The suppressive effects of aluminum chloride on the osteoblasts function

Abstract Aluminum (Al) exposure impairs bone formation, and bone formation is mediated by the osteoblasts. But effects of Al on the osteoblasts function remain elusive. The osteoblasts were exposed to 0, 0.0252, 0.126, 0.252 mg/mL AlCl 3 ·6H 2 O for 24 h. The osteoblasts viability, TGF-β 1 , BMP-2, IGF-I and Cbfα1 mRNA expressions, and GSH-P x and SOD activities, ROS concentration were determined. The osteoblasts ultrastructural features were also observed. The results showed that AlCl 3 suppressed the osteoblasts viability, TGF-β 1 , BMP-2, IGF-I and Cbfα1 mRNA expressions, GSH-P x and SOD activities, and elevated ROS concentration compared with the CG. The ultrastructural features of osteoblasts in the HG showed mitochondrial swelling, foam-like structure, uneven distribution of chromatin, incomplete cell membrane and cytoplasm spillover compared with the CG. It indicates that AlCl 3 inhibits osteoblasts viability, growth regulation factors mRNA expressions, anti-oxidative function, and damaged the osteoblasts histology structure, impairing the osteoblasts function.