Mechanical Induction Of Bmp-7 In Osteocyte Blocks Glucocorticoid-Induced Apoptosis Through Pi3k/Akt/Gsk3 Beta Pathway

Mechanical loading is known to promote osteocyte survival, whereas glucocorticoid treatment results in osteocyte apoptosis. Here, we report that BMP-7, which was secreted by osteocyte in response to mechanical loading, exerts anti-apoptotic effect against dexamethasone-induced apoptosis of osteocytes. We further show that the anti-apoptotic effect of BMP-7 is mainly mediated through receptor BMPR2 and is associated with the activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK3 beta pathway.