Effects of (+)-catechin on the function of osteoblastic cells.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are candidate cytokines which are produced by osteoblastic linage cells and promote osteoblast apoptosis, osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Here, we examined the effect of (+)-catechin, one of the most common grape flavonols, on osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. (+)-Catechin caused a significant elevation of cell survival at 10(-5) and 10(-4) M and alkaline phosphatase activity at 10(-5) M. Also, treatment with (+)-catechin (10(-5) M) decreased bone-resorbing cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-6) production and apoptosis in osteoblasts. Our data indicate that the reduction of bone-resorbing cytokines and apoptosis in osteoblasts by (+)-catechin may result in the prevention and therapy for osteoporosis and inflammatory bone diseases.