Size and surface modification of amorphous silica particles determine their effects on the activity of human CYP3A4 in vitro

Because of their useful chemical and physical properties, nanomaterials are widely used around the world - for example, as additives in food and medicines - and such uses are expected to become more prevalent in the future. Therefore, collecting information about the effects of nanomaterials on metabolic enzymes is important. Here, we examined the effects of amorphous silica particles with various sizes and surface modifications on cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity by means of two different in vitro assays. Silica nanoparticles with diameters of 30 and 70 nm (nSP30 and nSP70, respectively) tended to inhibit CYP3A4 activity in human liver microsomes (HLMs), but the inhibitory activity of both types of nanoparticles was decreased by carboxyl modification. In contrast, amine-modified nSP70 activated CYP3A4 activity. In HepG2 cells, nSP30 inhibited CYP3A4 activity more strongly than the larger silica particles did. Taken together, these results suggest that the size and surface characteristics of the silica particles determined their effects on CYP3A4 activity and that it may be possible to develop silica particles that do not have undesirable effects on metabolic enzymes by altering their size and surface characteristics.     

Effect of surface properties of silica nanoparticles on their cytotoxicity and cellular distribution in murine macrophages

Surface properties are often hypothesized to be important factors in the development of safer forms of nanomaterials (NMs). However, the results obtained from studying the cellular responses to NMs are often contradictory. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the surface properties of silica nanoparticles and their cytotoxicity against a murine macrophage cell line (RAW264.7). The surface of the silica nanoparticles was either unmodified (nSP70) or modified with amine (nSP70-N) or carboxyl groups (nSP70-C). First, the properties of the silica nanoparticles were characterized. RAW264.7 cells were then exposed to nSP70, nSP70-N, or nSP70-C, and any cytotoxic effects were monitored by analyzing DNA synthesis. The results of this study show that nSP70-N and nSP70-C have a smaller effect on DNA synthesis activity by comparison to unmodified nSP70. Analysis of the intracellular localization of the silica nanoparticles revealed that nSP70 had penetrated into the nucleus, whereas nSP70-N and nSP70-C showed no nuclear localization. These results suggest that intracellular localization is a critical factor underlying the cytotoxicity of these silica nanoparticles. Thus, the surface properties of silica nanoparticles play an important role in determining their safety. Our results suggest that optimization of the surface characteristics of silica nanoparticles will contribute to the development of safer forms of NMs.     

Intestinal absorption and biological effects of orally administered amorphous silica particles

Although amorphous silica nanoparticles are widely used in the production of food products (e.g., as anticaking agents), there is little information available about their absorption and biological effects after oral exposure. Here, we examined the in vitro intestinal absorption and in vivo biological effects in mice of orally administered amorphous silica particles with diameters of 70, 300, and 1,000 nm (nSP70, mSP300, and mSP1000, respectively) and of nSP70 that had been surface-modified with carboxyl or amine groups (nSP70-C and nSP70-N, respectively). Analysis of intestinal absorption by means of the everted gut sac method combined with an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer showed that the intestinal absorption of nSP70-C was significantly greater than that of nSP70. The absorption of nSP70-N tended to be greater than that of nSP70; however, the results were not statistically significant. Our results indicate that silica nanoparticles can be absorbed through the intestine and that particle diameter and surface properties are major determinants of the degree of absorption. We also examined the biological effects of the silica particles after 28-day oral exposure in mice. Hematological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses showed no significant differences between control mice and mice treated with the silica particles, suggesting that the silica nanoparticles evaluated in this study are safe for use in food production.     

Promotion of allergic immune responses by intranasally-administrated nanosilica particles in mice

With the increase in use of nanomaterials, there is growing concern regarding their potential health risks. However, few studies have assessed the role of the different physical characteristics of nanomaterials in allergic responses. Here, we examined whether intranasally administered silica particles of various sizes have the capacity to promote allergic immune responses in mice. We used nanosilica particles with diameters of 30 or 70 nm (nSP30 or nSP70, respectively), and conventional micro-sized silica particles with diameters of 300 or 1000 nm (nSP300 or mSP1000, respectively). Mice were intranasally exposed to ovalbumin (OVA) plus each silica particle, and the levels of OVA-specific antibodies (Abs) in the plasma were determined. Intranasal exposure to OVA plus smaller nanosilica particles tended to induce a higher level of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, IgG and IgG1 Abs than did exposure to OVA plus larger silica particles. Splenocytes from mice exposed to OVA plus nSP30 secreted higher levels of Th2-type cytokines than mice exposed to OVA alone. Taken together, these results indicate that nanosilica particles can induce allergen-specific Th2-type allergic immune responses in vivo. This study provides the foundations for the establishment of safe and effective forms of nanosilica particles.     

Synchronized Cell Cycle Arrest Promotes Osteoclast Differentiation

Osteoclast progenitors undergo cell cycle arrest before differentiation into osteoclasts, induced by exposure to macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). The role of such cell cycle arrest in osteoclast differentiation has remained unclear, however. We here examined the effect of synchronized cell cycle arrest on osteoclast formation. Osteoclast progenitors deprived of M-CSF in culture adopted a uniform morphology and exhibited cell cycle arrest at the G₀–G₁ phase in association with both down-regulation of cyclins A and D1 as well as up-regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27^Kip1. Such M-CSF deprivation also promoted the differentiation of osteoclast progenitors into multinucleated osteoclasts expressing high levels of osteoclast marker proteins such as NFATc1, c-Fos, Atp6v0d2, cathepsin K, and integrin β3 on subsequent exposure to M-CSF and RANKL. Our results suggest that synchronized arrest and reprogramming of osteoclast progenitors renders them poised to respond to inducers of osteoclast formation. Further characterization of such effects may facilitate induction of the differentiation of heterogeneous and multipotent cells into desired cell lineages.     

Hemopexin as biomarkers for analyzing the biological responses associated with exposure to silica nanoparticles

Practical uses of nanomaterials are rapidly spreading to a wide variety of fields. However, potential harmful effects of nanomaterials are raising concerns about their safety. Therefore, it is important that a risk assessment system is developed so that the safety of nanomaterials can be evaluated or predicted. Here, we attempted to identify novel biomarkers of nanomaterial-induced health effects by a comprehensive screen of plasma proteins using two-dimensional differential in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) analysis. Initially, we used 2D-DIGE to analyze changes in the level of plasma proteins in mice after intravenous injection via tail veins of 0.8 mg/mouse silica nanoparticles with diameters of 70 nm (nSP70) or saline as controls. By quantitative image analysis, protein spots representing >2.0-fold alteration in expression were found and identified by mass spectrometry. Among these proteins, we focused on hemopexin as a potential biomarker. The levels of hemopexin in the plasma increased as the silica particle size decreased. In addition, the production of hemopexin depended on the characteristics of the nanomaterials. These results suggested that hemopexin could be an additional biomarker for analyzing the biological responses associated with exposure to silica nanoparticles. We believe that this study will contribute to the development of biomarkers to ensure the safety of silica nanoparticles.     

S100 Calcium-Binding Protein P Secreted from Megakaryocytes Promotes Osteoclast Maturation

Megakaryocytes (MKs) differentiate from hematopoietic stem cells and produce platelets at the final stage of differentiation. MKs directly interact with bone cells during bone remodeling. However, whether MKs are involved in regulating bone metabolism through indirect regulatory effects on bone cells is unclear. Here, we observed increased osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) cultured in MK-cultured conditioned medium (MK CM), suggesting that this medium contains factors secreted from MKs that affect osteoclastogenesis. To identify the MK-secreted factor, DNA microarray analysis of the human leukemia cell line K562 and MKs was performed, and S100 calcium-binding protein P (S100P) was selected as a candidate gene affecting osteoclast differentiation. S100P was more highly expressed in MKs than in K562 cells, and showed higher levels in MK CM than in K562-cultured conditioned medium. In BMMs cultured in the presence of recombinant human S100P protein, osteoclast differentiation was promoted and marker gene expression was increased. The resorption area was significantly larger in S100P protein-treated osteoclasts, demonstrating enhanced resorption activity. Overall, S100P secreted from MKs promotes osteoclast differentiation and resorption activity, suggesting that MKs indirectly regulate osteoclast differentiation and activity through the paracrine action of S100P.     

Protocadherin-7 Regulates Osteoclast Differentiation through Intracellular SET-Binding Domain-Mediated RhoA and Rac1 Activation

Protocadherin-7 (Pcdh7) is a member of the non-clustered protocadherin δ1 subgroup of the cadherin superfamily. Although the cell-intrinsic role of Pcdh7 in osteoclast differentiation has been demonstrated, the molecular mechanisms of Pcdh7 regulating osteoclast differentiation remain to be determined. Here, we demonstrate that Pcdh7 contributes to osteoclast differentiation by regulating small GTPases, RhoA and Rac1, through its SET oncoprotein binding domain. Pcdh7 is associated with SET along with RhoA and Rac1 during osteoclast differentiation. Pcdh7-deficient (Pcdh7^−/−) cells showed abolished RANKL-induced RhoA and Rac1 activation, and impaired osteoclast differentiation. Impaired osteoclast differentiation in Pcdh7^−/− cells was restored by retroviral transduction of full-length Pcdh7 but not by a Pcdh7 mutant that lacks SET binding domain. The direct crosslink of the Pcdh7 intracellular region induced the activation of RhoA and Rac1, which was not observed when Pcdh7 lacks the SET binding domain. Additionally, retroviral transduction of the constitutively active form of RhoA and Rac1 completely restored the impaired osteoclast differentiation in Pcdh7^−/− cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Pcdh7 controls osteoclast differentiation by regulating RhoA and Rac1 activation through the SET binding domain.     

Coronin1C Is a GDP-Specific Rab44 Effector That Controls Osteoclast Formation by Regulating Cell Motility in Macrophages

Osteoclasts are multinucleated bone-resorbing cells that are formed by the fusion of macrophages. Recently, we identified Rab44, a large Rab GTPase, as an upregulated gene during osteoclast differentiation that negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Rab44 negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation remain unknown. Here, we found that the GDP form of Rab44 interacted with the actin-binding protein, Coronin1C, in murine macrophages. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that the interaction of Rab44 and Coronin1C occurred in wild-type and a dominant-negative (DN) mutant of Rab44, but not in a constitutively active (CA) mutant of Rab44. Consistent with these findings, the expression of the CA mutant inhibited osteoclast differentiation, whereas that of the DN mutant enhanced this differentiation. Using a phase-contrast microscope, Coronin1C-knockdown osteoclasts apparently impaired multinuclear formation. Moreover, Coronin1C knockdown impaired the migration and chemotaxis of RAW-D macrophages. An in vivo experimental system demonstrated that Coronin1C knockdown suppresses osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, the decreased cell formation and fusion of Coronin1C-depleted osteoclasts might be due to the decreased migration of Coronin1C-knockdown macrophages. These results indicate that Coronin1C is a GDP-specific Rab44 effector that controls osteoclast formation by regulating cell motility in macrophages.     

Genistein Inhibits Osteoclastic Differentiation of RAW 264.7 Cells via Regulation of ROS Production and Scavenging

Genistein, a phytoestrogen, has been demonstrated to have a bone-sparing and antiresorptive effect. Genistein can inhibit the osteoclast formation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced RAW 264.7 cells by preventing the translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a redox-sensitive factor, to the nucleus. Therefore, the suppressive effect of genistein on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level during osteoclast differentiation and the mechanism associated with the control of ROS levels by genistein were investigated. The cellular antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effect of genistein were confirmed. The translation and activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 1 (Nox1), as well as the disruption of the mitochondrial electron transport chain system were obviously suppressed by genistein in a dose-dependent manner. The induction of phase II antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), was enhanced by genistein. In addition, the translational induction of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was notably increased by genistein. These results provide that the inhibitory effects of genistein on RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation is likely to be attributed to the control of ROS generation through suppressing the translation and activation of Nox1 and the disruption of the mitochondrial electron transport chain system, as well as ROS scavenging through the Nrf2-mediated induction of phase II antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD1 and HO-1.     

