Inhibition of VEGF gene expression in osteoblast cells by different NSAIDs

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression in two osteoblast cell populations. DesignOsteoblasts obtained by primary culture (HOp) and human osteosarcoma cell line MG63 (MG-63), which were treated with 10 μM doses of acetaminophen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketorolac, naproxen or piroxicam. At 24 h of treatment, their gene expression of VEGF was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and compared with the expression in untreated cells (control group). ResultsThe treatment with the different NSAIDs significantly reduced VEGF expression regardless of the cell line and NSAID studied. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that these drugs may have undesirable effects on the osteoblast and its bone-forming capacity, given the effect of this growth factor on these cells. Further studies are warranted to determine their repercussions on bone tissue and to elucidate the cell signaling mechanism/s involved.