The Inhibition of Osteoblast Viability by Monosodium Urate Crystal-Stimulated Neutrophil-Derived Exosomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bone erosion is common in patients with gout. The role of neutrophil-derived exosomes in gouty bone erosion remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the functions of the neutrophil-derived exosomes in the development of bone erosion in gout. METHODS: Neutrophil-derived exosomes were collected and assessed by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Cell counting kit-8 assay was applied to evaluate cell viability, and cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. In addition, quantitative Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). Neutrophil-derived exosomes were tagged with PKH67. The miRNA expression profiles of exosomes and human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB) were compared using high-throughput sequencing. Functional miRNAs transfected into hFOB after co-incubation with exosomes were selected and validated by preliminary qPCR. RESULTS: Neutrophil-derived exosomes were stimulated by monosodium urate (MSU). The exosomes could inhibit the viability of the hFOB, and the expression levels of ALP and OPG were down-regulated, while the expression level of RANKL was up-regulated. However, there was no significant difference in the viability of osteoclasts and the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells 1. Exosomes were observed in the cytoplasm under a confocal microscopy, confirming that exosomes could be taken up by hFOB. In total, 2590 miRNAs were found, of which 47 miRNAs were differentially expressed. Among the delivered miRNAs, miR-1246 exhibited the highest level of differential expression. The viability of hFOB was reduced by miR-1246 mimics and increased by miR-1246 inhibitors. There was no significant difference in hFOB apoptosis rate between the miR-1246 mimic and miR-1246 inhibitor group. MiR-1246 overexpression decreased the expression levels of ALP and OPG, whereas increasing the expression level of RANKL. In contrast, miR-1246 inhibitor increased the expression levels of ALP and OPG, while decreasing the expression level of RANKL. Neutrophil-derived exosomes stimulated by MSU could increase the expression of miR-1246. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil-derived exosomes stimulated by MSU could inhibit the viability of osteoblasts.