Biomedical subjects

R T Turner

Publications and source records attributed to R T Turner.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

2-methoxyestradiol induces interferon gene expression and apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells.

2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME), a naturally occurring mammalian metabolite of 17beta-estradiol, has been implicated as a physiological inhibitor of tumor cell proliferation. In this study, the effects of 2-ME on cultured osteosarcomatous cells were investigated. Dose-dependent growth inhibition was observed in MG63 and TE85 human osteosarcoma cells exposed to 2-ME. The cell killing by 2-ME was ligand-specific; the immediate precursor (2-hydroxyestradiol), the parent compound (17beta-estradiol), and the equivalent metabolite of estrone (2-methoxyestrone) exhibited less potency and efficacy. Furthermore, 2-ME was similarly effective at killing immortalized human fetal osteoblastic cells (hFOB) with and without estrogen receptor-alpha and -beta and rat osteosarcoma cells (ROS17/2.8). The cytotoxicity of 2-ME was selective to transformed and immortalized osteoblastic cells; 2-ME (2 microm) had no effect on the proliferation of primary cultures of human osteoblasts. Co-treatment with the potent estrogen receptor ligand, ICI-182,780, did not reduce 2-ME-induced osteosarcoma cell death, implying that this action is not mediated by conventional estrogen receptors. The expression levels of bone matrix protein genes, type 1 collagen and osteonectin, were transiently reduced after 2-ME treatment, suggesting that the surviving cells are capable of producing bone matrix. The 2-ME-mediated killing of osteosarcoma cells was due to the induction of apoptosis; treatment induced expression of interferon genes within 12 h and histological evidence of apoptosis within 48 h of 2-ME treatment. Thus, our results demonstrate that 2-ME is highly cytotoxic to osteosarcoma cells but not normal osteoblasts. These findings suggest that further study of 2-ME as a potential intervention for treatment of osteosarcoma is warranted.

2-Methoxyestradiol↗

PubMed2002

Memapsin 2 (beta-secretase) as a therapeutic target.

As beta-secretase, memapsin 2 cleaves amyloid-beta precursor protein, which leads ultimately to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. As such, memapsin 2 is an excellent target of inhibitor drugs for the treatment of this disease. Here we describe the tools for memapsin 2 inhibitor design that have been developed and results from the structure-based inhibitor design. Strategy for the design of memapsin 2 inhibitors with pharmaceutical potential is also discussed.

Alzheimer Disease↗

PubMed2001

Subsite specificity of memapsin 2 (beta-secretase): implications for inhibitor design.

Memapsin 2 is the protease known as beta-secretase whose action on beta-amyloid precursor protein leads to the production of the beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide. Since the accumulation of Abeta in the brain is a key event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, memapsin 2 is an important target for the design of inhibitory drugs. Here we describe the residue preference for the subsites of memapsin 2. The relative k(cat)/K(M) values of residues in each of the eight subsites were determined by the relative initial cleavage rates of substrate mixtures as quantified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. We found that each subsite can accommodate multiple residues. The S(1) subsite is the most stringent, preferring residues in the order of Leu > Phe > Met > Tyr. The preferences of other subsites are the following: S(2), Asp > Asn > Met; S(3), Ile > Val > Leu; S(4), Glu > Gln > Asp; S(1)', Met > Glu > Gln > Ala; S(2)', Val > Ile > Ala; S(3)', Leu > Trp > Ala; S(4)', Asp > Glu > Trp. In general, S subsites are more specific than the S' subsites. A peptide comprising the eight most favored residues (Glu-Ile-Asp-Leu-Met-Val-Leu-Asp) was found to be hydrolyzed with the highest k(cat)/K(M) value so far observed for memapsin 2. Residue preferences at four subsites were also studied by binding of memapsin 2 to a combinatorial inhibitor library. From 10 tight binding inhibitors, the consensus preferences were as follows: S(2), Asp and Glu; S(3), Leu and Ile; S(2)', Val; and S(3)', Glu and Gln. An inhibitor, OM00-3, Glu-Leu-Asp-LeuAla-Val-Glu-Phe (where the asterisk represents the hydroxyethylene tansition-state isostere), designed from the consensus residues, was found to be the most potent inhibitor of memapsin 2 so far reported (K(i) of 3.1 x 10(-10) M). A molecular model of OM00-3 binding to memapsin 2 revealed critical improvement of the interactions between inhibitor side chains with enzyme over a previous inhibitor, OM99-2 [Ghosh, A. K., et al. (2000) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 14, 3522-3523].

Alzheimer Disease↗

PubMed2001

Animal models for osteoporosis.

Animal models will continue to be important tools in the quest to understand the contribution of specific genes to establishment of peak bone mass and optimal bone architecture, as well as the genetic basis for a predisposition toward accelerated bone loss in the presence of co-morbidity factors such as estrogen deficiency. Existing animal models will continue to be useful for modeling changes in bone metabolism and architecture induced by well-defined local and systemic factors. However, there is a critical unfulfilled need to develop and validate better animal models to allow fruitful investigation of the interaction of the multitude of factors which precipitate senile osteoporosis. Well characterized and validated animal models that can be recommended for investigation of the etiology, prevention and treatment of several forms of osteoporosis have been listed in Table 1. Also listed are models which are provisionally recommended. These latter models have potential but are inadequately characterized, deviate significantly from the human response, require careful choice of strain or age, or are not practical for most investigators to adopt. It cannot be stressed strongly enough that the enormous potential of laboratory animals as models for osteoporosis can only be realized if great care is taken in the choice of an appropriate species, age, experimental design, and measurements. Poor choices will results in misinterpretation of results which ultimately can bring harm to patients who suffer from osteoporosis by delaying advancement of knowledge.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Skeletal adaptation to external loads optimizes mechanical properties: fact or fiction.

The skeleton adapts to a changing mechanical environment but the widely held concept that bone cells are programmed to respond to local mechanical loads to produce an optimal mechanical structure is not consistent with the high frequency of bone fractures. Instead, the author suggests that other important functions of bone compete with mechanical adaptation to determine structure. As a consequence of competing demands, bone architecture never achieves an optimal mechanical structure.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2001

Aged bone displays an increased responsiveness to low-intensity resistance exercise.

The ability of bone to respond to increased loading as a function of age was tested by use of three-point bending and histomorphometry. The hindlimbs of male Fischer 344 rats of three age groups (young = 4 mo, adult = 12 mo, and old = 22 mo; n = 10 per age group) were progressively overloaded by training the rats to depress a lever high on the side of a cage while wearing a weighted backpack. This squatlike movement required full extension of the hindlimbs. Exercised (Exer) rats performed 50 repetitions three times per week for 9 wk. Pack weight was gradually increased to 65% of body weight. Controls (n = 10 per age group) performed the same exercise without additional weight. Neither the mechanical properties of the femur nor histomorphometry in the proximal tibia was significantly affected in young or adult rats. However, old Exer rats were found to have significantly smaller medullary areas and a decreased trabecular spacing than their age-matched controls. These results suggest a greater sensitivity to increased loading in aged rats.

Aging↗

PubMed2001

Leptin reduces ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats.

Bone mineral density increases with fat body mass, and obesity has a protective effect against osteoporosis. However, the relationship between fat body mass and bone mineral density is only partially explained by a combination of hormonal and mechanical factors. Serum leptin levels are strongly and directly related to fat body mass. We report here the effects of leptin administration compared with estrogen therapy on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats. Leptin was effective at reducing trabecular bone loss, trabecular architectural changes, and periosteal bone formation. Interestingly, the combination of estrogen and leptin further decreased bone turnover compared with that in estrogen-treated ovariectomized rats. Leptin also significantly increased osteoprotegerin mRNA steady state levels and protein secretion and decreased RANK ligand mRNA levels in human marrow stromal cells in vitro. Our findings suggest that leptin could modulate bone remodeling in favor of a better bone balance in rats. This study is the first evidence that leptin therapy has a significant effect in preventing ovariectomy-induced bone loss, and this effect may at least in part be mediated by the osteoprotegerin/RANK ligand pathway.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

The dose-response effects of ethanol on the human fetal osteoblastic cell line.

Alcohol is a risk factor for the development of osteoporosis, especially in men. Chronic alcohol abuse decreases bone mass, which contributes to the increased incidence of fractures. To better understand the mechanism of action of ethanol on bone metabolism, we have studied the dose-response effects of ethanol on conditionally immortalized human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB) in culture. Ethanol treatment had no significant effects on osteoblast number after 1 day or 7 days. Ethanol treatment did not reduce type I collagen protein levels at either time point at any dose but slightly reduced alkaline phosphatase activity after 7 days. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, and osteonectin were unaltered by 24 h of ethanol treatment but a high dose (200 mM) reduced mRNA levels for the two bone matrix proteins after 7 days. Ethanol treatment led to dose-dependent increases in transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA levels and decreases in TGF-beta2 mRNA levels. The concentration of ethanol in the medium decreased with time because of evaporation but there was little degradation caused by metabolism. These results, which show that cultured osteoblasts are less sensitive than osteoblasts in vivo, suggest that the pronounced inhibitory effects of ethanol on bone formation are not caused by direct cell toxicity.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2001

Moderate alcohol consumption suppresses bone turnover in adult female rats.

Chronic alcohol abuse is a major risk factor for osteoporosis but the effects of moderate drinking on bone metabolism are largely uninvestigated. Here, we studied the long-term dose-response (0, 3, 6, 13, and 35% caloric intake) effects of alcohol on cancellous bone in the proximal tibia of 8-month-old female rats. After 4 months of treatment, all alcohol-consuming groups of rats had decreased bone turnover. The inhibitory effects of alcohol on bone formation were dose dependent. A reduction in osteoclast number occurred at the lowest level of consumption but there were no further reductions with higher levels of consumption. An imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption at higher levels of consumption of alcohol resulted in trabecular thinning. Our observations in rats raise the concern that moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages in humans may reduce bone turnover and potentially have detrimental effects on the skeleton.

Alcohol Drinking↗

PubMed2001

Tissue-selective effects of continuous release of 2-hydroxyestrone and 16alpha-hydroxyestrone on bone, uterus and mammary gland in ovariectomized growing rats.

2-Hydroxyestrone (2-OHE(1)) and 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE(1)) have been reported to be risk factors for negative bone balance and breast cancer, respectively. The roles of these two metabolites of estrone as estrogen agonists or antagonists with respect to estrogen target tissues, or both, are poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to characterize metabolite and tissue-specific differences between the actions of hydroxylated estrones on selected reproductive and non-reproductive estrogen target tissues in growing rats. First, the effects of ovariectomy were determined. Ovariectomy had the expected effects, including increases in all dynamic bone measurements at the proximal tibial epiphysis, without induction of bone loss. Second, ovariectomized growing rats were continuously treated for 3 weeks with 2-OHE(1), 16alpha-OHE(1), 17beta-estradiol (E(2)), a combination of E(2) and 2-OHE(1) (E(2)+2-OHE(1)), or a combination of E(2) and 16alpha-OHE(1) (E(2)+16alpha-OHE(1)), using controlled release subcutaneous implanted pellets containing 5 mg 2-OHE(1), 5 mg 16alpha-OHE(1), 0.05 mg E(2) or placebo. E(2) reduced body weight gain and radial and longitudinal bone growth as well as indices of cancellous bone turnover, and increased serum cholesterol, uterine wet weight and epithelial cell height, and proliferative cell nuclear antigen labeling in mammary gland. The hydroxylated estrones did not alter uterine wet weight and 16alpha-OHE(1) antagonized the E(2)-stimulated increase in epithelial cell height. 2-OHE(1) had no effect on cortical bone, whereas 16alpha-OHE(1) was an estrogen agonist with respect to all cortical bone measurements. 16alpha-OHE(1) also behaved as an estrogen agonist with respect to serum cholesterol and cancellous bone measurements. 2-OHE(1) had no effect on most E(2)-regulated indices of cancellous bone growth and turnover, but was a weak estrogen agonist with respect to mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate. Neither estrogen metabolite influenced body weight gain. Third, weanling rats were treated for 1 week with vehicle, E(2) (200 microg/kg per day) or 16alpha-OHE(1) (30, 100, 300, 1000 and 3000 microg/kg per day) to confirm uterotropic effects of daily subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of 16alpha-OHE(1). 16alpha-OHE(1) increased uterine weight in a dose-response manner to values that did not differ from rats treated with E(2). We conclude that the estrogen metabolites 2-OHE(1) and 16alpha-OHE(1) have target tissue-specific biological activities which differ from one another as well as from E(2). These findings add further support to the concept that there are several classes of estrogens with distinct biological activities. Furthermore, differences in the route of administration could influence the tissue specificity of estrogen metabolites.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Effects of parathyroid hormone on bone formation in a rat model for chronic alcohol abuse.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholism is a risk factor for osteoporosis and it is not clear whether the detrimental effects of alcohol on bone are reversible. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a potent stimulator of bone matrix synthesis and is being investigated as a therapeutic agent to reverse bone loss. The present investigation was designed to determine the effects of PTH on bone formation in a rat model for chronic alcohol abuse. METHODS AND RESULTS: Alcohol was administered in the diet of female rats (35% caloric intake) for 2 weeks. Human (1-34) PTH (80 microg/kg/day) was administered subcutaneously during the second week of the study. Alcohol resulted in a transient reduction in steady-state mRNA levels for the bone matrix proteins type 1 collagen, osteocalcin, and osteonectin compared with rats that were fed an alcohol-free (control) diet. As expected, alcohol decreased and PTH increased histologic indices of bone formation. Additionally, two-way ANOVA demonstrated that alcohol antagonized PTH-induced bone formation. Despite antagonism, bone formation and mRNA levels for bone matrix proteins in alcohol-fed rats treated with PTH greatly exceeded the values in rats fed the control diet. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study contribute to a growing body of evidence that alcohol-induced bone loss is primarily due to reduced bone formation. We conclude that alcohol does not prevent the stimulatory effects of PTH on bone formation. This is evidence that the effects of alcohol on the skeleton are reversible. Additionally, the positive effects on bone formation in rats that consumed high concentrations of alcohol suggested that PTH may be useful as an intervention to treat alcohol-induced osteoporosis.

Alcoholism↗

PubMed2001

Effects of alcohol use and estrogen on bone.

In marked contrast with men who drink, women who drink alcohol are found, as a group, to have higher bone mass compared with women who abstain. Furthermore, the apparent beneficial effects of alcohol use are more apparent in postmenopausal women than women of reproductive age, suggesting that there might be an interaction between alcohol and estrogen. Estrogen deficiency accompanying menopause leads to bone loss, which in turn predisposes women to osteoporosis later in life. Estrogen deficiency accelerates bone remodeling, which is the process by which small areas of bone are destroyed and rebuilt, and leads to an imbalance whereby bone resorption--the part of remodeling consisting of breaking down and assimilating--exceeds bone formation. Alcohol might reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women by increasing the circulating levels of estrogen. Alternatively, alcohol might slow bone loss by acting on bone cells to reduce bone remodeling. Alcohol use has a negative effect on the immature skeleton but current understanding suggests that small quantities of alcohol may have beneficial effects on bone in older women.

Alcohol Drinking↗

PubMed2000

The high-affinity estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 has no effect on bone growth in young male rats.

Estrogens have profound effects on the processes of bone formation and turnover in females. The physiological role of this class of hormones on bone metabolism in males is less certain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the high affinity estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 on tibial growth in normal male rats. The effects of ICI 182,780 on growing male rats were compared to orchiectomy, which prevents the synthesis of estrogens as well as androgens. Neither orchiectomy nor ICI 182,780 had an effect on body weight gained. Orchiectomy decreased longitudinal bone growth at the proximal tibial metaphysis and radial bone growth at the tibia-fibula synostosis. In contrast, ICI 182,780 had no effect on either endochondral or intramembranous bone growth. These findings suggest that androgens are more important than estrogens in determining peak bone mass in male rats.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

2-Methoxyestradiol inhibits longitudinal bone growth in normal female rats.

