Ribavirin enhances osteoclast formation through osteoblasts via up-regulation of TRANCE/RANKL.
Hepatitis C combination therapy comprising ribavirin and interferon-alpha causes dramatic improvement with the sustained virological response; however, this treatment may result in the loss of bone mineral density. To investigate the effects of ribavirin on bone cells, we examined osteoblast differentiation as well as the formation of osteoclasts from their precursors. Ribavirin enhances osteoclast formation through osteoblasts by up-regulation of TRANCE/RANKL gene expression, whereas it has no significant effect on either osteoblast differentiation or on bone formation. Understanding ribavirin's underlying mechanism of action on bone cells will enable the improved management of bone loss in chronic hepatitis C patients.
Lee
Junwon
J
Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
Kim
Jung Ha
JH
Kim
Kabsun
K
Jin
Hey Mi
HM
Lee
Keun Bae
KB
Chung
Dong Jin
DJ
Kim
Nacksung
N
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D002460:Cell Line; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051379:Mice; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D053245:RANK Ligand / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D053245:RANK Ligand; C505689:Tnfsf11 protein, mouse; D012254:Ribavirin; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase