Effect of quercetin and quercetin Sr2+ on osteoclastogenesis

• Grant number: 23/16079-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Biochemical and Molecular Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Sandra Yasuyo Fukada Alves
• Grantee: Bianca de Lima Moraes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/08568-2 - Investigation of the extracellular vesicles (VEs) role in the initiation, propagation, regeneration, and modeling of biological mineralization, AP.TEM

Abstract

The bone tissue performs two primary functions: protecting vital organs and serving as the main storage and source of calcium in metabolic functions. Bone integrity and remodeling are regulated by the coordinated and balanced activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The latter are giant, multinucleated cells derived from the fusion of monocytic cells, crucial as they are the only cells responsible for bone resorption in the human body. To perform this role, osteoclasts undergo a series of structural and biochemical adaptations that require high energy demands. Therefore, studies aiming to reduce osteoclast activity in osteolytic diseases, such as osteoporosis, seek to understand and modulate osteoclast formation and function.Natural compounds with bone-protective properties and fewer side effects have emerged as alternative strategies to overcome limitations of existing therapies. In this context, flavonoids have shown a significant role in modulating bone loss. Preliminary data from our group have shown that systemic treatment for 21 days with the flavonoid-quercetin-Sr2+ complex plays a protective role in ovariectomy-induced bone loss. In this project, we aim to evaluate and delve into the mechanism by which quercetin and quercetin-Sr2+ interfere with the formative and resorptive function of osteoclasts in vitro.