Effects of citric acid on cultured human osteoblastic cells

We investigated the effects of citric acid (CA) on cultured human osteoblastic (HOB) cells by evaluating cell adhesion, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. 3H-Thymidine–labeled HOB cells were incubated in culture medium supplemented or not with 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10% CA for 1 minute. After incubation, cell morphology was evaluated by Nomarski interferential light microscopy, cell proliferation was accessed by measurements of 3H-thymidine associated to the cells, and cell lysis was monitored by measuring the amount of 3H-thymidine released by cells. We observed that most of the CA-treated cells presented numerous atypical vacuoles, and such cells were also highly polymorphic, exhibiting round-shaped cells. Nonetheless, CA at all concentrations assayed did not yield cytotoxicity as measured by 3H-containing DNA release, although significant decrease in cell proliferation was observed (P > .05). Furthermore, cells which were treated with CA at the lowest concentration assayed (4%) restored normal proliferation rates 3 days after treatment.