The effect of simvastatin on the osteoblastic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells

Objective To investigate the effect of Simvastatin on function of osteoblastic cell differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMCs)in vitro, and to study the mechanisms of anabolic effect of Simvastatin on bone formation. Methods hBMCs from patients underwent artificial femoral head replacement after femoral neck fracture was cultured in vitro. After being added with 1×10~ -1 mol/L of Simvastatin, the changes of Cbfa 1 activity were examined by ELISA, the changes of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were examined by ALP measurement Kit, and the changes of osteocalcin were examined by radioimmunologic assay. Results After the supplementation of Simvastatin,the activity of Cbfa 1 in hBMCs increased, and the level of ALP and osteocalcin(OCN)also increased compared with the control group which did not receive Simvastatin. Conclusion Simvastatin can stimulate osteoblastic differentiation with increased ALP activity and OCN production while promoting the activity of Cbfa 1 in vitro. These results may be parts of the mechanisms of anabolic effect of Simvastatin on bone formation.