Abstract
Bone homeostasis only exists when the physical function of osteoblast and osteoclast stays in the balance between bone formation and resorption. Bone resorption occurs when the two processes are uncoupled, shifting the balance in favour of bone resorption. Excessive activation of osteoclasts leads to a range of osteolytic bone diseases including osteoporosis, aseptic prosthesis loosening, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and its downstream signaling pathways are recognized as key mediators that drive the formation and activation of osteoclastic function. Hence, osteoclast formation and/or its function remain as dominant targets for research and development of agents reaching the treatment towards osteolytic diseases. Chrysin (CHR) is a flavonoid with a wide range of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. However, its effect on osteoclasts remains unknown. In this study, we found the effects of CHR on inhibiting osteoclast differentiation which were assessed in terms of the number and size of TRAcP positive multinucleated osteoclasts (OCs). Further, the inhibitory effects of CHR on bone resorption and osteoclast fusion of pre-OC were assessed by hydroxyapatite resorption pit assay and F-actin belts staining; respectively. Western blotting analysis of RANKL-induced signaling pathways and immunofluorescence analysis for p65 nuclear translocation in response to RANKL-induced osteoclasts were used to analyze the mechanism of action of CHR affecting osteoclasts. Lastly, the murine calvarial osteolysis model revealed that CHR could protect against particle-induced bone destruction in vivo. Collectively, our data strongly suggested that CHR with its promising anti-tumor effects would also be a potential therapeutic agent for osteolytic diseases.