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Published on: February 28, 2017
Non-polar lipid from greenshell mussel (Perna canaliculus) inhibits osteoclast differentiation
Parkpoom Siriarchavatana1, Marlena C Kruger2,3, Matthew R Miller4
1School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
Abstract:
The osteoclast-dependent bone resorption process is a crucial part of the bone regulatory system. The excessive function of osteoclasts can cause diseases of bone, joint, and other tissues such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Greenshell mussel oil (GSM), a good source of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFAs), was fractionated into total lipid, polar lipid, and non-polar lipid components and their anti-osteoclastogenic activity tested in RAW 264.7 cell cultures. Osteoclast differentiation process was achieved after 5 days of incubation with RANKL in 24-well culture plates. Introducing the non-polar lipid fraction into the culture caused a lack of cell differentiation, and a reduction in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and TRAP cell numbers in a dose-dependent manner (50% reduction at the concentration of 20 μg/mL, p < 0.001). Moreover, actin ring formation was significantly diminished by non-polar lipids at 10-20 μg/mL. The bone digestive enzymes released by osteoclasts into the pit formation were also compromised by downregulating gene expression of cathepsin K, carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). This study revealed that the non-polar lipid fraction of GSM oil contains bioactive substances which possess potent anti-osteoclastogenic activity.
Insights
The non-polar lipid fraction of Greenshell mussel oil (GSM) inhibits osteoclast differentiation and function. This finding suggests potential therapeutic applications for bone diseases like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Osteoclast overactivity drives bone diseases like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
- Greenshell mussel oil (GSM) is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-osteoclastogenic activity of different lipid fractions derived from GSM oil.
- To identify which lipid component of GSM oil is responsible for inhibiting osteoclast formation and function.
Main Methods:
- Fractionation of GSM oil into total, polar, and non-polar lipid components.
- In vitro culture of RAW 264.7 cells with RANKL to induce osteoclast differentiation.
- Assessment of osteoclast differentiation markers, including TRAP activity, actin ring formation, and gene expression of key osteoclast enzymes.
Main Results:
- The non-polar lipid fraction of GSM significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation and TRAP activity in a dose-dependent manner.
- Non-polar lipids reduced actin ring formation and downregulated the expression of cathepsin K, CA II, MMP-9, and NFATc1.
- These effects were observed at concentrations of 10-20 μg/mL, with a 50% reduction in TRAP activity at 20 μg/mL.
Conclusions:
- The non-polar lipid fraction of GSM oil contains bioactive compounds with potent anti-osteoclastogenic properties.
- These findings highlight the potential of GSM non-polar lipids as a therapeutic strategy for managing bone resorption disorders.
- Further research into the specific compounds and mechanisms of action is warranted.

