Smad2 overexpression induces alveolar bone loss and up regulates TNF-α, and RANKL

Abstract Objective The aim of the current study was to investigate whether Smad2 overexpression in JE cells induced alveolar bone loss, and to understand the mechanisms regulating the bone loss. Methods A mouse line was created that used a cytokeratin 14 (K14) promoter to overexpress Smad2 in the epithelium of the transgenic mice ( K14-Smad2 ). Micro CT radiographs (μCT) were used to assess bone loss, bone volume, and bone density. The expression of Tnf α, Il1- β, Ifγ , Rankl , and Opg were assessed by RT-PCR. Western blots were used to detect the protein levels of TNF-α and IL1-β. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) was used as a marker for osteoclasts. Wild type (WT) mice were used as controls in all steps of the current study. Results K14-Smad2 mice had 52.5% (±4.2) root exposed compared to 32.4%(±3.2) in the WT mice. There was a significant difference in alveolar bone volume in the K14-Smad2 mice when compared to WT mice 2.65 mm 3 (±0.3) and 4.3 mm 3 (±0.35) respectively. K14-Smad2 mice also had reduced bone density 696.8 mg/cc (±70) at 12 months when compared to WT mice 845.9 mg/cc(±10). The mRNA levels of Tnf α and Rankl increased by 3.26- and 2.5-fold respectively in the K14-Smad2 mice when compared to controls. The protein level of TNF-α was also significantly increased to 2.8-fold in K14-Smad2 mice when compared to WT mice. Smad2 overexpression increased the total numbers of osteoclasts in K14-Smad2 mice (3.4 ± 0.2)-fold when compared to WT mice. Conclusion Smad2 overexpression induces alveolar bone loss and increases the numbers of osteoclasts. Also, Smad2 overexpression up-regulates TNF-α and RANKL.