ObjectiveTo observe the effect of metformin in different concentrations on proliferation and differentiation of isolated osteoblasts in rats. MethodsPrimary osteoblasts were isolated from skull of neonatal SD mice and cultured and identified. After 72 hours of intervention of osteoblasts with metformin in different concentrations (0 μmol/L, 50 μmol/L, 100 μmol/L, 200 μmol/L, 400 μmol/L, 800 μmol/L, 1600 μmol/L, and 3200 μmol/L), proliferation of osteoblasts was detected. After 72 hours of intervention of osteoblasts with metformin in different concentrations (0 μmol/L, 50 μmol/L, 200 μmol/L, 800 μmol/L, 1600 μmol/L, and 3200 μmol/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of osteoblasts, and gene and protein expressions of bone morphogenesis indicator ALP and collagen type Ⅰ (COL-Ⅰ) were detected. Results(1) After 72 hours of intervention, compared with 0 μmol/L metformin, proliferation activity of osteoblasts was enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner after intervention with metformin of 50 μmol/L, 100 μmol/L, 200 μmol/L, 400 μmol/L, 800 μmol/L, therein, proliferation activity of osteoblasts with intervention of 800 μmol/L metformin was the strongest (P<0.05), whereas proliferation activity of osteoblasts was decreased after intervention with 3200 μmol/L metformin (P<0.05). (2) In the concentration range of 0-800 μmol/L, metformin could enhance ALP activity of osteoblasts in a concentration-dependent manner, but 1600 μmol/L and 3200 μmol/L metformin could inhibit ALP activity in osteoblasts. (3) Compared with 0 μmol/L metformin, mRNA and protein expressions of ALP and COL-Ⅰ in osteoblasts after intervention with 200 μmol/L and 800 μmol/L metformin were elevated, whereas mRNA expressions of ALP and COL-Ⅰ in osteoblasts, as well as protein expression of COL-Ⅰ in osteoblasts after intervention with 3200 μmol/L metformin were decreased (P<0.05). In the concentration range of 0-3200 μmol/L, mRNA and protein expressions of ALP and COL-Ⅰ in osteoblasts were the highest when metformin was in concentration of 800 μmol/L (P<0.05). ConclusionDifferent concentrations of metformin exert different effects on osteoblasts. Lower concentrations of metformin (≤800 μmol/L) can promote proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, while relatively higher concentrations of metformin (3200 μmol/L) can inhibit proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.