Osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells promoted by quercetin

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate overall effect of quercetin on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mouse adipose stem cells (mASCs) in vitro.

Materials and methods: Mouse adipose stem cells were isolated from subcutaneous fat pads and induced into the osteogenic lineage. Effects of quercetin on cell proliferation were assessed using MTT assay. Then they were treated by quercetin for 3, 7 and 11 days in a range of concentrations. Finally, effects of quercetin on osteogenic differentiation of mASCs were analysed by Real-Time PCR.

Results: Data of MTT assay showed that quercetin did not enhance mASC proliferation in a dose-dependent or time-dependent manner. Results of qPCR indicated that quercetin promoted expressions of Osx, Runx2, BMP-2, Col-1, OPN and OCN at the mRNA level in the presence of osteo-induction medium.

Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that quercetin was not active in terms of enhancing mASCs proliferation; however, it increased osteogenesis of mASCs by up-regulation of genes including Osx, Runx2, BMP-2, Col-1, OPN and OCN.