Abstract
Osteolysis resulting from wear particles and subsequent aseptic loosening is a leading cause of revision surgery of artificial joints. The underlying pathogenesis of particle-induced osteolysis (PPO) has remained largely uncertain. Addressing how to mitigate osteolysis caused by wear particles presents a significant challenge for orthopedic surgeons. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism by which Angiopoietin (Ang-1) inhibits osteoclast activation to alleviate osteolysis. RAW264.7 mouse macrophages were stimulated with LPS or RANKL to induce osteoclast formation. Additionally, titanium (Ti) particles (50 mg) were subperiosteally implanted around the cranial suture of mice to establish a calvarial osteolysis model. Ang-1, a member of the pro-angiogenic factor protein family and an important inflammatory regulator molecule, was utilized in this model. TRAP staining was utilized to detect osteoclast activation, while a western blot was conducted to identify key proteins associated with mitophagy and pyroptosis. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the morphology and dimensions of Ti particles. Additionally, a combination of micro-CT, H&E, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining techniques were applied to analyze the calvarial samples. Results indicated that Ang-1 could inhibit LPS- or RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and alleviate Ti particle-induced calvarial osteolysis in mice. TBK-1, a key signaling molecule involved in initiating mitophagy, was found to be mechanistically enhanced by Ang-1 through promoting TBK-1 phosphorylation in macrophages. This process inhibited AIM2 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and impeded osteoclastogenesis. Overall, this research uncovers a novel mechanism by which Ang-1 can attenuate inflammatory osteolysis, potentially offering a new therapeutic approach for PPO.