Maqui Berry and Ginseng Extracts Reduce Cigarette Smoke-Induced Cell Injury in a 3D Bone Co-Culture Model

Abstract

Cigarette smoking-induced oxidative stress has harmful effects on bone metabolism. Maqui berry extract (MBE) and ginseng extract (GE) are two naturally occurring antioxidants that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress. By using an osteoblast and osteoclast three-dimensional co-culture system, we investigated the effects of MBE and GE on bone cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The cell viability and function of the co-culture system were measured on day 14. Markers of bone cell differentiation and oxidative stress were evaluated at gene and protein levels on day 7. The results showed that exposure to CSE induced osteoporotic-like alterations in the co-culture system, while 1.5 µg/mL MBE and 50 µg/mL GE improved CSE-impaired osteoblast function and decreased CSE-induced osteoclast function. The molecular mechanism of MBE and GE in preventing CSE-induced bone cell damage is linked with the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Therefore, MBE and GE can reduce CSE-induced detrimental effects on bone cells and, thus, prevent smoking-induced alterations in bone cell homeostasis. These two antioxidants are thus suitable supplements to support bone regeneration in smokers.

A Review of the Functional Characteristics and Applications of Aristotelia chilensis (Maqui Berry), in the Food Industry

“…Moreover, these physiological concentrations can reduce oxidative stress caused by cigarette smoke, having a preventive effect; in conclusion, physiological doses can effectively protect osteoblasts [ 41 ]. Such results are in line with other studies that found an improvement in the function of osteoblasts exposed to cigarette smoke, in the presence of ME concentrations similar (1.5 μg/mL) to those described in the previous study [ 42 ].…”

Physiologic effects of the maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis): a focus on metabolic homeostasis

“…53,54 Consequently, flavonoids appear to target a wide range of biological processes in a variety of disease states (e.g., neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease) 53,54 Although the major focus will be the broad metabolic effects of MBs, it is important to acknowledge that they also have been reported to have wide-ranging biological functions including antimicrobial 20,55 and antiviral activity, 56 antinociceptive properties, 57,58 as well as anticancer actions. 59,60 Furthermore, different maqui extracts were shown to improve parameters of respiratory health in mild smokers, 61 increase bone health, [62][63][64] as well as elicit beneficial effects on eye [65][66][67][68] and brain health [69][70][71] (Fig. 2).…”

Evaluation of Tobacco heating system (THS) during closed lower limb fracture healing in trauma smokers’ patients

“…The number of cases was calculated in consultation with the Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. If bone cells are exposed to cigarette smoke, osteoblasts activity is signi cantly reduced, while osteoclasts is increased, leading to osteoporotic changes in the bone (45,46,49,50). In vitro results show that exposure to THS extract does not signi cantly affect the homeostasis of bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells compared to conventional cigarette smoke (45,46).…”