The protective effects of silibinin in the treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetic osteoporosis in rats

Alleviated diabetic osteoporosis and peripheral neuropathic pain by Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch polysaccharide via increasing regulatory T cells

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) are conditions that significantly impact the quality of life of patients worldwide. Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, a component of traditional Chinese medicine with a history spanning thousands of years, has been utilized in the treatment of osteoporosis and diabetes. Specifically, Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch polysaccharide (RGP), a key bioactive compound of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, has demonstrated immune-modulating properties and beneficial effects on hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and vascular inflammation in diabetic mice. Despite these known actions, the precise mechanisms of RGP in addressing DOP and DPN remain unclear. Our study aimed to explore the impact of RGP on osteoporosis and peripheral neuropathic pain in diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin (STZ). The findings revealed that RGP not only improved hyperglycemia and osteoporosis in STZ-induced diabetic mice but also enhanced osteogenesis, insulin production, and nerve health. Specifically, RGP alleviated distal pain, improved nerve conduction velocity, nerve fiber integrity, and immune cell balance in the spleen. Mechanistically, RGP was found to upregulate HDAC6 mRNA expression in regulatory T cells, potentially shedding light on novel pathways for preventing DOP and DPN. These results offer promising insights for the development of new therapeutic approaches for diabetic complications.

Silibinin as a major component of milk thistle seed provides promising influences against diabetes and its complications: a systematic review

Silibinin, or silybin, is a polyphenolic flavonoid and the main active component of silymarin, isolated from the seeds of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). It has been shown to have antioxidant, antineoplastic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. In this systematic review, a literature search was conducted from inception until January 2024 on major electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) to identify studies assessing the effects of silibinin on diabetes and its associated complications in different molecular, cellular, animal, and clinical studies. Silibinin has been shown to improve diabetic conditions through a variety of mechanisms, including reducing insulin resistance (IR), lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and affecting glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and glycogenolysis. Silibinin treatment reduced blood glucose (BG) levels, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines while increasing glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and antioxidative marker levels in various cellular and animal models of diabetes. It also ameliorated levels of triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Furthermore, silibinin has been identified as an effective treatment for diabetic complications, including hepatic damage, endothelial dysfunction, neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and osteoporosis. The promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and insulin-sensitizing activities of silibinin were also supported in clinical studies. The administration of silibinin could possess multiple protective impacts in improving DM and its complications. Nevertheless, further well-designed investigations are necessary to better understand its mechanisms.

Activation of PGC-1α-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis supports therapeutic effects of silibinin against type I diabetic periodontitis

AIM

To investigate whether silibinin impacts diabetic periodontitis (DP) via mitochondrial regulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo, rats were divided into control, diabetes, DP and DP combined with silibinin groups. Diabetes and periodontitis were induced by streptozocin and silk ligation, respectively. Bone turnover was evaluated by microcomputed tomography, histology and immunohistochemistry. In vitro, human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) with or without silibinin. Osteogenic function was analysed by Alizarin Red and alkaline phosphatase staining. Mitochondrial function and biogenesis were investigated by mitochondrial imaging assays and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Activator and lentivirus-mediated knockdown of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), a critical regulator of mitochondria biogenesis, was used to explore the mitochondrial mechanisms.

RESULTS

Silibinin attenuated periodontal destruction and mitochondrial dysfunction and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and PGC-1α expression in rats with DP. Meanwhile, silibinin promoted cell proliferation, osteogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis and increased the PGC-1α level in hPDLCs exposed to H2 O2 . Silibinin also protected PGC-1α from proteolysis in hPDLCs. Furthermore, both silibinin and activator of PGC-1α ameliorated cellular injury and mitochondrial abnormalities in hPDLCs, while knockdown of PGC-1α abolished the beneficial effect of silibinin.

CONCLUSIONS

Silibinin attenuated DP through the promotion of PGC-1α-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis.

D-Pinitol Improved Glucose Metabolism and Inhibited Bone Loss in Mice with Diabetic Osteoporosis

Diabetic osteoporosis (DO) has been increasingly recognized as an important complication of diabetes. D-pinitol, a natural compound found in various legumes, is known for its anti-diabetic function, but its effect on DO has not been investigated. Two doses of pinitol (50 and 100 mg/kg Bw/d) were administered orally to experimentally induce the DO mouse model for 5 weeks. The results indicated that pinitol suppressed fasting blood glucose levels and tended to enhance impaired pancreatic function. Pinitol also suppressed serum bone turnover biomarkers, and improved dry femur weight, cancellous bone rate, and bone mineral content in the DO mice. Based on the inositol quantification using GC-MS in serum, liver, kidney, and bone marrow, the pinitol treatment significantly recovered the depleted D-chiro-inositol (DCI) content or the decreased the ratio of DCI to myo-inositol caused by DO. In short, our results suggested that pinitol improved glucose metabolism and inhibited bone loss in DO mice via elevating the DCI levels in tissues.

Silibinin Attenuates Experimental Periodontitis by Downregulation of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Periodontitis is an oral microbiota-induced inflammatory disease, in which inflammation and oxidative stress play a critical role. Silibinin (SB), a Silybum marianum-derived compound, exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. We adopted a rat ligature-induced periodontitis model and a lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) model to evaluate the protective effects of SB. In the in vivo model, SB reduced alveolar bone loss and apoptosis of PDLCs in the periodontal tissue. SB also maintained the expression of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key regulator of cellular resistance to oxidative stress, and attenuated lipid, protein, and DNA oxidative damages in the periodontal lesion area. Meanwhile, in the in vitro model, SB administration reduced the production of intracellular reactive oxidative species (ROS). Furthermore, SB exerted a strong anti-inflammatory property in both in vivo and in vitro models by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory mediators including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) as well as nucleotide binding oligomerization domain- (NOD-) like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) and downregulating the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. This study, for the first time, demonstrates that SB exhibits the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties against periodontitis by downregulating the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 and upregulating Nrf2 expression, suggesting a promising potential clinical application of SB in periodontitis.

Silibinin-modified Hydroxyapatite coating promotes the osseointegration of titanium rods by activation SIRT1/SOD2 signaling pathway in diabetic rats

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of Silibinin (SIL)-modified Hydroxyapatite coating on osseointegration in diabetes in vivo and in vitro and explore the mechanism of osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1. RT-qPCR, Immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used to measure the expression level of oxidative Stress Indicators and osteogenic markers proteins. Moreover, CCK-8 assay was conducted to detect cell viability in hyperglycemia. Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase staining were used to examine osteogenic function and calcium deposits. The diabetic rat model receive titanium rod implantation was set up successfully and Von-Gieson staining was used to examine femoral bone tissue around titanium rod. Our results showed that intracellular oxidative stress in hyperglycemia was overexpressed, while FoxO1, SIRT1, GPX1, and SOD2 were downregulated. SIL suppressed oxidative stress to promote osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, it was confirmed that SIL promoted osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 and obviously restored the osseointegration ability of diabetic rats. Further study indicated that SIL exerted its beneficial function through activation SIRT1/SOD2 signaling pathway to restore osteoblast function, and improved the osseointegration and stability of titanium rods in vivo. Our research suggested that the SIL-modulated oxidative Stress inhibition is responsible for the activation of the process of osteogenic differentiation through activation SIRT1/SOD2 signaling pathway in hyperglycemia, providing a novel insight into improving prosthetic osseointegration in diabetic patients. Hyperglycemia impaired the activity and function of MC3T3-E1 and inhibits bone formation by up-regulating intracellular ROS levels through inhibition of SIRT1/SOD2 signaling pathway. Local administrator SIL can improve the activity and function of osteoblasts and enhance osseointegration by reducing intracellular ROS through activation of SIRT1/SOD2 signaling pathway in DM rat models.

Silibinin Can Promote Bone Regeneration of Selenium Hydrogel by Reducing the Oxidative Stress Pathway in Ovariectomized Rats

Osteoporosis-related bone defects are a major public health concern. Considering poor effects of a singular pharmacological treatment, many have sought combination therapies, including local treatment combined with systemic intervention. Based on recent evidence that selenium and silibinin increase bone formation and bone mineral density, it is hypothesized that systemic administration with silibinin plus local treatment with selenium may have an additive effect on bone regeneration in an OVX rat model with bone defects. To verify this hypothesis, 3-month-old ovariectomized Sprague- Dawley rats (n = 10/gp) were intraperitoneally with a dose of 50 mg/kg silibinin with selenium hydrogel scaffolds implanted into femoral metaphysis bone defect. Moreover, the MC3T3-E1 cells were co-cultured with selenium and silibinin, and observed any change of cell viability, ROS, and osteogenic activity. Experiment results show that the cell mineralization and osteogenic activity of silibinin plus selenium (SSe) group is enormously higher than the control (Con) group and selenium (Se) group, while ROS appears to be immensely reduced. Osteogenic protein expressions such as SIRT1, SOD2, RUNX-2 and OC of SSe group are significantly higher than Con group and Se group. Micro-CT and Histological analysis evaluation display that group SSe, compared with Con group and Se group, presents the strongest effect on bone regeneration, bone mineralization and higher expression of SIRT1 and SOD2. RT-qPCR analysis indicates that SSe group manifests increased SIRT1, SOD1, SOD2 and CAT than the Con group and Se group (p < 0.05). Our current study demonstrates that systemic administration with SIL plus local treatment with Se is a scheme for rapid repair of femoral condylar defects, and these effects may be achieved via reducing the oxidative stress pathway.

