Figure 2

The molecular mechanism by which β-cryptoxanthin (BCX) has suppressive effects on mature osteoclasts. BCX inhibits osteoclast formation from mononuclear osteoclasts which are mediated through RANKL and RANK signaling in bone marrow culture systems. BCX stimulates apoptotic cell death by stimulating the gene expression of caspase-3, an apoptosis-inducing enzyme, and suppression of gene expression of Bcl-2, a rescue protein of apoptosis. In addition, BCX suppresses the gene expression of TRACP and cathepsin K, which are bone resorption-related enzymes, and their enzyme activities in mature osteoclasts.