• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.379-385
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• 2018

Purpose: Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element for bone mineralization and osteoblast function. We examined the effects of Zn deficiency on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells. Methods: Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured at concentration of 1 to $15{\mu}M$ $ZnCl_2$ (Zn- or Zn+) for 5, 15 and 25 days up to the calcification period. Extracellular matrix mineralization was detected by staining Ca and P deposits using Alizarin Red and von Kossa stain respectively, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was detected by ALP staining and colorimetric method. Results: Extracellular matrix mineralization was decreased in Zn deficiency over 5, 15, and 25 days. Similarly, staining of ALP activity as the sign of an osteoblast differentiation, was also decreased by Zn deficiency over the same period. Interestingly, the gene expression of bone-related markers (ALP, PTHR; parathyroid hormone receptor, OPN; osteopontin, OC; osteocalcin and COLI; collagen type I), and bone-specific transcription factor Runx2 were downregulated by Zn deficiency for 5 or 15 days, however, this was restored at 25 days. Conclusion: Our data suggests that Zn deficiency inhibits osteoblast differentiation by retarding bone marker gene expression and also inhibits bone mineralization by decreasing Ca/P deposition as well as ALP activity.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.43.1-43.12
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• 2022

Osteoclasts (OCs) are clinically important cells that resorb bone matrix. Accelerated bone destruction by OCs is closely linked to the development of metabolic bone diseases. In this study, we screened novel chemical inhibitors targeting OC differentiation to identify drug candidates for metabolic bone diseases. We identified that 1,3-dibenzyl-5-fluorouracil, also named OCI-101, is a novel inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis. The formation of multinucleated OCs is reduced by treatment with OCI-101 in a dose-dependent manner. OCI-101 inhibited the expression of OC markers via downregulation of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand and M-CSF signaling pathways. Finally, we showed that OCI-101 prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss by suppressing OC differentiation in mice. Hence, these results demonstrated that OCI-101 is a good drug candidate for treating metabolic bone diseases.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.9-19
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• 2023

Objectives : Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures. Bisphosphonates and selective estrogen receptors, which are bone resorption inhibitors that are currently widely used as osteoporosis treatments, show serious side effects when administered for a long time. Research on bone resorption inhibitors that complement the problems of existing treatments is needed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activity on the tuberous root of Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino (AM). Methods : After extracting AM using distilled water and ethanol, the inhibitory effects of the two solvents on osteoclast differentiation were compared using the RANKL-induced in vitro experimental model and the TRAP assay kit. The impact of AM on bone resorption was investigated through the pit formation assay, and its effect on F-actin formation was assessed through fluorescent staining. Additionally, protein and mRNA expression levels of osteoclast differentiation markers (NFATc1, c-Fos, TRAP and ATP6v0d2) and resorption markers (MMP-9, CTK, and CA2) were analyzed via western blot and RT-PCR. Results : AM treatment significantly decreased the number of TRAP-positive cells and pit formation area. Furthermore, AM suppressed both the protein and mRNA expression of NFATc1 and c-Fos, key transcription factors involved in osteoclast differentiation and it downregulated the expression of osteoclast-associated genes such as TRAP, CTK, MMP-9, CA2, and ATP6v0d2. Conclusions : These results suggest that AM can inhibit bone resorption and osteoclast differentiation, indicating its potential for use in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

• BMB Reports
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• v.45 no.10
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• pp.571-576
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• 2012

Radiotherapy is considered to cause detrimental effects on bone tissue eventually increasing bone loss and fracture risk. However, there is a great controversy on the real effects of irradiation itself on osteoblasts, and the mechanisms by which irradiation affects osteoblast differentiation and mineralization are not completely understood. We explored how X-ray radiation influences differentiation and bone-specific gene expression in mouse calvarial osteoblasts. Irradiation at 2 Gy not only increased differentiation and mineralization of the cells, but also upregulated the expression of alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, osteopontin, and osteocalcin at early stages of differentiation. However, irradiation at higher doses (>2 Gy) did not stimulate osteoblast differentiation, rather it suppressed DNA synthesis by the cells without a toxic effect. Additional experiments suggested that transforming growth factor-beta 1 and runt-transcription factor 2 play important roles in irradiation- stimulated bone differentiation by acting as upstream regulators of bone-specific markers.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.226-232
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• 2006

