Sodium fluoride induces apoptosis and alters bcl-2 family protein expression in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells

► NaF reduced the cell viability of MC3T3-E1 in a temporal and concentration dependent manner. ► NaF promoted apoptosis due to a decrease in the bcl-2/bax ratio at both the mRNA and protein levels. ► NaF treatment induced MC3T3-E1 S-phase arrest. ► Bcl-2 family proteins are involved in fluoride induced osteoblast apoptosis.