Muramyl dipeptide (MDP)

MDP directly augments osteoblast differentiation and bone-forming gene expression by Runx2 activation. Despite no direct effect, MDP indirectly attenuates osteoclast differentiation through down-regulation of the RANKL/OPG ratio. MDP increases the expression of the MDP receptor, Nod2, and MDP-induced bone formation and osteoblast activation does not occur during Nod2-deficiency.^[1]

Increased bone and mineral density by enhanced bone formation are observed in mice administered with Muramyl dipeptide (MDP). Remarkably, pre-treatment or post-treatment with MDP alleviates bone loss in RANKL-induced osteoporosis mouse models.^[1]

• Cell lines

  MC3T3-E1 cells, BMSCs, or primary osteoblast precursors from mouse calvaria

• Concentrations

  0.1 μg/ml, 1 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml

• Incubation Time

  2 days

• Method

  MC3T3-E1 cells, BMSCs, or primary osteoblast precursors from mouse calvaria are plated onto 48-well plates at 2×10⁴ cells/400 μl/well and incubated with osteoblast induction medium in the absence or presence of MDP. Half of the medium is replaced with fresh osteoblast induction medium every 2 days. At day 6 and 12, the cells are stained with ALP for osteoblast differentiation and with alizarin red S for bone mineralization, respectively.

• Animal Models

  Five-week-old C57BL/6 mice, one-day-old neonatal mice, B6.129S1-Nod2^tm1Flv/J mice

• Dosages

  1.25 mg/kg

• Administration

  IP