Osteoblast Role in Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

Alterations in osteoblast growth, differentiation and activity play a role in the pathogenesis of several rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritides, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. In fact, in these rheumatic diseases, abnormal activity of Wnt signaling, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK)-RANK ligand (RANKL)-osteoprotegerin (OPG) signaling, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) pathway and other mechanisms have been described in osteoblasts. This review article is focused on current knowledge on the role of osteoblast dysregulation occurring in rheumatic diseases.

Is it possible to predict a risk of osteoporosis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis? A study of serum levels of markers of bone turnover

“…These results may indicate efficient blocking of anti-osteoblastic effect of TNF-α and IL-6. When administered in vitro, TNF-α inhibits synthesis of type I collagen, OC expression and BAP activity (Corrado et al, 2017), whereas IL-6 interacts negatively with the Wnt signaling pathway (Malysheva et al, 2016). As higher OPG levels may prevent skeletal system from bone destruction through inhibition of osteoclast differentiation, activation and stimulation of their apoptosis (Romas et al, 2002), a potential protective role of biological therapy needs to be further evaluated in the future.…”

Deduction of Novel Genes Potentially Involved in Osteoblasts of Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Next-Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatic Approaches

“…The area of pannus formation is infiltrated by synoviocytes, immune cells, osteoclasts and proliferative vessels, and comes into direct contact with adjacent bone surface, where osteoblasts reside [ 9 ]. Along with immune cells and synovial fibroblasts, the role of osteoblasts in the pathogenesis of articular destruction in RA have gained much attention, with the function of osteoblasts being compromised at sites of focal erosion and reduced mineralization of the newly formed bone in the arthritic joints [ 50 ]. The activity and function of osteoblasts is also inhibited by the hypoxia within the arthritic joint microenvironment [ 51 ].…”

Potential Advantages of Bioactive Compounds Extracted From Traditional Chinese Medicine to Inhibit Bone Destructions in Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…The occurrence of bone destruction in RA is not only the reason of the enhancement of bone resorption mediated by osteoclasts, but also due to the limited bone formation (bone repair) mediated by osteoblasts (Gravallese, 2017). Osteoblasts participate in osteoclasts regulation by expressing RANKL and OPG (Corrado et al, 2017). Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are the main source of osteoblasts, BMSCs is a kind of stem cells with the potential of self-proliferation and multi-directional differentiation, which can differentiate into bone, cartilage, muscle, and other tissues under the action of different environments and stimulating factors (Komori, 2010).…”