Xanthohumol ameliorates 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced cellular toxicity in cultured MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells.

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is an environmental contaminant. Xanthohumol is a prenylated flavonoid found in hops (Humulus lupulus) and beer. The aim of the current study was to explore the role of xanthohumol in modulating the toxicity of TCDD in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. In cells treated with TCDD alone, intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, reactive oxygen species production, cardiolipin peroxidation, nitric oxide release and cytochrome P450 1A1 expression were significantly increased. TCDD treatment increased the mRNA levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and nuclear factor kappa B, and significantly decreased the level of protein kinase B (AKT) in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. However, the presence of xanthohumol alleviated the pathological effects of TCDD. In addition, xanthohumol treatment significantly increased the expression of genes associated with osteoblast differentiation (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin and osterix). We conclude that xanthohumol has a beneficial influence and may antagonize TCDD toxicity in osteoblastic cells.