Abstract
BackgroundThe potential benefits of earthworm (Pheretima aspergillum) for healing have received considerable attention recently. Osteoblast and osteoclast activities are very important in bone remodeling, which is crucial to repair bone injuries. This study investigated the effects of earthworm extract on bone cell activities.MethodsOsteoblast-like MG-63 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were used for identifying the cellular effects of different concentrations of earthworm extract on osteoblasts and osteoclasts, respectively. The optimal concentration of earthworm extract was determined by mitochondrial colorimetric assay, alkaline phosphatase activity, matrix calcium deposition, Western blotting and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity.ResultsEarthworm extract had a dose-dependent effect on bone cell activities. The most effective concentration of earthworm extract was 3 mg/ml, significantly increasing osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, matrix calcium deposition and the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin and osteocalcin. Conversely, 3 mg/ml earthworm extract significantly reduced the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity of osteoclasts without altering cell viability.ConclusionsEarthworm extract has beneficial effects on bone cell cultures, indicating that earthworm extract is a potential agent for use in bone regeneration.
Highlights
The potential benefits of earthworm (Pheretima aspergillum) for healing have received considerable attention recently
This study evaluated the biological effects of various concentrations of earthworm extract on osteoblast and osteoclast activities via in vitro cell culture
12 mg/ml earthworm extract significantly inhibited osteoblast proliferation (p < 0.001), in which the number of osteoblasts was 43% lower than that in the control group. It indicated that 12 mg/ml earthworm extract was likely toxic to osteoblasts
Summary
The potential benefits of earthworm (Pheretima aspergillum) for healing have received considerable attention recently. Osteoblast and osteoclast activities are very important in bone remodeling, which is crucial to repair bone injuries. This study investigated the effects of earthworm extract on bone cell activities. Large bone defects caused by trauma, inflammation, tumor resection, or skeletal abnormalities are a considerable challenge to reconstructive surgeons. Numerous traditional Chinese medicines are used to treat bone-related diseases, including osteoporosis, bone fracture, and arthritis. The earthworm’s body cavity contains coelomic fluid, which has several biological activities such as antibacterial, hemolytic, This study evaluated the biological effects of various concentrations of earthworm extract on osteoblast and osteoclast activities via in vitro cell culture. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the effects of earthworm extract on the bone cells activities. Bone cell activities were assessed using the tetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, matrix calcium deposition, Western blotting assay and the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity assay
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