FTY720对聚乙烯颗粒诱导的破骨细胞前体细胞RAW264.7分化的影响

目的观察FTY720对聚乙烯颗粒诱导的破骨细胞前体细胞RAW264.7分化的影响,探讨其防治人工关节无菌性松动的可能性。方法构建破骨细胞-成骨细胞(RAW264.7-MC3T3)小室共培养体系及破骨细胞-骨片体系,用FTY720干预受聚乙烯磨损颗粒刺激的RAW264.7细胞的分化,倒置显微镜观察分化细胞的形态;抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatas,TRAP)染色法对破骨细胞进行计数;扫描电镜观察破骨细胞的一般形态及骨吸收效应;ELISA法检测共培养体系中肿瘤坏死因子-α(Tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)和白细胞介素-6(Lnterleuk-in-6,IL-6)的分泌水平;RT-PCR检测破骨细胞表面核因子κB受体活化子(Receptor activator of NFκB,RANK)和TRAP基因mRNA的转录水平。结果聚乙烯颗粒组RAW264.7细胞体积增大,胞质丰富,胞体边缘不齐呈云雾状,细胞核较多;FTY720组TRAP(+)细胞数明显低于聚乙烯颗粒组(P<0.01);破骨细胞呈圆形,细胞间可通过纤维样足突连接,骨片上有破骨细胞附着生长,FTY720组骨吸收陷窝和骨吸收面积均明显低于聚乙烯颗粒组(P<0.01);聚乙烯颗粒组TNF-α和IL-6的分泌水平均明显增加(P<0.01),FTY720组TNF-α和IL-6的分泌受到抑制;FTY720组破骨细胞表面TRAP和RANK基因mRNA的转录水平均明显低于颗粒组(P<0.01)。结论 FTY720能有效抑制破骨细胞前体细胞RAW264.7分化成熟,减少破骨细胞的形成及对骨片的溶解吸收,减少TNF-α、IL-6等炎性因子的分泌,下调RANK、TRAP等破骨细胞特异细胞表型和功能基因mRNA的转录水平,有望成为防治人工关节无菌性松动的药物。     

Mechanism of cellular uptake of genotoxic silica nanoparticles

ABSTRACT: Mechanisms for cellular uptake of nanoparticles have important implications for nanoparticulate drug delivery and toxicity. We have explored the mechanism of uptake of amorphous silica nanoparticles of 14 nm diameter, which agglomerate in culture medium to hydrodynamic diameters around 500 nm. In HT29, HaCat and A549 cells, cytotoxicity was observed at nanoparticle concentrations 1 mug/ml, but DNA damage was evident at 0.1 mug/ml and above. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed entry of the silica particles into A549 cells exposed to 10 mug/ml of nanoparticles. The particles were observed in the cytoplasm but not within membrane bound vesicles or in the nucleus. TEM of cells exposed to nanoparticles at 4 C for 30 minutes showed particles enter cells when activity is low, suggesting a passive mode of entry. Plasma lipid membrane models identified physical interactions between the membrane and the silica NPs. Quartz crystal microbalance experiments on tethered bilayer lipid membrane systems show that the nanoparticles strongly bind to lipid membranes, forming an adherent monolayer on the membrane. Leakage assays on large unilamellar vesicles (400 nm diameter) indicate that binding of the silica NPs transiently disrupts the vesicles which rapidly self-seal. We suggest that an adhesive interaction between silica nanoparticles and lipid membranes could cause passive cellular uptake of the particles.     

Lumican Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Resorption by Suppressing Akt Activity

Lumican, a ubiquitously expressed small leucine-rich proteoglycan, has been utilized in diverse biological functions. Recent experiments demonstrated that lumican stimulates preosteoblast viability and differentiation, leading to bone formation. To further understand the role of lumican in bone metabolism, we investigated its effects on osteoclast biology. Lumican inhibited both osteoclast differentiation and in vitro bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with this, lumican markedly decreased the expression of osteoclastogenesis markers. Moreover, the migration and fusion of preosteoclasts and the resorptive activity per osteoclast were significantly reduced in the presence of lumican, indicating that this protein affects most stages of osteoclastogenesis. Among RANKL-dependent pathways, lumican inhibited Akt but not MAP kinases such as JNK, p38, and ERK. Importantly, co-treatment with an Akt activator almost completely reversed the effect of lumican on osteoclast differentiation. Taken together, our findings revealed that lumican inhibits osteoclastogenesis by suppressing Akt activity. Thus, lumican plays an osteoprotective role by simultaneously increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption, suggesting that it represents a dual-action therapeutic target for osteoporosis.     

