Osteoprotective effects of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi aqueous extract in aged ovariectomized rats

Rat Plantar Fascia Stem/Progenitor Cells Showed Lower Expression of Ligament Markers and Higher Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines after Intensive Mechanical Loading or Interleukin-1β Treatment In Vitro

The pathogenesis of plantar fasciitis is unclear, which hampers the development of an effective treatment. The altered fate of plantar fascia stem/progenitor cells (PFSCs) under overuse-induced inflammation might contribute to the pathogenesis. This study aimed to isolate rat PFSCs and compared their stem cell-related properties with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). The effects of inflammation and intensive mechanical loading on PFSCs' functions were also examined. We showed that plantar fascia-derived cells (PFCs) expressed common MSC surface markers and embryonic stemness markers. They expressed lower Nanog but higher Oct4 and Sox2, proliferated faster and formed more colonies compared to BMSCs. Although PFCs showed higher chondrogenic differentiation potential, they showed low osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential upon induction compared to BMSCs. The expression of ligament markers was higher in PFCs than in BMSCs. The isolated PFCs were hence PFSCs. Both IL-1β and intensive mechanical loading suppressed the mRNA expression of ligament markers but increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix-degrading enzymes in PFSCs. In summary, rat PFSCs were successfully isolated. They had poor multi-lineage differentiation potential compared to BMSCs. Inflammation after overuse altered the fate and inflammatory status of PFSCs, which might lead to poor ligament differentiation of PFSCs and extracellular matrix degeneration. Rat PFSCs can be used as an in vitro model for studying the effects of intensive mechanical loading-induced inflammation on matrix degeneration and erroneous stem/progenitor cell differentiation in plantar fasciitis.

Gut microbiota-based pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic study and molecular mechanism of specnuezhenide in the treatment of colorectal cancer targeting carboxylesterase

Specnuezhenide (SNZ) is among the main components of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi, which has anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor effect. The low bioavailability makes it difficult to explain the mechanism of pharmacological effect of SNZ. In this study, the role of the gut microbiota in the metabolism and pharmacokinetics characteristics of SNZ as well as the pharmacological meaning were explored. SNZ can be rapidly metabolized by the gut microbiome, and two intestinal bacterial metabolites of SNZ, salidroside and tyrosol, were discovered. In addition, carboxylesterase may be the main intestinal bacterial enzyme that mediates its metabolism. At the same time, no metabolism was found in the incubation system of SNZ with liver microsomes or liver homogenate, indicating that the gut microbiota is the main part involved in the metabolism of SNZ. In addition, pharmacokinetic studies showed that salidroside and tyrosol can be detected in plasma in the presence of gut microbiota. Interestingly, tumor development was inhibited in a colorectal tumor mice model administered orally with SNZ, which indicated that SNZ exhibited potential to inhibit tumor growth, and tissue distribution studies showed that salidroside and tyrosol could be distributed in tumor tissues. At the same time, SNZ modulated the structure of gut microbiota and fungal group, which may be the mechanism governing the antitumoral activity of SNZ. Furthermore, SNZ stimulates the secretion of short-chain fatty acids by intestinal flora in vitro and in vivo. In the future, targeting gut microbes and the interaction between natural products and gut microbes could lead to the discovery and development of new drugs.

Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, a traditional Chinese Medicine: Comprehensive review of botany, traditional uses, chemical composition, pharmacology, and toxicity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (LLF) is one of the usual Chinese herbs that has long been used with high therapeutic and condition value. LLF is used for the treatment of dizziness and tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, premature greying of the hair, the darkness of the eyes, internal heat and thirst, bone steam and hot flashes and other symptoms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review reviews botany, traditional uses, processing, phytochemistry, quality control, pharmacology, toxicity and pharmacokinetics to better understand its therapeutic potential.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature on LLF was obtained from Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WAN FANG DATA and libraries. Some local books, official websites, PhD or MS's dissertations were also included. Phytochemical constituents' structures were drawn by ChemDraw software.

RESULTS

So far, Multiple chemical components were isolated and identified from LLF, mainly including terpenoids and flavonoids. Modern studies have shown that LLF extracts and compounds have a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antitumor, liver protection, blood glucose, lipid-lowering, immune regulation, and other aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

LLF occupies an important position in the traditional medical system. It is cost-effective and is a significant plant with therapeutic applications in modern medicine. However, further in-depth studies are needed to determine the medical use of this plant and its chemical composition, pharmacological activity, quality control, toxicity and pharmacokinetics.

The potential mechanism of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi promoting osteogenetic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental identification

Recent studies have shown that the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into osteogenic lineages can promotes bone formation and maintains bone homeostasis, which has become a promising therapeutic strategy for skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) has been widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis and other orthopedic diseases for thousands of years. However, whether FLL plays an anti-osteoporosis role in promoting the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, as well as its active components, targets, and specific molecular mechanisms, has not been fully elucidated. First, we obtained 13 active ingredients of FLL from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCSMP) database, and four active ingredients without any target were excluded. Subsequently, 102 common drug-disease targets were subjected to protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, Gene Oncology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The results of the three analyses were highly consistent, indicating that FLL promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Finally, we validated previous predictions using in vitro experiments, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red staining (ARS), and western blot analysis of osteogenic-related proteins. The organic combination of network pharmacological predictions with in vitro experimental validation comprehensively confirmed the reliability of FLL in promoting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. This study provides a strong theoretical support for the specific molecular mechanism and clinical application of FLL in the treatment of bone formation deficiency.

Green tea extract synergistically enhances the effectiveness of an antiresorptive drug on management of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy in a rat model

Antiresorptive drugs are effective for reducing bone loss in postmenopausal women, but their long-term application may be associated with adverse effects. The present study aimed to investigate the potential in vivo synergistic effects of green tea extract (GTE) and alendronate or raloxifene on the management of osteoporosis. Ovariectomized rats were fed orally with GTE, alendronate and raloxifene at different concentrations and various combinations for 4 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, femur and tibia was monitored weekly using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Bone microarchitecture in the left distal femur was analyzed using micro-CT, while serum biochemical levels were measured using ELISA kits at the end of the study. GTE alone effectively mitigated BMD loss and improved bone microarchitecture in rats. The co-administration of GTE and alendronate increased total BMD in the lumbar spine, femur and tibia. Particularly, GTE synergistically enhanced the effect of alendronate at a low dose on bone microarchitecture and decreased serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. These findings imply that the dosage of certain antiresorptive agents could be reduced when they are administrated simultaneously with GTE, so that their adverse effects are minimized. The findings may be used to support the development of a new synergistic intervention between food therapy and pharmacotherapy on the management of osteoporosis in a long-term basis.

Fructus Ligustri Lucidi preserves bone quality through the regulation of gut microbiota diversity, oxidative stress, TMAO and Sirt6 levels in aging mice

Gut dysbiosis and oxidative stress may trigger senile osteoporosis. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) has bone-preserving properties and affects the intestinal microecology. However, the mechanism of the anti-osteoporotic effect of FLL and its link to the gut microbiota remains to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that sustained exposure of ICR mice to D-galactose / sodium nitrite for 90 days causes aging-related osteoporosis and reduced cognitive performance. The aging phenotype is also characterized by increased oxidative stress in serum. This is likely triggered by abnormal changes in the gut microbiota population of Bifidobacterium and the ratio of Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes that resulted in increased levels of flavin-containing monooxygenase-3 and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). Moreover, the increased oxidative stress further accelerated aging by increasing tumor necrosis factor-α levels in serum and reducing Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) expression in long bones, which prompted nuclear factor kappa-B acetylation as well as over-expression and activation of cathepsin K. FLL-treated aging mice revealed a non-osteoporotic bone phenotype and an improvement on the cognitive function. The mechanism underlying these effects may be linked to the regulation of gut microbiota diversity, antioxidant activity, and the levels of TMAO and Sirt6. FLL may represent a potential source for identifying anti-senile osteoporotic drug candidates.

A Review on the Effect of Plant Extract on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

Stem cell has immense potential in regenerative cellular therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can become a potential attractive candidate for therapy due to its remarkable ability of self-renewal and differentiation into three lineages, i.e., ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. Stem cell holds tremendous promises in the field of tissue regeneration and transplantation for disease treatments. Globally, medicinal plants are being used for the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases. Phytochemicals like naringin, icariin, genistein, and resveratrol obtained from plants have been extensively used in traditional medicine for centuries. Certain bioactive compounds from plants increase the rate of tissue regeneration, differentiation, and immunomodulation. Several studies show that bioactive compounds from plants have a specific role (bioactive mediator) in regulating the rate of cell division and differentiation through complex signal pathways like BMP2, Runx2, and Wnt. The use of plant bioactive phytochemicals may also become promising in treating diseases like osteoporosis, neurodegenerative disorders, and other tissue degenerative disorders. Thus, the present review article is aimed at highlighting the roles and consequences of plant extracts on MSCs proliferation and desired lineage differentiations.

Integrative Approach to Facilitate Fracture Healing: Topical Chinese Herbal Paste with Oral Strontium Ranelate

Strontium ranelate (SrR) is one of the pharmaceutical agents reported to be effective on the promotion of fracture healing. This study aimed to evaluate the integrative effect of the oral SrR with a topical Chinese herbal paste, namely, CDR, on facilitation of bone healing. The in vivo efficacy was evaluated using rats with tibial fracture. They were treated with either CDR topically, or SrR orally, or their combined treatments. The in vivo results illustrated a significant additive effect of CDR on SrR in increasing the yield load of the fractured tibia. The in vitro results showed that neither SrR nor CDR exhibited a cytotoxic effect on UMR106 and bone-marrow stem cell (BMSC), but both of them increased the proliferation of BMSC at low concentrations. The combination of CDR at 200 μg/mL with SrR at 200 or 400 μg/ml also showed an additive effect on increasing the ALP activity of BMSC. Both SrR and CDR alone reduced osteoclast formation, and the effective concentration of SrR to inhibit osteoclastogenesis was reduced in the presence of CDR. This integrative approach by combining oral SrR and topical CDR is effective in promoting fracture healing properly due to their additive effects on proosteogenic and antiosteoclastogenic properties.

Antioxidant Effect of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi Aqueous Extract in Ovariectomized Rats Is Mediated through Nox4-ROS-NF-κB Pathway

Purpose: This study is designed to explore whether Fructus ligustri lucidi (FLL) exhibits antioxidant effect in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and to identify the signaling pathway involved in this process.

Methods: OVX rats were treated with FLL aqueous extract (3.5 g/kg) for 12 weeks. Serum, uteri, and tibias were harvested from the rats and the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-desoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined. Changes in the levels of NF-κB-p65, phosphorylation of NF-κB-p65 (NF-κB-pp65), NF-κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα), phosphorylation of IκBα (p-IκBα), and NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) in uteri and tibias were determined by western blot, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. In addition, the expression of cytochrome C (Cyto-C) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were determined in the tibias of rats. Histopathological changes in the bones were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined in rat femurs by dual X-ray absorptiometry.

Results: Treatment of OVX rats with FLL aqueous extract improved redox homeostasis by increasing the levels of TAC and NO as well as decreasing the levels of MDA and 8-OHdG in serum, tibias, and uteri. Further, FLL extract also downregulated the expression of Nox4, NF-κB-p65, NF-κB-pp65, and p-IκBα in the uteri and tibias. Furthermore, administration of FLL–OVX rats increased Bcl-2 expression and prevented cytoplasmic release of mitochondrial Cyto-C in the tibias. In addition, FLL treatment also improved bone microstructure and increased cortical bone thickness as well as increased BMD values in the femurs of OVX rats.

Conclusions: FLL treatment may suppress oxidative stress response in OVX rats via regulating the Nox4/ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway. These results suggest the potential of using FLL as a natural antioxidant agent in preventing the development of osteoporosis.

Ethanol Extract of Fructus ligustri lucidi Increased Circulating 1,25(OH)2D3Levels, but Did Not Improve Calcium Balance in Mature Ovariectomized Rats

Our previous studies found that different extracts or fractions of Fructus ligustri lucidi (FLL) played different roles in altering the regulation of bone and mineral metabolism in different animal models. The present study was designed to compare the actions of FLL ethanol (EE) and water extracts (WE) on bone and mineral metabolism in a 6-month-old mature ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. Our results showed that FLL extracts did not significantly improve systematic Ca balance in mature OVX rats. However, EE, but not WE treatment, significantly increased serum 1,25(OH)2D3levels in mature OVX rats. An in vitro study using human proximal tubule (HKC-8) cells showed that EE, but not WE, significantly enhanced renal 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-1[Formula: see text]-hydroxylase (1-OHase) mRNA expressions and simultaneously repressed renal 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (24-OHase) mRNA expressions. Further investigation indicated that EE could significantly induce the protein expression of 1-OHase, but did not alter 24-OHase expression in HKC-8 cells. Our results demonstrated that EE increased circulating 1,25(OH)2D3levels in OVX rats, possibly via upregulation of renal 1-OHase expressions in renal proximal tubule cells. Our study indicates that FLL is a natural oral agent that could directly regulate renal vitamin D metabolism in vivo and in vitro.

Seropharmacological study on osteogenic effects of post-absorption ingredients of an osteoprotective herbal formula

OBJECTIVE

To further investigate the {ptin vitro} effects of an osteoprotective herbal formula "ELP" (Herba Epimedii, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Fructus Psoraleae) using seropharmacological approach.

METHODS

Rats were fed with ELP or its individual component herbs for 2 days. The serum containing the postabsorbed ingredients of the herbal items were collected for cell culture using UMR106 cell, RAW264.7 cell and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) isolated from the bone marrow of the rats. The effects of the herbal-containing serum on cell toxicity were detected by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay; bromodeoxyuridine assay was conducted to measure the cell proliferation of UMR106 cell and MSC; cell activity was measured using colorimetric method, and mRNA expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteopontin (OPN) of UMR106 and MSC as well as matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin K of RAW264.7 were analyzed using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

ELP and its component serum exhibited no cytotoxic effects on the cells. The ELP-containing serum increased the proliferation of UMR106 cell and MSC by 25.7% and 14.4 %, respectively and the alkaline phosphatase activity of MSC was increased by 42.6%. On the contrary, it inhibited the RAW264.7 cell differentiation by 29.2 %. ELP serum upregulated the Runx2 expression of UMR and MSC by 1.18 fold and 1.27 fold, respectively. It also upregulated ALP and OPN expression in MSC by 1.69- and 2.12-fold, respectively. On the other hand, ELP serum down-regulated MMP-9 and cathepsin K expression of RAW264.7 cell by 0.46- and 0.36-fold, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum of the animals fed with ELP contains active ingredients which are effective in promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis.

Multitargeted combination effects of a triherbal formulation containing ELP against osteoporosis: in vitro evidence

OBJECTIVES

An anti-osteoporotic herbal formula ELP containing Epimedii Herba (E), Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (L) and Psoraleae Fructus (P) was studied to investigate the herb-herb interaction (or the possible synergistic effect) among each component and to identify the principal herbs in different modes of action.

METHODS

Rat osteoblast-like UMR-106 cells proliferation, rat MSCs-derived osteoblastogenesis and RANKL-induced RAW 264.7 osteoclastogenesis were adopted to investigate the bone-forming activity and bone-degrading activity of the herbal extracts. In the statistical aspect, a modified Tallarida's approach was employed to assess the synergistic effects in herbal combinations.

