Genkwanin nanosuspensions: a novel and potential antitumor drug in breast carcinoma therapy

Xin-Yi-Qing-Fei-Tang and its critical components reduce asthma symptoms by suppressing GM-CSF and COX-2 expression in RBL-2H3 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) XYQFT is composed of 10 herbs. According to the NHIRD, XYQFT is one of the top ten most commonly used TCM prescriptions for asthma treatment.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to explore whether XYQFT reduces asthma symptoms in a mouse model of chronic asthma and determine the immunomodulatory mechanism of mast cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BALB/c mice were intratracheally (it) stimulated with 40 μL (2.5 μg/μL) of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) once a week for 6 consecutive weeks and orally administered XYQFT at 1 g/kg 30 min before Der p stimulation. Airway hypersensitivity, inflammatory cells in the BALF and total IgE in the blood were assessed in mice. In addition, RBL-2H3 cells (mast cells) were stimulated with DNP-IgE, after which different concentrations of XYQFT were added for 30 min to evaluate the effect of XYQFT on the gene expression and degranulation of DNP-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. After the compounds in XYQFT were identified using LC‒MS/MS, the PBD method was used to identify the chemical components that inhibited the expression of the GM-CSF and COX-2 genes in mast cells.

RESULTS

The airway hypersensitivity assay demonstrated that XYQFT significantly alleviated Der p-induced airway hypersensitivity. Moreover, cell counting and typing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed a significant reduction in Der p-induced inflammatory cell infiltration with XYQFT treatment. ELISA examination further indicated a significant decrease in Der p-induced total IgE levels in serum following XYQFT administration. In addition, XYQFT inhibited the degranulation and expression of genes (IL-3, IL-4, ALOX-5, IL-13, GM-CSF, COX-2, TNF-α, and MCP-1) in RBL-2H3 cells after DNP stimulation. The compounds timosaponin AIII and genkwanin in XYQFT were found to be key factors in the inhibition of COX-2 and GM-CSF gene expression in mast cells.

CONCLUSION

By regulating mast cells, XYQFT inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, airway hypersensitivity and specific immunity in a mouse model of asthma. In addition, XYQFT synergistically inhibited the expression of the GM-CSF and COX-2 genes in mast cells through timosaponin AIII and genkwanin.

Screening of Short-Chain Antimicrobial Peptide LKARI with Broad-Spectrum Bactericidal Properties and Its Application in Promoting Wound Healing

Due to the extensive use of antibiotics, many highly resistant bacteria and extensively resistant bacteria have been produced. In recent years, the increase of drug-resistant bacteria and the resulting proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria have increased the incidence of hospital-acquired infections and caused great harm to human health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered to be an innovative antibiotic and belong to the latest advances in this field. We designed a polypeptide and verified its low minimum inhibitory concentration and broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi in microbiology and pharmacology. Several experiments have confirmed that the screened antimicrobial peptides have significant antidrug resistance and also show significant therapeutic properties in the treatment of systemic bacterial infections. In addition, through our experimental research, it was proved that the antibacterial hydrogel composed of poly(vinyl alcohol), sodium alginate, and antimicrobial peptides had excellent antibacterial properties and showed good wound healing ability.

Flavones and Related Compounds: Synthesis and Biological Activity

This review focuses on the synthesis and biological activity of flavones and their related flavonoidic compounds, namely flavonols and aurones. Among the biological activities of natural and synthetic flavones and aurones, their anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties are highlighted and detailed in this review. Starting from the structures of natural flavones acting on multiple anticancer targets (myricetin, genkwanin, and other structurally related compounds), new flavone analogs were recently designed and evaluated for their anticancer activity. The most representative compounds and their anticancer activity are summarized in this review. Natural flavones recognized for their antimicrobial properties (baicalein, luteolin, quercetol, apigenin, kaempferol, tricin) have been recently derivatized or structurally modulated by chemical synthetic methods in order to obtain new effective antimicrobial flavonoidic derivatives with improved biological properties. The most promising antimicrobial agents are systematically highlighted in this review. The most applied method for the synthesis of flavones and aurones is based on the oxidative cyclization of o-hydroxychalcones. Depending on the reaction conditions and the structure of the precursor, in some cases, several cyclization products result simultaneously: flavones, flavanones, flavonols, and aurones. Based on the literature data and the results obtained by our research group, our aim is to highlight the most promising methods for the synthesis of flavones, as well as the synthetic routes for the other structurally related cyclization products, such as hydroxyflavones and aurones, while considering that, in practice, it is difficult to predict which is the main or exclusive cyclization product of o-hydroxychalcones under certain reaction conditions.

Genkwanin: An emerging natural compound with multifaceted pharmacological effects

Plant bioactive molecules could play key preventive and therapeutic roles in chronological aging and the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, often accompanied by increased oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation. Dietary antioxidants, including genkwanin, could decrease oxidative stress and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines or pathways. The present study is the first comprehensive review of genkwanin, a methoxyflavone found in several plant species. Indeed, natural sources, and pharmacokinetics of genkwanin, the biological properties were discussed and highlighted in detail. This review analyzed and considered all original studies related to identification, isolation, quantification, investigation of the biological and pharmacological properties of genkwanin. We consulted all published papers in peer-reviewed journals in the English language from the inception of each database to 12 May 2023. Different phytochemical demonstrated that genkwanin is a non-glycosylated flavone found and isolated from several medicinal plants such as Genkwa Flos, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Leonurus sibiricus. In vitro and in vivo biological and pharmacological investigations showed that Genkwanin exhibits remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, genkwanin, via activation of glucokinase, has shown antihyperglycemic activity with a potential role against metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Additionally, it revealed cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and assisting against neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, genkwanin showed other biological properties like antitumor capability, antibacterial, antiviral, and dermato-protective effects. The involved mechanisms include sub-cellular, cellular and molecular actions at different levels such as inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Despite the findings from preclinical studies that have demonstrated the effects of genkwanin and its diverse mechanisms of action, additional research is required to comprehensively explore its therapeutic potential. Primarily, extensive studies should be carried out to enhance our understanding of the molecule's pharmacodynamic actions and pharmacokinetic pathways. Moreover, toxicological and clinical investigations should be undertaken to assess the safety and clinical efficacy of genkwanin. These forthcoming studies are of utmost importance in fully unlocking the potential of this molecule in the realm of therapeutic applications.

Metabolic engineering and optimization of Escherichia coli co-culture for the de novo synthesis of genkwanin

Genkwanin has various significant roles in nutrition, biomedicine, and pharmaceutical biology. Previously, this compound was chiefly produced by plant-originated extraction or chemical synthesis. However, due to increasing concern and demand for safe food and environmental issues, the biotechnological production of genkwanin and other bioactive compounds based on safe, cheap, and renewable substrates has gained much interest. This paper described recombinant Escherichia coli-based co-culture engineering that was reconstructed for the de novo production of genkwanin from d-glucose. The artificial genkwanin biosynthetic chain was divided into 2 modules in which the upstream strain contained the genes for synthesizing p-coumaric acid from d-glucose, and the downstream module contained a gene cluster that produced the precursor apigenin and the final product, genkwanin. The Box-Behnken design, a response surface methodology, was used to empirically model the production of genkwanin and optimize its productivity. As a result, the application of the designed co-culture improved the genkwanin production by 48.8 ± 1.3 mg/L or 1.7-fold compared to the monoculture. In addition, the scale-up of genkwanin bioproduction by a bioreactor resulted in 68.5 ± 1.9 mg/L at a 48 hr time point. The combination of metabolic engineering and fermentation technology was therefore a very efficient and applicable approach to enhance the production of other bioactive compounds.

Plant-Derived Nanoscale-Encapsulated Antioxidants for Oral and Topical Uses: A Brief Review

Several plant-based nanoscale-encapsulated antioxidant compounds (rutin, myricetin, β-carotene, fisetin, lycopene, quercetin, genkwanin, lutein, resveratrol, eucalyptol, kaempferol, glabridin, pinene, and whole-plant bio-active compounds) are briefly introduced in this paper, along with their characteristics. Antioxidants’ bioavailability has become one of the main research topics in bio-nanomedicine. Two low patient compliance drug delivery pathways (namely, the oral and topical delivery routes), are described in detail in this paper, for nanoscale colloidal systems and gel formulations. Both routes and/or formulations seek to improve bioavailability and maximize the drug agents’ efficiency. Some well-known compounds have been robustly studied, but many remain elusive. The objective of this review is to discuss recent studies and advantages of nanoscale formulations of plant-derived antioxidant compounds.

Caragana rosea Turcz Methanol Extract Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses by Suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB/IRF3 Signaling Pathways

Caragana rosea Turcz, which belongs to the Leguminosae family, is a small shrub found in Northern and Eastern China that is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat fever, asthma, and cough. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory effects are unknown. Therefore, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 macrophages to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the anti-inflammatory activities of a methanol extract of Caragana rosea (Cr-ME). We showed that Cr-ME reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and mRNA levels of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner. We also found that Cr-ME blocked MyD88- and TBK1-induced NF-κB and IRF3 promoter activity, suggesting that it affects multiple targets. Moreover, Cr-ME reduced the phosphorylation levels of IκBα, IKKα/β and IRF3 in a time-dependent manner and regulated the upstream NF-κB proteins Syk and Src, and the IRF3 protein TBK1. Upon overexpression of Src and TBK1, Cr-ME stimulation attenuated the phosphorylation of the NF-κB subunits p50 and p65 and IRF3 signaling. Together, our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of Cr-ME occurs by inhibiting the NF-κB and IRF3 signaling pathways.

A periodic review of chemical and pharmacological profiles of Tubiechong as insect Chinese medicine

Tubiechong, in Chinese medicine, denotes the dried female insects of Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker (ESW) or Polyphaga plancyi Bolivar (PPB). As a traditional insect-type, in medicine, it has been historically utilized to treat bruises, fractures, amenorrhea, postpartum blood stasis, lumps and relieving pain. We herein have performed a systematic survey involving the chemical and biological studies in the past decades to reveal the value of such insect resources for their development and clinical utilization. Chemical studies indicated that Tubiechong generated many active compounds, including proteins, amino acids, peptides, fatty acids, alkaloids, nucleosides, polysaccharides, fat-soluble vitamins and mineral elements. Tubiechong or its extract has a wide range of activities including anticoagulation and anti-thrombosis, anti-tumor, antioxidant, immune regulation, blood lipid regulation and hepatoprotection. Finally, a periodic mini-review was conducted to summarize such chemical and pharmacological profiles of Tubiechong medicine. The active peptides in Tubiechong are majorly focused in this review and introduced as one important aspect since there is much literature and huge investigative interest in it. Traditional medical use of the insect was also stressed in this review associating with its disease-eliminating actions by promoting blood circulation or eliminating tissue-swelling pains, which might play important roles in anticancer practices or investigation. In accordance with the modern pharmacological progress, Tubiechong and its extracts indeed exerted antitumor actions through multiple pathways, such as interfering with tumor biological behaviors (growth, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis), and regulating host immune function. To some extent, this knowledge would provide a basis for further research and application of Tubiechong medicine.

Network Pharmacology-Based Dissection of the Comprehensive Molecular Mechanisms of the Herbal Prescription FDY003 Against Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer

Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (ERPBC) is the commonest subtype of breast cancer, with a high prevalence, incidence, and mortality. Herbal drugs are increasingly being used to treat ERPBC, although their mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to analyze the therapeutic properties of FDY003, a herbal anti-ERPBC prescription, using a network pharmacology approach. FDY003 decreased the viability of human ERPBC cells and sensitized them to tamoxifen, an endocrine drug that is widely used in the treatment of ERPBC. The network pharmacology analysis revealed 18 pharmacologically active components in FDY003 that may interact with and regulate 66 therapeutic targets. The enriched gene ontology terms for the FDY003 targets were associated with the modulation of cell survival and death, cell proliferation and growth arrest, and estrogen-associated cellular processes. Analysis of the pathway enrichment of the targets showed that FDY003 may target a variety of ERPBC-associated pathways, including the PIK3-Akt, focal adhesion, MAPK, and estrogen pathways. Overall, these data provide a comprehensive mechanistic insight into the anti-ERPBC activity of FDY003.

Targeted antitumor comparison study between dopamine self-polymerization and traditional synthesis for nanoparticle surface modification in drug delivery

To improve the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer agents and extend their application, mussel-inspired chemical modifications have attracted considerable attention. Surface modification based on polydopamine (PDA) has been a facile and versatile method to immobilize biomolecules on substrates for targeted drug delivery. To better analyze pharmaceutical differences between PDA-based surface modification and traditional synthesis methods, we prepared two kinds of folate (FA)-targeted nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with paclitaxel (PTX). The resultant PTX-PDA-FA NPs and PTX-FA NPs represented PDA and synthesis strategies, respectively. PTX-PDA-FA NPs and PTX-FA NPs have been characterized. The particle size of PTX-PDA-FA NPs was smaller than that of PTX-FA NPs. The two kinds of NPs both exhibited long-rod morphology, good colloidal stability and sustained slow drug release. Cytotoxicityin vitrowas evaluated, and antitumor efficacy was investigated against 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. The tumor targeting therapeutic index of PTX-PDA-FA NPs and PTX-FA NPs showed equivalent superior specificity compared to nontargeted groups, which indicated that FA successfully attached to the surface of NPs by the PDA method and that the antitumor effect was equivalent to that of FA-modified NPs prepared by the chemical synthesis method. These results further indicated that PDA, as a simple and effective chemical surface modification platform, could be developed and applied in targeted delivery systems.

Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Genkwanin: A Novel Approach for Anti-Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to develop an optimized Genkwanin (GKA)-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) formulation to enhance the solubility, intestinal permeability, oral bioavailability and anti-colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) activity of GKA.

METHODS

We designed a SNEDDS comprised oil phase, surfactants and co-surfactants for oral administration of GKA, the best of which were selected by investigating the saturation solubility, constructing pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, followed by optimizing thermodynamic stability, emulsification efficacy, self-nanoemulsification time, droplet size, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), drug release and intestinal permeability. In addition, the physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of GKA-SNEDDS were characterized, and its anti-colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) activity and potential mechanisms were evaluated in AOM/DSS-induced C57BL/6J mice model.

RESULTS

The optimized nanoemulsion formula (OF) consists of Maisine CC, Labrasol ALF and Transcutol HP in a weight ratio of 20:60:20 (w/w/w), in which ratio the OF shows multiple improvements, specifically small mean droplet size, excellent stability, fast release properties as well as enhanced solubility and permeability. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that compared with GKA suspension, the relative bioavailability of GKA-SNEDDS was increased by 353.28%. Moreover, GKA-SNEDDS not only significantly prevents weight loss and improves disease activity index (DAI) but also reduces the histological scores of inflammatory cytokine levels as well as inhibiting the formation of colon tumors via inducing tumor cell apoptosis in the AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice model.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the developed GKA-SNEDDS exhibited enhanced oral bioavailability and excellent anti-CAC efficacy. In summary, GKA-SNEDDS, using lipid nanoparticles as the drug delivery carrier, can be applied as a potential drug delivery system for improving the clinical application of GKA.

A Network Pharmacology Study on the Molecular Mechanisms of FDY003 for Breast Cancer Treatment

Herbal medicines have drawn considerable attention with regard to their potential applications in breast cancer (BC) treatment, a frequently diagnosed malignant disease, considering their anticancer efficacy with relatively less adverse effects. However, their mechanisms of systemic action have not been understood comprehensively. Based on network pharmacology approaches, we attempted to unveil the mechanisms of FDY003, an herbal drug comprised of Lonicera japonica Thunberg, Artemisia capillaris Thunberg, and Cordyceps militaris, against BC at a systemic level. We found that FDY003 exhibited pharmacological effects on human BC cells. Subsequently, detailed data regarding the biochemical components contained in FDY003 were obtained from comprehensive herbal medicine-related databases, including TCMSP and CancerHSP. By evaluating their pharmacokinetic properties, 18 chemical compounds in FDY003 were shown to be potentially active constituents interacting with 140 BC-associated therapeutic targets to produce the pharmacological activity. Gene ontology enrichment analysis using g:Profiler indicated that the FDY003 targets were involved in the modulation of cellular processes, involving the cell proliferation, cell cycle process, and cell apoptosis. Based on a KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, we further revealed that a variety of oncogenic pathways that play key roles in the pathology of BC were significantly enriched with the therapeutic targets of FDY003; these included PI3K-Akt, MAPK, focal adhesion, FoxO, TNF, and estrogen signaling pathways. Here, we present a network-perspective of the molecular mechanisms via which herbal drugs treat BC.

Systems Pharmacology Study of the Anticervical Cancer Mechanisms of FDY003

Increasing data support that herbal medicines are beneficial in the treatment of cervical cancer; however, their mechanisms of action remain to be elucidated. In the current study, we used a systems pharmacology approach to explore the pharmacological mechanisms of FDY003, an anticancer herbal formula comprising Lonicera japonica Thunberg, Artemisia capillaris Thunberg, and Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link, in the treatment of cervical cancer. Through the pharmacokinetic assessment of absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion characteristics, we found 18 active compounds that might interact with 106 cervical cancer-related targets responsible for the pharmacological effects. FDY003 targets were significantly associated with gene ontology terms related to the regulation of cellular behaviors, including cell proliferation, cell cycle processes, cell migration, cell apoptosis, cell death, and angiogenesis. The therapeutic targets of the herbal drug were further enriched in various oncogenic pathways that are implicated in the tumorigenesis and progression of cervical cancer, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, focal adhesion, human papillomavirus infection, and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways. Our study provides a systematic approach to explore the anticancer properties of herbal medicines against cervical cancer.

Chemical characterization of leaves and calli extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis by UHPLC-MS

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic plant widely popular mainly due to its uses in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antimicrobial, as well as in the prevention and treatment of diseases. These biological activities are mainly related to the presence of phenolic and terpenic compounds. This work reports a chemical profile analysis of extracts from leaves and calli of rosemary obtained by both pressurized liquid extraction and maceration. Chemical profiles were determined on calli extracts of 3, 6, 9, and 15 days of culture; chemical characterization and quantification of compounds was carried out using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 53 metabolites were identified in callus and 47 compounds in leaf extracts, of which 25 correspond to phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids and flavones, 13 terpenes that include phenolic terpenes and one diterpenolactone, two glycosides which correspond to 6-O-caffeoyl-β-D-fructofuranosil-(2→1)-α-D-glucopyranoside and primulaverin, an aromatic compound identified as fenantrenone and a growth regulator 12-hydroxy jasmonic acid. These results showed that undifferentiated rosemary cells accumulate the same compounds identified mainly in highly specialized tissues such as leaves. The plant cell culture supply the possibility of developing biotechnological processes to obtain compounds of commercial interest.

Recent progress in drug delivery

Drug delivery systems (DDS) are defined as methods by which drugs are delivered to desired tissues, organs, cells and subcellular organs for drug release and absorption through a variety of drug carriers. Its usual purpose to improve the pharmacological activities of therapeutic drugs and to overcome problems such as limited solubility, drug aggregation, low bioavailability, poor biodistribution, lack of selectivity, or to reduce the side effects of therapeutic drugs. During 2015-2018, significant progress in the research on drug delivery systems has been achieved along with advances in related fields, such as pharmaceutical sciences, material sciences and biomedical sciences. This review provides a concise overview of current progress in this research area through its focus on the delivery strategies, construction techniques and specific examples. It is a valuable reference for pharmaceutical scientists who want to learn more about the design of drug delivery systems.

