Anti-Müllerian Hormone Negatively Regulates Osteoclast Differentiation by Suppressing the Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand Pathway.

BACKGROUND

Multiple members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily have well-established roles in bone homeostasis. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a member of TGF-β superfamily of glycoproteins that is responsible for the regression of fetal Müllerian ducts and the transcription inhibition of gonadal steroidogenic enzymes. However, the involvement of AMH in bone remodeling is unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether AMH has an effect on bone cells as other TGF-β superfamily members do.

METHODS

To identify the roles of AMH in bone cells, we administered AMH during osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation, cultured the cells, and then stained the cultured cells with Alizarin red and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, respectively. We analyzed the expression of osteoblast- or osteoclast-related genes using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot.

RESULTS

AMH does not affect bone morphogenetic protein 2-mediated osteoblast differentiation but inhibits receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand-induced osteoclast differentiation. The inhibitory effect of AMH on osteoclast differentiation is mediated by IκB-NF-κB signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

AMH negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation without affecting osteoblast differentiation.