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Cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin influences functions of human osteoblasts in vitro
Radoslav Omelka1, Veronika Kovacova2, Vladimira Mondockova1
1Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
Abstract:
Amygdalin has been promoted as an alternative cancer cure. However, it is still unclear how this cyanogenic glycoside affects non-cancer cells including bone cells. This study first investigated the impact of amygdalin on viability, morphology and expression of important genes in human osteoblasts in vitro. Primary human osteoblast cultures were exposed to amygdalin at concentrations 0; 0.1; 1 and 10 mg/mL in growth medium for 72 h. Cell viability, osteoblasts morphology and expression of 10 genes associated with osteoblast-specific pathways, oxidative stress and cell death were determined. Osteoblasts viability was significantly decreased (-27.26%) and their size was reduced (-23.20%) at the highest concentration of amygdalin (10 mg/mL). This concentration of amygdalin down-regulated the expression of COL1A1 and ALPL genes, whereas the expression of BGLAP, TNFSF11 and WNT5A genes was increased. The osteoblast cultivation with 0.1 mg/mL amygdalin caused down-regulation of COL1A1 gene. No changes in expression were determined for RUNX2, BAX, CASP1, SOD1 and GPX1 genes among all tested concentrations of amygdalin. In conclusion, amygdalin in a high concentration negatively affected mineralization of extracellular matrix, increased bone resorption and decreased osteoblast viability. These changes were accompanied by modified expression profiles of responsible genes.
Insights
Amygdalin, a compound promoted for cancer treatment, negatively impacts human osteoblast cells. High concentrations decrease cell viability and alter gene expression, potentially affecting bone health.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Amygdalin is explored as an alternative cancer therapy.
- Its effects on non-cancerous bone cells remain largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding amygdalin's impact on osteoblasts is crucial for assessing its safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of amygdalin on human osteoblast viability, morphology, and gene expression.
- To determine the dose-dependent response of osteoblasts to amygdalin exposure.
Main Methods:
- Primary human osteoblasts were cultured and exposed to varying amygdalin concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 10 mg/mL) for 72 hours.
- Cell viability assays and morphological assessments were performed.
- Quantitative real-time PCR was used to analyze the expression of 10 key genes related to osteoblast function, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Amygdalin significantly reduced osteoblast viability and cell size at the highest concentration (10 mg/mL).
- High amygdalin concentrations altered the expression of genes involved in bone formation (COL1A1, ALPL, BGLAP), bone resorption (TNFSF11), and signaling pathways (WNT5A).
- Lower concentrations (0.1 mg/mL) also affected COL1A1 gene expression, indicating sensitivity to amygdalin.
Conclusions:
- Amygdalin, particularly at high concentrations, adversely affects human osteoblast function.
- Observed effects include reduced cell viability, impaired mineralization, increased bone resorption, and altered gene expression profiles.
- These findings suggest potential risks of amygdalin on bone health, warranting further investigation.
