Gene therapy with human recombinant osteoprotegerin reverses established osteopenia in ovariectomized mice

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that is typically treated by the long-term repeated administration of antiresorptive agents. Gene therapy has the potential to deliver protein-based antiresorptive agents without the need for repeated administration. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a naturally occuring protein that prevents bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast formation, function and survival. We tested whether adeno-associated virus (AAV) could deliver OPG at levels that are sufficient to reverse established osteopenia in ovariectomized (OVX) mice without causing liver toxicity. Tibial bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) in 12-week-old CDF1 mice prior to OVX or sham surgery. Six weeks later, BMD was significantly reduced in OVX mice compared to sham controls or pre-surgery values. Sham and OVX mice were then injected once IV with an AAV vector carrying cDNA for recombinant hOPG (AAV-OPG) or beta-galactosidase (AAV-betaGal). BMD and bone histomorphometry were assessed 10 weeks after treatment. A single injection of AAV-OPG led to the appearance of human OPG (hOPG) in the serum of mice within 7 days, and high serum levels of hOPG were maintained for the duration of the 10-week study. At the end of the study, OVX mice given AAV-OPG had significantly greater tibial BMD compared to age-matched OVX animals given AAV-betaGal. In sham-operated mice, AAV-OPG also significantly increased tibial BMD compared to AAV-betaGal. The increased BMD in AAV-OPG animals was accompanied by significantly increased bone volume and significantly reduced osteoclast surfaces in the proximal tibial metaphysis. Liver histology was normal, and circulating activities of hepatocyte cytosolic enzymes were unaffected by AAV exposure. In an accompanying experiment, young (3-4 weeks) C57BL/6 mice treated once IV with AAV-OPG maintained pharmacologically active levels of OPG in serum for at least 16 months. In summary, a single AAV-OPG treatment reversed established osteopenia in OVX mice without evidence of liver toxicity. AAV delivery appears to be a safe and effective method for producing sustained systemic exposure to OPG.