Overexpression of Wnt7b antagonizes the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on osteoblastogenesis of ST2 cells.

Abstract

Introduction: It is well established that glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is highly associated with preosteoblast differentiation and function. This study is based on the premise that Wnt7b can promote bone formation through Wnt signalling pathway because it can stimulate preosteoblast differentiation and increase its activity. However, it is unknown whether Wnt7b can rescue the inhibited osteoblast differentiation and function caused by exogenous glucocorticoid.

Material and methods: In this study we used Wnt7b overexpression ST2 cells to explore whether Wnt7bcan rescue the inhibited osteoblast differentiation and function, which can provide strong proof to investigate a new drug for curing the glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis.

Results/conclusion: We found that Wnt7b can rescue the suppressed osteoblast differentiation and function without cell viability caused by dexamethasone.