Effect of alendronate on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in MG-63 cells

Objective To investigate the effect of alendronate on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in MG-63 cells. Methods MG-63 cells were divided into five groups: negative control (medium alone), positive control(treated with 10-8M dexamethasone), three experimental groups( treated with 10-6M, 10-8M, 10-10M alendronate respectively). After a few days, we analyzed the outcome. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT; Osteogenic differentiation of BMSC was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase bioassay; Gene expression assesses was by RT-PCR. Results alendronate significantly increased the cell number over controls, attaining peak levels at a concentration of 10-8M. Alkaline phosphatase activity was increased. Gene expression of BMP-2, Type I collagen and osteocalcin was enhanced. Conclusion Alendronate, aside from its role as inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption, is promoter of osteoblast proliferation and maturation.