Inhibition Effect of Zoledronate on the Osteoclast Differentiation of RAW264.7 Induced by Titanium Particles

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at studying the effect of zoledronate (ZOL) on the differentiation of osteoclast precursor RAW264.7 cells induced by titanium (Ti) particles and explores the possibility of preventing and treating periprosthetic osteoporosis using ZOL. METHODS: RAW264.7 cells were cultured in vitro. Ti particles were prepared. The cell proliferation curve of RAW264.7 cells was plotted using the MTT assay to find the best concentration of ZOL for intervention. The cells were divided into three groups: control, Ti particles, and Ti particles+ZOL. The cell morphology was observed using tartaric acid–resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and the activity of TRAP in cell supernatant was determined using the biochemical method. The number of bone resorption lacunae was detected using toluidine blue staining. The mRNA expression of RANK, NFATcl, CAII, and MMP-9 was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of RANK, NFATcl, and MMP-9 was detected using Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Ti particles stimulated the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts. They also increased the activity of TRAP, number of bone resorption lacunae, and mRNA and protein expression of RANK, NFATcl, and MMP-9. However, ZOL could suppress the effect of TI particles on the osteoclast differentiation of RAW264.7 cells. CONCLUSIONS: ZOL could effectively inhibit the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts induced by Ti particles, decrease the activity of TRAP, reduce the number of bone resorption lacunae, and decrease the mRNA and protein expression of RANK, NFATcl, and MMP-9. Hence, it may be a promising candidate for preventing and treating periprosthetic osteoporosis after the artificial joint operation.