Pro-inflammatory Cytokines and Osteocytes

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAn elevated level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in inflammatory conditions causes bone loss and disrupts vital organ function. Osteocytes comprise>  95% of the cellular component in bone tissue, produce a range of cytokines and signaling molecules, and influence bone and other organ function. In this review, we hypothesized that an elevated level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in inflammatory conditions affects osteocyte survival and function thereby possibly amplifying inflammation, and causing bone loss and non-bone clinical complications.Recent FindingsSeveral studies have reported that the elevated level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in inflammatory conditions alters osteocyte mechanosensitivity, causes osteocyte apoptosis, and modulates osteocyte-derived production of various inflammatory cytokines and signaling molecules. Cytokines and signaling molecules released from osteocytes affect surrounding bone cells and distant organ function in a paracrine and endocrine fashion.SummaryInflammatory diseases including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis affect osteocyte survival and function, and upregulate osteocyte-derived expression of sclerostin, RANKL, TNF α, FGF23, DKK1, and other signaling molecules.
Source: Current Osteoporosis Reports - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research