Cigarette Smoke Exposure Leads to Organic and Mineral Bone Component Changes: The Importance of Rho Kinase Function in These Events

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da Silva, Alex Ferreira ; Lima, Franciele Jesus ; Moreira, Alyne Riani ; Silva, Cintia do Nascimento ; de Oliveira, Ivone Braga ; Callera, Alexandra Fernandes ; Porfirio, Ana Luiza ; Alves, Luan Henrique Vasconcelos ; Tiberio, Iolanda de Fatima Lopes Calvo ; Velosa, Ana Paula Pereira ; Jorgetti, Vanda ; Teodoro, Walcy Rosolia ; Lopes, Fernanda Degobbi Tiberio Quirino Dos Santos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CELLS; v. 14, n. 7, p. 13-pg., 2025-03-28.

Abstract

Aberrant Rho-associated kinase function could be associated with increased bone fragility. Since cigarette smoke (CS) exposure promotes the increase in bone fragility due to changes in bone tissue components, this study aimed to investigate how CS exposure could modulate the Rho kinase-associated bone structural changes. Mice were assigned to four groups: control; smoke; control with Rho kinase inhibitor administration; and smoke with a Rho kinase inhibitor. Bone samples were obtained to assess bone histomorphometry analysis, type I collagen composition, and MEPE expression in trabeculae. We observed that CS exposure induced decreased trabecular and osteoid thickness. A concomitant increase in the osteoclastic and erosion surfaces and a decrease in the mineralization surface were observed. Additionally, CS exposure decreased the type I collagen and MEPE expression. Rho kinase inhibitor administration recovered the bone mineralization and the collagen type I deposition. Conclusions: CS exposure increases Rho kinase activity in bone cells, leading to structural changes. The administration of a Rho GTPases inhibitor partially reverses these effects, likely due to the recovery in osteoblast activity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/07357-0 - Evaluation of treatment with TNF-alfa inhibitor (adalimumab) on the deleterial effects promoted by smoking in cartilagine and bone tissue: in vitro and in vivo studies
• Grantee: Fernanda Degobbi Tenorio Quirino dos Santos Lopes
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/02537-5 - Characterization of asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS): experimental and clinical studies
• Grantee: Iolanda de Fátima Lopes Calvo Tibério
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants