Dehydrocostus lactone (DHC) suppresses estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis

Trifolirhizin protects ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption

Background

Osteoporosis is a debilitating condition characterized by reduced bone density and microstructure, leading to increased susceptibility to fractures and increased mortality, particularly among older individuals. Despite the availability of drugs for osteoporosis treatment, the need for targeted and innovative agents with fewer adverse effects persists. Trifolirhizin, a natural pterostalin derived from the root of Sophora flavescens, has been previously studied for its effects on certain anticancer and antiinflammatory. The impact of trifolirhizin on the formation and function of osteoclasts remain unclear.

Purpose

Herein, the possible roles of trifolirhizin the formation and function of osteoclasts and the underlying mechanism were explored. Methods: Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were employed to evaluate the roles of trifolirhizin on steoclastogenesis, bone absorption and the underlying mechanism in vitro. Bone loss model was established by ovariectomy(OVX) in mice in vivo.

Results

Trifolirhizin repressed osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) in vitro. Mechanistically, trifolirhizin inhibits RANKL-induced MAPK signal transduction and NFATc1 expression. Moreover, trifolirhizin inhibited osteoclast marker gene expression, including NFATc1, CTSK, MMP9, DC-STAMP, ACP5, and V-ATPase-D2. Additionally, trifolirhizin was found to protect against ovariectomy(OVX)-induced bone loss in mice.

Conclusion

Trifolirhizin can effectively inhibit osteoclast production and bone resorption activity. The results of our study provide evidence for trifolirhizin as a potential drug for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and other osteolytic diseases.

The Effects of Sesquiterpene Lactones on the Differentiation of Human or Animal Cells Cultured In-Vitro: A Critical Systematic Review

Cellular differentiation is pivotal in health and disease. Interfering with the process of differentiation, such as inhibiting the differentiation of adipocytes and inducing the differentiation of cancer cells, is considered a therapeutic approach. Sesquiterpene lactones, primarily found in plants, have been attracted attention as differentiating/dedifferentiating agents tested on various human or animal cells. However, a consensus on sesquiterpene lactones’ effects and their mechanism of action is required. In this sense, through a systematic review, we have investigated the differentiating/dedifferentiating effects of sesquiterpene lactones on human or animal cells. 13 different cell lines originated from humans, mice, and rats, in addition to the effects of a total of 21 sesquiterpene lactones, were evaluated in the included studies. These components had either inducing, inhibiting, or no effect on the cells, mediating their effects through JAK-STAT, PI3K-Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinases, NFκB, PPARγ pathways. Although nearly all inducing and inhibiting effects were attributed to cancerous and normal cells, respectively, this is likely a result of a biased study design. Few studies reported negative results along with others, and no study was found reporting only negative results. As a result, not only are the effects and mechanism of action of sesquiterpene lactones not vivid but our knowledge and decisions are also misconducted. Moreover, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the type of evaluated cells, other sesquiterpene lactones, and the involved signaling pathways. In conclusion, sesquiterpene lactones possess significant effects on differentiation status, leading to potentially efficient therapy of obesity, osteoporosis, and cancer. However, reporting negative results and further investigations on other cells, sesquiterpene lactones, and signaling pathways are highly suggested to pave the path of sesquiterpene lactones to the clinic more consciously.

Epimedium for Osteoporosis Based on Western and Eastern Medicine: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The efficacy of conventional pharmacotherapy on osteoporosis was limited and accompanied with serious side effects. Epimedium might have the potential to be developed as agents to treat osteoporosis. The present systematic review and meta-analysis integrating Western medicine and Eastern medicine (“WE” medicine) was to evaluate the efficacy of Epimedium on osteoporosis.

