Cannabidiol induces osteoblast differentiation via angiopoietin1 and p38 MAPK

Environ Toxicol. 2020 Dec;35(12):1318-1325. doi: 10.1002/tox.22996. Epub 2020 Jul 13.

Abstract

In this study, we report the potential of cannabidiol, one of the major cannabis constituents, for enhancing osteoblastic differentiation in U2OS and MG-63 cells. Cannabidiol increased the expression of Angiopoietin1 and the enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase in U2OS and MG-63. Invasion and migration assay results indicated that the cell mobility was activated by cannabidiol in U2OS and MG-63. Western blotting analysis showed that the expression of tight junction related proteins such as Claudin1, Claudin4, Occuludin1, and ZO1 was increased by cannabidiol in U2OS and MG-63. Alizarin Red S staining analysis showed that calcium deposition and mineralization was enhanced by cannabidiol in U2OS and MG-63. Western blotting analysis indicated that the expression of osteoblast differentiation related proteins such as distal-less homeobox 5, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, type I collagen, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osterix (OSX), and alkaline phosphatase was time dependently upregulated by cannabidiol in U2OS and MG-63. Mechanistically, cannabidiol-regulated osteoblastic differentiation in U2OS and MG-63 by strengthen the protein-protein interaction among RUNX2, OSX, or the phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In conclusion, cannabidiol increased Angiopoietin1 expression and p38 MAPK activation for osteoblastic differentiation in U2OS and MG-63 suggesting that cannabidiol might provide a novel therapeutic option for the bone regeneration.

Keywords: angiopoietin1; cannabidiol; osteoblastic differentiation; p38 MAPK.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Angiopoietin-1 / metabolism*
  • Cannabidiol / pharmacology*
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Osteoblasts / cytology
  • Osteoblasts / drug effects*
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteogenesis / drug effects*
  • Phosphorylation
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • ANGPT1 protein, human
  • Angiopoietin-1
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit
  • RUNX2 protein, human
  • Cannabidiol
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Alkaline Phosphatase