Abstract: Objective The present study aims to determine the effect of adiponectin on SDF-1/CXCR4 expression of MC3T3-E1 and C3H10T1/2 cells within different culture systems. Methods Cultured MC3T3-E1 and C3H10T1/2 cells were treated with or without adiponectin, respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to detect SDF-1 and CXCR4 mRNA expressions. Then, we designed a co-culture system with MC3T3-E1 cells in upper chamber and C3H10T1/2 cells in lower chamber. After adiponectin treatment, cells were collected and SDF-1/CXCR4 mRNA expressions were examined. Results qPCR results showed that adiponectin increased SDF-1 mRNA expression when MC3T3-E1 cells cultured alone, while decreased SDF-1 mRNA expression when MC3T3-E1 cells cultured in co-culture system. Adiponectin inhibit CXCR4 mRNA expression in C3H10T1/2 cells, regardless of culture conditions. Conclusion We concluded that adiponectin has dual effects on SDF-1 expression of MC3T3-E1 cells. Adiponectin influences mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts niche by regulating SDF-1/CXCR4 axis.

Key words: Adiponectin, SDF-1, CXCR4, Cell Co-culture