Andrographolide exerts pro-osteogenic effect by activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vitro

Abstract

Background/Aims: Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorders that tortures about millions of people worldwide. Recent studies showed that Andrographolide (AP) is a promising natural compound for the treatment of osteoclast-related bone diseases. However, its potential in treatment of osteoporosis has not been fully explored. Methods: In this study, the effect of AP on osteoblasts metabolism was investigated via the detection of cell proliferation, cell viability, ALP activity, the expression of osteogenic specific genes including runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), Bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP2) and Alkaline phosphatase(ALP) for 3, 5 and 7 days respectively. Further exploration of the association of AP with WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway was performed by examination of the expression of WNT related genes and proteins. Results: Results showed that AP of 4.46 and 8.92 u.M, especially 8.92 μM was beneficial to osteogenic differentiation by upregulating ALP activity and expression of osteogenic related genes (P<0.05). Pathway analyses identify canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway as an important mediator in AP-induced osteogenesis. Conclusion: This study indicates that AP exerts its pro-osteogenic potential via activation of the WNT/β-catenin in osteoblasts and thus may represent a candidate of therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.