Apoptosis induction and reduced proliferation in human osteoblasts by rhBMP-2, -4 and -7

• Published in: Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions 2009, Vol.9 (1), p.53-60
• Main Authors: Gautschi, O P, Cadosch, D, Zellweger, R, Joesbury, K A, Filgueira, L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Apoptosis - drug effects; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 - administration & dosage; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 - pharmacology; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 - administration & dosage; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 - pharmacology; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 - administration & dosage; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 - pharmacology; Cell Line, Transformed; Cell Proliferation - drug effects; Cells, Cultured; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; In Situ Nick-End Labeling; Osteoblasts - cytology; Osteoblasts - drug effects; Osteoblasts - physiology; Recombinant Proteins - pharmacology; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1108-7161

The role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in bone healing has been demonstrated in numerous in vivo animal models. BMP-2, -4 and -7 have also been shown to stimulate the differentiation of human and animal stem cells into osteoblasts in vitro. There are, however, contradictory reports of BMPs causing apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation of osteoblastic cells. Therefore, a more complete understanding of the effects of BMP-2, -4 and -7 on human osteoblasts is required. Cells of the immortalised human fetal osteoblastic line hFOB 1.19 were exposed to recombinant human (rh) BMP-2, -4 and -7. In addition, primary human osteoblasts were exposed to rhBMP-7. Cell proliferation was measured using a colorimetric assay. Apoptotic cells were detected using the TUNEL assay. The hFOB cells exposed in a dose-dependent manner to rhBMP-2, -4 and -7 had significantly lower rates of proliferation than non-treated cells, (p