Comparative Study on the Effects of the Osteogenic Differentiation of Rat Bone Marrow Stromal Cells by Icaritin and Dehydrated Icaritin

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of icaritin and dehydrated icaritin on the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells(rBMSCs).METHODS rBMSCs were cultured by adherence screening method.Icaritin and dehydrated icaritin were supplemented into the culture at 1×10-5 mol·L-1,respectively.The osteogenic differentiation markers including alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity,CFU-FALP,osteocalcin secretion,calcium deposition and mineralized bone modulus were compared among the icaritin,dehydrated icaritin and the control groups.The gene expressions of IGF-1,Osterix and Runx-2 were examined by Real Time RT-PCR.Total protein also was isolated,and the secretion of collagenⅠwas examined by Western-blot.RESULTS Icaritin improved ALP activity,CFU-FALP amount,osteocalcin secretion,calcium deposition and mineralized modulus significantly.Besides,they enhanced the gene expression of IGF-1,Osterix and Runx-2.The secretion of collagenⅠalso was promoted by Icaritin.But these effects could not be detected in dehydrated icaritin group.CONCLUSION Icaritin is stronger than dehydrated icaritin at enhancing the osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs.It is suggested that the difference of configuration between icaritin and dehydrated icaritin lead to the stronger bioactivity of the former chemical.So,we can develop new drugs for antiosteoporosis through reforming the structures of drugs,to enhance the effects while decrease the toxicity.