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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Earthworm (Pheretima aspergillum) extract stimulates osteoblast activity and inhibits osteoclast differentiation

Authors: Yuan-Tsung Fu, Kuo-Yu Chen, Yueh-Sheng Chen, Chun-Hsu Yao

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

The potential benefits of earthworm (Pheretima aspergillum) for healing have received considerable attention recently. Osteoblast and osteoclast activities are very important in bone remodeling, which is crucial to repair bone injuries. This study investigated the effects of earthworm extract on bone cell activities.

Methods

Osteoblast-like MG-63 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were used for identifying the cellular effects of different concentrations of earthworm extract on osteoblasts and osteoclasts, respectively. The optimal concentration of earthworm extract was determined by mitochondrial colorimetric assay, alkaline phosphatase activity, matrix calcium deposition, Western blotting and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity.

Results

Earthworm extract had a dose-dependent effect on bone cell activities. The most effective concentration of earthworm extract was 3 mg/ml, significantly increasing osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, matrix calcium deposition and the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin and osteocalcin. Conversely, 3 mg/ml earthworm extract significantly reduced the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity of osteoclasts without altering cell viability.

Conclusions

Earthworm extract has beneficial effects on bone cell cultures, indicating that earthworm extract is a potential agent for use in bone regeneration.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/14/440/prepub

Title: Earthworm (Pheretima aspergillum) extract stimulates osteoblast activity and inhibits osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Yuan-Tsung Fu
Kuo-Yu Chen
Yueh-Sheng Chen
Chun-Hsu Yao
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-14-440

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Earthworm (Pheretima aspergillum) extract stimulates osteoblast activity and inhibits osteoclast differentiation

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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