KEY FINDINGS

Psoraleae Fructus is the active herb for stimulating osteoblast proliferation, and mild synergy was detected in the pairwise combinations EL, LP and formula ELP. In osteoblastogenesis assay, E and L are the principal herbs for promoting osteoblast differentiation and significant synergy was detected in the pairwise combination EL. For inhibiting osteoclast formation, L is the active herb and significant synergy was detected in the 3-way combination ELP.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of E, L and P is essential for ELP formula as a whole to act against osteoporosis via enhancing bone formation and reducing bone reabsorption. An optimal dosage at 150 μg/ml was proposed for ELP based on our findings.

Ligustrum lucidum and its Constituents: A Mini-Review on the Anti-Osteoporosis Potential

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder commonly occurred in aging populations, particularly postmenopausal women and patients who undergo long-term steroid or anti-estrogen therapies. Given the rapid growth of the aging population, the prevalence of bone loss, and the huge medical and healthcare cost involved, demand for alternative approaches for the promotion of bone health is pressing. With the advent of global interest in complementary and alternative medicine and natural products, Chinese medicine serves as a viable source that offers benefits to improve and maintain bone health. This review summarizes the scientific information on the Chinese medicinal herb Ligustrum lucidum and its chemical components as potential therapy for osteoporosis.

Bone protection effects of a novel Chinese herbal formula, taikong yangxin prescription, in hindlimb unloaded rats against bone deterioration

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effects of a Chinese herbal formula, taikong yangxin prescription (TKYXP) against bone deterioration in a hindlimb unloaded (tail-suspension) rat model.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: tail-suspension group fed with 2.5 g•kg(-1)•day(-1) of TKYXP extract (high dose), tail-suspension group fed with 1.25 g•kg(-1)•day(-1) (low dose), tail-suspended group treated with water placebo (placebo control group) and non tail-suspended group. The effects of TKYXP on bone were assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), microcomputerized tomography (micro-CT) and three-point bending biomechanical test on the femur in vivo.

RESULTS

TKYXP had a significant protective effect against bone loss induced by tail-suspension on day 28, as shown in the reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) loss, preservation of bone micro-architecture and biomechanical strength. The administration ofhigh dose TKYXP could significantly reduce the total BMD loss by 4.8% and 8.0% at the femur and tibia regions, respectively, compared with the placebo control group (P<0.01) on day 28. Its bone protective effect on the femur was further substantiated by the increases of the trabecular BMD (by 6.6%), bone volume fraction (by 20.9%), trabecular number (by 9.5%) and thickness (by 11.9%) as compared with the placebo control group.

CONCLUSION

TKYXP may protect the bone under weightless influence from gradual structural deterioration in the tail-suspension model.

Effect of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi on osteoblastic like cell-line MC3T3-E1

Fructus Ligustri Lucidi, fruits of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. (Oleaceae), has the effects of tonifying the liver and the kidney and strengthening the bones and muscles. In ancient times, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi can be prepared in ethanol or in water. Some active compounds have been found in Fructus Ligustri Lucidi, like Oleanolic acid and Ursolic acid, and Ursolic acid were proved to have osteogenic effects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To prove that Fructus Ligustri Lucidi water extract have osteogenic effects on MC3T3-E1 cells and how these effects work, we used CCK-8 (cell counting kit-8), ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), FQ-PCR (realtime fluorescence quantitative PCR) and western blot assays. After treatment with Fructus Ligustri Lucidi for 48h, 72h, 96h, the cell viability was marked increased, on concentration-dependently and time-dependently pattern. High and low concentrations of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi promoted differentiation of cells. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi could up-regulate OPG and RANKL protein in supernatant at 48h and 72h except for highest concentration (10(-1)mg/ml). Fructus Ligustri Lucidi promote OPG and RANKL mRNA expression at 48h and 72h, while the level of promoting at 72 was higher than 48h. 10(-5)mg/ml of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi up-regulates OPG protein expression and down-regulates RANKL protein expression. After treatment with Fructus Ligustri Lucidi water extract, inhibitors, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi water extract with inhibitors for 72h, inhibitors PD 98059, SB 203580, SP600125 and LY 294002 showed Fructus Ligustri Lucidi-induced cell proliferation and the leakage of OPG proteins effects. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi promoted the protein levels of ERK, p-ERK, p-JNK, p38, pp38, AKT and p-AKT, and inhibited the protein levels of JNK.

