I50V IL4R SNP genotypes between patients with erosive and nonerosive disease were observed (,2 = 15.68, P = 0.0004). Bone erosions at 2 years after disease onset were present in 68.1% of patients homozygous for the V50 allele compared with 37.0% of patients homozygous for the I50 allele (odds ratio 3.86, P < 0.0001). This association was independent of individual factors previously associated with severe disease, such as rheumatoid factor or the HLA,DR shared epitope. On a cellular level, the V50 allele conferred significantly reduced responsiveness to interleukin-4, providing a possible mechanism for the association of the I50V IL4R polymorphism with early erosions in RA. Conclusion Our data identify the I50V IL4R SNP as a novel genetic marker in RA, showing high predictive value for early joint destruction. [source] Osteoblast Function Is Compromised at Sites of Focal Bone Erosion in Inflammatory Arthritis,,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 9 2009Nicole C Walsh PhD Abstract In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), synovial inflammation results in focal erosion of articular bone. Despite treatment attenuating inflammation, repair of erosions with adequate formation of new bone is uncommon in RA, suggesting that bone formation may be compromised at these sites. Dynamic bone histomorphometry was used in a murine model of RA to determine the impact of inflammation on osteoblast function within eroded arthritic bone. Bone formation rates at bone surfaces adjacent to inflammation were similar to those observed in nonarthritic bone; therefore, osteoblast activity is unlikely to compensate for the increased bone resorption at these sites. Within arthritic bone, the extent of actively mineralizing surface was reduced at bone surfaces adjacent to inflammation compared with bone surfaces adjacent to normal marrow. Consistent with the reduction in mineralized bone formation, there was a notable paucity of cells expressing the mid- to late stage osteoblast lineage marker alkaline phosphatase, despite a clear presence of cells expressing the early osteoblast lineage marker Runx2. In addition, several members of the Dickkopf and secreted Frizzled-related protein families of Wnt signaling antagonists were upregulated in arthritic synovial tissues, suggesting that inhibition of Wnt signaling could be one mechanism contributing to impaired osteoblast function within arthritic bone. Together, these data indicate that the presence of inflammation within arthritic bone impairs osteoblast capacity to form adequate mineralized bone, thus contributing to the net loss of bone and failure of bone repair at sites of focal bone erosion in RA. [source] Subungual glomus tumor diagnosis based on imagingTHE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Noriko TAKEMURA ABSTRACT A 50-year-old woman had had tenderness of the nail bed of the right thumb for more than 20 years. For the previous 5 or 6 years, she had also had attacks of pain with exposure to cold, and deformity of the right thumb nail plate began to appear. There was red discoloration on the proximal aspect of the nail bed, and a longitudinal fissure on the distal aspect of the nail plate. Ultrasonography showed a well-circumscribed hypoechoic area under the proximal aspect of the nail plate and the nail matrix. Color Doppler ultrasonography showed subtle flow signals within the hypoechoic area. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-circumscribed mass in the same place that the ultrasonography indicated. It was isointense to the dermis of the nail bed on the T1-weighted image and hyperintense on the T2-weighted image. Radiography showed subtle dorsal bone erosion in the distal phalanx. Surgery was performed. Histologically, the diagnosis of a subungual glomus tumor was made. We diagnosed the exact location and size of the subungual glomus tumor by preoperative imaging and completely removed it easily and safely. Imaging is very useful for diagnosing tumors of the nail unit. [source] Aggressiveness and Quantification of Epithelial Proliferation of Middle Ear Cholesteatoma by MIB1THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2003Y. Mallet MD Abstract Objective To assess an easy method that predicts cholesteatoma aggressiveness. Study Design An experimental prospective study. Methods Monoclonal antibody MIB1 was used to determine epithelium proliferation in 91 cholesteatomatous ears. Clinical and surgical parameters were compared with proliferation activity to determine pathological and clinical correlation. Results Statistical correlations were established between hyperproliferation of the cholesteatoma and severe bone erosion (leading to major cholesteatoma complications) and between hyperproliferation and middle ear inflammation (associated with more surgical difficulties and a higher risk of recurrence). A high proliferation index was also found in children's cholesteatoma, which is known to have more aggressive behavior. Conclusion Immunohistochemical use of the MIB1 antibody is a simple technique that can help to determine the aggressiveness of a cholesteatoma. [source] Aurothiomalate inhibits cyclooxygenase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 3, and interleukin-6 expression in chondrocytes by increasing MAPK phosphatase 1 expression and decreasing p38 phosphorylation: MAPK phosphatase 1 as a novel target for antirheumatic drugsARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2010Riina Nieminen Objective Aurothiomalate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug that suppresses inflammation and retards cartilage degradation and bone erosion in arthritis. The molecular mechanisms of action of aurothiomalate are not known in detail. MAPK pathways are major signaling pathways in inflammation that regulate the production of many inflammatory and destructive factors in arthritis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of aurothiomalate on the activity of p38 MAPK and on the expression of MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP-1), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in immortalized murine H4 chondrocytes and in intact human and murine cartilage. Methods Protein expression was examined by Western blotting or by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was examined by real-time reverse transcription,polymerase chain reaction analysis. The mediator role of MKP-1 was investigated by using small interfering RNA (siRNA) methods to down-regulated MKP-1 expression in chondrocytes in culture and by comparing the responses in intact cartilage from MKP-1,deficient and wild-type mice. The effects of aurothiomalate were also confirmed in human rheumatoid cartilage by using tissue samples obtained at the time of total knee replacement surgery. Results Aurothiomalate inhibited IL-1,,induced COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production by destabilizing COX-2 mRNA, as did the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. Interestingly, aurothiomalate also increased the expression of MKP-1 and reduced the IL-1,,induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Knockdown of MKP-1 by siRNA significantly impaired the ability of aurothiomalate to inhibit the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and the expression of COX-2, MMP-3, and IL-6. Likewise, aurothiomalate reduced COX-2, MMP-3, and IL-6 expression in articular cartilage from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as in articular cartilage from wild-type mice but not from MKP-1,/, mice. Conclusion Our findings indicate a novel mechanism for the antiinflammatory and antierosive actions of aurothiomalate, through increased expression of MKP-1, which leads to reduced activation of p38 MAPK and suppressed expression of COX-2, MMP-3, and IL-6. The results suggest that manipulation of MKP-1 levels is a promising new mechanism to be directed in the search and development of novel antiinflammatory and antierosive compounds that have the good efficacy of gold compounds but not their toxicity. [source] Mediation of nonerosive arthritis in a mouse model of lupus by interferon-,,stimulated monocyte differentiation that is nonpermissive of osteoclastogenesisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 4 2010Kofi A. Mensah Objective In contrast to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the joint inflammation referred to as Jaccoud's arthritis that occurs in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is nonerosive. Although the mechanism responsible is unknown, the antiosteoclastogenic cytokine interferon-, (IFN,), whose transcriptome is present in SLE monocytes, may be responsible. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of IFN, and lupus on osteoclasts and erosion in the (NZB × NZW)F1 mouse model of SLE with K/BxN serum,induced arthritis. Methods Systemic IFN, levels in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice were elevated by administration of AdIFN,. SLE disease was marked by anti,double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody titer and proteinuria, and Ifi202 and Mx1 expression represented the IFN, transcriptome. Microfocal computed tomography was used to evaluate bone erosions. Flow cytometry for CD11b and CD11c was used to evaluate the frequency of circulating osteoclast precursors (OCPs) and myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) in blood. Results Administration of AdIFN, to (NZB × NZW)F1 mice induced osteopetrosis. (NZB × NZW)F1 mice without autoimmune disease were fully susceptible to focal erosions in the setting of serum-induced arthritis. However, (NZB × NZW)F1 mice with high anti-dsDNA antibody titers and the IFN, transcriptome were protected against bone erosions. AdIFN, pretreatment of NZW mice before K/BxN serum administration also resulted in protection against bone erosion (r2 = 0.4720, P < 0.01), which was associated with a decrease in the frequency of circulating CD11b+CD11c, OCPs and a concomitant increase in the percentage of CD11b+CD11c+ cells (r2 = 0.6330, P < 0.05), which are phenotypic of myeloid DCs. Conclusion These findings suggest that IFN, in SLE shifts monocyte development toward myeloid DCs at the expense of osteoclastogenesis, thereby resulting in decreased bone erosion. [source] Interleukin-27 inhibits human osteoclastogenesis by abrogating RANKL-mediated induction of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 and suppressing proximal RANK signalingARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 2 2010George D. Kalliolias Objective Interleukin-27 (IL-27) has stimulatory and regulatory immune functions and is expressed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of IL-27 on human osteoclastogenesis, to determine whether IL-27 can stimulate or attenuate the osteoclast-mediated bone resorption that is a hallmark of RA. Methods Osteoclasts were generated from blood-derived human CD14+ cells. The effects of IL-27 on osteoclast formation were evaluated by counting the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase,positive multinucleated cells and measuring the expression of osteoclast-related genes. The induction of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) and the activation of signaling pathways downstream of RANK were measured by immunoblotting. The expression of key molecules implicated in osteoclastogenesis (NFATc1, RANK, costimulatory receptors, and immunoreceptor tyrosine,based activation motif,harboring adaptor proteins) was measured by real-time reverse transcription,polymerase chain reaction. Murine osteoclast precursors obtained from mouse bone marrow and synovial fluid macrophages derived from RA patients were also tested for their responsiveness to IL-27. Results IL-27 inhibited human osteoclastogenesis, suppressed the induction of NFATc1, down-regulated the expression of RANK and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM-2), and inhibited RANKL-mediated activation of ERK, p38, and NF-,B in osteoclast precursors. Synovial fluid macrophages from RA patients were refractory to the effects of IL-27. In contrast to the findings in humans, IL-27 only moderately suppressed murine osteoclastogenesis, and this was likely attributable to low expression of the IL-27 receptor subunit WSX-1 on murine osteoclast precursors. Conclusion IL-27 inhibits human osteoclastogenesis by a direct mechanism that suppresses the responses of osteoclast precursors to RANKL. These findings suggest that, in addition to its well-known antiinflammatory effects, IL-27 plays a homeostatic role in restraining bone erosion. This homeostatic function is compromised under conditions of chronic inflammation such as in RA synovitis. [source] Gadd45, deficiency in rheumatoid arthritis: Enhanced synovitis through JNK signalingARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 11 2009Camilla I. Svensson Objective JNK-mediated cell signaling plays a critical role in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Gadd45,, which is an NF-,B,regulated gene, was recently identified as an endogenous negative regulator of the JNK pathway, since it could block the upstream kinase MKK-7. This study was carried out to evaluate whether low Gadd45, expression in RA enhances JNK activation and overproduction of MMPs in RA, and whether Gadd45, deficiency increases arthritis severity in passive K/BxN murine arthritis. Methods Activation of the NF-,B and JNK pathways and Gadd45, expression were analyzed in human synovium and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and luciferase reporter constructs. Gadd45,,/, and wild-type mice were evaluated in the K/BxN serum transfer model of inflammatory arthritis, and clinical signs of arthritis, osteoclast formation, and bone erosion were assessed. Results Expression levels of the Gadd45, gene and protein were unexpectedly low in human RA synovium despite abundant NF-,B activity. Forced Gadd45, expression in human FLS attenuated tumor necrosis factor,induced signaling through the JNK pathway, reduced the activation of activator protein 1, and decreased the expression of MMP genes. Furthermore, Gadd45, deficiency exacerbated K/BxN serum,induced arthritis in mice, dramatically increased signaling through the JNK pathway, elevated MMP3 and MMP13 gene expression in the mouse joints, and increased the synovial inflammation and number of osteoclasts. Conclusion Deficient Gadd45, expression in RA can contribute to activation of JNK, exacerbate clinical arthritis, and augment joint destruction. This process can be mitigated by enhancing Gadd45, expression or by inhibiting the activity of JNK or its upstream regulator, MKK-7. [source] Tumor necrosis factor , and RANKL blockade cannot halt bony spur formation in experimental inflammatory arthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 9 2009Georg Schett Objective To investigate the kinetics of bony spur formation and the relationship of bony spur formation to synovial inflammation and bone erosion in 2 rat arthritis models, and to address whether bony spur formation depends on the expression of tumor necrosis factor , (TNF,) or RANKL. Methods Analysis of the kinetics of synovial inflammation, bone erosion, osteoclast formation, and growth of bony spurs was performed in rat collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). In addition, inhibition experiments were performed to assess whether inhibition of TNF, and RANKL by pegylated soluble TNF receptor type I (pegTNFRI) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), respectively, affected bony spur formation. Results Bony spurs emerged from the periosteal surface close to joints, and initial proliferation of mesenchymal cells was noted as early as 3 days and 5 days after onset of CIA and AIA, respectively. Initiation of bony spur formation occurred shortly after the onset of inflammation and bone erosion. Neither pegTNFRI nor OPG could significantly halt the osteophytic responses in CIA and AIA. Conclusion These results suggest that bony spur formation is triggered by inflammation and initial structural damage in these rat models of inflammatory arthritis. Moreover, emergence of bony spurs depends on periosteal proliferation and is not affected by inhibition of either TNF, or RANKL. Bony spur formation can thus be considered a process that occurs independent of TNF, and RANKL and is triggered by destructive arthritis. [source] Inhibition of interleukin-6 receptor directly blocks osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivoARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 9 2009Roland Axmann Objective To investigate the efficacy of a murine anti,interleukin-6 receptor (anti,IL-6R) antibody in directly blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Methods The efficacy of a murine antibody against IL-6R in blocking osteoclast differentiation of mononuclear cells stimulated with RANKL was tested. In addition, arthritic human TNF,,transgenic mice were treated with anti,IL-6R antibody, and osteoclast formation and bone erosion were assessed in arthritic paws. Results Blockade of IL-6R dose dependently reduced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in monocyte cultures stimulated with RANKL or RANKL plus TNF. In human TNF,,transgenic mice, IL-6R blockade did not inhibit joint inflammation, but it strongly reduced osteoclast formation in inflamed joints as well as bone erosion in vivo. Neither the cell influx into joints nor the synovial expression of IL-6 and RANKL changed with IL-6R blockade, while the synovial expression of IL-1 was significantly reduced. In contrast, TNF-mediated systemic bone loss was not inhibited by IL-6R blockade. Conclusion These data suggest that blockade of IL-6R directly affects osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a direct and specific effect of anti,IL-6R therapy on osteoclasts independently of its antiinflammatory effects. This effect adds significantly to the structure-sparing potential of pharmacologic blockade of IL-6R in arthritis. [source] The critical role of kinase activity of interleukin-1 receptor,associated kinase 4 in animal models of joint inflammationARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2009Magdalena Koziczak-Holbro Objective We have previously reported that the kinase activity of interleukin-1 receptor,associated kinase 4 (IRAK-4) is important for Toll-like receptor and interleukin-1 receptor signaling in vitro. Using mice devoid of IRAK-4 kinase activity (IRAK-4 KD mice), we undertook this study to determine the importance of IRAK-4 kinase function in complex disease models of joint inflammation. Methods IRAK-4 KD mice were subjected to serum transfer,induced (K/BxN) arthritis, and migration of transferred spleen lymphocytes into joints and cartilage and bone degradation were assessed. T cell response in vivo was tested in antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) by measuring the T cell,dependent antigen-specific IgG production and frequency of antigen-specific T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes. T cell allogeneic response was tested in vitro by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Results Lipopolysaccharide-induced local neutrophil influx into subcutaneous air pouches was impaired in IRAK-4 KD mice. These mice were also protected from inflammation in the K/BxN and AIA models, as shown by reduced swelling of joints. Histologic analysis of joints of K/BxN serum,injected mice revealed that bone erosion, osteoclast formation, and cartilage matrix proteoglycan loss were reduced in IRAK-4 KD mice. Assessment of T cell response by MLR, by frequency of antigen-specific clones, and by production of antigen-specific IgG did not reveal substantial differences between IRAK-4 KD and wild-type mice. Conclusion These results demonstrate that IRAK-4 is a key component for the development of proarthritis inflammation, but that it is not crucial for T cell activation. Therefore, the kinase function of IRAK-4 appears to be an attractive therapeutic target in chronic inflammation. [source] Role of CTA1R7K-COL-DD as a novel therapeutic mucosal tolerance,inducing vector for treatment of collagen-induced arthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2009Annemarie Hasselberg Objective To determine whether a cholera toxin,derived, novel immunomodulating fusion protein, CTA1R7K-COL-DD, carrying the class II major histocompatibility complex H-2q,restricted type II collagen peptide aa 259,274, can induce therapeutic tolerance and prevent collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) when administered intranasally in DBA/1 mice, and to assess whether ADP-ribosylation at the mucosal membranes exerts a