Cissus quadrangularis Enhances Osteogenic Mineralization and Suppresses Adipogenesis and Osteoclastogenesis

Objective: To examine the effects of ethanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis Linn (CQ-E) on in vitro osteoblastic, adipocytic and osteoclastic development. Methods: CQ-E was obtained by soxhlet extraction method. Cytotoxicity of the extract was determined using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Histochemical and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses of markers specific for each of the three cell lineages were also performed. Results: CQ-E (0-100 μg/ml) showed no toxicity to both mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteoclast precursors. Mineralization appeared to be enhanced by CQ-E treatment. Moreover, CQ-E stimulated the alkaline phosphatase activity but had only little effect on the expressions of bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin genes. In contrast, CQ-E strongly suppressed the number of adipocytes and an amount of lipid droplets. A key adipogenic marker peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ was also downregulated in CQ-E-treated cells. CQ-E also downregulated the expression of calcitonin receptor gene and dramatically decreased the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts. Conclusion: CQ-E stimulates bone matrix mineralization and suppresses adipocyte and osteoclast formation. The results advance our understanding of the use of CQ for preventing and treating diseases involving pathologic bone loss.