Stimulatory potential of isoflavone isolated or associated to lycopene in the functional activity of osteoblasts from MC3T3-E1 cell line

Abstract

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) has long been prescribed to restore levels of progesterone and estrogen in the body, in order to relieve the symptoms of menopause such as osteoporosis. However, ERT can increase the risk of breast and uterine cancer, venous thrombotic disease, stroke, among other undesirable side effects. Antioxidants like polyphenols and carotenoids are being to use to improve bone metabolism and could be used as possible substitutes or coadjuvants in the therapy against bone mass loss that occurs in osteoporosis. The aim of this study is to perform in vitro studies to evaluate the isolate and associated effect of isoflavone and lycopene in the functional activity of osteoblastic cells from MC3T3-E1 cell line. Cells will be cultured in flasks in osteogenic medium until subconfluence and seeded at a concentration of 2 x 104 cells per well in culture plates (n = 5). Experimental groups will be divided in control cells (C) treated with 1¼mol/L isoflavone 40% diluted in culture medium (ISO), treated with 1¼mol/L lycopene 10% diluted in culture medium (LIC) and treated with the association of isoflavone + lycopene (ISO+LIC). After the experimental period, the following parameters will be evaluated: cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase in situ detection as well as its immunolocalization, total protein content and quantification of mineralized nodules. The results will be analyzed by statistical programs consistent with significance p d 0,05, with the goal of finding statistically significant data showing the beneficial effects of isoflavone and lycopene association. (AU)