Estradiol and zinc-doped nano hydroxyapatite as therapeutic agents in the prevention of osteoporosis; oxidative stress status, inflammation, bone turnover, bone mineral density, and histological alterations in ovariectomized rats

Mechanistic Insights into Salvigenin for Glucocorticoid-Induced Femoral Head Osteonecrosis: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Study

Background/Objectives: Glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (GIOFH) is a debilitating condition resulting from impaired bone metabolism and vascular disruption due to prolonged glucocorticoid use. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of salvigenin, a flavonoid with antioxidative and estrogen-like properties, in alleviating GIOFH by modulating estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) pathways. Methods: A network pharmacology approach was utilized to identify salvigenin's potential targets and their association with GIOFH. Protein-protein interaction networks, along with Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses, were conducted to clarify salvigenin's multi-target mechanisms. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations assessed the interaction between salvigenin and ESR1. Experimental validation included in vitro assays on MG63 cells treated with dexamethasone (Dex) to mimic GIOFH, evaluating oxidative stress, apoptosis, osteogenic differentiation, and ESR1 expression. Results: Network analysis identified ESR1, NOS3, and MMP9 as key hub targets of salvigenin. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding of salvigenin to ESR1. Salvigenin significantly reduced Dex-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in osteoblasts while restoring osteogenic differentiation and ESR1 expression. Functional assays showed improved mineralized nodule formation, ALP activity, and mitochondrial integrity in salvigenin-treated cells. Conclusions: Salvigenin exhibits significant therapeutic potential in addressing GIOFH through ESR1-mediated pathways. These results offer a strong foundation for future translational studies and the development of salvigenin-based therapies for glucocorticoid-induced bone disorders.

Composites of hydroxyapatite and their application in adsorption, medicine and as catalysts

Composites of hydroxyapatite, recognized by its peculiar crystal architecture and distinctive attributes showcased the potential in adsorbing heavy metal ions and radioactive elements as well as selected organic substances. In this paper, the intrinsic mechanism of adsorption by composites hydroxyapatite was proved for the first time. Subsequently, selectivity and competitiveness of composites of hydroxyapatite for a variety of environments containing various interferences from cations, anions, and organic molecules are elucidated. Next, composites of hydroxyapatite were further categorized according to their morphological dimensions. Adsorption properties and intrinsic mechanisms were investigated based on different morphologies. It was shown that although composites of hydroxyapatite were characterized by excellent adsorption capacity and cost-effectiveness, their application is often challenging due to inherent fragility and agglomeration, technical problems required for their handling as well as difficulty in recycling. Finally, to address these issues, the paper discusses the tendency of hydroxyapatite composites to adsorb heavy metal ions and radioactive elements as well as the limitations of their applications. Summarizing the limitations and future directions of modification of HAP in the field of heavy metal ions and different substances contamination abatement, the paper provides insightful perspectives for its gradual improvement and rational application.

Plasma proteomic profiles reveal proteins and three characteristic patterns associated with osteoporosis: A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Exploration of plasma proteins associated with osteoporosis can offer insights into its pathological development, identify novel biomarkers for screening high-risk populations, and facilitate the discovery of effective therapeutic targets.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to identify potential proteins associated with osteoporosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms from a proteomic perspective.

METHODS

The study included 42,325 participants without osteoporosis in the UK Biobank (UKB), of whom 1,477 developed osteoporosis during the follow-up. We used Cox regression and Mendelian randomization analysis to examine the association between plasma proteins and osteoporosis. Machine learning was utilized to explore proteins with strong predictive power for osteoporosis risk.

RESULTS

Of 2,919 plasma proteins, we identified 134 significantly associated with osteoporosis, with sclerostin (SOST), adiponectin (ADIPOQ), and creatine kinase B-type (CKB) exhibiting strong associations. Twelve of these proteins showed significant associations with bone mineral density (BMD) T-score at the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total body. Mendelian randomization further supported causal relationships between 17 plasma proteins and osteoporosis. Moreover, follitropin subunit beta (FSHB), SOST, and ADIPOQ demonstrated high importance in predictive modeling. Utilizing a predictive model built with 10 proteins, we achieved relatively accurate prediction of osteoporosis onset up to 5 years in advance (AUC = 0.803). Finally, we identified three osteoporosis-related protein modules associated with immunity, lipid metabolism, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulation from a network perspective, elucidating their mediating roles between various risk factors (smoking, sleep, physical activity, polygenic risk score (PRS), and menopause) and osteoporosis.

CONCLUSION

We identified several proteins associated with osteoporosis and highlighted the role of plasma proteins in influencing its progression through three primary pathways: immunity, lipid metabolism, and FSH regulation. This provides further insights into the distinct molecular patterns and pathogenesis of bone loss and may contribute to strengthening early diagnosis and long-term monitoring of the condition.

