Positive Correlation of RANK Expression on Human Monocytes with Age: RANK Expressed on Human Monocytes may play a Role in Senile Osteoporosis

Abstract

Background and aim: Receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) is a member of the TNF receptor superfamily and a receptor for the RANK ligand (RANKL). We previously demonstrated that expression levels of RANK on monocytes are positively correlated with the level of osteoclastogenesis. In this study, we examined the expression of RANKhigh on CD14+ monocytes from patients with osteoarthritis patients (OA) and healthy volunteers (HV). Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from both OA and HV. To study the expression of RANKhigh on CD14+ monocytes, two-colour flow cytometry was performed. Using Spearman’s test, we studied the relation between the age and RANK. Results: Expression levels of RANK on monocytes were positively correlated with the age (P=0.0027). Conclusion: RANK expressed on human monocytes may play a crucial role in senile osteoporosis and may be a novel target for osteoporosis treatment.