Comparative Pharmacological Effects of Tetracycline Derivatives on Osteoclast- and Osteoblast-Related Phenotypes and Skeletal Accumulation

Background/Objectives: Tetracycline (TC) derivatives possess biological activities beyond their antimicrobial effects and exhibit affinity for mineralized tissues. However, direct comparisons of clinically established TC derivatives across bone-related experimental systems remain limited. This study comparatively evaluated TC, oxytetracycline (OC), doxycycline (DC), and minocycline (MC) to characterize their compound- and concentration-dependent effects on bone-related cellular phenotypes and skeletal accumulation.

Methods

TC, OC, DC, and MC were evaluated using primary human osteoclasts, primary human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived osteoblasts, MG-63 osteoblast-like cells, and zebrafish embryos. Osteoclast formation and resorption, ALP-positive area, cellular metabolic activity, extracellular matrix mineralization, and compound localization were assessed.