Blackcurrant extract promotes the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts

Abstract

Background The risk of developing osteoporosis in menopausal women increases as estrogen secretion decreases. Blackcurrant extract (BCE) has been reported to ameliorate osteoporosis; however, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unclear. Furthermore, although BCE has phytoestrogenic activity, its effects on osteoblasts are unknown. In this study, mouse pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were used to investigate BCE-mediated attenuation of osteoporosis, with a focus on osteogenesis. Methods and Results After treating MC3T3-E1 cells with BCE for 48 h, the total number of cells was counted, and no conspicuous differences were observed. The levels of osteoblast differentiation markers, alkaline phosphatase activity, and total collagen content increased in BCE-treated cells on days 3–14. Additionally, the expression of genes encoding osteoblast differentiation markers, including collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and runt-related transcription factor 2, increased in BCE-treated cells. At 21 days of treatment, calcified nodule levels were increased. Conclusions These findings show that BCE may promote osteogenesis by inducing osteoblast differentiation.