Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:  To explore the gene expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress and differentiation in osteoblast treated by excess fluoride.
METHODS:  Using primary cultured human osteoblasts for fluorosis model in vitro, apoptosis was inspected by flow cytometer, and RNA was extracted for examination of the unfolded protein response and bone differentiation genes.
RESULTS:  Fluoride could cause endoplasm reticulum stress in osteoblasts by 15 genes upregulated, 1 gene downregulated. These genes involved PERK, IRE1 and ATF6 signaling pathways of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Meanwhile 32 osteogenesis genes were upregulated, and 2 genes downregulated, involving collagen, matrix metalloproteinase, integrin, bone morphogenetic protein, vascular endothelial growth factor, and tumor necrosis factor gene.
CONCLUSION:  Excess fluoride can cause endoplasmic stress in osteoblast, while have an impact on the gene expression of osteogenesis.