regulatory function such that the outcome of tolerance or immune enhancement can be controlled. Methods DBA/1 mice with CIA were treated intranasally with CTA1R7K-COL-DD. The therapeutic effect was monitored for 46 days after the onset of disease. Clinical scoring of disease, histologic examination of inflammation, and bone erosion were assessed, and cytokine levels were determined in the serum or supernatants from splenocytes stimulated with recall antigen. Results The protective effect of CTA1R7K-COL-DD resulted in roughly 60% of the mice having no clinical signs or histologic evidence of disease after treatment, and those with CIA had significantly milder disease with less bone erosion. The protective status was associated with lower serum titers of IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 anticollagen and a substantial decrease in the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17, and interferon-,, while levels of IL-10 were markedly up-regulated both in the serum and at the T cell level. Conclusion The enzymatically inactive mutant fusion protein CTA1R7K-COL-DD provided substantial therapeutic protection against CIA following intranasal administration. The mechanism behind the effect appears to be mediated by peptide-specific regulatory T cells induced by mucosal exposure to the peptide containing CTA1R7K-COL-DD vector. In addition, ADP-ribosylation at the mucosal membranes acts as a key regulator controlling mucosal tolerance or immunity. [source] GATA-3 protects against severe joint inflammation and bone erosion and reduces differentiation of Th17 cells during experimental arthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 3 2009Jan Piet van Hamburg Objective Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with the infiltration of T helper cells into the joints. It is unclear whether interferon-, (IFN,),producing Th1 cells or the novel T helper subset, interleukin-17 (IL-17),producing Th17 cells, are the pathogenic mediators of joint inflammation in chronic nonautoimmune arthritis. Therefore, this study was aimed at examining whether the Th2-specific transcription factor GATA-3 can regulate arthritis, in an experimental murine model, by modulating Th1 and/or Th17 cell polarization. Methods Arthritis was induced with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) in both wild-type and CD2 T cell,specific GATA-3 (CD2,GATA-3),transgenic mice. At days 1 and 7 after the induction of arthritis, knee joints were scored macroscopically for arthritis severity and for histologic changes. Single-cell suspensions were generated from the spleens, lymph nodes, and inflamed knee joints. Cytokine expression by CD4+ T cells was determined using flow cytometry, and IL-17 expression in the inflamed knee joints was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analyses of gene expression were performed for Th17-associated factors. Results Wild-type mice developed severe joint inflammation, including massive inflammatory cell infiltration and bone erosion that increased significantly over time, reaching maximal arthritis scores at day 7. In contrast, only mild joint inflammation was observed in CD2,GATA-3,transgenic mice. This mild effect was further accompanied by systemic and local reductions in the numbers of IL-17+IFN,, and IL-17+IFN,+, but not IL-17,IFN,+, CD4+ T cells, and by induction of Th2 cytokine expression. Moreover, GATA-3 overexpression resulted in reduced gene expression of the Th17-associated transcription factor retinoic acid,related orphan receptor ,t. Conclusion These results indicate that enforced GATA-3 expression protects against severe joint inflammation and bone erosion in mice, accompanied by reduced differentiation of Th17 cells, but not Th1 cells, during mBSA-induced arthritis. [source] Cathepsin K deficiency partially inhibits, but does not prevent, bone destruction in human tumor necrosis factor,transgenic mice,ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 2 2008Uta Schurigt Objective Cathepsin K is believed to have an eminent role in the pathologic resorption of bone. However, several studies have shown that other proteinases also participate in this process. In order to clarify the contribution of cathepsin K to the destruction of arthritic bone, we applied the human tumor necrosis factor (hTNF),transgenic mouse model, in which severe polyarthritis characterized by strong osteoclast-mediated bone destruction develops spontaneously. Methods Arthritis was evaluated in hTNF-transgenic mice that were either wild-type for cathepsin K (CK+/+), heterozygous for cathepsin K (CK+/,), or deficient in cathepsin K (CK,/,). Arthritic knee joints were prepared for standard histologic assessment aimed at establishing a semiquantitative score for joint destruction and quantification of the area of bone erosion. Additionally, microfocal computed tomography was performed to visualize bone destruction in mice with the different CK genotypes. CK+/+ and CK,/, osteoclasts were generated in vitro, and their proteinase expression profiles were compared by complementary DNA array analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and activity assays. Results Although