Baclofen Promotes Osteochondrogenic Commitment of Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Implications for Heterotopic Ossification Risk

TL;DR

Baclofen, a drug used for spasticity, may increase the risk of abnormal bone formation by influencing stem cell behavior.

Contribution

The study reveals baclofen's novel role in promoting osteochondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Findings

Baclofen inhibited adipogenesis and increased osteochondrogenic markers in stem cells.

Tizanidine had minimal effects on stem cell differentiation compared to baclofen.

Baclofen's effect was less pronounced under inflammatory conditions.

Abstract

(1) Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological process characterized by ectopic bone formation in soft tissues, often following trauma or neurological injury, and is associated with spasticity and chronic inflammation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a central role in HO by differentiating into osteoblasts through endochondral or intramembranous ossification, while alternative fates such as adipogenesis are suppressed. In this study, we investigated the effects of two commonly used antispastic drugs, baclofen and tizanidine, on MSC differentiation under adipogenic and inflammatory conditions in vitro. (2) Mouse C3H10T1/2 MSCs were cultured and induced toward adipogenesis in the presence of baclofen or tizanidine, and inflammatory stimuli (Interleukin-1β or lipopolysaccharides) were applied where indicated. Gene expressions of adipogenic and osteochondrogenic markers were assessed by RT-qPCR, while osteopontin protein levels were quantified by Simple Western. (3) Baclofen treatment significantly inhibited adipogenic gene expression and promoted osteochondrogenic markers and osteopontin protein under basal conditions, whereas tizanidine had minimal effects. Under inflammatory conditions, baclofen partially suppressed adipogenesis but did not strongly induce osteochondrogenesis. (4) These findings indicate that baclofen can directly modulate MSC fate, potentially contributing to HO risk, while tizanidine may offer a safer alternative for spasticity management in patients at risk of ectopic bone formation.

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