Effects of alkaloids from Sophora flavescens on osteoblasts infected with Staphylococcus aureus and osteoclasts

Abstract

Chronic osteomyelitis is primarily caused by infection with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Antibiotics are commonly administered; however, it is a challenge to promote bone healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of alkaloids from the herbal remedy Sophora flavescens (ASF) on rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROBs) infected with S. aureus and healthy osteoclasts. Cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase, interleukin-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α activity was measured in infected ROBs; tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase was evaluated in osteoclasts via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA and protein expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2, runt-related transcription factor 2, osteoprotegerin, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand were assessed in infected ROBs through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis, respectively. Results indicated that ASF increased the viability of uninfected ROBs and infected ROBs treated with vancomycin via regulation of bone morphogenetic protein 2, runt-related transcription factor, osteoprotegerin, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand mRNA and protein expression levels. In addition, the secretion of the inflammatory factor tumour necrosis factor-α was decreased and alkaline phosphatase activity was increased, inhibiting the viability of osteoclasts and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity. Therefore, the herbal remedy ASF has potential as a new treatment for chronic osteomyelitis.

Determination of Alkaloids and Flavonoids in Sophora flavescens by UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS

“…Alkaloids and flavonoids are considered to be the main active components of Sophora flavescens [ 7 ]. Studies have shown that alkaloids in Sophora flavescens can reduce the secretion of inflammatory factor TNF- α by regulating the expression of BMP2, Runx2, and other proteins, so as to increase the activity of alkaline phosphatase to treat chronic osteomyelitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection [ 8 ]. Indoleamine 2-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1), a tumor cell survival factor, can lead to the escape of many kinds of cancer cells.…”

Boldine Ameliorates Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Bone Loss via Inhibiting Bone Resorption

“…Mounting evidence has shown that alkaloids extracted from herbs have promise in protecting against bone loss ( Lee et al, 2010 ; Takahashi et al, 2012 ; Wang et al, 2018 ). Boldine, an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the leaves and bark of P. boldus , has been reported to have antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cytoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects ( Kringstein and Cederbaum, 1995 ; Bannach et al, 1996 ; Jang et al, 2000 ; Lau et al, 2015 ).…”

Genus Sophora: a comprehensive review on secondary chemical metabolites and their biological aspects from past achievements to future perspectives

“…Another study disclosed the effects of alkaloids on osteoblasts infected with Staph. aureus and osteoclasts (Wang et al 2018e ).…”