Positive Regulation of Osteoblast Proliferation and Differentiation in MC3T3- E1 Cells by 7,3′,4′-Trimethoxyflavone

Objectives: Increasing ratio of bone fragility, and susceptibility to fractures constitutes a major health problem worldwide. Therefore, we aimed to identify new compounds with a potential to increase proliferation and differentiation of bone forming osteoblasts. Methods: Cellular and molecular assays, such as ALP activity, alizarin staining, and flow cytometry were employed to study effect of 7,3′,4′- Trimethoxyflavone (TMF) on osteogenesis. Moreover, gene expression analysis of certain important genes and transcriptional factors was also performed. Results: Our findings report for the first time that natural product TMF is capable of enhancing proliferation, and differentiation in osteoblast cells. Results from flow cytometry analysis also indicated that TMF increases the number of cells in S-phase. Furthermore, treatment with TMF altered the expression of osteogenic genes, OCN and Axin-2, indicating possible activation of Wnt signaling pathway. Conclusion: Taken together, this study identified that 7,3′,4′-Trimethoxyflavone has the potential to enhance osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, possibly through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, TMF promotes osteogenesis and thus can contribute in the prevention of bone fragility, and related disorders.