title: Vitamins D3 and K2 may partially counterbalance the detrimental effects of pentosidine in ex vivo human osteoblasts.
abstract: Osteoporosis is a metabolic multifaceted disorder, characterized by insufficient bone strength. It has been recently shown that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) play a role in senile osteoporosis, through bone cell impairment and altered biomechanical properties. Pentosidine (PENT), a wellcharacterized AGE, is also considered a biomarker of bone fracture. Adequate responses to various hormones, such as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, are prerequisites for optimal osteoblasts functioning. Vitamin K2is known to enhance in vitro and in vitro vitamin D-induced bone formation. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of Vitamins D3and K2and PENT on in vitro osteoblast activity, to convey a possible translational clinical message. Ex vivo human osteoblasts cultured, for 3 weeks, with vitamin D3and vitamin K2were exposed to PENT, a well-known advanced glycoxidation end product for the last 72 hours. Experiments with PENT alone were also carried out. Gene expression of specific markers of bone osteoblast maturation [alkaline phosphatase, ALP; collagen I, COL Iα1; and osteocalcin (bone-Gla-protein) BGP] was measured, together with the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand/osteoproteregin (RANKL/OPG) ratio to assess bone remodeling. Expression of RAGE, a well-characterized receptor of AGEs, was also assessed. PENT+vitamins slightly inhibited ALP secretion while not affecting gene expression, indicating hampered osteoblast functional activity. PENT+vitamins up-regulated collagen gene expression, while protein secretion was unchanged. Intracellular collagen levels were partially decreased, and a significant reduction in BGP gene expression and intracellular protein concentration were both reported after PENT exposure. The RANKL/OPG ratio was increased, favouring bone reabsorption. RAGE gene expression significantly decreased. These results were confirmed by a lower mineralization rate. We provided in vitro evidence that glycoxidation might interfere with the maturation of osteoblasts, leading to morphological modifications, cellular malfunctioning, and inhibition of the calcification process. However, these processes may be all partially counterbalanced by vitamins D3and K2. Therefore, detrimental AGE accumulation in bone might be attenuated and/or reversed by the presence or supplementation of vitamins D3and K2.
authors.affiliation: DIMI, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sanguineti
authors.affiliation: DIMI, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Monacelli
authors.affiliation: DIMES, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Parodi
authors.affiliation: Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Furfaro
authors.affiliation: DIMI, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Borghi
authors.affiliation: DIMI, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pacini
authors.affiliation: DIMES, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pronzato
authors.affiliation: DIMI, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Odetti
authors.affiliation: DINOGMI, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Molfetta
authors.affiliation: DIMES, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Traverso
mesh_terms: D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D001120:Arginine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000633:toxicity; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D000090602:Collagen Type I, alpha 1 Chain; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008239:Lysine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000633:toxicity; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015675:Osteocalcin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D053244:Osteoprotegerin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D053245:RANK Ligand / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D024482:Vitamin K 2 / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D024042:Collagen Type I; D000090602:Collagen Type I, alpha 1 Chain; D053244:Osteoprotegerin; D053245:RANK Ligand; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C506030:TNFRSF11B protein, human; C505688:TNFSF11 protein, human; D015675:Osteocalcin; D024482:Vitamin K 2; D002762:Cholecalciferol; D001120:Arginine; C062187:pentosidine; C498978:MOK protein, human; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D008239:Lysine