Fig. 3. Effects of AGEs on osteoclast-specific genes (A) and activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathway (B) in RANKL-induced marrow macrophages. The osteoclast-specific genes such as RANK, TRAP, MMP-9, cathepsin K, and NFATc1 were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. JNK, p38, ERK, AKT and β-actin were measured by western blots. The grouping of gels/blots cropped from different parts of the same gel.

NC = negative control, PC = positive control, G = 25 mM glucose, M = 25 mM mannitol, AGE = advanced glycated end product, RANKL = receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, TRAP = tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, MMP-9 = matrix metalloproteinases-9, NFATc1 = nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1.