Comparison of Quantitative Expression of Runx2 in Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Mscs) Differentiated by Osteoblastic Differentiation Medium and Zoledronic Acid

Background and Objectives : RUNX2 is the most specific transcription factor in osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs. In this research, RUNX2 expression was quantified in MSCs differentiated by osteogenic differentiation medium (ODM) and zoledronic acid (ZA). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, hMSCs were treated by osteogenic differentiation medium and ZA. RNA extraction was carried out from both osteoblastic differentiated cells in the first, second and third weeks of differentiation, and also from undifferentiated MSCs. RUNX2 expression was quantified by quantitative Real Time-PCR. Results: Gene expression of RUNX2 in the first, second and third weeks of osteogenic differentiation by ODM compared to undifferentiated MSCs showed 1.76±0.09-fold, 3.54±0.25-fold and 3.40±0.17-fold increase in expression, respectively. Zoledronic acid increased the expression of RUNX2 2.91±0.13-fold, 3.25±0.3-fold and 3.36±0.23-fold at the same time points, respectively. Comparison of RUNX2 expression by ODM (1.76±0.09-fold) and ZA (2.91±0.13-fold) in the first week of differentiation showed statistical differences (P less-than 0.05). Whereas, RUNX2 expression by both ODM and ZA in the second and third weeks of differentiation were approximately equal. Conclusion: RUNX2 expression was increased in osteoblastic differentiation by both ODM and ZA. However, it seems that ZA can cause more expression of RUNX2 in the first week of osteoblastic differentiation. Key words: Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Differentiation Medium, Zoledronic Acid, RUNX2 Transcription Factor Funding: This research was funded by Tarbiat Modares University. Conflict of interest: None declared. Ethical approved: The Ethics Committee of Tarbiat Modares University approved the study . How to cite this article : Farshdousti Hagh M , Noruzinia M, Mortazavi Y, Soleimani M, Kaviani S, Mahmoodinia Maymand M . Comparison of Quantitative Expression of Runx2 in Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Mscs) Differentiated by Osteoblastic Differentiation Medium and Zoledronic Acid . J Rafsanjan Univ Med Scie 2012 11(4): 377-90. [Farsi]