Praziquantel-lipid nanocapsules: an oral nanotherapeutic with potential Schistosoma mansoni tegumental targeting

Purpose

Lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) have shown potential to increase the bioavailability and efficacy of orally administered drugs. However, their intestinal translocation to distal target sites and their implication in pharmacokinetic (PK)–pharmacodynamic (PD) relationships are yet to be elucidated. In this study, the effect of LNCs on the PD activity and pharmacokinetics of praziquantel (PZQ), the mainstay of schistosomiasis chemotherapy, was investigated.

Materials and methods

The composition of LNCs was modified to increase PZQ payload and to enhance membrane permeability. PZQ–LNCs were characterized in vitro for colloidal properties, entrapment efficiency (EE%), and drug release. PD activity of the test formulations was assessed in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice 7 days post-oral administration of a single 250 mg/kg oral dose. Pharmacokinetics of the test formulations and their stability in simulated gastrointestinal (GI) fluids were investigated to substantiate in vivo data.

Results

PZQ–LNCs exhibited good pharmaceutical attributes in terms of size (46–62 nm), polydispersity index (0.01–0.08), EE% (>95%), and sustained release profiles. Results indicated significant efficacy enhancement by reduction in worm burden, amelioration of liver pathology, and extensive damage to the fluke suckers and tegument. This was partly explained by PK data determined in rats. In addition, oral targeting of the worms was supported by the stability of PZQ–LNCs in simulated GI fluids and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) visualization of nanostructures on the tegument of worms recovered from mesenteric/hepatic veins. Cytotoxicity data indicated tolerability of PZQ–LNCs.

Conclusion

Data obtained provide evidence for the ability of oral LNCs to target distal post-absorption sites, leading to enhanced drug efficacy. From a practical standpoint, PZQ–LNCs could be suggested as a potential tolerable single lower dose oral nanomedicine for more effective PZQ mass chemotherapy.

Administration of raloxifene hydrochloride nanosuspensions partially attenuates bone loss in ovariectomized mice

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease of fragility fractures due to the loss of the mass and the deterioration of the microarchitecture of bone. This study aimed to assess the effects of raloxifene hydrochloride nanosuspensions (RLX-NSps) on ovariectomized (OVX)-induced osteoporotic rats, and the underlying mechanisms were also investigated in vivo and ex vivo. RLX-NSps were successfully prepared, and the obtained RLX-NSps had a mean particle size of (91.17 ± 0.73) nm, PDI value of 0.201 ± 0.03 and zeta potential of (36.3 ± 1.8) mV. RLX-NSps showed a clear colloidal solution with light yellow opalescence. RLX-NSps were stable in artificial intestinal fluid, artificial gastric fluid, PBS, isotonic glucose and physiological saline. The OVX mice were administered an RLX-NSps or RLX solution for 3 weeks. The bone micro-tomographic histomorphometry and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed by micro-CT, and the biochemical markers procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and beta-isomerized C-telopeptide (β-CTX) were determined from serum. Finally, primary bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were isolated from the tibia and cultured to evaluate cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The results demonstrated that the RLX-NSp group had a better effect on the bone microarchitecture than the RLX solution group. Therefore, RLX-NSps could partially attenuate bone loss more effectively than RLX solution in OVX mice by inhibiting bone resorption and improving the ability of BMSCs to proliferate and their osteogenic differentiation to some extent. Based on these results, nanosuspensions (NSps) may be a promising delivery system for postmenopausal osteoporosis therapy.

RLX-NSps could partially attenuate bone loss more effectively than RLX solution in OVX mice by inhibiting bone resorption and improving the ability of BMSCs to proliferate and their osteogenic differentiation to some extent.