Simulated Galactic Cosmic Rays Modify Mitochondrial Metabolism in Osteoclasts,Increase Osteoclastogenesis and Cause Trabecular Bone Loss in Mice

Space is a high-stress environment. One major risk factor for the astronauts when they leave the Earth’s magnetic field is exposure to ionizing radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR). Several adverse changes occur in mammalian anatomy and physiology in space, including bone loss. In this study, we assessed the effects of simplified GCR exposure on skeletal health in vivo. Three months following exposure to 0.5 Gy total body simulated GCR, blood, bone marrow and tissue were collected from 9 months old male mice. The key findings from our cell and tissue analysis are (1) GCR induced femoral trabecular bone loss in adult mice but had no effect on spinal trabecular bone. (2) GCR increased circulating osteoclast differentiation markers and osteoclast formation but did not alter new bone formation or osteoblast differentiation. (3) Steady-state levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial respiration were increased without any changes in mitochondrial mass in pre-osteoclasts after GCR exposure. (4) Alterations in substrate utilization following GCR exposure in pre-osteoclasts suggested a metabolic rewiring of mitochondria. Taken together, targeting radiation-mediated mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming of osteoclasts could be speculated as a viable therapeutic strategy for space travel induced bone loss.     

Alliin Attenuated RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species through Inhibiting Nox1

The healthy skeleton requires a perfect coordination of the formation and degradation of bone. Metabolic bone disease like osteoporosis is resulted from the imbalance of bone formation and/or bone resorption. Osteoporosis also reflects lower level of bone matrix, which is contributed by up-regulated osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. It is reported that monocytes/macrophage progenitor cells or either hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) gave rise to multinucleated osteoclasts. Thus, inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption generally seems to be a predominant therapy for treating osteoporosis. Recently, more and more natural compounds have been discovered, which have the ability of inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and fusion. Alliin (S-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxides, SACSO) is the major component of aged garlic extract (AGE), bearing broad-spectrum natural antioxidant properties. However, its effects on bone health have not yet been explored. Hence, we designed the current study to explore its effects and role in receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast fusion and differentiation. It was revealed that alliin had an inhibitory effect in osteoclasteogenesis with a dose-dependent manner via blocking the c-Fos-NFATc1 signaling pathway. In addition, alliin decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and down-regulated the expression of NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1). The overall results revealed that alliin could be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of osteoporosis.     

Unkeito Suppresses RANKL-Mediated Osteoclastogenesis via the Blimp1–Bcl6 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways and Enhancing Osteoclast Apoptosis

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease, particularly in menopausal women. Herein, we screened four Kampo medicines (Unkeito (UKT), Kamishoyosan (KSS), Kamikihito (KKT), and Ninjinyoeito (NYT)), frequently used to treat menopausal syndromes, for their effects on receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation in RAW 264 cells. Considering that UKT exhibited the most potent effect, we examined its effect on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, the induction of osteoclast apoptosis, and the mechanisms underlying its effects. UKT inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in the early stage and decreases osteoclast-related genes, including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Trap), dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (Dcstamp), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (Mmp9), and cathepsin K (Ctsk). Specifically, UKT inhibits the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1), which is essential for osteoclastogenesis. UKT increases Bcl6, which antagonizes NFATc1 and Dc-stamp, thereby blocking the progression of osteoclasts to maturation. UKT also decreased nuclear translocation by downregulating the activity of p65/NF-κB. In addition, UKT enhances mononuclear osteoclast apoptosis via activation of caspase-3. Herein, we demonstrate that UKT suppresses RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis via the Blimp1–Bcl6 and NF-κB signaling pathways and enhances mononuclear osteoclast apoptosis. Furthermore, UKT prevents bone loss in OVX mice. Thus, UKT might be a potential therapeutic agent for postmenopausal osteoporosis.