Angiogenin-induced Osteoclastogenesis Mediates Bone Destruction in Oral Squamous Carcinoma

Background/Aim: Bone destruction caused by oral cancer severely impacts patient quality of life. This study aimed to clarify the role of angiogenin (ANG) in osteoclastogenesis and oral cancer-induced bone destruction.

Materials and Methods: Recombinant ANG was used to assess its effects on osteoclast formation and bone resorption activity in bone marrow cultures. ANG-knockdown oral squamous carcinoma HSC-2 cells (ANG-RNAi) were transplanted into intramedullary cavities of femurs. Bone destruction was radiologically analyzed, while angiogenesis and osteoclast induction in the surrounding area of the transplanted lesion were histologically examined.

Results: Recombinant ANG promoted osteoclast formation and bone resorption activity. Transplantation of ANG-RNAi cells significantly reduced tumor growth and bone destruction properties compared to transplantation of control cells. Histological analysis revealed lower angiogenesis and fewer osteoclast induction in the ANG-RNAi cells-transplanted group.

Conclusion: ANG mediates oral cancer-induced bone destruction by promoting osteoclast formation and resorption. These findings suggest that ANG could be a potential therapeutic target for suppressing tumor growth, angiogenesis, and bone destruction in oral cancer therapy.