Adiponectin stimulates RANKL and inhibits OPG expression in human osteoblasts through the MAPK signaling pathway

Our study indicates that recombinant adiponectin induced RANKL and inhibited OPG expression in human osteoblasts through the AdipoR1/p38 MAPK pathway, and these responses contributed to the adiponectin-induced osteoclasts formation in the co-culture of osteoblast and peripheral blood monocytes systems. These findings showed that adiponectin increased osteoclast formation indirectly through stimulating RANKL and inhibiting OPG production in osteoblasts. It also suggests the pharmacological nature of recombinant adiponectin that indirectly induces osteoclasts formation.