Cell Physiol Biochem. 2015 Aug 17;37(1):143-152. [Epub ahead of print]

Lithium Chloride Modulates Adipogenesis and Osteogenesis of Human Bone Marrow-Derived MesenchymalStem Cells.

Tang L¹, Chen Y, Pei F, Zhang H.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

Lithium chloride (LiCl) has long been used as a psychiatric medication; however, its role in the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) remains largely unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of LiCl on the differentiation of BMSCs.

METHODS:

The roles of LiCl in osteogenic and adipogenic processes were observed using alizarin red staining and oil red O staining, respectively. The effects of LiCl on the Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh) pathways were investigated.

Results: Our data showed that LiCl effectively promoted osteogenesis and inhibited adipogenesis by simultaneously affecting the Wnt and Hh pathways.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that LiCl influences the differentiation of BMSCs directly through the Wnt and Hh pathways and thus may be a candidate drug for the treatment of osteoporosis. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.