Stimulatory effects of naringin on osteogenic differentiation and bone formation are BMP dependent

INTRODUCTION: Bone tissue is one of the most frequently used tissues for transplantation. It is required to fill defects caused by trauma or tumor resection, reconstruction of congenital malformation and age related decrease of bone mass. A number of growth factors, such as BMP-2, and BMP-7 play important roles in promoting bone formation and are currently used in clinical bone defect and spine fusion. However, it has been reported that >100-fold larger amounts of BMPs are required to induce bone formation, not in proportion to its physiological concentration. Looking for safe and natural chemical compound that safely promotes bone formation and repair has drawn a substantial interest. Naringin, a bioflavnoid which commonly found in citrus fruits, has been reported to inhibit the retinoic acid-induced osteoporosis in rats [1] and naringin/collagen matrix showed improved bone healing in rabbit cranial defect model [2]. In the present study, the effects of this flavonoid on osteogenic differentiation in vitro and heterogenic bone formation in vivo were investigated.