Effect of icariin on the mRNA expressions of Cbfalpha1, BMP2, BMP4 in rat osteoblasts

To investigate the effect of icariin on the proliferation, differentiation, and the mRNA expressions of Cbfalpha1, BMP2, BMP4 of rat osteoblasts.Primary rat osteoblastic cells were obtained by sequentia collagenase/trypsin enzyme digestion from calvarial bones of new born (within 24 h) SD rats and were identified by Alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining. The passage 3-5 cells were treated with icariin at the concentration of 0 mol/L, 10(-8) mol/L, 10(-7) mol/L, 10(-6) mol/L, 10(-5) mol/L, 10(-4) mol/L for 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and the proliferation of the cells was measured by CCK-8 assay. The proliferation index was detected by Flow Cytometry and the activity of alkaline phosphatase was determined by p-Nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) method after being treated with icariin at the concentration mentioned above for 48 h. The total cellular RNA was extracted 48 h after being treated with icariin at the concentration of 10(-6) mol/L, and the expressions of Cbfalpha1, BMP2, BMP4 mRNA were examined by real-time PCR.Icariin showed no effect on the proliferation of osteoblasts, but improved ALP activity. The Cbfalpha1, BMP2, BMP4 mRNA were significantly upregulated after icariin treatment.Icariin could promote the differentiation ability of rat osteoblasts through upregulating the Cbfalpha1, BMP2, BMP4 mRNA expressions.PubMed06669-734