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Published on: November 16, 2011
Hyperglycemia induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent CHOP expression in osteoblasts
Wei Liu1, Xiaoqing Zhu, Qian Wang
1Department of Prosthetics, Stomatology Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China.
Hyperglycemia in diabetes causes bone loss by disrupting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis, leading to increased C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) expression and osteoblast apoptosis, contributing to diabetic osteoporosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Bone Diseases
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Diabetic osteoporosis is a significant global health issue.
- Hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus leads to osteopenia and increased bone fragility.
- The precise molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic osteoporosis remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis and C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) in diabetic osteoporosis.
- To determine if hyperglycemia-induced ER stress and CHOP activation contribute to osteoblast apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Diabetic rat models were established using streptozotocin (STZ) injection.
- Osteoblasts were cultured in high-glucose medium in vitro.
- Bone mineral density (BMD), femur pathology, and CHOP expression in osteoblasts were assessed using immunohistochemistry and western blot.
Main Results:
- Diabetic rats exhibited significantly reduced BMD and fewer osteoblasts in the femur after six weeks.
- Exposure to high-glucose medium in vitro also reduced osteoblast numbers.
- The expression of the ER stress regulator CHOP was significantly elevated in osteoblasts from diabetic rats and those cultured in high-glucose conditions (P<0.01).
Conclusions:
- Hyperglycemia in diabetes elevates CHOP expression, contributing to osteoblast apoptosis and the development of diabetic osteoporosis.
- Elevated CHOP expression is implicated as a key factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic osteoporosis.
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