Alpha-lipoic acid protects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells

Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) as a dietary supplement strongly scavenges free radicals. The negative relationship between oxidative stress and bone formation has recently been reported. Here, we investigated the protective effects of LA on the hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and impaired calcification in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. After exposure to H2O2, there was a decrease in the levels of calcification and reduced glutathione but an increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels in the no LA-treated cells. The presence of LA attenuated oxidative stress and significantly enhanced calcification capacity at 0.1 and 1.0 mM (P < 0.05). The quantitative real-time PCR results showed that LA upregulated expression of genes engaged in antioxidant enzymes and mineralization, including catalase, glutathione peroxidase 3, and osteocalcin. Additionally, LA suppressed the over-expression of genes involved in p53 apoptotic pathway, including p53 and caspase 3. These results indicate that LA protects MC3T3-E1 cells against the H2O2-induced oxidative damage to mineralization. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.