Korean Black Goat Extract Exerts Estrogen-like Osteoprotective Effects by Stimulating Osteoblast Differentiation in MC3T3-E1 Cells and Suppressing Osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 Cells

Abstract

Postmenopausal osteoporosis, characterized by an imbalance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-driven bone formation, presents substantial health implications. In this study, we investigated the role of black goat extract (BGE), derived from a domesticated native Korean goat, estrogen-like activity, and osteoprotective effects in vitro. BGE’s mineral and fatty acid compositions were analyzed via the ICP-AES method and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. In vitro experiments were conducted using MCF-7 breast cancer cells, MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, and RAW264.7 osteoclasts. BGE exhibits a favorable amount of mineral and fatty acid content. It displayed antimenopausal activity by stimulating MCF-7 cell proliferation and augmenting estrogen-related gene expression (ERα, ERβ, and pS2). Moreover, BGE positively impacted osteogenesis and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells through Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation, leading to heightened expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2, osteoprotegerin, and collagen type 1. Significantly, BGE effectively suppressed osteoclastogenesis by curtailing osteoclast formation and activity in RAW264.7 cells, concurrently downregulating pivotal signaling molecules, including receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6. This study offers a shred of preliminary evidence for the prospective use of BGE as an effective postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment.