Inhibition of RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation by Schisandra chinensis through down-regulation of NFATc1 and c-fos expression.

BACKGROUND

Schisandra chinenesis (SC) has been reported to have ameliorative effect on osteoporosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the anti-osteoporosis activity of SC have not been clearly elucidated. In the present study, we determined the effects of SC on The receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and its potential mechanism.

METHODS

Raw 264.7 cells were treated with 0.6, 6 and 60 μg/mL SC in the presence of 100 ng/mL RANKL for 7 days. RANKL-induced osteoclast formation was analyzed by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. The osteoclast differentiation-related factors were confirmed along with TNF-α.

RESULTS

SC inhibits the RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in dose-dependent manner within non-toxic concentrations. The supernatant concentrations of TNF-α were significantly decreased by SC treatment. In addition, osteoclastogenesis-related factors, TRAP6 and NF-κB, were markedly decreased by SC in RANKL-induced osteoclasts. Mechanistically, SC reduced the RANKL-triggered NFATc1 and c-fos expressions.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our data suggest that SC can modulate bone metabolism by suppressing RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation.