Androgen receptors and experimental bone loss - an in vivo and in vitro study

Author(s)

Paulo Steffens, Joao ^{[1, 2, 3]} ; Santana Coimbra, Leila ^[2] ; Rossa, Jr., Carlos ^[4] ; Kantarci, Alpdogan ^[1] ; Van Dyke, Thomas E. ^[1] ; Carlos Spolidorio, Luis ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Forsyth Inst, Dept Appl Oral Sci, Cambridge, MA 02142 - USA

^[2] UNESP, Sch Dent Araraquara, Dept Physiol & Pathol, BR-14801903 Araraquara, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Fluminense, Sch Dent Nova Friburgo, Dept Specif Format, BR-28625650 Nova Friburgo, RJ - Brazil

^[4] UNESP, Sch Dent Araraquara, Dept Diag & Surg, BR-14801903 Araraquara, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BONE; v. 81, p. 683-690, DEC 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Testosterone is a sex hormone that exhibits many functions beyond reproduction; one such function is the regulation of bone metabolism. The role played by androgen receptors during testosterone-mediated biological processes associated with bone metabolism is largely unknown. This study aims to use a periodontal disease model in vivo in order to assess the involvement of androgen receptors on microbial-induced inflammation and alveolar bone resorption in experimental bone loss. The impact of hormone deprivation was tested through both orchiectomy and chemical blockage of androgen receptor using flutamide (FLU). Additionally, the direct effect of exogenous testosterone, and the role of the androgen receptor, on osteoclastogenesis were investigated. Thirty male adult rats (n = 10/group) were subjected to: 1-orchiectomy (OCX); 2-OCX sham surgery; or 3-OCX sham surgery plus FLU, four weeks before the induction of experimental bone loss. Ten OCX sham-operated rats were not subjected to experimental bone loss and served as healthy controls. The rats were euthanized two weeks later, so as to assess bone resorption and the production of inflammatory cytokines in the gingival tissue and serum. In order to study the in vitro impact of testosterone, osteoclasts were differentiated from RAW264.7 cells and testosterone was added at increasing concentrations. Both OCX and FLU increased bone resorption, but OCX alone was observed to increase osteoclast count. IL-1 beta production was increased only in the gingival tissue of OCX animals, whereas FLU-treated animals presented a decreased expression of IL-6. Testosterone reduced the osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner, and significantly impacted the production of TNF-alpha; FLU partially reversed these actions. When taken together, our results indicate that testosterone modulates experimental bone loss, and that this action is mediated, at least in part, via the androgen receptor. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/12021-4 - Effect of the testosterone levels reduction on the immunoinflammatory response associated with periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis induction in orchiectomized adult male rats
• Grantee: Luis Carlos Spolidorio
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 10/09658-0 - Effect of the reduction of testosterone level in the imunoinflammatory responses associated to periodontal disease and reumathoid arthritis due orquiectomy in rats
• Grantee: João Paulo Steffens
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate