Ginsenoside Rh2(S) induces the differentiation and mineralization of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells through activation of PKD and p38 MAPK pathways

• Published in: BMB reports Vol. 44; no. 10; pp. 659 - 664
• Main Authors: Kim, D.Y., Graduate School of Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Jung, M.S., Graduate School of Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Park, Y.G., Graduate School of Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Yuan, Hai Dan, Graduate School of Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Quan, Hai Yan, Graduate School of Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Chung, S.H., Graduate School of Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) 생화학분자생물학회 01.10.2011
• Subjects: 3T3 Cells; Animals; Calcification, Physiologic - drug effects; Calcification, Physiologic - physiology; Cell Differentiation - drug effects; Differentiation and mineralization; Enzyme Activation - drug effects; Ginsenosides - pharmacology; Humans; MAP Kinase Signaling System - drug effects; MC3T3-E1 cells; Mice; Osteoblasts - cytology; Osteoblasts - drug effects; Osteoblasts - physiology; Osteogenesis - drug effects; Osteogenesis - physiology; p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases - metabolism; PROTEIN KINASE; Protein Kinase C - metabolism; Protein kinase D; PROTEINA QUINASA; PROTEINE KINASE; 화학
• ISSN: 1976-6696; 1976-670X
• DOI: 10.5483/BMBRep.2011.44.10.659

As part of the search for biologically active anti-osteoporotic agents that enhance differentiation and mineralization of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, we identified the ginsenoside Rh2(S), which is an active component in ginseng. Rh2(S) stimulates osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization, as manifested by the up-regulation of differentiation markers (alkaline phosphatase and osteogenic genes) and Alizarin Red staining, respectively. Rh2(S) activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in time- and concentration-dependent manners, and Rh2(S)-induced differentiation and mineralization of osteoblastic cells were totally inhibited in the presence of the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580. In addition, pretreatment with Go6976, a protein kinase D (PKD) inhibitor, significantly reversed the Rh2(S)-induced p38 MAPK activation, indicating that PKD might be an upstream kinase for p38 MAPK in MC3T3-E1 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Rh2(S) induces the differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells through activation of PKD/p38 MAPK signaling pathways, and these findings provide a molecular basis for the osteogenic effect of Rh2(S).