The effects of 6-gingerol on proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of osteoblast-like MG-63 cells

We investigated whether 6-gingerol affects the maturation and proliferation of osteoblast-like MG63 cells in vitro. Osteoblast-like MG63 cells were treated with 6-gingerol under control conditions, and experimental inflammation was induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Expression of different osteogenic markers and cytokines was analyzed by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity and biomineralization as markers for differentiation were measured. Treatment with 6-gingerol resulted in insignificant effects on the proliferation rate. 6-Gingerol induced the differentiation of osteoblast-like cells with increased transcription levels of osteogenic markers, upregulated ALP enzyme activity, and enhanced mineralized nodule formation. Stimulation with TNF-α led to enhanced interleukin-6 and nuclear factor-κB expression and downregulated markers of osteoblastic differentiation. 6-Gingerol reduced the degree of inflammation in TNF-α-treated MG-63 cells. In conclusion, 6-gingerol stimulated osteoblast differentiation in normal physiological and inflammatory settings, and therefore, 6-gingerol represents a promising agent for treating osteoporosis or bone inflammation.

本研究旨在探究6-姜酚（6-gingerol）是否可在体外影响成骨样MG63细胞的成熟与增殖。实验中，将成骨样MG63细胞置于对照条件下并用6-姜酚处理，同时通过肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）诱导实验性炎症。采用实时荧光定量PCR（real-time PCR）、蛋白质印迹法（Western blotting）及酶联免疫吸附试验对不同成骨标志物与细胞因子的表达水平进行了分析；此外，还检测了作为分化标志物的碱性磷酸酶（alkaline phosphatase，ALP）活性与生物矿化水平。结果显示，6-姜酚处理对细胞增殖速率未产生显著影响，但可诱导成骨样细胞分化：成骨标志物的转录水平升高、碱性磷酸酶活性上调且矿化结节形成增强。经肿瘤坏死因子-α刺激后，白细胞介素-6与核因子-κB的表达水平上调，而成骨细胞分化标志物的表达则被下调；6-姜酚可减轻经肿瘤坏死因子-α处理的MG63细胞的炎症程度。综上，6-姜酚可在正常生理与炎症环境下均促进成骨细胞分化，因此其有望成为治疗骨质疏松症或骨炎症的潜在候选药物。