Involvement of CB2 signalling pathway in the development of osteoporosis by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of hBMSCs

The aim of the present study was to explore the potential mechanism underlying the involvement of CB2 in osteoporosis. Micro‐CT was utilized to examine femur bone architecture. Also, real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis were utilized to detect the effect of 2‐AG on the expression of CB2 and Notch, or the interaction between CB2 and Notch 2. 2‐AG treatment up‐regulated BMD, Tb.Sp and SMI in OVX mice, whereas proportion of bone volume in total volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N) and bone mineral density (BMD) were decreased in 2‐AG‐treated OVX mice. Accordingly, 2‐AG administration up‐regulated Notch 1 expression in OVX mice but had no effect on CB2 and Notch 2 expression. Meanwhile, 2‐AG administration promoted the differentiation of hBMSCs in OVX mice, while exhibiting no effect on the proliferation of hBMSCs. Furthermore, in the cellular models, 2‐AG treatment also up‐regulated Notch 1 expression but had no effect on CB2 and Notch 2 expression, while Notch 1 shRNA had no effect on CB2 and Notch 2 expression. 2‐AG promoted cell proliferation and differentiation, which were inhibited by Notch 1 shRNA. NICD had no effect on CB2 level but increased Notch 1 expression, and CB2 shRNA decreased CB2 and Notch 1 expression. Finally, CB2 shRNA inhibited cell proliferation and differentiation, whereas NICD promoted proliferation and differentiation of hBMSCs. Our results provided further evidence for the association of CB2 gene with BMD and osteoporosis, and identified CB2 as a promising target for the treatment of osteoporosis.