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Pantoprazole increases cell viability and function of primary human osteoblasts in vitro
Markus Prause1, Claudine Seeliger1, Marina Unger1
1Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675 Munich, Germany.
Injury
|June 5, 2014
Summary
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) did not harm human osteoblasts in vitro. This study found pantoprazole increased osteoblast viability and function, suggesting PPIs do not impair bone cells, contrary to fracture risk concerns.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for acid-related gastrointestinal disorders.
- An association between PPI use and increased fracture risk has been reported, raising concerns about potential bone-related side effects.
- The precise mechanism linking PPIs to fracture risk remains unclear, necessitating investigation into their direct effects on bone cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of pantoprazole, a common PPI, on primary human osteoblasts.
- To determine if pantoprazole exposure adversely affects osteoblast viability, proliferation, and function.
- To assess the impact of pantoprazole on key osteoblast markers, including alkaline phosphatase activity and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Primary human osteoblasts were cultured and stimulated with varying concentrations of pantoprazole (0-10 μg/ml) over 7 days.
- Assays were performed to measure cell proliferation, total cell number, viability, and cytotoxicity.
- Alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein synthesis, and osteoblast-specific gene expression (mRNA level) were quantified.
Main Results:
- Pantoprazole treatment led to increased osteoblast viability and reduced cytotoxicity.
- Cell proliferation and relative cell number remained stable, with only a slight decrease at the highest concentration on day 7.
- Alkaline phosphatase activity and osteoblast-specific gene expression were significantly increased at higher pantoprazole concentrations, indicating enhanced cellular function.
Conclusions:
- In vitro exposure to pantoprazole did not demonstrate adverse effects on primary human osteoblasts.
- Pantoprazole stimulation appeared to enhance osteoblast viability, mitochondrial activity, gene expression, and protein synthesis.
- These findings suggest that impaired osteoblast function is unlikely to be the cause of increased fracture risk observed in patients using PPIs.
