Licochalcone D inhibits osteoclast differentiation and postmenopausal osteoporosis by inactivating the NF-κB signaling pathway

Background: Osteoporosis is prevalent among postmenopausal women and is characterized by excessive bone resorption primarily mediated by osteoclasts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the natural compound Licochalcone D (Lico D) on osteoclast differentiation and its therapeutic potential in ovariectomized (OVX) mouse models of osteoporosis.

Methods: The cytotoxicity of various doses of Lico D on mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) was evaluated using CCK-8 assays. The differentiation of BMMs into osteoclasts was induced by RANKL treatment, followed by exposure to Lico D at doses of 2, 4, and 8 µg/ml. Additionally, 10 µM BAY 11-7821 (an NF-κB Inhibitor) was used to inhibit NF-κB signaling in RANKL-stimulated BMMs. TRAP staining was conducted to measure osteoblast cell number. Western blot analysis was performed to measure protein levels of osteoclast differentiation markers and NF-κB-related factors. RT-qPCR was performed to assess the mRNA levels of downstream genes in the NF-κB pathway. In animal experiments, OVX mice received intraperitoneal injections of Lico D at doses of 10 or 50 mg/kg. Subsequently, femurs were harvested for histopathological examination.

Results: Lico D at doses of 2-8 µg/ml showed no significant cytotoxicity toward BMMs. In addition, Lico D inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and downregulated protein levels of osteoclast-specific genes (mmp9, ctsk, c-Fos and nfatc1). Moreover, Lico D suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and IκBα in RANKL-treated BMMs. Importantly, the suppressive effects of Lico D, especially at 8 µg/ml, on osteoclast cell number and osteoclast-specific markers were comparable to BAY 11-7821. Moreover, Lico D inhibited OVX-induced bone loss and restored dysregulated bone parameters in mice.

Conclusion: Lico D inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and alleviates postmenopausal osteoporosis in mice by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway.

BAY 11-7821; Bone marrow-derived macrophages; Licochalcone D; NF-κB signaling; Osteoporosis.