Synergistic induction of local glucocorticoid generation by inflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids: implications for inflammation associated bone loss

K. Kaur, R. Hardy, M. M. Ahasan, M. Eijken, J. P. van Leeuwen, A. Filer, A. M. Thomas, K. Raza, C. D. Buckley, P. M. Stewart, E. H. Rabbitt, M. Hewison, M. S. Cooper

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

59 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives Synovial fibroblasts and osteoblasts generate active glucocorticoids by means of the 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 beta-HSD1) enzyme. This activity increases in response to proinflammatory cytokines or glucocorticoids. During inflammatory arthritis synovium and bone are exposed to both these factors. This study hypothesised that glucocorticoids magnify the effects of inflammatory cytokines on local glucocorticoid production in both synovium and bone.Methods The effects of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta/tumour necrosis factor alpha; TNF alpha) and glucocorticoids, alone or combined, were assessed on the expression and activity of 11 beta-HSD1 in primary synovial fibroblasts, primary human osteoblasts and MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. A range of other target genes and cell types were used to examine the specificity of effects. Functional consequences were assessed using IL-6 ELISA.Results In synovial fibroblasts and osteoblasts, treatment with cytokines or glucocorticoids in isolation induced 11 beta-HSD1 expression and activity. However, in combination, 11 beta-HSD1 expression, activity and functional consequences were induced synergistically to a level not seen with isolated treatments. This effect was seen in normal skin fibroblasts but not foreskin fibroblasts or adipocytes and was only seen for the 11 beta-HSD1 gene. Synergistic induction had functional consequences on IL-6 production.Conclusions Combined treatment with inflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids synergistically induces 11 beta-HSD1 expression and activity in synovial fibroblasts and osteoblasts, providing a mechanism by which synovium and bone can interact to enhance anti-inflammatory responses by increasing localised glucocorticoid levels. However, the synergistic induction of 11 beta-HSD1 might also cause detrimental glucocorticoid accumulation in bone or surrounding tissues.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1185-1190
Number of pages6
JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Volume69
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2010

Research programs

  • EMC MM-01-39-02

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Synergistic induction of local glucocorticoid generation by inflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids: implications for inflammation associated bone loss'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this