Sanguinarine inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption via suppressing RANKL-induced activation of NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2013 Jan 18;430(3):951-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.12.051. Epub 2012 Dec 19.

Abstract

Sanguinarine is a natural plant extract that has been supplemented in a number of gingival health products to suppress the growth of dental plaque. However, whether sanguinarine has any effect on teeth and alveolar bone health is still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that sanguinarine could suppress osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner. Sanguinarine diminished the expression of osteoclast marker genes, including TRAP, cathepsin K, calcitonin receptor, DC-STAMP, V-ATPase d2, NFATc1 and c-fos. Further investigation revealed that sanguinarine attenuated RANKL-mediated IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, leading to the impairment of NF-κB signaling pathway during osteoclast differentiation. In addition, sanguinarine also affected the ERK signaling pathway by inhibiting RANKL-induced ERK phosphorylation. Collectively, this study suggested that sanguinarine has protective effects on teeth and alveolar bone health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzophenanthridines / pharmacology*
  • Bone Resorption / metabolism*
  • Bone Resorption / pathology
  • Cell Line
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Isoquinolines / pharmacology*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / drug effects
  • Mice
  • NF-kappa B / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Osteoclasts / drug effects*
  • Phosphorylation
  • RANK Ligand / metabolism*

Substances

  • Benzophenanthridines
  • Isoquinolines
  • NF-kappa B
  • RANK Ligand
  • sanguinarine