Ribavirin enhances osteoclast formation through osteoblasts via up-regulation of TRANCE/RANKL.

Abstract

Hepatitis C combination therapy comprising ribavirin and interferon-alpha causes dramatic improvement with the sustained virological response; however, this treatment may result in the loss of bone mineral density. To investigate the effects of ribavirin on bone cells, we examined osteoblast differentiation as well as the formation of osteoclasts from their precursors. Ribavirin enhances osteoclast formation through osteoblasts by up-regulation of TRANCE/RANKL gene expression, whereas it has no significant effect on either osteoblast differentiation or on bone formation. Understanding ribavirin's underlying mechanism of action on bone cells will enable the improved management of bone loss in chronic hepatitis C patients.

• Authors: Junwon Lee, Jung Ha Kim, Kabsun Kim, Hey Mi Jin, Keun Bae Lee, Dong Jin Chung, Nacksung Kim
• Journal: Molecular and cellular biochemistry (Mol Cell Biochem) Vol. 296 Issue 1-2 Pg. 17-24 (Feb 2007) ISSN: 0300-8177 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 16909305 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Interferon-alpha
• RANK Ligand
• Tnfsf11 protein, mouse
• Ribavirin
• Alkaline Phosphatase

Topics

• Alkaline Phosphatase (metabolism)
• Animals
• Antiviral Agents (metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Cell Differentiation (physiology)
• Cell Line
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Hepatitis C, Chronic (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Interferon-alpha (therapeutic use)
• Mice
• Osteoblasts (cytology, physiology)
• Osteoclasts (cytology, physiology)
• Osteogenesis (physiology)
• RANK Ligand (genetics, metabolism)
• Ribavirin (metabolism, therapeutic use)