Methods: Eleven electronic databases were searched to identify the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Epimedium as an adjunctive or alternative versus conventional pharmacotherapy during osteoporosis. Bone mineral density (BMD), effective rate, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were measured as primary outcomes. The secondary outcomes were pain relief time, bone metabolic markers, and adverse events. Research quality evaluation was conducted according to the modified Jadad scale. Review Manager 5.4 was utilized to perform analyses, and the data were pooled using a random-effect or fixed-effect model to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD), standardized mean difference (SMD), risk ratio (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: Twelve RCTs recruiting 1,017 patients were eligible. Overall, it was possible to verify that, in the Epimedium plus conventional pharmacotherapy group, BMD was significantly improved (p = 0.03), effective rate was significantly improved (p = 0.0001), and VAS was significantly decreased (p = 0.01) over those in control group. When compared to conventional pharmacotherapy, Epimedium used alone improved BMD (p = 0.009) and effective rate (p < 0.0001). VAS was lower (p < 0.00001), and the level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly decreased (p = 0.01) in patients taking Epimedium alone compared with those given conventional pharmacotherapy. Results of subgroup analyses yielded that the recommended duration of Epimedium as an adjuvant was >3 months (p = 0.03), the recommended duration of Epimedium as an alternative was ≤3 months (p = 0.002), and Epimedium decoction brought more benefits (SMD = 2.33 [1.92, 2.75]) compared with other dosage forms. No significant publication bias was identified based on statistical tests (t = 0.81, p = 0.440).

Conclusions: Epimedium may improve BMD and effective rate and relieve pain as an adjuvant or alternative; Epimedium as an alternative might regulate bone metabolism, especially ALP, with satisfying clinical efficacy during osteoporosis. More rigorous RCTs are warranted to confirm these results.

Evolving Roles of Natural Terpenoids From Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic metabolic skeletal disease which can lead to reduction in bone mass and increased risk of bone fracture due to the microstructural degradation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been applied in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis for a long time. Terpenoids, a class of natural products that are rich in TCM, have been widely studied for their therapeutic efficacy on bone resorption, osteogenesis, and concomitant inflammation. Terpenoids can be classified in four categories by structures, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and triterpenoids. In this review, we comprehensively summarize all the currently known TCM-derived terpenoids in the treatment of OP. In addition, we discuss the possible mechanistic-of-actions of all four category terpenoids in anti-OP and assess their therapeutic potential for OP treatment.

Dehydrocostus Lactone Attenuates Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Inflammation and Acute Lung Injury via Modulating Macrophage Polarization

Dehydrocostus lactone (DHL), a natural sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the traditional Chinese herbs Saussurea lappa and Inula helenium L., has important anti-inflammatory properties used for treating colitis, fibrosis, and Gram-negative bacteria-induced acute lung injury (ALI). However, the effects of DHL on Gram-positive bacteria-induced macrophage activation and ALI remains unclear. In this study, we found that DHL inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, the degradation of IκBα, and the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, but enhanced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and primary bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Given the critical role of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB and AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathways in the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization and inflammation, we speculated that DHL would also have an effect on macrophage polarization. Further studies verified that DHL promoted M2 macrophage polarization and reduced M1 polarization, then resulted in a decreased inflammatory response. An in vivo study also revealed that DHL exhibited anti-inflammatory effects and ameliorated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-induced ALI. In addition, DHL treatment significantly inhibited the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway and activated AMPK/Nrf2 signaling, leading to accelerated switching of macrophages from M1 to M2 in the MRSA-induced murine ALI model. Collectively, these data demonstrated that DHL can promote macrophage polarization to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype via interfering in p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling, as well as activating the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggested that DHL might be a novel candidate for treating inflammatory diseases caused by Gram-positive bacteria.

The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Cerebrovascular Diseases Pathology and Possible Therapeutic Targets

Cerebrovascular diseases are pathological conditions involving impaired blood flow in the brain, primarily including ischaemic stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, and subarachnoid haemorrhage. The nucleotide-binding and oligomerisation (NOD) domain-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain (PYD)-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a protein complex and a vital component of the immune system. Emerging evidence has indicated that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in cerebrovascular diseases. The function of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular diseases remains an interesting field of research. In this review, we first summarised the pathological mechanism of cerebrovascular diseases and the pathological mechanism of the NLRP3 inflammasome in aggravating atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular diseases. Second, we outlined signalling pathways through which the NLRP3 inflammasome participates in aggravating or mitigating cerebrovascular diseases. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), ROS/thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and purinergic receptor-7 (P2X7R) signalling pathways can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome; activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can aggravate cerebrovascular diseases by mediating apoptosis and pyroptosis. Autophagy/mitochondrial autophagy, nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), interferon (IFN)-β, sirtuin (SIRT), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) reportedly alleviate cerebrovascular diseases by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Finally, we explored specific inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome based on the two-step activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which can be developed as new drugs to treat cerebrovascular diseases.

Nanocapsules containing Saussurea lappa essential oil: Formulation, characterization, antidiabetic, anti-cholinesterase and anti-inflammatory potentials

Plant-based remedies have been widely used for the management of variable diseases due to their safety and less side effects. In the present study, we investigated Saussurea lappa CB. Clarke. (SL) given its largely reported medicinal effects. Specifically, our objective was to provide an insight into a new polymethyl methacrylate based nanocapsules as carriers of SL essential oil and characterize their biologic functions. The nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique, characterized and analyzed for their cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer and antidiabetic effects. The results revealed that the developed nanoparticles had a diameter around 145 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.18 and a zeta potential equal to +45 mV and they did not show any cytotoxicity at 25 μg·mL^-1. The results also showed an anti-inflammatory activity (reduction in metalloprotease MMP-9 enzyme activity and RNA expression of inflammatory cytokines: TNF-α, GM-CSF and IL1β), a high anti-Alzheimer's effect (IC50 around 25.0 and 14.9 μg·mL^-1 against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, respectively), and a strong antidiabetic effect (IC50 were equal to 22.9 and 75.8 μg·mL^-1 against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively). Further studies are required including the in vivo studies (e.g., preclinical), the pharmacokinetic properties, the bioavailability and the underlying associated metabolic pathways.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell in Mice Uterine and Its Therapeutic Effect on Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a silent disease caused by low bone mineral density and is complicated by fractures. This study was designed to examine the differentiation of uterine stem cell-derived osteoprogenitor cells (UOPCs) both in vitro and in vivo, assessing their effectiveness in treating osteoporosis. CD271⁺/CD45^- UOPCs were isolated from the endometrial tissue of inbred Balb/c mice through magnetic activated cell sorting. Stem cell differentiation assays were used for CD271⁺/CD45^- UOPCs in vitro. In vivo, the UOPCs were implanted into mouse osteoporosis models through tail-vein injection for 8 weeks. Osteogenic differentiation was examined by X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-labeled UOPCs, obtained from C57BL/6-Tg (ACTb-EGFP) 1Osb/J mice, were used to assess cell survival in the osteoporosis model. The levels of osteogenic markers were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro, UOPCs were able to form into typical spheres and various differentiations. In vivo, implantation of UOPCs into osteoporosis model significantly increased bone mineral densities and bone microstructure parameters. The levels of a biochemical marker of bone metabolism, Semaphorin-3A, increased significantly. However, levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand decreased. Immunofluorescence staining of osteoporosis mice injected with green fluorescent protein+ UOPCs showed their survival for up to 7 days. In conclusion, stem cells with osteogenic differentiation potential can be isolated from uterine or endometrial tissue. These UOPCs can stably proliferate and differentiate in vitro or in vivo, which can inhibit bone resorption and osteoclast marker expression. In vivo, UOPCs significantly improved reduction in bone density caused by reduced estrogen levels. Such cell transplantation approach is potentially useful in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Quality assessment of raw and baked Aucklandia lappa Decne. by color measurement and fingerprint analysis

Aucklandia lappa Decne. has been used as a traditional Chinese herb for thousands of years in treating various kinds of disorders. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, there are two kinds of processed products, raw and baked Aucklandia lappa Decne., which have different therapeutic effect in clinical application. In this study, based on color measurement and fingerprint analysis, the method to assess the quality of these two processed products was established. In color measurement, the reference ranges of color parameters (L^* , a^* , and b^* ), standard color difference values, and mathematical prediction functions of these two processed products were obtain after the color was measured by a spectrophotometer. Meanwhile, high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprints of these two processed products were established, where there were 12 peaks recognized as the common peaks in both processed products, in which two peaks were identified as costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone, and these two processed products were classified with chemometrics analysis subsequently. Furthermore, the correlation between color parameters and sample compositions was explored and the contents of costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone were determined simultaneously by high-performance liquid chromatography. Consequently, an integral method including color measurement, high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint with chemometrics analysis, and quantitative determination was established.

