4-Nonylphenol triggers apoptosis and affects 17-β-Estradiol receptors in calvarial osteoblasts

The present research examines the effects of 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) on mouse primary calvarial osteoblasts (COBs). Incubation of the cells with 4-NP at 10−5 M and 10−6 M striking decreased osteoblasts viability and phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, measured by Annexin V, was greatly enhanced. In addition, an up-regulation of Bax/Bcl2 ratio with a drop in ΔΨm and an increase of cleaved caspase 9 and 3 was found, suggesting that the alkylphenol induced osteoblast death via the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway. Interestingly, treatment with 4-NP was also able to increase cleaved caspase 8 in parallel with the truncated active Bid (t-Bid) suggesting that 4-NP-mediated apoptosis depends on cross talk between the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. It is of relevance, that the apoptotic effects of 4-NP overcame 17-β-Estradiol (17-β E2) induced-survival on osteoblasts. Also, the alkylphenol interfered with 17-β E2 regulated estrogen receptors expression.