N-acetylcysteine (NAC) ameliorates lipid-related metabolic dysfunction in bone marrow stromal cells-derived adipocytes

Recent experimental data suggest that fatty acids and lipotoxicity could play a role in the initiation and evolution of metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis. A functional bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) may provide support to surrounding cells and tissues or may serve as a lipid reservoir that protects skeletal osteoblasts from lipotoxicity. The present study examined the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a powerful antioxidant and precursor of glutathione, commonly used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, on triglycerides accumulation in bone marrow stromal cells-derived adipocytes. Quantification of Oil Red O stained cells showed that lipid droplets decreased following NAC treatment. Additionally, exposure of bone marrow stromal cells (HS-5) to NAC increased adiponectin, PPAR, HO-1, and SIRT-1 and increased beta-oxidation markers such as PPAR and PPAR mRNA levels. As there is now substantial interest in alternative medicine, the observed therapeutic value of NAC should be taken into consideration in diabetic patients.