Effects of fibroblast growth factor 2 on osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation by regulating bone morphogenetic protein receptor expression.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are known to play a critical role in bone growth and development, affecting both osteogenesis and chondrogenesis. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is produced intracellularly by osteoblasts and secreted into the surrounding matrix in bone.The dose-dependent effects of FGF-2 were tested to examine the relationship between FGF-2 and osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Tests used included a cell viability test, an alkaline phosphatase activity test, and a Western blot analysis.Cultures growing in the presence of FGF-2 showed an increased value for 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and a decreased value for alkaline phosphatase activity. Results of the Western blot analysis showed that the addition of FGF-2 seems to decrease osteocalcin and bone morphogenetic protein receptor IA.These data show that FGF-2 in the tested dosage within MC3T3-E1 cells seems to affect proliferation and differentiation. Results of the Western blot analysis may add some possible mechanisms, and it may be suggested that treatment of FGF-2 may have an influence on the expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptors in osteoprecursor cells. Further elucidation of the mechanisms related to this mechanism within the in vivo model may be necessary to ascertain greater detail.