The effect of combined regulation of the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and calcitonin gene-related peptide on alcohol-induced adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Studies have shown that alcohol can upregulate the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR gamma) gene in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). High expression of PPAR gamma can promote adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and reduce their osteogenic differentiation. Abnormal proliferation of adipocytes and fatty accumulation in osteocytes can result in high intraosseous pressure and disturbance of blood circulation in the femoral head, which induces osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Downregulation of PPAR gamma is efficient in inhibiting adipogenesis and maintaining osteogenesis of BMSCs, which might potentially reduce the incidence of ONFH. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide gene which has been closely associated with bone regeneration. In this study, we aimed to observe the effect of combined regulation of the expression of PPAR gamma and CGRP genes on alcohol-induced adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Our results demonstrated that simultaneous downregulation of PPAR gamma and upregulation of CGRP was efficient in suppressing adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs and promoting their osteogenic differentiation. These findings might enlighten a novel approach for the prevention of ONFH.