CONCLUSIONS

Fructus Ligustri Lucidi water extract promoted cell proliferation and differentiation, mRNA and protein expression of OPG and RANKL on MC3T3-E1 cells. The effects of cell proliferation and leakage of OPG related to MAPK and AKT signaling pathways in different ways.

The advances in research on the pharmacological effects of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi

Fructus Ligustri Lucidi is a well-known invigorator in Chinese materia medica with hepatoprotective effect, anticancer activity, antioxidant activity, and so on. And oleanolic acids are the major pharmacologically active components in Fructus Ligustri Lucidi. So it has great value in medical health, and may be developed to a complementary and alternative medicine through further research. In this paper, the advances in research on pharmacological effects of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi were summarized by reviewing the recent related literature.

Suppression of mast cell activity contributes to the osteoprotective effect of an herbal formula containing Herba Epimedii, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Fructus Psoraleae

Objectives

Mast cells are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis as their number is increased in osteoporotic bones. Herba Epimedii, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Fructus Psoraleae are three Chinese herbs traditionally for tonifying the ‘kidney system’ and a herbal formula (ELP) containing the respective herbs at the weight ratio of 5 : 4 : 1 was shown to prevent osteoporosis. This study evaluated if suppression of mast cell accumulation and activity contribute to the anti-osteoporotic action of ELP.

Methods

The herbs were boiled under reflux to produce the aqueous extract that was further concentrated under reduced pressure and lyophilized. An in-vivo rat osteoporosis model using hind limb unloading was employed for studying the accumulation of mast cells. The human mast cell line, LAD2, was employed to evaluate the mast cell modulating action of ELP.

Key findings

Mast cell number in the tibiae of hind limb unloaded rats increased significantly during the course of osteoporosis. ELP treatment (10 g/kg/day) prevented both osteoporosis and mast cell accumulation in these rats. Furthermore, ELP significantly inhibited histamine and tumour necrosis factor-α release from LAD2 cells.

Conclusion

Mast cells contributed to hormone independent osteoporosis. The suppression of mast cell accumulation and activation may contribute to the anti-osteoporotic action of ELP.

Therapeutic effect of aqueous extract from Ecliptae herba on bone metabolism of ovariectomized rats

OBJECTIVE

Ecliptae herba (EH) has long been used in China to strengthen bones. Accumulating evidence indicates that EH may have antiosteoporotic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous EH extract (EHE) on rats that had osteoporosis-like features induced by ovariectomy, using aqueous Fructus Ligustri Lucidi extract as positive control agent.

METHODS

Three-month-old female rats that underwent ovariectomy were treated with EHE (1.4 g/kg per day). After 12 weeks, bone mineral density and bone histomorphometric indices of tibiae were measured. Protein and messenger RNA expressions of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL) in tibiae were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. In addition, serum concentrations of osteocalcin, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6), calcitonin (CT), and parathyroid hormone were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

EHE treatment prevented body weight gain and loss of uterine wet weight in ovariectomized rats. It remarkably increased bone mass in ovariectomized rats compared with ovariectomized controls. EHE treatment significantly down-regulated RANKL expression in tibiae from ovariectomized rats compared with controls; however, it had no significant effect on osteoprotegerin expression. In addition, EHE treatment significantly reduced serum IL-6 levels and remarkably increased CT levels but had no effect on parathyroid hormone.

CONCLUSIONS

EHE increases bone mass in ovariectomized rats by inhibiting bone loss: down-regulated RANKL expression in tibiae and IL-6 level in serum, and up-regulated CT level in serum. This suggests that EHE may be developed as an alternative therapeutic agent for osteoporosis induced by postmenopause.

Application of Chinese herbal medicines to revitalize adult stem cells for tissue regeneration

It has been established in the recent several decades that adult stem cells play a crucial role in tissue renewal and regeneration. Adult stem cells locate in certain organs can differentiate into functional entities such as macrophages and bone cells. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are two of the most important populations of adult stem cells. The application of these stem cells offers a new insight in treating various pathological conditions, through replenishing cells of specific functions by turning on or off the differentiating program within quiescent stem cell niches. Apart from that, they are also capable to travel through the circulation, migrate to injury sites and differentiate to enhance regeneration process. Recently, Chinese medicine (CM) has shown to be potential candidates to activate adult stem cells for tissue regeneration. This review summarizes our own, as well as others' findings concerning the use of Chinese herbal medicine in the regulation processes of adult stem cells differentiation and their movement in tissue repair and rejuvenation. A number of Chinese herbs are used as therapeutic agents and presumably preventive agents on metabolic disorders. In our opinion, the activation of adult stem cells self-regeneration not only provides a novel way to repair tissue damage, but also reduces the use of targeted drug that adversely altering the normal metabolism of human subjects.

Alternative therapies for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that affects millions of men and women. People with this condition have low bone mass, which places them at increased risk for bone fracture after minor trauma. The surgeries and treatments required to repair and heal bone fractures involve long recovery periods and can be expensive. Because osteoporosis occurs frequently in the elderly, the financial burden it places on society is likely to be large. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several drugs for use in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. However, all of the currently available agents have severe side effects that limit their efficacy and underscore the urgent need for new treatment options. One promising approach is the development of alternative (nonpharmaceutical) strategies for bone maintenance, as well as for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. This review examines the currently available nonpharmaceutical alternatives that have been evaluated in in vitro and in vivo studies. Certain plants from the following families have shown the greatest benefits on bone: Alliceae, Asteraceae, Thecaceae, Fabaceae, Oleaceae, Rosaceae, Ranunculaceae, Vitaceae, Zingiberaceae. The present review discusses the most promising findings from studies of these plant families.

Pro-bone and antifat effects of green tea and its polyphenol, epigallocatechin, in rat mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

Green tea has been demonstrated recently as a potent bone supportive agent. Our previous studies showed that green tea and its polyphenolic constituents can promote bone-forming osteoblast activities and inhibit the bone-resorpting osteoclast formation. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether green tea and its components can regulate the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in pluripotent rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The rat MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of tibiae and femora. The cells were treated with decaffeinated green tea extract (GTE) and six tea polyphenols under osteogenic induction. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and matrix calcium (Ca) deposition were assessed after 7 and 14 days of treatment. Our results demonstrated that GTE could significantly increase ALP dose dependently in the concentrations without cytotoxicity (0-100 μg/mL). Among six tested tea polyphenols, epigallocatechin (EGC) was shown to be the most effective in promoting osteogenic differentiation. At 20 μM, EGC increased ALP levels and Ca deposition significantly by 2.3- and 1.7-fold, respectively, when compared with the control group. EGC also increased the mRNA expression of bone formation markers runt-related transcription factor 2, ALP, osteonectin, and osteopontin. Furthermore, EGC demonstrated its antiadipogenicity by decreasing the adipocyte formation and inhibiting the mRNA expression levels of the adipogenic markers peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, ccaat/enhancer-binding protein β, and fatty acid binding protein 4. In conclusion, this is the first report of the dual action of green tea polyphenol EGC in promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipocyte formation in MSCs. Our results provide scientific evidence to support the potential use of green tea in supporting the bone against degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis.