Objective: To investigate the effects of leptin on the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts induced by soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (sRANKL) and its possible mechanism.
Methods: The effects of leptin on the differentiation from osteoclast precursor cells into osteoclasts were detected by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. The mRNA expressions of TRAP and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in osteoclast precursor cells were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein expressions of TRAP and PPARγ were detected by Western blotting.
Results: Compared with sRANKL treatment group, the differentiation from osteoclast precursor cells into osteoclasts was significantly inhibited in sRANKL combined with leptin treatment groups. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expressions of both TRAP and PPARγ significantly decreased in sRANKL combined with leptin treatment groups compared with the sRANKL treatment alone. Furthermore, the expression of PPARγ was reduced in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion: Leptin could inhibit the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts via inhibiting the expression of PPARγ.