2-Methoxyestradiol (2-MeO-E(2)), a major metabolite of 17beta-estradiol, may function as a physiological tumor suppressor and is being investigated for clinical applications. It has been reported to target rapidly dividing cells. We investigated the effects of 2-MeO-E(2) on the growth plate of young rats because normal longitudinal bone growth requires rapid proliferation of cartilage and endothelial cells. Sexually mature (3-month-old) normal female rats were treated with 2-MeO-E(2) (100 mg/kg/day) for 13 days and it was found to have no effect on uterine weight but reduced serum cholesterol. The estrogen metabolite had no effect on either cortical or cancellous bone. In contrast, 2-MeO-E(2) dramatically reduced longitudinal bone growth rate at the proximal tibia from 55 +/- 2 to 20 +/- 2 microm/day (P < 0.001) and growth plate thickness from 153 +/- 14 to 70 +/- 6 microm (P < 0.001). The latter decrease was due to significant reductions in the height of both the proliferative (P < 0.001) and the hypertrophic (P < 0.001) zones. These results in normal female rats demonstrate that 2-MeO-E(2) inhibited longitudinal bone growth but had no effect on either radial bone growth or cancellous bone turnover. 2-MeO-E(2) was shown by these studies to have the ability to discriminate between bone and cartilage, as well as between reproductive and nonreproductive estrogen-target tissues. Thus, 2-MeO-E(2) is a naturally produced estrogen metabolite that demonstrates unique tissue selectivity.

2-Methoxyestradiol↗

PubMed2000

Effects of estrogen and progesterone on tibia histomorphometry in growing rats.

The present study was performed to evaluate possible interactions between estrogen and progesterone on peak cancellous bone mass. Ovariectomized (OVX) growing rats were treated with 17beta-estradiol (4.8 microg/day), progesterone (4.8 mg/day), a combination of the two sex steroids, or with vehicle for 14 days beginning 7 days after OVX. The tibiae were removed for histomorphometric analysis of the proximal metaphysis. OVX and growth each resulted in net resorption of cancellous bone at a sampling site adjusted for longitudinal bone growth. Estradiol and progesterone treatment each antagonized bone loss by inhibiting the decrease in trabecular number. Estradiol increased but progesterone had no effect on trabecular thickness. Progesterone did not influence either osteoclast number or the resorption of the pretreatment fluorochrome label. Estradiol reduced osteoclast number and inhibited label resorption, the latter change being accentuated by combination treatment. Estradiol reduced and progesterone enhanced the mineral apposition and bone formation rates. The results indicate that estradiol and progesterone have independent activities on cancellous bone turnover during growth. Whereas estradiol reduced bone turnover, progesterone had a stimulatory effect on bone formation. These findings suggest that progesterone has a role in establishing and maintaining peak cancellous bone volume during growth.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Effects of orbital spaceflight on human osteoblastic cell physiology and gene expression.

During long-term spaceflight, astronauts lose bone, in part due to a reduction in bone formation. It is not clear, however, whether the force imparted by gravity has direct effects on bone cells. To examine the response of bone forming cells to weightlessness, human fetal osteoblastic (hFOB) cells were cultured during the 17 day STS-80 space shuttle mission. Fractions of conditioned media were collected during flight and shortly after landing for analyses of glucose utilization and accumulation of type I collagen and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Total cellular RNA was isolated from flight and ground control cultures after landing. Measurement of glucose levels in conditioned media indicated that glucose utilization occurred at a similar rate in flight and ground control cultures. Furthermore, the levels of type I collagen and PGE(2) accumulation in the flight and control conditioned media were indistinguishable. The steady-state levels of osteonectin, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin messenger RNA (mRNA) were not significantly changed following spaceflight. Gene-specific reductions in mRNA levels for cytokines and skeletal growth factors were detected in the flight cultures using RNase protection assays. Steady-state mRNA levels for interleukin (IL)-1alpha and IL-6 were decreased 8 h following the flight and returned to control levels at 24 h postflight. Also, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(2) and TGF-beta(1) message levels were modestly reduced at 8 h and 24 h postflight, although the change was not statistically significant at 8 h. These data suggest that spaceflight did not significantly affect hFOB cell proliferation, expression of type I collagen, or PGE(2) production, further suggesting that the removal of osteoblastic cells from the context of the bone tissue results in a reduced ability to respond to weightlessness. However, spaceflight followed by return to earth significantly impacted the expression of cytokines and skeletal growth factors, which have been implicated as mediators of the bone remodeling cycle. It is not yet clear whether these latter changes were due to weightlessness or to the transient increase in loading resulting from reentry.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2000

