2. Academic Validation
  3. Effect of Usnic Acid on Osteoclastogenic Activity

Effect of Usnic Acid on Osteoclastogenic Activity

  • J Clin Med. 2018 Oct 12;7(10):345. doi: 10.3390/jcm7100345.
Kwang-Jin Kim 1,  Min-Hye Jeong 2,  Yongjin Lee 3,  Sue-Jeong Hwang 4,  Han-Byeol Shin 5,  Jae-Seoun Hur 6,  Young-Jin Son 7
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, Jeonnam, Suncheon 57922, Korea. [email protected].
  • 2 Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea. [email protected].
  • 3 Department of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, Jeonnam, Suncheon 57922, Korea. [email protected].
  • 4 Department of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, Jeonnam, Suncheon 57922, Korea. [email protected].
  • 5 Department of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, Jeonnam, Suncheon 57922, Korea. [email protected].
  • 6 Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea. [email protected].
  • 7 Department of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, Jeonnam, Suncheon 57922, Korea. [email protected].
PMID: 30322046 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7100345
Abstract

Osteoclasts are the only cells that can resorb bone and they are produced from monocytes/macrophages in the presence of M-CSF and RANKL and are activated in vivo by an immune response. Usnic acid is a secondary metabolite of lichen and has a unique dibenzofuran skeleton. It has been used for years in cosmetics, fragrances, and traditional medicines. It has a wide range of bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and so on. However, the anti-osteoclastogenic activity of usnic acid has not been reported yet. In this study, we investigated whether usnic acid could affect RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis. Usnic acid significantly inhibited RANKL-mediated osteoclast formation and function by reducing the transcriptional and translational expression of NFATc1, a master regulator of osteoclastogenesis. In addition, it prevented lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced bone erosion in mice. Taken together, our results suggest that usnic acid might be a potential candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Keywords

NFATc1; bone; osteoclast; osteoporosis; usnic acid.

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