L-Quebrachitol Attenuates RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Resorption in Ovariectomized Rat Model

Inositol is a natural carbocyclic sugar that plays an essential role in regulating the vital cellular functions of plants and animals. Existing research has explored methyl derivatives of inositol, reporting on their various biological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoporosis activities. Our previous study demonstrated that L-quebrachitol, a methyl derivative of inositol, enhances osteoblastogenesis and bone formation; however, its effect on osteoclastogenesis remains unclear. Consequently, we aimed to investigate the effect of L-quebrachitol on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced osteoclastogenesis in pre-osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells, and bone resorption in an ovariectomized rat model. The results revealed that L-quebrachitol suppressed RANK-mediated signaling, including nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and Fos proto-oncogene (cFOS) pathways, at both the gene and protein levels. Moreover, the critical transcription factor for osteoclastogenesis, nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1), was downregulated. Inhibition of osteoclast-associated marker genes encoding proteolytic enzymes, such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), and cathepsin K, led to reduced formation of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells and resorption pits. In addition, proteasome subunit alpha type-5 (PSMA5), which is involved in the degradation of the NF-κB inhibitor, was also suppressed. In particular, the animal study clearly supported the bone homeostasis property of the agent by increasing the BV/TV (bone volume/total volume) and Tb.Th (trabecular thickness) in ovariectomized rats. These findings demonstrate the dose-dependent inhibitory effect of L-quebrachitol on osteoclastogenesis through the modulation of RANK-mediated signaling pathways and prevention of bone loss in an animal model. However, further exploration of the potential of L-quebrachitol as an effective approach for osteoporosis is required.