1.Astragalus Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of hBMSCs and Alleviates Osteoporosis by Targeting SOX11 Via miR-181d-5p.
Yuan XIAO ; Yong Li SITU ; Ting Ting WANG ; Shang KONG ; Jiang Qi LIU ; Hong NIE
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1287-1301
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to investigate the effect of Astragalus (AST) on osteoporosis (OP) and the downstream mechanisms.
METHODS:
Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were induced to differentiate into osteogenic cells. After transfection with relevant plasmids, cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis were assessed. Alizarin red staining was used to detect calcium nodules in the cells, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining was used to detect ALP activity in the cells, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to determine RUNX2 and Osterix expression levels. An OP rat model was established using ovariectomy and micro-computed tomography scanning. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to evaluate the pathological conditions of bone tissues, while immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect RUNX2 in bone tissues.
RESULTS:
AST promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, reduced miR-181d-5p expression levels, and increased SOX11 expression levels. Restoring miR-181d-5p expression or reducing SOX11 expression levels reversed the effects of AST on the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. miR-181d-5p was found to target SOX11 in hBMSCs. AST improved OP in rats, and miR-181d-5p overexpression or SOX11 inhibition reversed the therapeutic effects of AST on OP in rats.
CONCLUSION
AST promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs and alleviated OP by targeting SOX11 via miR-181d-5p.
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects*
;
Osteoporosis/drug therapy*
;
Humans
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Astragalus Plant/chemistry*
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Female
;
SOXC Transcription Factors/genetics*
;
Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
2.Ginsenoside Rb3 regulates the phosphorrylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway to alleviate inflammatory responses and promote osteogenesis in rats with periodontitis.
Xueying ZHANG ; Xin MENG ; Zhizhen LIU ; Kang ZHANG ; Honghai JI ; Minmin SUN
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(2):236-248
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the promoting effect of ginsenoside Rb3 (Rb3) on osteogenesis in periodontitis environment, and to explain its mechanism.
METHODS:
Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) were cultured by tissue block method and identified by flow cytometry. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) method and calcein acetoxymethyl ester/propidium iodide staining were used to detect the effect of Rb3 on the viability of hPDLSCs cells. In vitro cell experiments were divided into control group, 10 μg/mL lipopolysaccharides (LPS) group, 10 μg/mL LPS+100 μmol/L Rb3 group and 10 μg/mL LPS+200 μmol/L Rb3 group. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining was used to detect the ALP activity of hPDLSCs in each group after osteogenesis induction. The expression of hPDLSCs interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)genes in each group after osteogenesis was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of hPDLSCs phosphorrylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) in each group. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group, ligation group and ligation+Rb3 group. The left molar-maxillary tissue was subjected to micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning. After the scanning, the left molar-maxilla was made into periodontal tissue sections. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the infiltration and loss of adhesion of inflammatory cells. Masson staining was used to detect the destruction of gingival collagen fibers. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the protein expression of RUNX2 and p-ERK. The expression of TGF-β in rat gingival tissue was detected by qRT-PCR. The protein expression of IL-6 in peripheral serum of rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of Treg cells in rat heart blood. The experimental data were statistically analyzed by Graph Pad Prism10.1.2 software.
RESULTS:
Rb3 had no effect on the cell activity of hPDLSCs. The results of qRT-PCR and ALP staining showed that Rb3 could inhibit the gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in inflammatory hPDLSCs, promote TGF-β gene and promote the osteogenic differentiation of inflammatory hPDLSCs. Western blot showed that Rb3 inhibited the protein expression of inflammatory hPDLSCs p-ERK. The results from micro-CT, Masson staining, and HE staining demonstrated that Rb3 promotes alveolar bone formation in rats with periodontitis, while simultaneously inhibiting the destruction of periodontal fibrous tissue, reducing attachment loss, and suppressing inflammatory cell infiltration. The results of flow cytometry showed that Rb3 could promote the differentiation of Treg cells in peripheral blood of periodontitis rats. The results of ELISA and qRT-PCR showed that Rb3 could inhibit the protein expression of IL-6 and promote the gene expression of TGF-β in periodontitis rats. Immunofluorescence results showed that Rb3 could promote the protein expression of RUNX2 and inhibit the protein expression of p-ERK in periodontitis rats.
CONCLUSIONS
Rb3 can reduce the inflammatory reaction of periodontal tissues in periodontitis rats, and promote the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs by regulating p-ERK pathways.
Animals
;
Ginsenosides/pharmacology*
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Periodontitis/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Periodontal Ligament/cytology*
;
Humans
;
Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism*
;
Stem Cells/drug effects*
;
Interleukin-6/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Interleukin-8/metabolism*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
;
Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Male
;
Phosphorylation
;
Lipopolysaccharides
;
Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism*
;
Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism*
3.Investigating the protective effect of naringenin on hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative damage of human periodontal ligament stem cells by regulating the forkhead box protein O-1/β-catenin pathway.
Li ZHANG ; Shiyuan PENG ; Feiyang TANG ; Jingwei JIAN ; Shuosheng YUAN ; Xiaomei XU
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(4):559-569
OBJECTIVES:
Investigating the protective effect of naringenin (NAR) on the osteogenic potential of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) under oxidative stress and its related mechanisms.
METHODS:
The oxidative damage model of hPDLSCs was established using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) andthe hPDLSCs were treated with different concentrations of NAR and 0.5 μmol/L forkhead box protein O-1 (FOXO1) inhibitor AS1842856. After that, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) was used to determine the optimal concentrations of H2O2 and NAR. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and real time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were employed to assess the expression of ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin (OCN) in hPDLSCs of each group. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining were utilized to evaluate the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in hPDLSCs. Meanwhile, qRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression levels of FOXO1 and β-catenin, both are pathway related genes and proteins.
RESULTS:
H2O2 exposure led to an increase in oxidative damage in hPDLSCs, characterized by a rise in intracellular ROS levels and increased expression of MDA and LDH (P<0.05). At the same time, the osteogenic differentiation ability of hPDLSCs decreased, as evidenced by lighter ALP staining and reduced expression levels of osteogenic differentiation-related genes ALP, RUNX2 and OCN (P<0.05). Co-treatment with NAR alleviated the oxidative damage in hPDLSCs, enhanced their antioxidant capacity, and restored their osteogenic ability. The FOXO1 inhibitor AS1842856 downregulated the expression of β-catenin (P<0.05) and significantly diminished both the antioxidant effect of NAR and its ability to restore osteogenesis (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
NAR can enhance the antioxidant capacity of hPDLSCs by activating the FOXO1/β-catenin signaling pathway within hPDLSCs, thereby mitigating oxidative stress damage and alleviating the loss of osteogenic capacity.
Humans
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Periodontal Ligament/cytology*
;
Hydrogen Peroxide
;
Forkhead Box Protein O1/metabolism*
;
Stem Cells/cytology*
;
Flavanones/pharmacology*
;
beta Catenin/metabolism*
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism*
;
Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism*
;
Osteocalcin/metabolism*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
4.Mechanism analysis of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in alleviating oxidative stress and promoting osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through activating Nrf2/NQO1 pathway.
Jiahui HUANG ; Long CHEN ; Chen XU ; Haojie YU ; Shishuai ZHOU ; Jianzhong GUAN
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(11):1459-1467
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the mechanism by which ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (hereinafter referred to as "ω-3") exert antioxidant stress protection and promote osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells, and to reveal the relationship between ω-3 and the key antioxidant stress pathway involving nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NAD (P) H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in MC3T3-E1 cells.
METHODS:
The optimal concentration of H 2O 2 (used to establish the oxidative stress model of MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro) and the optimal intervention concentrations of ω-3 were screened by cell counting kit 8. MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into blank control group, oxidative stress group (H 2O 2), low-dose ω-3 group (H 2O 2+low-dose ω-3), and high-dose ω-3 group (H 2O 2+high-dose ω-3). After osteoblastic differentiation for 7 or 14 days, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured by fluorescence staining and flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial morphological changes were observed by biological transmission electron microscope; the expression levels of Nrf2, NQO1, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), Mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), and Mfn2 were detected by Western blot to evaluate the cells' antioxidant stress capacity; the expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin (OCN) were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot; osteogenic potential of MC3T3-E1 cells was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining.
RESULTS:
Compared with the oxidative stress group, the content of ROS in the low and high dose ω-3 groups significantly decreased, and the protein expressions of Nrf2, NQO1, and HO-1 significantly increased ( P<0.05). At the same time, the mitochondrial morphology of MC3T3-E1 cells improved, and the expressions of mitochondrial morphology-related proteins Mfn1 and Mfn2 significantly increased ( P<0.05). ALP staining and alizarin red staining showed that the low-dose and high-dose ω-3 groups showed stronger osteogenic ability, and the expressions of osteogenesis-related proteins RUNX2 and OCN significantly increased ( P<0.05). And the above results showed a dose-dependence in the two ω-3 treatment groups ( P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
ω-3 can enhance the antioxidant capacity of MC3T3-E1 cells under oxidative stress conditions and upregulate their osteogenic activity, possibly through the Nrf2/NQO1 signaling pathway.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone)/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Fatty Acids, Omega-3/pharmacology*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Osteoblasts/drug effects*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Cell Line
;
Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology*
;
Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism*
;
Antioxidants/pharmacology*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
5.The effect of gentiopicroside on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by regulating the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway.
Ruifang WANG ; Yingchun YANG ; Haibing QIAO ; Ying YANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(9):784-789
Objective To investigate the effect of gentiopicroside on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and to determine whether its mechanism involves the stromal cell-derived factor 1(SDF-1)/C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) pathway. Methods BMSCs were divided into six groups: normal culture control group, osteogenic induction model group, low-dose gentiopicroside (L-gentiopicroside, 10 μmol/L) group, medium-dose gentiopicroside (M-gentiopicroside, 20 μmol/L) group, high-dose gentiopicroside (H-gentiopicroside, 40 μmol/L) group, and H-gentiopicroside+SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway inhibitor (AMD3100) group (H-gentiopicroside+AMD3100, 40 μmol/L gentiopicroside+10 μg/mL AMD3100). Cell viability, apoptosis, ALP activity, mineralized nodule formation, and protein levels of the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway were assessed using the CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, ALP staining, Alizarin Red S staining, and Western blotting, respectively. Results No mineralized nodules were observed in either the control and model group, although the color of the model group deepened. Compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly increased A value, ALP activity, expression levels of Runt related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteopontin (OPN), SDF-1, CXCR4 proteins, along with a lower apoptosis rate. Compared with the model group, the L-gentiopicroside, M-gentiopicroside and H-gentiopicroside groups showed dose-dependently (L
6.Role of miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 in apoptosis and autophagy of HFOB1.19 and effect of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction.
Tong-Ying CHEN ; Sai FU ; Xiao-Yun LI ; Shu-Hua LIU ; Yi-Fu YANG ; Dong-Sheng YANG ; Yun-Jie ZENG ; Yang-Bo LI ; Dan LUO ; Hong-Xing HUANG ; Lei WAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):583-589
Osteoporosis(OP) is a senile bone disease characterized by an imbalance between bone remodeling and bone formation. Targeting pathogenesis of kidney deficiency, spleen deficiency, and blood stasis, Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction has a significant effect on the treatment of OP by tonifying kidney, invigorating spleen, and activating blood circulation. MicroRNA(miRNA) and the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2-like protein 1(BCL2L1) are closely related to bone cell metabolism. Therefore, in this study, the binding of miR-140-5p to BCL2L1 was detected by dual luciferase assay and polymerase chain reaction(PCR). After silencing or overexpressing miR-140-5p, the apoptosis, autophagy, and osteogenic function of human fetal osteoblast cell line 1.19(HFOB1.19) were observed by flow cytometry and Western blot. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum was prepared by intragastric administration of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction in rats. Different concentrations of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum were used to treat HFOB1.19 with or without miR-140-5p mimic. The expression of osteogenic proteins in each group was observed, and the role of miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 in apoptosis and autophagy of HFOB1.19 was studied, along with the effect of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction on these processes. As indicated by the dual luciferase assay, miR-140-5p bound to BCL2L1. Flow cytometry and Western blot showed that miR-140-5p promoted apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in HFOB1.19. After intervention with high, medium, and low doses of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-medicated serum, compared with the miR-140-5p NC group, the expression of osteocalcin(OCN), osteopontin(OPN), Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1) decreased in the miR-140-5p mimic group, while the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2) showed no significant difference under high-dose intervention. Therefore, miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 can promote apoptosis and inhibit autophagy in HFOB1.19. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction can affect the osteogenic effect of miR-140-5p through BMP2.
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Animals
;
Cell Line
;
bcl-X Protein/metabolism*
;
Osteoblasts/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Osteoporosis/physiopathology*
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
7.Icariin promotes alcohol-inhibited osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-1-E1 cells by regulating LAP autophagy.
Qi ZENG ; Yue-Ping CHEN ; Shi-Lei SONG ; Yu LAI ; Hua-Hua WU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):590-599
This study investigated the mechanism of autophagy in the differentiation processes of MC3T3-E1 cells under osteogenic induction(physiological) and alcohol(AL) intervention(pathological), as well as the mechanism by which icariin(ICA) affected osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells under the pathological condition of AL intervention. Osteogenic mineralized nodule staining confirmed that the cells could differentiate into osteoblasts. After determining the appropriate concentrations of AL and ICA using the CCK-8 assay, seven groups were set up in this study: complete medium(CM) group, osteogenic induction medium(OIM) group, OIM+0.25 mol·L~(-1) AL group, OIM+0.25 mol·L~(-1) AL+1×10~(-8) mol·L~(-1) ICA group, OIM+0.25 mol·L~(-1) AL+1×10~(-7) mol·L~(-1) ICA group, OIM+0.25 mol·L~(-1) AL+1×10~(-6) mol·L~(-1) ICA group, and OIM+0.25 mol·L~(-1) AL+1×10~(-5) mol·L~(-1) ICA group, with a culture period of 7 days. Alkaline phosphatase(ALP) staining was used to detect the relative ALP area. Western blot and RT-qPCR were employed to analyze the expression of osteogenesis-and autophagy-related proteins and mRNAs. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) staining was used to detect ROS levels, and apoptosis was assessed through mitochondrial membrane potential assays. The results showed that ICA increased the relative ALP area that had been reduced by AL intervention. AL down-regulated the expression levels of Wnt family member 1(Wnt1), along with the osteogenesis-related mRNAs Wnt1, β-catenin, Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2), osteoprotegerin(OPG), and ALP, thereby inhibiting osteogenic differentiation. ICA up-regulated the expression levels of the osteogenesis-related proteins and mRNAs that had been inhibited by AL, promoting osteogenic differentiation. AL inhibited typical autophagy, while ICA regulated Rubicon to suppress LC3-associated phagocytosis(LAP) and promote typical autophagy. ICA also reduced the ROS levels that were elevated by AL and decreased the apoptosis of osteoblasts induced by AL intervention. In conclusion, ICA can regulate Rubicon to inhibit LAP, promote typical autophagy, eliminate ROS, reduce apoptosis, and ultimately enhance the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells under the pathological condition of AL intervention by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Osteoblasts/metabolism*
;
Ethanol/pharmacology*
;
Flavonoids/pharmacology*
;
Cell Line
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
8.Mechanism of icariin in promoting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and improving bone metabolism disorders through caveolin-1/Hippo signaling pathway.
Yi-Dan HAN ; Hai-Feng ZHANG ; Yun-Teng XU ; Yu-Huan ZHONG ; Xiao-Ning WANG ; Yun YU ; Yuan-Li YAN ; Shan-Shan WANG ; Xi-Hai LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):600-608
Guided by the theory of "the kidney storing essence, governing the bones, and producing marrow", this study explored the mechanism of icariin(ICA) in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) through caveolin-1(Cav1) via in vitro and in vivo experiments, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Primary cells were obtained from 4-week-old female SD rats using the whole bone marrow adherent method. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of surface markers CD29, CD90, CD11b, and CD45. The potential for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation was assessed. The effect of ICA on cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 assay, and the impact of ICA on the formation of mineralized nodules was verified by alizarin red staining. A stable Cav1-silenced cell line was constructed using lentivirus. The effect of Cav1 silencing on osteogenic differentiation was observed via alizarin red staining. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression of Cav1, Hippo/TAZ, and osteogenic markers such as Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2) and alkaline phosphatase(ALP). The results showed that primary cells were successfully obtained using the whole bone marrow adherent method, positively expressing surface markers of rat BMSCs and possessing the potential for both osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The CCK-8 assay and alizarin red staining results indicated that 1×10~(-7) mol·L~(-1) was the optimal concentration of ICA for intervention in this experiment(P<0.05). During osteogenic induction, ICA inhibited Cav1 expression(P<0.05) while promoting TAZ expression(P<0.05). Alizarin red staining demonstrated that Cav1 silencing significantly promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. After ICA intervention, TAZ expression was activated, and the expression of osteogenic markers ALP and RUNX2 was increased. In conclusion, Cav1 silencing significantly promotes the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and ICA promotes this differentiation by inhibiting Cav1 and regulating the Hippo/TAZ signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism*
;
Caveolin 1/genetics*
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Female
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Flavonoids/administration & dosage*
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Humans
9.Stimulation mechanism of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation by Duzhong Decoction-containing serum through L-VGCCs.
Ze-Bin CHEN ; Lan-Lan LUO ; Xin-Yi SHI ; Rui-Tong ZHAO ; Cai-Xian HU ; Yun-Ying FU ; Su-Zhen CHAO ; Bo LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3335-3345
This paper aimed to explore the effects of Duzhong Decoction(DZD)-containing serum on the proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels(L-VGCCs). L-VGCCs inhibitors, nifedipine and verapamil, were used to block L-VGCCs in osteoblasts. MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into a control group, a low-dose DZD-containing serum(L-DZD) group, a medium-dose DZD-containing serum(M-DZD) group, a high-dose DZD-containing serum(H-DZD) group, a nifedipine group, a H-DZD + nifedipine group, verapamil group, and a H-DZD + verapamil group. The CCK-8 method was used for cell proliferation analysis, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) assay kits for intracellular ALP activity measurement, Western blot for protein expression level in cells, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology for intracellular mRNA expression level determination, fluorescence spectrophotometer for free Ca~(2+) concentration determination in osteoblasts, and alizarin red staining(ARS) for mineralized nodule formation in osteoblasts. The experimental results show that compared to the control group, DZD groups can promote MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, ALP activity, and mineralized nodule formation, increase intracellular Ca~(2+) concentrations, and upregulate the protein expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2), collagen Ⅰ(COL1), α2 subunit protein of L-VGCCs(L-VGCCα2), and the mRNA expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and BMP2. After blocking L-VGCCs with nifedipine and verapamil, the intervention effects of DZD-containing serum were inhibited to varying degrees. Both nifedipine and verapamil could inhibit ALP activity, reduce mineralized nodule areas, and downregulate the expression of bone formation-related proteins. Moreover, the effects of DZD-containing serum on increasing MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, osteoblast differentiation, and Ca~(2+) concentrations, upregulating the mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin(OPG) and protein expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt) and phosphorylated forkhead box protein O1(p-FOXO1), and upregulating phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN) expression were reversed by nifedipine. The results indicate that DZD-containing serum can increase the Ca~(2+) concentration in MC3T3-E1 cells to promote bone formation, which may be mediated by L-VGCCs and the PTEN/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway, providing a new perspective on the mechanism of DZD in treating osteoporosis.
Animals
;
Osteoblasts/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Calcium Channels, L-Type/genetics*
;
Alkaline Phosphatase/genetics*
;
Serum/chemistry*
;
Cell Line
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/genetics*
10.Research progress in mechanisms of kidney-tonifying traditional Chinese medicine in promoting healing of osteoporotic fractures.
Jun WU ; Ou-Ye LI ; Ken QIN ; Xuan WAN ; Wang-Bing XU ; Yong LI ; Jia-Wei ZHONG ; Yong-Xiang YE ; Rui XU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4166-4177
Osteoporotic fractures(OPF) refer to the fractures caused by minor violence in the state of osteoporosis, seriously threatening the life and health of elderly patients. Drug and surgical therapies have limitations such as single targets, diverse adverse reactions, and poor prognosis. Kidney-tonifying traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has good potential in the treatment of OPF. TCM can promote the healing of OPF by promoting angiogenesis in the early stage of bone healing, promoting osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the stage of bone repair, maintaining the balance of osteogenic and osteoclastic system in the stage of bone remodeling, and regulating the oxidative stress responses throughout the process of OPF healing. TCM can alleviate the pathological state of osteoporosis and promote fracture healing in OPF patients via multiple pathways and targets, demonstrating the advantages and potential of biphasic regulation.
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Osteoporotic Fractures/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Fracture Healing/drug effects*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Kidney/metabolism*
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*

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