FIGURE 6.

NMP inhibits RANKL-induced MMP-9 and cathepsin K expression. a, representative gelatin zymography assay of MMP-9 activity in RAW264.7 cells. RAW264.7 cells were cultured in serum-free DMEM supplemented with SITE liquid medium (Sigma) as indicated. After 48 h of stimulation, aliquots from supernatants were used in zymography assays as described under “Experimental Procedures.” b and c, MMP-9 and cathepsin K mRNAs were determined by real-time PCR after 48 h of stimulation with RANKL alone or in the presence of NMP (as indicated). Data are expressed as the mean ± S.D. (n = 3) from a representative experiment. Rel Quant, relative quantity.