Effects and Mechanism of Zishen Jiangtang Pill on Diabetic Osteoporosis Rats Based on Proteomic Analysis

Objective

To explore the effect and mechanism of ZJP on DOP rats by proteomic analysis.

Materials and Methods

After the establishment of diabetes model by Streptozocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg), 40 Wistar rats were equally divided into normal group, model group (diabetic rats), high-dose group (3.0 g/kg/d ZJP), and low-dose group (1.5 g/kg/d ZJP) and received treatment for 3 months. Histological changes in bone and pancreas tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence. Proteomic and bioinformatic analyses were performed to identify the differentially expressed proteins. The fingerprint and active ingredients of ZJP were identified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

Compared with the model group, ZJP could rescue the weight, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin of rats in both high-dose and low-dose group. ZJP could also improve the microstructures of pancreatic islet cells, bone mass, and trabecular and marrow cavities in DOP rats. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that ZJP might influence DOP via multiple pathways, mainly including ribosomes, vitamin digestion and absorption, and fat digestion and absorption. The primary active ingredients, including notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re, icariin, and ginsenoside Rb1, were detected.

Conclusion

ZJP could significantly improve the histomorphology and ultrastructure of bone and islets tissues and might serve as an effective alternative medicine for the treatment of DOP.

TLR4 knockout ameliorates streptozotocin-induced osteoporosis in a mouse model of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia manifesting as insufficient insulin. Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) has been implicated in diabetic osteoporosis. We established streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model and examined the relevant osteoporosis factors in different experimental groups, the WT-CON group, WT-STZ group, KO-CON group and KO-STZ group, respectively. No obvious protection of TLR4 deletion was shown in mice with diabetes. There was no obvious difference in the body weight or blood glucose concentration between WT-STZ group and KO-STZ group. However, TLR4 deletion reduced the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, TLR4 knockout attenuated STZ-induced diabetic osteoporosis via inhibiting osteoblasts and pre-inflammation factors mediated by the NF-κB pathway. TLR4 deletion ameliorated STZ-induced diabetic osteoporosis in mice, and TLR4 may be used as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis.

Curcumin protects bone biomechanical properties and microarchitecture in type 2 diabetic rats with osteoporosis via the TGFβ/Smad2/3 pathway

Type 2 diabetic osteoporosis (T2DOP) has become a common secondary cause of osteoporosis that accelerates bone loss and leads to bone fractures. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between the anti-osteoporotic effect of curcumin (Cur) and the transforming growth factor (TGF)β/Smads signaling pathway. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the experiments. The type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) animals were treated with Cur for 8 weeks and blood lipid markers, bone microstructure and bone biomechanics were then evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of TGFβ1, type I TGFβ receptor (TβRI), TβRII and Smad2/3 were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. The body weight of rats with type 2 diabetes-induced osteoporosis increased (P<0.05), while the lipid (total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein) and fasting blood glucose levels were decreased by Cur (P<0.05). In addition, Cur significantly improved bone biomechanical properties (maximum load, breaking load, elastic load and the bone rigidity coefficient) and preserved bone microarchitecture (P<0.05). The RT-qPCR and IHC results revealed that Cur increased TGFβ1, TβRI, TβRII and Smad2/3 expression levels and promoted Smad2/3 phosphorylation in bones. The present results also indicated that Cur regulated lipid and glucose levels, improved bone biomechanical properties and preserved bone microarchitecture, and that these effects may be mediated via TGFβ/Smad2/3 pathway activation.

Zinc Supplementation Increased Bone Mineral Density, Improves Bone Histomorphology, and Prevents Bone Loss in Diabetic Rat

Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) is a complication of diabetes, with the characteristics of bone mineral density (BMD) reduction and bone structure destruction. Zinc was reported has a benefit effect on postmenopausal osteoporosise, it was also has hypoglycemic effect, whether zinc was beneficial on diabetes-induced osteoporosis has not been reported. So in the present study, we established a diabetic rat model by streptozotocin injection (60 mg/kg), and administered zinc sulfate by oral gavage to investigate the protective effects of zinc on DOP and the underline possible mechanism. Thirty six Sprague Dawley rats were divided into T1DM group (diabetic rats), control group (vehicle treatment), and T1DM-Zinc group (diabetic rats administered zinc sulfate 0.25 mg/kg by oral gavage). The bone histomorphological parameters, serum bone metabolism markers (including ALP, OPG, RUNX 2, and RANKL), BMD, and bone marrow adipocyte numbers were detected after eight weeks of zinc sulfate treatment. The results showed zinc sulfate administration (0.25 mg/kg/d) decreased blood glucose, increased the BMD, decreased serum ALP, and RANKL, increased serum OPG and RUNX 2 levels, as well as OPG/RANKL ratio of T1DM rats. Meanwhile, the bone histomorphological parameters, bone marrow adipocytes numbers were returned to be normal. The RUNX 2, and OPG mRNA expression levels in bone tissues of T1DM-Zinc group rats were increased after zinc sulfate treatment compared with the diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Those indicating that zinc sulfate can prevent DOP, the protective mechanism were mainly related to its hypoglycemic effect, bone marrow lipogenesis inhibition effect, OPG/RANKL ratio and RUNX 2 up-regulation effect.

The Impact of Curcumin on Bone Osteogenic Promotion of MC3T3 Cells under High Glucose Conditions and Enhanced Bone Formation in Diabetic Mice

Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) is characterized by impaired bone microstructure and reduced bone density resulting from high glucose levels. Curcumin (CURC) is extensively applied in the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases. However, the effect of curcumin on bone metabolism in diabetic osteoporosis is unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the optimal concentration of curcumin on enhancing osteogenesis in diabetic osteoporosis. Osteoblasts were treated with a high or low concentration of curcumin under a series of concentrations of high-glucose conditions. Type 2 diabetic mice were intervened with curcumin. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and osteogenesis-related gene expressions were evaluated by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Bone formation was evaluated by histological staining. The findings revealed that curcumin suppressed apoptosis and enhanced proliferation and osteogenesis-related gene expressions of osteoblasts under high glucose concentrations (p < 0.05). The histological sections displayed reduced bone destruction and increased the growth rate of trabecular bone and the bone density of diabetic mice treated with curcumin, compared to diabetic mice. These results showed that curcumin could reverse the harmful effects of diabetic osteoporosis in a dose-dependent manner, and 10 μmol/L was regarded as the optimal concentration, which supports the potential use of curcumin for bone regeneration under high glucose concentrations.

Silibinin's regulation of proliferation and collagen gene expressions of rat pancreatic β-cells cultured on types I and V collagen involves β-catenin nuclear translocation

Extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules have multiple functions; prevention of cytotoxicity, provision of mechanical support, cell adhesive substrates and structural integrity in addition to mediation of cellular signaling. In this study, we report that the proliferation of INS-1 cells cultured on collagen I-coated dishes is enhanced, but it is inhibited on collagen V-coated dishes. Inhibitory proliferation on collagen V-coated is not due to apoptosis induction. Silibinin decreases hepatic glucose production and protects pancreatic β-cells, as a potential medicine for type II diabetes. Silibinin up-regulates the proliferation of cells cultured on both collagen I- and V-coated dishes. Collagen-coating regulates gene expression of collagen in a collagen type-related manner. Silibinin increases mRNA expression of collagen I in the cells on collagen I- and V-coated dishes; however, silibinin decreases collagen V mRNA expression on collagen I- and V-coated dishes. Collagen I-coating significantly enhances nuclear translocation of β-catenin, while collagen V-coating reduces it. Differential effects of silibinin on collagen I mRNA and collagen V mRNA can be accounted for by the finding that silibinin enhances nuclear translocation of β-catenin on both collagen I- and V-coated dishes, since phenomenologically nuclear translocation of β-catenin enhances collagen I mRNA but represses collagen V mRNA. These results demonstrate that nuclear translocation of β-catenin up-regulates proliferation and collagen I gene expression, whereas it down-regulates collagen V gene expression of INS-1 cells. Differential gene expressions of collagen I and V by nuclear β-catenin could be important for understanding fibrosis where collagen I and V may have differential effects.

Icariin Prevents Diabetes-Induced Bone Loss in Rats by Reducing Blood Glucose and Suppressing Bone Turnover

