Ovalbumin-induced asthma leads to bone loss with Piezo channel suppression in mice
Weiqi Gao1, Takeshi Sawada1, Ailin Cao1
1Division of Histology and Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan.
Abstract:
The impact of allergic diseases on bone loss remains unclear because it is considered to result from the use of corticosteroids to ameliorate allergic inflammation. To explore the effects of allergic diseases on bone metabolism, we investigated long bones in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice. Compared with that of vehicle-treated controls, the bone mass of OVA-induced asthmatic mice was lower. We found fewer mature osteoblasts on the surfaces of the cortical and trabecular bones of allergen-sensitized mice than in those of vehicle-treated mice. Piezo1 and Piezo2 were located in mature osteoblasts, and their expression levels decrease during osteocytogenesis. Compared with that in non-asthmatic mice, the expression levels of both Piezo1 and Piezo2 were suppressed in asthmatic mice. The Piezo1 agonist reversed OVA-induced bone loss, with increased osteogenesis and type I collagen (Col1) expression. Furthermore, compared with control mice, Piezo2 heterozygous deletion mice with OVA presented a decreased bone volume. Our data suggest that asthma could induce osteopenia and that Piezo channel modulation could be a possible way to prevent bone loss induced by allergic asthma.
Insights
Allergic asthma may lead to bone loss (osteopenia) by reducing osteoblast activity. Modulating Piezo channels could offer a therapeutic strategy against this bone loss.
Area of Science:
- Bone Metabolism and Endocrinology
- Allergic Inflammation and Immunology
- Mechanobiology and Ion Channels
Background:
- The relationship between allergic diseases and bone loss is not fully understood, often attributed to corticosteroid treatments.
- Allergic inflammation's direct impact on bone metabolism requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of allergic diseases, specifically asthma, on bone metabolism.
- To explore the role of Piezo1 and Piezo2 channels in asthma-induced bone loss.
Main Methods:
- Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model in mice.
- Analysis of bone mass, osteoblast numbers, and Piezo channel expression in long bones.
- Pharmacological modulation using a Piezo1 agonist and genetic deletion of Piezo2.
Main Results:
- OVA-induced asthmatic mice exhibited lower bone mass and reduced mature osteoblasts compared to controls.
- Expression of Piezo1 and Piezo2 channels was suppressed in asthmatic mice.
- Piezo1 activation reversed OVA-induced bone loss, enhancing osteogenesis and collagen type I expression; Piezo2 deficiency exacerbated bone loss in asthmatic mice.
Conclusions:
- Allergic asthma can induce osteopenia, independent of corticosteroid use.
- Piezo channels (Piezo1 and Piezo2) are implicated in the bone loss associated with allergic asthma.
- Piezo channel modulation presents a potential therapeutic target for preventing bone loss in allergic asthma.
