# A 70% Ethanol Neorhodomela munita Extract Attenuates RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Activation and H2O2-Induced Osteoblast Apoptosis In Vitro

## TL;DR

This study shows that a seaweed extract can reduce bone loss by inhibiting harmful cell activity and may serve as a natural treatment for osteoporosis.

## Contribution

The study introduces Neorhodomela munita ethanol extract as a novel natural compound that modulates osteoclast and osteoblast pathways.

## Key findings

- EN inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast formation by targeting the MAPKs-NFATc1/c-Fos pathway.
- EN reduces H2O2-induced osteoblast apoptosis through downregulation of apoptotic signals.
- EN shows potential as a natural alternative to conventional osteoporosis treatments.

## Abstract

The rapid aging of the population worldwide presents a significant social and economic challenge, particularly due to osteoporotic fractures, primarily resulting from an imbalance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-mediated bone formation. While conventional therapies offer benefits, they also present limitations and a range of adverse effects. This study explores the protective impact of Neorhodomela munita ethanol extract (EN) on osteoporosis by modulating critical pathways in osteoclastogenesis and apoptosis. Raw264.7 cells and Saos-2 cells were used for in vitro osteoclast and osteoblast models, respectively. By utilizing various in vitro methods to detect osteoclast differentiation/activation and osteoblast death, it was demonstrated that the EN’s potential to inhibit RANKL induced osteoclast formation and activation by targeting the MAPKs-NFATc1/c-Fos pathway and reducing H2O2-induced cell death through the downregulation of apoptotic signals. This study highlights the potential benefits of EN for osteoporosis and suggests that EN is a promising natural alternative to traditional treatments.