The Role of Integrin-Linked Kinase in Regulating Bone Differentiation of Metabolic Syndrome-Derived Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through Autophagy

Abstract

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can differentiate into osteogenesis. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) regulates several biological processes. However, whether ILK affects metabolic syndrome (MS)-derived BMSCs differentiation remains unclear. SD rats were divided into control group and MS group. Diabetic rat model was prepared. BMSCs were divided into control group, MS group and ILK group, in which ILK plasmid was transfected into BMSCs from MS group followed by analysis of ILK, Bcl-2, Bax, RUNX2 and OPN expression by real time PCR, BMSCs proliferation by MTT assay, BMSCs apoptosis, expression of Beclin-3 and LC-3 by Western blot as well as secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 by ELISA. MS group showed significantly reduced BMSCs proliferation, elevated Caspase 3 activity, downregulated Bcl-2, RUNX2 and OPN expression, upregulated Bax level and increased IL-1β and IL-6 secretion as well as decreased Beclin-3 and LC-3 expression compared to control group (P < 0.05). BMSCs with ILK overexpression in high glucose presented significantly promoted BMSCs proliferation, decreased Caspase 3 activity, increased Bcl-2, RUNX2 and OPN expression, decreased Bax expression and IL-1β and IL-6 secretion as well as reduced Beclin-3 and LC-3 expression compared to MS group (P < 0.05). ILK expression in MS-derived BMSCs is decreased. ILK overexpression in BMSCs can promote autophagy, inhibit apoptosis and inflammation, and promote their differentiation into osteoblasts.