Protective Effects of Punicalagin on Osteoporosis by Inhibiting Osteoclastogenesis and Inflammation via the NF-κB and MAPK Pathways

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a worldwide disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture risk. Inflammatory bone loss due to excessive osteoclast bone resorption is significant in the pathogenesis and development of osteoporosis. Punicalagin (PUN) is a pomegranate fruit derivative and has potential anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of PUN on osteoporotic bone loss has yet to be clarified. In this study, we investigated the effect of PUN on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption in vitro, as well as its potential therapeutic effect on ovariectomized-induced bone loss in vivo. PUN was demonstrated to suppress osteoclast formation and bone resorptive function dose-dependently, while osteoclast-specific genes were also downregulated by PUN. In vivo micro-CT and histopathological staining showed that the OVX procedure led to significant bone loss characterized by decreased bone parameters and increased osteoclast numbers, while PUN treatment dramatically prevented these changes. Furthermore, PUN treatment effectively inhibited proinflammatory cytokine expression in vitro. Mechanistically, PUN maintained bone mass via suppressing nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway activation. Collectively, our observations provide evidence that PUN is a potential candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Modulation of bone turnover aberration: A target for management of primary osteoporosis in experimental rat model

Osteoporosis is a skeletal degenerative disease characterised by abnormal bone turnover with scant bone formation and overabundant bone resorption. The present approach was intended to address the potency of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), chitosan/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites (nCh/HA) and silver/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nAg/HA) to modulate bone turnover deviation in primary osteoporosis induced in the experimental model. Characterisation techniques such as TEM, zeta-potential, FT-IR and XRD were used to assess the morphology, the physical as well as the chemical features of the prepared nanostructures. The in vivo experiment was conducted on forty-eight adult female rats, randomised into 6 groups (8 rats/group), (1) gonad-intact, (2) osteoporotic group, (3) osteoporotic + nHA, (4) osteoporotic + nCh/HA, (5) osteoporotic + nAg/HA and (6) osteoporotic + alendronate (ALN). After three months of treatment, serum sclerostin (SOST), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) levels were quantified using ELISA. Femur bone receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) and cathepsin K (CtsK) mRNA levels were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. Moreover, alizarin red S staining was applied to determine the mineralisation intensity of femur bone. Findings in the present study indicated that treatment with nHA, nCh/HA or nAg/HA leads to significant repression of serum SOST, BALP and BSP levels parallel to a significant down-regulation of RANKL and CtsK gene expression levels. On the other side, significant enhancement in the calcification intensity of femur bone has been noticed. The outcomes of this experimental setting ascertained the potentiality of nHA, nCh/HA and nAg/HA as promising nanomaterials in attenuating the excessive bone turnover in the primary osteoporotic rat model. The mechanisms behind the efficacy of the investigated nanostructures involved the obstacle of serum and tissue indices of bone resorption besides the strengthening of bone mineralisation.

Dehydrocostus lactone inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation by blocking ASC oligomerization and prevents LPS-mediated inflammation in vivo

Uncontrolled activation of NLRP3 inflammasome initiates a series of human inflammatory diseases. Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome has attracted considerable attention in developing potential therapeutic interventions. Here, we reported that dehydrocostus lactone (DCL), a main component of Saussurea lappa from the traditional Chinese medicine, inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated caspase-1 activation and subsequent interleukin (IL)-1β production in primary mouse macrophages and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and exerted an inhibitory effect on NLRP3-driven inflammation. Mechanistically, DCL significantly blocked the ASC oligomerization, which is essential for the assembly of activated inflammasome. Importantly, in vivo experiments showed that DCL reduced IL-1β secretion and peritoneal neutrophils recruitment in LPS-mediated inflammation mouse model, which is demonstrated to be NLRP3 dependent. These results suggest that DCL is a potent pharmacological inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome and may be developed as a therapeutic drug for treating NLRP3-associated diseases.