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of leptin on biochemical markers of bone metabolism in childhood obesity. Methods: A total of 50 male children (25 obese and 25 controls) were recruited from the pediatric outpatient clinic at the Chosun University Hospital from November 1st 2005 to May 30th 2006. BMI, body fat percentage, serum leptin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), C-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (CICP), total deoxypyridinoline crosslinks (total DPD) were measured. The correlations of leptin with BMI, body fat percentage, B-ALP, CICP, total DPD were analyzed by Pearson's correlation. In a multiple stepwise regression analysis, leptin after correction for body weight was evaluated if there was a correlation with biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption respectively. Results: The leptin levels of the obese group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p=0.012). In the obese group, the leptin level was significantly positively correlated with the BMI (r=0.551, p=0.01) and the percentage of body fat (r=0.584, p=0.018). In the obese group, of bone markers, B-ALP (r=-0.613, p=0.026) and CICP (r=-0.583, p=0.037) were negatively correlated with leptin. B-ALP (r=-0.728, p=0.007) and CICP (r=-0.684, p=0.014) were negatively correlated with leptin when corrected for body weight. In the control group, bone markers were not correlated with leptin. In the multiple stepwise regression analyses, there was a negative correlation between the leptin and B-ALP (Y=-39.653X+356.341, p=0.026), CICP (Y=-13.437X+ 116.013, p=0.037) respectively in the obese group. Conclusion: Leptin was a significant factor in the bone formation but not in bone resorption in childhood obesity.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.204-211
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• 2012

Objectives: Dental implants installation in patients with diabetes remains controversial as altered bone healing around implants has been reported. And little is known about the biological factors involved in bone healing around implants. The present study aimed to investigate the biological markers around immediately placed implants in rats with controlled and uncontrolled diabetes. Materials and Methods: Twenty rats (40 sites) were divided into the control, insulin-treated and diabetic groups. The rats received streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) to induce diabetes; animals in the insulin-treated group also received three units of subcutaneous slow-release insulin. Two threaded titanium alloy implant ($1.2{\times}3mm$) were placed in the extraction socket of the both maxillary first molars and allowed for healing. Bone blocks including implant were harvested at 3 days, 1, 2 and 4 weeks. The levels of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4, transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$, osteocalcin (OC) and osteonectin (ON) were measured in the peri-implant osseous samples by RT-PCR. Results: The BMP-4 level increased immediately in all groups by day 3, then decreased abruptly in the control and the insulin-treated groups. However, by week 4, all groups showed mostly the same amount of BMP-4 expression. The level of TGF-${\beta}1$ also instantly increased by day 3 in the insulin-treated group. This level elevated again reaching the same values as the control group by week 4, but was not as high as the diabetic group. In addition, the expression of OC and ON in the control and insulin-treated groups was higher than that of the diabetic group at 2 weeks and 4 weeks, indicating active bone formation in these groups. Conclusion: The immediate placement of titanium implants in the maxilla of diabetic rat led to an unwanted bone healing response. Conclusively, the results of this study suggest that immediate implant insertion in patients with poorly controlled diabetes might be contraindicated.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.25-30
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• 2011

We investigated the effect of a lactic acid extract of Sargassum horneri (ExSL) as a calcium supplement on bone formation in 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats for 4 weeks of their growth phase. The rats were divided into four groups based on diet: two calcium-sufficient and two calcium-deficient diets. The normal control group (NC) was fed AIN-93G; the NCS group was fed the same diet containing 1% extract; the calcium-deficient control (DC) diet was based on AIN-93G; and the DCS group received the same calcium-deficient diet plus 1% extract. Bone formation in the rats was evaluated using the wet weight, length, diameter, and bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur. Serum parameters were also examined. The food intake among the groups did not differ significantly (P<0.05). The NCS group gained the most body weight, while the DC group gained much less weight than the other groups. The feeding efficiencies of the groups that received the extract (NCS and DCS) were slightly higher than those of the control groups (NC and DC). The calcium intakes of all groups depended on the amount of calcium in the feed; the NCS and DCS diets contained 12.15 mg more calcium than the NC and DC diets. The calcium absorption was lower in NCS than in DC and DCS, but significantly higher than in NC (P<0.05). The BMDs in the calcium-sufficient groups were not significantly different (P<0.05), while in the calcium-deficient groups the BMD was significantly higher in DCS than in DC (P<0.05). The serum calcium and phosphorus levels in all groups were not associated with markers of bone growth related to the extract. The osteocalcin content and alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity were higher in the calcium-deficient groups than in the normal groups (P<0.05). Ultimately, the osteocalcin content and ALPase activity were lower in DCS compared to DC. These results suggest that the addition of ExSL promotes bone formation and calcium absorption in growing rats.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.95-102
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• 2002

