Total flavonoids from celery suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption function via attenuating NF-κB and p38 pathways in RAW264.7 cells

Abstract

Skeletal diseases caused by excessive activation of osteoclasts seriously affect elderly’s health. Therefore, inhibiting excessive activation of osteoclasts become effective therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis. Celery, a traditional and popular Chinese vegetable with high nutritional value, is rich in flavonoids which have a variety of pharmacological activities. The present study aimed to determine the pharmacological effect of total flavonoids of celery (TFC) on osteoclastogenesis, and to explore the molecular mechanisms. Results showed that TFC inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption without significant toxic and side effect. Furthermore, the results of western blot analysis and qPCR indicated that TFC inhibited the degradation of IκBα, phosphorylation of NF-κB and p38, and subsequently attenuated the expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes. The results of this study may have a positive impact on the application of TFC as functional food ingredients, which has potential preventive and therapeutic effects on osteoclast-related diseases.

Keywords

• Osteoclast
• Total flavonoids
• MAPKs
• NF-κB
• Osteoporosis