Effects of spaceflight and simulated weightlessness on longitudinal bone growth.

Indirect measurements have suggested that spaceflight impairs bone elongation in rats. To test this possibility, our laboratory measured, by the fluorochrome labeling technique, bone elongation that occurred during a spaceflight experiment. The longitudinal growth rate (LGR) in the tibia of rats in spaceflight experiments (Physiological Space Experiments 1, 3, and 4 and Physiological-Anatomical Rodent Experiment 3) and in two models of skeletal unloading (hind-limb elevation and unilateral sciatic neurotomy) were calculated. The effects of an 11 day spaceflight on gene expression of cartilage matrix proteins in rat growth plates were also determined by northern analysis and are reported for the first time in this study. Measurements of longitudinal growth indicate that skeletal unloading generally did not affect LGR, regardless of age, strain, gender, duration of unloading, or method of unloading. There was, however, one exception with 34% suppression in LGR detected in slow-growing, ovariectomized rats skeletally unloaded for 8 days by hind-limb elevation. This detection of reduced LGR by hind-limb elevation is consistent with changes in steady-state mRNA levels for type II collagen (-33%) and for aggrecan (-53%) that were detected in rats unloaded by an 11 day spaceflight. The changes detected in gene expression raise concern that spaceflight may result in changes in the composition of extracellular matrix, which could have a negative impact on conversion of growth-plate cartilage into normal cancellous bone by endochondral ossification.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Restoration of bone mass in the severely osteopenic senescent rat.

Studies in humans and rats suggest that age impairs the ability to form bone. This impairment may be due to a depletion or deficit in osteoprogenitor stem cells. Such a deficit would be expected to reduce the ability of the skeleton to respond to therapy designed to restore lost bone. This study evaluated whether severely osteopenic senescent rats are capable of responding to a potent anabolic factor in bone, prostaglandin E2 (PGE). Growing female Sprague Dawley rats were ovariectomized at 3 months and aged until the start of treatment at 23 months. Rats were treated daily with PGE (3 mg/kg sc) or vehicle for 56 days. Tibiae were harvested for bone histomorphometry and femora were obtained for mRNA analysis of bone matrix proteins. The cancellous bone area was fivefold greater in PGE-treated rats than in vehicle-treated controls and not different from age-matched ovary-intact rats. PGE approximately doubled the bone-forming surface and the mineral apposition rate and increased the bone formation rate fourfold. The increased cancellous bone area in PGE-treated rats was primarily due to an increase in osteoblasts over osteoclasts. One hundred percent of the endocortical surface and 72 +/- 9% of the periosteal surface of cortical bone was undergoing mineralization in PGE-treated rats, whereas no mineratization was evident in vehicle-treated rats. An architectural analysis of cancellous bone indicates that trabecular number and thickness were increased and separation decreased in the treated rats. Imaging by microcomputed tomography further revealed that with PGE treatment, trabeculae in the medial plane of the proximal tibial metaphysis were more robust and continuous with the endocortical surface. PGE also significantly induced message levels for the prepro-alpha (I) subunit of type I collagen (collagen), osteonectin, and osteocalcin. In summary, bone mass can be restored to severely osteopenic senescent rats, suggesting that aging does not necessarily diminish the capacity of the skeleton to form bone.

Aging↗