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The flavonoid quercetin induces apoptosis and inhibits migration through a MAPK-dependent mechanism in osteoblasts

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The present study was undertaken to evaluate effects of quercetin, a major dietary flavonoid occurring in foods of plant origin, on cell viability and migration of osteoblastic cells. Quercetin inhibited cell viability, which was largely attributed to apoptosis, in a dose-and time-dependent manner in osteoblastic cells. Similar cytotoxicity of quercetin was observed in adipose tissue-derived stromal cells. Quercetin exerted a protective effect against H2O2-induced cell death, whereas it increased TNF-α-induced cell death. Western blot analysis showed that quercetin induced activation of ERK and p38, but not JNK. Quercetin-induced cell death was prevented by the ERK inhibitor PD98059, but not by inhibitors of p38 and JNK. Quercetin increased Bax expression and caused depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, which were inhibited by PD98059. Quercetin induced caspase-3 activation, and the quercetininduced cell death was prevented by caspase inhibitors. Quercetin inhibited cell migration, and its effect was prevented by inhibitors of ERK and p38. Taken together, these findings suggest that quercetin induces apoptosis through a mitochondria-dependent mechanism involving ERK activation and inhibits migration through activation of ERK and p38 pathways. Quercetin may exert both protective and deleterious effects in bone repair.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea

    Tae Wook Nam, Chong Il Yoo & Hui Taek Kim

  2. Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan, 602-739, Korea

    Chae Hwa Kwon, Ji Yeon Park & Yong Keun Kim

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  1. Tae Wook Nam
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Correspondence to Yong Keun Kim.

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Nam, T.W., Yoo, C.I., Kim, H.T. et al. The flavonoid quercetin induces apoptosis and inhibits migration through a MAPK-dependent mechanism in osteoblasts. J Bone Miner Metab 26, 551–560 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00774-008-0864-2

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