Diabetic Osteoporosis (DOP) is a common metabolic bone disease, characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and destruction of bone microstructure. It has been reported that icariin is beneficial for estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis, and alcohol-induced osteoporosis; whether icariin has protective effects on diabetes-induced osteoporosis has not been reported. In this study, a rat model of diabetic osteoporosis was established by streptozotocin injection, the bone protective effects and potential mechanism of icariin on diabetes-induced bone loss was observed. Thirty 8-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control group (vehicle treatment), T1DM (diabetic) group and T1DM-icariin (ICA) group (diabetic rats treated with icariin), 10 rats in each group. The bone histomorphometry parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), serum bone turnover markers, and bone marrow adipogenesis were analyzed after 8 weeks of icariin administration. The results showed consumption of icariin at a doses of 100 mg kg⁻¹ decreased blood glucose, and increased the BMD of diabetic rats. Icariin effectively decreased serum bone turnover marker levels, including CTX-1, ALP, TRACP 5b, osteocalcin, and PINP. Meanwhile, the bone histomorphometry parameters, the number of osteoclasts per bone perimeter were turned to be normal level, and the icariin treatment suppressed bone marrow adipogenesis. The runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX 2), as well as the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand (RANKL) ratio in serum and bone tissues were increased significantly after icariin treatment in diabetic rats. All of the above indicate that oral administration of icariin can prevent diabetic osteoporosis; the effect is mainly related to its ability to reduce blood glucose, inhibit bone turnover and bone marrow adipogenesis, as well as up-regulate bone RUNX 2, and OPG expression.

RAGE-dependent mitochondria pathway: a novel target of silibinin against apoptosis of osteoblastic cells induced by advanced glycation end products

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can stimulate osteoblast apoptosis and have a critical role in the pathophysiology of diabetic osteoporosis. Mitochondrial abnormalities are closely related to osteoblast dysfunction. However, it remains unclear whether mitochondrial abnormalities are involved in AGE-induced osteoblastic cell apoptosis. Silibinin, a major flavonolignan compound of silimarin, has strong antioxidant and mitochondria-protective properties. In the present study, we explored the possible mitochondrial mechanisms underlying AGE-induced apoptosis of osteoblastic cells and the effect of silibinin on osteoblastic cell apoptosis. We demonstrated that mitochondrial abnormalities largely contributed to AGE-induced apoptosis of osteoblastic cells, as evidenced by enhanced mitochondrial oxidative stress, conspicuous reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate production, abnormal mitochondrial morphology, and altered mitochondrial dynamics. These AGE-induced mitochondrial abnormalities were mainly mediated by the receptor of AGEs (RAGE). In addition, we found that silibinin directly downregulated the expression of RAGE and modulated RAGE-mediated mitochondrial pathways, thereby preventing AGE-induced apoptosis of osteoblastic cells. This study not only provides a new insight into the mitochondrial mechanisms underlying AGE-induced osteoblastic cell apoptosis, but also lays a foundation for the clinical use of silibinin for the prevention or treatment of diabetic osteoporosis.

Involvement of estrogen receptors in silibinin protection of pancreatic β-cells from TNFα- or IL-1β-induced cytotoxicity

Silibinin is a polyphenolic flavonoid that exhibits anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. The effect of silibinin on pancreatic islet β-cell is yet largely unknown in spite of well documented-hepatoprotective effects. Protecting the functional insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas is a major therapeutic challenge in the patients with type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study reports the effect of silibinin on the rat pancreatic β-cell line, INS-1, damaged with pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNFα or IL-1β. Exposure to TNFα or IL-1β for 48 h caused INS-1 cells to reduce the production of insulin as well as cell viability. These actions of TNFα or IL-1β are associated with suppression of the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs). Further study revealed that silibinin protected the suppression in the expression of both ERα and ERβ that were involved in insulin synthesis and release, respectively. Furthermore, evidence is obtained that silibinin may impede the loss of critical INS-1 cells by promoting autophagy and preventing apoptosis. Direct cytoprotective effects of silibinin on INS-1 cells suggest that silibinin may be therapeutically beneficial for diabetes.

Effect of Zishen Jiangtang Pill, a Chinese Herbal Product, on Rats with Diabetic Osteoporosis

Diabetic osteoporosis (DO) is a complication of diabetes. Zishen Jiangtang Pill (ZJP) is a Chinese herbal product which has been used in clinic to maintain blood glucose level and bone density for decades. However, the evidence about its mechanism on diabetes and osteoporosis is still unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate therapeutic effect of ZJP on DO in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced rats. Rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: one control group (CON), one model group (MOD), and two ZJP treatment groups (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg/d). All rats were treated for 8 weeks. Results showed that ZJP decreased the blood glucose level during OGTT and prevented the changes of FBG and Fins. Similarly, ZJP inhibited the changes of BCa, P, TRACP-5b, CTX-1, BALP, and BGP and the reduction of BMD. In parallel, 1H-NMR metabolomic studies showed that ZJP significantly altered the metabolic fingerprints of blood and urine level. These findings suggest that ZJP can effectively improve glucose metabolism, abnormal bone metabolism, and metabolic disorders in DO rats, which may be a useful alternative medicine for DO therapy.