Ferric ion could facilitate osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption through the production of reactive oxygen species.

Iron overload is widely regarded as a risk factor for osteoporosis. It has been demonstrated that iron can inhibit osteoblast differentiation. However, the effects of iron on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption remain controversial. In this study, we found that ferric ion promoted Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κ B Ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast (OC) formation in both RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs), and this effect was accompanied by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. Moreover, this effect was attenuated by the administration of antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Therefore, we conclude that ferric ion can promote osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption through the production of ROS.