DM is a systemic disease with many complications. One of them, diabetic osteopenia is important sequelae and many authors reported reduced bone mass in diabetic rats. However, in mandible, study has been rare because of its anatomical limits. So the objective of this study was to investigate bony change in mandible of diabetic rats. Thirty-two adult rats were used in this study. Half of them were male and female respectively. In sixteen rats, streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally to induce DM and the serum glucose concentration was checked to ensure the induction of DM prior to the time of sacrifice. At 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16weeks, control group and diabetic group rats were sacrificed respectively. And then bone mineral density of mandibles and femurs of the rats was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry(DEXA). In addition serum osteocalcin and urine deoxypyridinoline were measured as markers of bone formation and resoption respectively. Mandibular and femoral bone density in streptozotocin induced rats was decreased with significance statistically after 4 weeks from injection. In mandible, comparing with femur, bone density was moderately decreased. The alveolar bone in mandible was more decreased bone density than the whole body in the mandible From these results, bone mineral density decreased in uncontrolled diabetic group with time, and especially alveolar bone was more destructive in the mandible. So authors think that consideration of reduced bone mineral density is necessary in dental procedure.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.593-600
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• 2014

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease characterized by low bone mass which is caused by disturbance in the balance between the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is one of the most common disorders in women after menopause, which is linked to an estrogen deficiency and characterized by an excessive loss of trabecular bone. Rubus coreanus has been used for their various pharmacological properties in Asia as a traditional medicine. To investigate the effect of unripe fruits of R. coreanus 30% ethanol extract (RCE) on osteoblast-like cells (MG63) differentiation, we examined the effects of RCE on in vitro osteoblastic differentiation markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and receptor activator of nuclear factor ${\kappa}$-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression. The high concentration (50 and $100{\mu}g/mL$) of RCE markedly increased ALP activity, whereas decreased the RANKL/OPG. We also investigated the effect of RCE on M-CSF plus RANKL-induced differentiation of pre-osteoclast cells (RAW 264.7). RCE treatment remarkably inhibited M-CSF/RANKL-induced formation of osteoclast-like multinuclear cells from RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of RCE was reduced by selective estrogen receptor-${\alpha}$ antagonist. Our research suggests that suggested that unripe fruits of R. coreanus may act beneficial effects on bone mass by regulating both osteoblast and osteoclast.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.235-243
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• 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate a natural material extracted from germinated brown rice (GBR). Herein, we evaluated whether the natural material could positively activate the biological effects seen during bone formation, including enhancement of metabolic activity, osteogenesis, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the growth factors in human osteoblast-like cells. Methods: The natural material was created by a hot water extraction process after being soaked for 2~3 days in tap water and dried at $50^{\circ}C$. The material was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The biological behaviors of the material were also investigated; we performed tests to assess cell cytotoxicity, metabolic activity, osteogenic markers related to bone formation, and VEGF. Results: The EDX, XRD, and FTIR results for the natural material indicated the presence of organic compounds. The natural material caused positive increases in cell metabolic activity and mineralized bone formation without cytotoxicity. The protein levels in the extract for the $6.25{\mu}g/mL$, $12.25{\mu}g/mL$, $25{\mu}g/mL$, $50{\mu}g/mL$, and $100{\mu}g/mL$ groups were significantly different from that for the control. Conclusions: The GBR-based natural material was easy to prepare and had characteristics of a potential biomaterial. The biocompatibility of this natural material was evaluated using in vitro techniques; our findings indicate that this novel material is promising for agricultural and biological applications.