Molecular and cellular pharmacologyMyricetin enhances osteogenic differentiation through the activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in human bone marrow stromal cells

Myricetina flavonoid compound, has been reported to possess antioxidative, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, no study has yet investigated the effect of myricetin on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs). This study was designed to investigate the effects of myricetin on osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs in vitro. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT and osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, Alizarin red S dye, real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. We found that the ALP activity and the mineralization of hBMSCs were enhanced by treatment with myricetin. Myricetin increased the mRNA expressions of Osteocalcin (OCN), Collagen type I (COL-I), ALP and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Additionally, we found that myricetin activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and increased the expression of several downstream genes including T-cell factor-1(TCF-1) and lymphoid enhancer factor-1 (LEF-1). Depletion of β-catenin almost completely blocked the positive role of myricetin on osteogenic differentiation. Taken together, our findings suggest that myricetin enhanced osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The study may aid in the development of a therapeutic approach utilizing myricetin for the enhancement of bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.