Green Tea Extract Containing Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Facilitates Bone Formation and Mineralization by Alleviating Iron-Overload-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Osteoblast-like (MG-63) Cells

TL;DR

Green tea extract helps bone formation by reducing iron-induced oxidative stress in human osteoblast cells.

Contribution

EGCG in green tea extract is shown to alleviate iron overload and promote bone health in osteoblast-like cells.

Findings

GTE reduced intracellular iron and oxidative stress in MG-63 cells.

GTE increased osteogenic markers and mineralization in iron-overloaded cells.

GTE showed potential as a natural supplement for iron-overload-related osteoporosis.

Abstract

Secondary iron overload exacerbates osteoporosis by elevating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which suppress osteoblast function and enhance osteoclast activity, disrupting bone remodeling. Reducing iron overload and oxidative stress may improve bone health. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main bioactive compound in green tea extract (GTE), is recognized for its antioxidant and iron-chelating properties. This study examined the effect of GTE on bone formation and mineralization in iron-overloaded human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. An iron-overloaded model was established using ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), followed by treatment with GTE, deferiprone (DFP), or their combination. GTE significantly reduced intracellular iron, ROS levels, and lipid peroxidation while upregulating the osteogenic marker BGLAP, the anti-resorptive marker OPG, and osteogenic mineralization, indicating restored bone health. These results suggest that EGCG-containing GTE mitigates iron-induced oxidative stress and promotes osteogenesis, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic supplement for managing iron-overload-associated osteoporosis.

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