Glycinol enhances osteogenic differentiation and attenuates the effects of age on mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Aim: Phytoestrogens, such as glycinol, have recently gained significant attention as an alternative therapy for osteoporosis due to their structural similarity to estradiol and their bone-generating potential. Methods: The osteogenic effects of glycinol were investigated in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) derived from older (>50 years old) and younger subjects (<25 years old). Results: BMSCs isolated from older donors demonstrated reduced osteogenesis. 17β-estradiol and glycinol exposure rescued the age-related reduction in osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. These results correlated with the induction of osteogenic genes and estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) following glycinol treatment. ER antagonist studies further support that glycinol promotes osteogenesis through ER signaling. Conclusion: The results from these studies support investigating glycinol as a potential preventive or treatment for osteoporosis.