Icariin promotes the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts from the rat mandible by the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway

Icariin (ICA) has been suggested to restore osteogenic function. Many bone defect diseases involve the mandible, which performs distinct functions and responds differently to stimuli from other bones. However, there are few reports describing the effect and mechanism of ICA on mandibular cells. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of ICA on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells isolated from the rat mandible and to determine whether the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway participates in this effect. The present study established an osteoblastic cell line from the rat mandible. ICA at concentrations between 0.15 and 15 mu M promoted the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells following a 72 h incubation. Furthermore, ICA elevated the mRNA expression levels of beta-catenin, runt-related transcription factor 2, cyclin D1 and alkaline phosphatase in osteoblastic cells, and these effects were inhibited by the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-1; thus, the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway may be involved with the ICA-induced proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts from the rat mandible. In conclusion, these results support the osteogenic effects of ICA (0.15 to 15 mu M) on osteoblastic cells from the rat mandible and the participation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway.