Beneficial effects of sulfonamide-based gallates on osteoblasts in vitro

Effective treatments for osteoporosis remain fairly elusive; however, studies have reported that antioxidants may aid in the maintenance of reactive oxygen species at a favorable level, in order to prevent osteoporosis. Gallic acid (GA) and its derivatives are potent antioxidative and anti‑inflammatory agents that affect several biochemical and pharmacological pathways; however, GA is slightly cytotoxic and suppresses cell proliferation. The present study modified GA by the introduction of sulfonamide, in order to obtain a novel compound known as JEZ‑C, and investigated its effects on osteoblasts by measuring cell proliferation, viability, morphology, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and the expression of relevant osteoblast markers. Results indicated that JEZ‑C may effectively promote osteoblast growth. JEZ‑C increased ALP activity, upregulated the expression of osteogenic‑related genes, including runt‑related transcription factor 2, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin and alpha‑1 type I collagen, thus indicating that JEZ‑C enhances bone matrix production and mineralization. The recommended range of JEZ‑C concentration is between 6.25x10‑3 and 6.25x10‑1 µg/ml, within which cell growth was promoted compared with the control. Specifically, treatment with 6.25x10‑2 µg/ml JEZ‑C is ideal. These findings may represent a novel approach to cell‑based therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis.