Alpha-pinene promotes osteoblast differentiation and attenuates TNFα-induced inhibition of differentiation in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts.

Alpha-pinene (α-pinene) is an organic compound, found in the oils of many species of coniferous trees, especially pine. α-Pinene reportedly has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; however, its effects on osteoblasts are unknown. This study investigated the effects of α-pinene on osteoblast differentiation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα)-induced inhibition of osteogenesis. Culture in control or osteogenic medium containing α-pinene increased osteogenic marker expression. Alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red S staining confirmed that α-pinene enhanced osteoblast differentiation. Also, α-pinene attenuated TNFα-induced inhibition of Smad1/5/9 phosphorylation and extracellular matrix mineralization. Taken together, our findings suggest that α-pinene enhances osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts.