Inhibition of osteoclastogenesis for periprosthetic osteolysis therapy through the suppression of p38 signaling by fraxetin

Periprosthetic osteolysis belongs to osteolytic diseases, which often occur due to an imbalance between osteoclast and osteoblast number or activity. Fraxetin, a natural plant extract, inhibits osteoblast apoptosis and has therapeutic potential for treating osteolytic diseases. However, data pertaining to the effects of fraxetin on osteoclasts are limited. In the present study, it was demonstrated that the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by fraxetin had an important role on the therapy of titanium particle-induced osteolysis in vivo. In addition, fraxetin was demonstrated to suppress receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Fraxetin inhibited osteoclast differentiation and function through the suppression of p38 signaling and subsequently, the suppression of osteoclast-specific gene expression, including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1, and cathepsin K. In conclusion, fraxetin administration may have potential as a treatment method for periprosthetic osteolysis and other osteolytic diseases.