Effects of Systemic Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Inhibition on Bone and Immune Cells in Aged

Xingming Shi1, Kehong Ding1, Raysa Rosario1

  • 1Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.

Insights

PPARγ inhibition negatively impacts bone structure in aged female mice, despite increasing osteogenic gene expression and reducing inflammation markers in vitro. Immune cell composition remained unaffected.

Area of Science:

  • Bone Biology
  • Immunology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) plays a role in bone metabolism and immune function.
  • Aging is associated with bone loss and altered immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of PPARγ inhibition on bone mass, immune cell profiles, and in vitro osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation in aged female mice.
  • To assess the impact of PPARγ inhibition on inflammation-related gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Aged female mice were treated with a PPARγ antagonist (GW9662) for 6 weeks.
  • Bone microarchitecture was analyzed using micro-computed tomography.
  • Immune cell composition in marrow and spleen was assessed.
  • In vitro studies examined stromal stem cell osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation and gene expression.

Main Results:

  • PPARγ inhibition led to reduced bone volume, trabecular number, and increased trabecular spacing in aged female mice.
  • No significant changes were observed in marrow and spleen immune cell composition.
  • In vitro, GW9662 treatment enhanced osteogenic gene expression but did not affect adipogenic genes.
  • GW9662 treatment decreased the expression of several inflammation-related genes.

Conclusions:

  • PPARγ inhibition may have detrimental effects on bone structure in aged female mice.
  • While PPARγ inhibition shows potential for reducing inflammation and promoting osteogenesis in vitro, its in vivo effects on bone are negative.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the complex role of PPARγ in aging bone and immunity.