Effects of Ovarian Steroids on Osteoblast Viability and Mineralization

Understanding the interactions between bone metabolism and ovarian and plasma changes induced by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is essential for the comprehension of the pathophysiological mechanisms involving these organs. Ovarian steroids are associated with activities related to bone synthesis and resorption. Knowledge of the effects of the main ovarian steroids on the viability of osteoblasts in culture, mimicking the conditions of PCOS, can assist in understanding the functions of the cells in this endocrine disease that affects more than 10% of women of reproductive age. This work evaluated the viability of undifferentiated and differentiated osteoblasts in an osteogenic medium, together with phosphatase activity and mineralization of the extracellular matrix. The cells were cultured for different periods of time in the presence of varied concentrations of progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, and the combination of all three hormones. The influence of the presence of fetal bovine serum in the culture medium was also determined. The results suggested that the culture technique employed could be used for in vitro studies of the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome on osteoblastic activities, before and after cell differentiation.