Inhibitory effects of Formononetin on CoCrMo particle-induced osteoclast activation and bone loss through downregulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling

Wear particle-induced osteoclast over-activation is a major contributor to periprosthetic osteolysis and aseptic loosening, which can cause pathological bone loss and destruction. Hence, inhibiting excessive osteoclast-resorbing activity is an important strategy for preventing periprosthetic osteolysis. Formononetin (FMN) has been shown to have protective effects against osteoporosis, but no previous study has evaluated the effects of FMN on wear particle-induced osteolysis. In this study, we found that FMN alleviated CoCrMo alloy particles (CoPs)-induced bone loss in vivo and inhibited the formation and bone-resorptive function of osteoclasts in vitro. Moreover, we revealed that FMN exerted inhibitory effects on the expression of osteoclast-specific genes via the classical NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in vitro. Collectively, FMN is a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of periprosthetic osteolysis and other osteolytic bone diseases. •Inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is a key therapeutic strategy for treatment of periprosthetic osteolysis.•FMN could alleviate CoCrMo metal particle-induced osteoclast activation and bone loss.•FMN could inhibit osteoclast differentiation and bone-resorbing activity.•FMN could downregulate the classical NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways during osteoclastogenesis.•FMN might be a potential therapeutic agent for treating osteolytic bone diseases.