Effect of water-soluble chitosan on the osteoblast function in MC3T3-E1 cells

In the present study, water-soluble chitosan (WSC) was prepared by hydrolysis of chitosan with commercial α-amylase, and the effect of WSC on osteoblast function, i.e. alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), cell viability, mineralization, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells was investigated. Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in various concentrations of WSC solutions (1-5 mg/mL) for designated time and then the ALP, cell viability, mineralization, and ROS in the cells were evaluated. Treatments of osteoblastic with WSC caused a significant increase in ALP, cell viability, and mineralization in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, treatments of osteoblastic with WSC decreased ROS level in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. The results demonstrate that the WSC may reduce or prevent osteoblasts degeneration through antioxidant activity.