Resveratrol Ameliorates Glucocorticoid-Induced Bone Damage in a Zebrafish Model

Abstract

Resveratrol (Res) is a multi-functional polyphenol compound that has protective functions in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to determine the effect of Res on osteogenic differentiation and bone mineralization in zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>) with dexamethasone (Dex)-induced bone damage. Our results showed that Dex exposure (15 μmol/l) decreased the green fluorescence areas and the integrated optic density (IOD) values in the skull bones of zebrafish larvae of the TG(SP7:EGFP) strain in a dose-dependent manner (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Furthermore, Dex exposure decreased the alizarin red S-stained areas (bone mineralization area) in the skeleton and spinal bones of zebrafish larvae of the AB strain in a dose-dependent manner (<i>p</i> < 0.01). By contrast, Res treatment (150 μmol/l) significantly increased both the green fluorescence and bone mineralization area in Dex-exposed zebrafish larvae. Thus, our data show that Res improves bone mineralization after glucocorticoid-induced bone damage in a zebrafish model. Res may be a candidate drug for the prevention of osteoporosis.