The influence of fluoride on the expression of inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in rat skin fibroblast Cells.

The effective therapy of fluoride-induced bone diseases requires an understanding of the mechanism of the disorders. Changes in the inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) and Sclerostin (SOST),were studied in supernatants harvested from rat skin fibroblasts cultured with varied doses of fluoride. The contents of SOST and Dkk-1 in fibroblast supernatants were assessed at four exposure time-points and investigated by using the method of ELISA. Compared to the relevant controls(0 mg F(−)/L), a significant decrease of the concentrations of SOST and Dkk-1 was observed as the fluoride concentration increased. Compared to the relevant time controls (24 h), a significant decrease of the concentrations of SOST and Dkk-1 was observed with the extension of time. Our results suggest that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors Dkk-1 and SOST play an important role in skeletal fluorosis. They can be used as important indications for diagnosing bone metabolism changes caused by fluoride exposure and therapeutic targets in diseases resulting from fluoride exposure.