The Application of Nanoparticle-Based Imaging and Phototherapy for Female Reproductive Organs Diseases

Various female reproductive disorders affect millions of women worldwide and bring many troubles to women's daily life. Let alone, gynecological cancer (such as ovarian cancer and cervical cancer) is a severe threat to most women's lives. Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other chronic diseases-induced pain have significantly harmed women's physical and mental health. Despite recent advances in the female reproductive field, the existing challenges are still enormous such as personalization of disease, difficulty in diagnosing early cancers, antibiotic resistance in infectious diseases, etc. To confront such challenges, nanoparticle-based imaging tools and phototherapies that offer minimally invasive detection and treatment of reproductive tract-associated pathologies are indispensable and innovative. Of late, several clinical trials have also been conducted using nanoparticles for the early detection of female reproductive tract infections and cancers, targeted drug delivery, and cellular therapeutics. However, these nanoparticle trials are still nascent due to the body's delicate and complex female reproductive system. The present review comprehensively focuses on emerging nanoparticle-based imaging and phototherapies applications, which hold enormous promise for improved early diagnosis and effective treatments of various female reproductive organ diseases.

Smart osteoclasts targeted nanomedicine based on amorphous CaCO3 for effective osteoporosis reversal

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is characterized by an imbalance in bone homeostasis, resulting in the excessive dissolution of bone minerals due to the acidified microenvironment mediated by overactive osteoclasts. Oroxylin A (ORO), a natural flavonoid, has shown potential in reversing osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. The limited water solubility and lack of targeting specificity hinder the effective accumulation of Oroxylin A within the pathological environment of osteoporosis.

RESULTS

Osteoclasts' microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles are prepared by incorporating Oroxylin A with amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and coated with glutamic acid hexapeptide-modified phospholipids, aiming at reinforcing the drug delivery efficiency as well as therapeutic effect. The obtained smart nanoparticles, coined as OAPLG, could instantly neutralize acid and release Oroxylin A in the extracellular microenvironment of osteoclasts. The combination of Oroxylin A and ACC synergistically inhibits osteoclast formation and activity, leading to a significant reversal of systemic bone loss in the ovariectomized mice model.

CONCLUSION

The work highlights an intelligent nanoplatform based on ACC for spatiotemporally controlled release of lipophilic drugs, and illustrates prominent therapeutic promise against osteoporosis.

Agomelatine alleviates steroid-induced osteoporosis by targeting SIRT1/RANKL/FOXO1/OPG signalling in rats

One of the major contributors to secondary osteoporosis is long-term glucocorticoid usage. Clinically used antidepressant agomelatine also has anti-inflammatory properties. Our research aimed to inspect the probable defensive effect of agomelatine against steroid-promoted osteoporosis. There were four groups of rats; group I had saline as a negative control; rats of group II had dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg, s.c.), twice weekly for 12 weeks; rats of group III had agomelatine (40 mg/kg/day, orally), as a positive control, daily for 12 weeks; and rats of group IV had dexamethasone + agomelatine in the same previous doses combined for 12 weeks. Finally, biochemical as well as histopathological changes were evaluated and dexamethasone treatment caused osteoporosis, as evidenced by discontinuous thin cancellous bone trabeculae, minor fissures and fractures, irregular eroded endosteal surface with elevated alkaline phosphate, tartarate resistant acid phosphate (TRACP) and osteocalcin levels. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), calcium, and phosphorus levels decreased with disturbed receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B ligand (RANKL), forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) protein expression. However, treatment with agomelatine restored the normal levels of biochemical parameters to a great extent, supported by SIRT activation with an improvement in histopathological changes. Here, we concluded that agomelatine ameliorates steroid-induced osteoporosis through a SIRT1/RANKL/FOXO1/OPG-dependent pathway.

Estradiol is a key candidate for treating Ankylosing Spondylolisthesis with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Some Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects on Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) treatment. Wan Bikang (WBK) and Wan Biqing (WBQ) are two traditional empirical formulas for AS. However, the mechanism of their effects on AS is largely unknown. This study deciphered the underlying common molecular mechanisms of these TCM treatments for AS. The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) assays were employed to detect herbal ingredients. Target proteins of herbal ingredients were identified by ChEMBL Database. To infer the relationships between ingredients and AS-related proteins, network pharmacology was employed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and core target analyses were carried out with tools Cytoscape and STRING. To find out the molecular basis and target of AS, molecular docking and an in vitro experiment were also conducted. It is found that estradiol may participate in the treatment of AS via the inhibition of inflammatory factors, and Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) appears to be a key target. This research offers insight into the therapeutic mechanism of TCM formulas for AS and furthers our understanding of TCM pharmacology.

Recent Trends in Hydroxyapatite Supplementation for Osteoregenerative Purposes

Bone regeneration has gained attention in the biomedical field, which has led to the development of materials and synthesis methods meant to improve osseointegration and cellular bone activity. The properties of hydroxyapatite, a type of calcium phosphate, have been researched to determine its advantages for bone tissue engineering, particularly its biocompatibility and ability to interact with bone cells. Recently, the advantages of utilizing nanomolecules of hydroxyapatite, combined with various substances, in order to enhance and combine their characteristics, have been reported in the literature. This review will outline the cellular and molecular roles of hydroxypatite, its interactions with bone cells, and its nano-combinations with various ions and natural products and their effects on bone growth, development, and bone repair.