the area of bone erosion was significantly reduced in hTNF-transgenic CK,/, mice, the absence of cathepsin K did not completely protect against inflammatory bone lesions. Several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cathepsins were expressed by in vitro,generated CK,/, osteoclasts, without marked differences from CK+/+ osteoclasts. MMP activity was detected in CK,/, osteoclasts, and MMP-14 was localized by immunohistochemistry in inflammatory bone erosions in hTNF-transgenic CK,/, mice, suggesting MMPs as potential contributors to bone destruction. Additionally, we detected a reduction in osteoclast formation in cathepsin K,deficient mice, both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion The results of our experiments raise doubts about a crucial role of cathepsin K in arthritic bone destruction. [source] Impaired activation-induced cell death promotes spontaneous arthritis in antigen (cartilage proteoglycan),specific T cell receptor,transgenic miceARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 10 2010Ferenc Boldizsar Objective To investigate whether genetic preponderance of a T cell receptor (TCR) recognizing an arthritogenic peptide of human cartilage proteoglycan (PG) is sufficient for development of arthritis. Methods We performed a longitudinal study using BALB/c mice expressing a TCR that recognizes the arthritogenic ATEGRVRVNSAYQDK peptide of human cartilage PG. PG-specific TCR,transgenic (PG-TCR,Tg) mice were inspected weekly for peripheral arthritis until 12 months of age. Peripheral joints were examined histologically, and T cell responses, T cell activation markers, serum cytokines, and autoantibodies were measured. Apoptosis and signaling studies were performed in vitro on T cells from aged PG-TCR,Tg mice. Results Spontaneous arthritis developed as early as 5,6 months of age, and the incidence increased to 40,50% by 12 months of age. Progressive inflammation began with cartilage and bone erosions in the interphalangeal joints, and later expanded to the proximal joints of the front and hind paws. Spontaneous arthritis was associated with a high proportion of activated CD4+ T cells, enhanced interferon-, and interleukin-17 (IL-17) production, and elevated levels of serum autoantibodies. PG-TCR,Tg mice lacking IL-4 developed arthritis earlier and at a higher incidence than IL-4,sufficient mice. Antigen-specific activation,induced cell death was diminished in vitro in CD4+ T cells of PG-TCR,Tg mice with spontaneous arthritis, especially in those lacking IL-4. Conclusion The presence of CD4+ T cells expressing a TCR specific for an arthritogenic PG epitope is sufficient to trigger spontaneous autoimmune inflammation in the joints of BALB/c mice. IL-4 appears to be a negative regulator of this disease, through attenuation of activation-induced cell death. [source] Mammalian target of rapamycin signaling is crucial for joint destruction in experimental arthritis and is activated in osteoclasts from patients with rheumatoid arthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2010Daniel Cejka Objective Activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is important for immune cell activation and bone metabolism. To date, the contribution of mTOR signaling to joint inflammation and structural bone and cartilage damage is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of inhibiting mTOR as a treatment of inflammatory arthritis. Methods Human tumor necrosis factor,transgenic mice in which inflammatory arthritis was developing were treated with 2 different mTOR inhibitors, sirolimus or everolimus. The effects of treatment on clinical disease activity, inflammation, and localized joint and cartilage destruction were studied. In addition, the effects of mTOR inhibition on osteoclast survival and expression of key molecules of osteoclast function were analyzed in vitro. Moreover, synovial tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was assessed for activation of the mTOR pathway. Results Inhibition of mTOR by sirolimus or everolimus reduced synovial osteoclast formation and protected against local bone erosions and cartilage loss. Clinical signs of arthritis improved after mTOR inhibition, and histologic evaluation showed a decrease in synovitis. In vitro, mTOR inhibition down-regulated the expression of digestive enzymes and led to osteoclast apoptosis. Moreover, mTOR signaling was shown to be active in the synovial membrane of patients with RA, particularly in synovial osteoclasts. Conclusion Signaling through mTOR is an important link between synovitis and structural damage in inflammatory arthritis. Current pharmacologic inhibitors of mTOR could be effective in protecting joints against structural damage. [source] Genetic deficiency of Syk protects mice from autoantibody-induced arthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 7 2010Zoltán Jakus Objective The Syk tyrosine kinase plays an important role in diverse functions in hematopoietic lineage cells. Although previous in vitro and pharmacologic analyses suggested Syk to be a possible player in the development of autoimmune arthritis, no in vivo genetic studies addressing that issue have yet been reported. The aim of the present study was to test whether genetic deficiency of Syk affects autoantibody-induced experimental arthritis in the K/BxN serum,transfer model. Methods Syk,/, bone marrow chimeras carrying a Syk-deficient hematopoietic system were generated by transplanting Syk,/, fetal liver cells into lethally irradiated wild-type recipients. After complete repopulation of the hematopoietic compartment, autoantibody-mediated arthritis was induced by injection of arthritogenic K/BxN serum. Arthritis development was monitored by macroscopic and microscopic observation of the ankle joints, micro,computed tomography of bone morphology, as well as a joint function assay. Results Genetic deficiency of Syk in the hematopoietic compartment completely blocked the development of all macroscopic and microscopic signs of arthritis. The Syk,/, mutation also prevented the appearance of periarticular bone erosions. Finally, Syk,/, bone marrow chimeras were completely protected from arthritis-induced loss of articular function. Conclusion Our results indicate that Syk is critically involved in the development of all clinically relevant aspects of autoantibody-mediated K/BxN serum,transfer arthritis in experimental mice. These results provide the first in vivo genetic evidence of the role of Syk in the development of autoimmune arthritis. [source] Mediation of nonerosive arthritis in a mouse model of lupus by interferon-,,stimulated monocyte differentiation that is nonpermissive of osteoclastogenesisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 4 2010Kofi A. Mensah Objective In contrast to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the joint inflammation referred to as Jaccoud's arthritis that occurs in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is nonerosive. Although the mechanism responsible is unknown, the antiosteoclastogenic cytokine interferon-, (IFN,), whose transcriptome is present in SLE monocytes, may be responsible. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of IFN, and lupus on osteoclasts and erosion in the (NZB × NZW)F1 mouse model of SLE with K/BxN serum,induced arthritis. Methods Systemic IFN, levels in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice were elevated by administration of AdIFN,. SLE disease was marked by anti,double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody titer and proteinuria, and Ifi202 and Mx1 expression represented the IFN, transcriptome. Microfocal computed tomography was used to evaluate bone erosions. Flow cytometry for CD11b and CD11c was used to evaluate the frequency of circulating osteoclast precursors (OCPs) and myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) in blood. Results Administration of AdIFN, to (NZB × NZW)F1 mice induced osteopetrosis. (NZB × NZW)F1 mice without autoimmune disease were fully susceptible to focal erosions in the setting of serum-induced arthritis. However, (NZB × NZW)F1 mice with high anti-dsDNA antibody titers and the IFN, transcriptome were protected against bone erosions. AdIFN, pretreatment of NZW mice before K/BxN serum administration also resulted in protection against bone erosion (r2 = 0.4720, P < 0.01), which was associated with a decrease in the frequency of circulating CD11b+CD11c, OCPs and a concomitant increase in the percentage of CD11b+CD11c+ cells (r2 = 0.6330, P < 0.05), which are phenotypic of myeloid DCs. Conclusion These findings suggest that IFN, in SLE shifts monocyte development toward myeloid DCs at the expense of osteoclastogenesis, thereby resulting in decreased bone erosion. [source] A novel T cell cytokine, secreted osteoclastogenic factor of activated T cells, induces osteoclast formation in a RANKL-independent mannerARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 11 2009Leonard Rifas Objective Chronic T cell activation is central to the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory autoimmune disease that leads to severe focal bone erosions and generalized systemic osteoporosis. Previous studies have shown novel cytokine-like activities in medium containing activated T cells, characterized by potent induction of the osteoblastic production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory cytokine and stimulator of osteoclastogenesis, as well as induction of an activity that directly stimulates osteoclast formation in a manner independent of the key osteoclastogenic cytokine RANKL. This study was undertaken to identify the factors secreted by T cells that are responsible for these activities. Methods Human T cells were activated using anti-human CD3 and anti-human CD28 antibodies for 72 hours in AIM V serum-free medium to obtain T cell,conditioned medium, followed by concentration and fractionation of the medium by fast-protein liquid chromatography. Biologically active fractions were resolved using sodium dodecyl sulfate,polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Major bands were analyzed by mass spectrometry, and a major candidate protein was identified. This novel cytokine was cloned, and its expression was analyzed using recombinant DNA technologies. Results A single novel cytokine that could induce both osteoblastic IL-6 production and functional osteoclast formation in the absence of osteoblasts or RANKL and that was insensitive to the effects of the RANKL inhibitor osteoprotegerin was identified in the activated T cell,conditioned medium; this cytokine was designated secreted osteoclastogenic factor of activated T cells (SOFAT). Further analysis of SOFAT revealed that it was derived from an unusual messenger RNA splice variant coded by the threonine synthase,like 2 gene homolog, which is a conserved gene remnant coding for threonine synthase, an enzyme that functions only in microorganisms and plants. Conclusion SOFAT may act to exacerbate inflammation and/or bone turnover under inflammatory conditions such as RA or periodontitis and in conditions of estrogen deficiency. [source] Cathepsin K deficiency partially inhibits, but does not prevent, bone destruction in human tumor necrosis factor,transgenic mice,ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 2 2008Uta Schurigt Objective Cathepsin K is believed to have an eminent role in the pathologic resorption of bone. However, several studies have shown that other proteinases also participate in this process. In order to clarify the contribution of cathepsin K to the destruction of arthritic bone, we applied the human tumor necrosis factor (hTNF),transgenic mouse model, in which severe polyarthritis characterized by strong osteoclast-mediated bone destruction develops spontaneously. Methods Arthritis was evaluated in hTNF-transgenic mice that were either wild-type for cathepsin K (CK+/+), heterozygous for cathepsin K (CK+/,), or deficient in cathepsin K (CK,/,). Arthritic knee joints were prepared for standard histologic assessment aimed at establishing a semiquantitative score for joint destruction and quantification of the area of bone erosion. Additionally, microfocal computed tomography was performed to visualize bone destruction in mice with the different CK genotypes. CK+/+ and CK,/, osteoclasts were generated in vitro, and their proteinase expression profiles were compared by complementary DNA array analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and activity assays. Results Although the area of bone erosion was significantly reduced in hTNF-transgenic CK,/, mice, the absence of cathepsin K did not completely protect against inflammatory bone lesions. Several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cathepsins were expressed by in vitro,generated CK,/, osteoclasts, without marked differences from CK+/+ osteoclasts. MMP activity was detected in CK,/, osteoclasts, and MMP-14 was localized by immunohistochemistry in inflammatory bone erosions in hTNF-transgenic CK,/, mice, suggesting MMPs as potential contributors to bone destruction. Additionally, we detected a reduction in osteoclast formation in cathepsin K,deficient mice, both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion The results of our experiments raise doubts about a crucial role of cathepsin K in arthritic bone destruction. [source] Peripheral blood T lymphocytes from patients with early rheumatoid arthritis express RANKL and interleukin-15 on the cell surface and promote osteoclastogenesis in autologous monocytesARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 4 2006María-Eugenia Miranda-Carús Objective To investigate the osteoclastogenic potential of T cells from the peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on autologous monocytes, and to study the cytokines implicated in this process. Methods T cells and monocytes were isolated from the PB of 20 healthy subjects and 20 patients with early RA, and from the SF of 20 patients with established RA. Autologous T cell/monocyte cocultures were established in the absence of exogenous cytokines or growth factors in order to examine spontaneous ex vivo osteoclast differentiation by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and calcified matrix resorption activity. Results Surface RANKL was expressed on freshly isolated T cells from the PB of patients with early RA and the SF of patients with established RA. In addition, surface interleukin-15 (IL-15) was detected on freshly isolated T cells and monocytes from the PB of patients with early RA and the SF of patients with established RA. Autologous T cell/monocyte cocultures derived from the SF of patients with established RA and from the PB of patients with early RA, but not from the PB of healthy controls, resulted in osteoclast differentiation that was significantly inhibited by osteoprotegerin (OPG) and by neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to IL-15, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor , (TNF,), and IL-1,. OPG, anti-TNF,, and anti,IL-1, demonstrated a cooperative inhibitory effect. At 1-year followup, surface RANKL and IL-15 and ex vivo osteoclastogenesis were no longer observed on PB T cells or monocytes from patients with early RA in whom clinical remission had been achieved with treatment. Conclusion T cells are important contributors to the pathogenesis of bone erosions in RA through interaction with osteoclast precursors of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. [source] | ||||||||||