Berberine derivative WJCPR11 enhances osteoblast differentiation

Berberine is a phytocompound from plants viz. Phellodendri cortex and Coptis rhizome, used to treat a variety of diseases. It is effective in preventing osteoporosis, but it is less effective than drugs currently used in clinical practice. In this study, we used a novel berberine derivative, WJCPR11, to promote osteoblast differentiation and to investigate its use in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. WJCPR11 at a safe concentration without toxicity increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity induced by bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) dose-dependently. The mRNA expression of ALP, osteocalcin (OC), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osterix was increased, with the ALP level increasing the most. In addition, the protein abundance of bone sialoprotein (BSP), collagen, type I, alpha 1, Runx2, and osterix were also increased. Moreover, the transcriptional activity of ALP, BSP, and OC was increased by WJCPR11, with OC showing the most significant increase. The results indicate that osteoblast differentiation is promoted by WJCPR11, and it could play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis.