Shilajit extract reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss to dose-dependently preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Humic Acid Derived from Vermicompost Improves Bone Mineral Content and Alters Oxidative Stress Markers in Ovariectomized Mice

Background: Estrogen depletion alters bone mineralization and oxidative stress. Antioxidants like humic acids (HA) may help mitigate bone demineralization and redox imbalances. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of HA on bone mineral composition and oxidative stress markers in an experimental menopause model. Methods: Twenty-four female C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups (n = 6/group): Sham; Sham + HA; Ovariectomized (OVX); and OVX + HA. The menopause model was induced by bilateral ovariectomy at the beginning of the experiment. HA derived from biomass vermicompost was administered daily by gavage for 28 days. After euthanasia, femurs and fragments of the gastrocnemius muscle, liver, and kidney were collected. Bone elemental composition was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) activities were assessed in muscle, renal, and hepatic tissues. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test. Results: Untreated OVX mice exhibited a significant reduction in femoral calcium content (p < 0.05). However, HA treatment increased calcium levels and improved the Ca/P ratio (p < 0.05). H2O2 activity was reduced in the liver and kidney of OVX + HA mice compared to untreated animals (p < 0.05). CAT activity in muscle increased in the OVX + HA group compared to the OVX (p < 0.05). Conclusions: HA treatment improved femoral elemental composition and modulated oxidative stress markers in an experimental menopause model.

Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation of the Therapeutic Effect of Baji Capsule on LPS-Induced Osteoporosis

Purpose

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease characterized by impaired bone microarchitecture, decreased bone mineral density and increased bone fragility, leading to a heavy physical and economic burden due to its greatly increased risk of fracture. Baji capsule is a proprietary medicine that can treat menstrual disorders and postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, the efficacy of Baji capsule has not been reported for osteoporosis caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether Baji capsule has a therapeutic effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory osteoporosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms through network pharmacology.

Patients and Methods

Osteoporosis model in ICR mice induced with LPS. Mice were treated with vitamin E (100mg/kg), PBS, high-dose Baji capsule (810mg/kg) and low-dose Baji capsule (90mg/kg), respectively. The therapeutic effect of Baji capsule was evaluated by high-resolution micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) and tissue section staining, serum inflammatory factor levels were assessed by ELISA, serum oxidative stress-related marker levels were determined by kits, and finally the mechanism was explored by network pharmacology and then verified by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Micro-CT results showed that Baji capsule attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory bone loss.Baji capsule also reduced serum inflammatory factor levels and oxygen free radical production. Target screening by network pharmacology yielded a total of 236 active ingredients of Baji capsule, as well as 278 common targets after taking the intersection of Baji capsule active ingredient targets and osteoporosis disease-related targets.

Conclusion

Baji capsule can treat osteoporosis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. The therapeutic effects of Baji capsule were shown to be multi-targeted and multi-pathway through network pharmacology. In the future, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can be utilized to further explore its therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases, as well as a prospective study for the clinical treatment of osteoporosis.

The impact of thyroid function on total spine bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

PURPOSE

Osteoporosis has been a widespread concern for older women, especially postmenopausal women. Thyroid function is crucial for bone metabolism. However, the relationship between thyroid function variation within thyroxine reference range and bone mineral density (BMD) remains ambiguous. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of subclinical hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism on total spinal BMD in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2010, multivariable weighted logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationships between total spine BMD and TSH among postmenopausal women aged ≥50.

RESULTS

After accounting for a number of variables, this study discovered that the middle TSH tertile was associated with a decreased probability of osteoporosis. Additionally, the subgroup analysis revealed that postmenopausal women over the age of 65 or people with an overweight BMI had a clearer relationship between total spine BMD and TSH.

CONCLUSION

The total spinal BMD had a positive relationship with thyroid stimulating hormone in postmenopausal women, and that appropriate TSH level (1.38-2.32 mIU/L) was accompanied by higher total spinal BMD.

Luteolin rescues postmenopausal osteoporosis elicited by OVX through alleviating osteoblast pyroptosis via activating PI3K-AKT signaling

BACKGROUND

Recently, osteoblast pyroptosis has been proposed as a potential pathogenic mechanism underlying osteoporosis, although this remains to be confirmed. Luteolin (Lut), a flavonoid phytochemical, plays a critical role in the anti-osteoporosis effects of many traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. However, its protective impact on osteoblasts in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) has not been elucidated.

PURPOSE

This research aimed to determine the effect of Lut in ameliorating PMOP by alleviating osteoblast pyroptosis and sustaining osteogenesis.

STUDY DESIGN

This research was designed to investigate the novel mechanism of Lut in alleviating PMOP both in cell and animal models.

METHODS

Ovariectomy-induced PMOP models were established in mice with/without daily gavaged of 10 or 20 mg/kg body weight Lut. The impact of Lut on bone microstructure, metabolism and oxidative stress was evaluated with 0.104 mg/kg body weight Estradiol Valerate Tablets daily gavaged as positive control. Network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking were employed to investigate the mechanisms of Lut in PMOP treatment. Subsequently, the impacts of Lut on the PI3K/AKT axis, oxidative stress, mitochondria, and osteoblast pyroptosis were assessed. In vitro, cultured MC3T3-E1(14) cells were exposed to H2O2 with/without Lut to examine its effects on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, osteogenic differentiation, mitochondrial function, and osteoblast pyroptosis.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrated that 20 mg/kg Lut, similar to the positive control drug, effectively reduced systemic bone loss and oxidative stress, and enhanced bone metabolism induced by ovariectomy. Network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking indicated that the PI3K/AKT axis was a potential target, with oxidative stress response and nuclear membrane function being key mechanisms. Consequently, the effects of Lut on the PI3K/AKT axis and pyroptosis were investigated. In vivo data revealed that the PI3K/AKT axis was deactivated following ovariectomy, and Lut restored the phosphorylation of key proteins, thereby reactivating the axis. Additionally, Lut alleviated osteoblast pyroptosis and mitochondrial abnormalities induced by ovariectomy. In vitro, Lut intervention mitigated the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT axis and osteogenesis, as well as H2O2-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, Lut attenuated ROS accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. The effects of Lut, including osteogenesis restoration, anti-pyroptosis, and mitochondrial maintenance, were all reversed with LY294002 (a PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor).

CONCLUSION

In summary, Lut could improve mitochondrial dysfunction, alleviate GSDME-mediated pyroptosis and maintain osteogenesis via activating the PI3K/AKT axis, offering a new therapeutic strategy for PMOP.

The 100 top-cited articles in menopausal syndrome: a bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Significant scientific research has been conducted concerning menopausal syndrome(MPS), yet few bibliometric analyses have been performed. Our aim was to recognise the 100 most highly cited published articles on MPS and to analytically evaluate their key features.

METHODS

To identify the 100 most frequently cited articles, a search was conducted on Web of Science using the term 'menopausal syndrome'. Articles that matched the predetermined criteria were scrutinised to obtain the following data: citation ranking, year of publication, publishing journal, journal impact factor, country of origin, academic institution, authors, study type, and keywords.

RESULTS

The publication period is from January 1, 2000, to August 31, 2022. The maximum number of citations was 406 and in 2012. The median citations per year was 39.70. Most of the articles focused on treatment and complications. These articles were published in 36 different journals, with the Journal of MENOPAUSE having published the greatest number (14%). Forty-eight articles (48%) were from the United States, with the University of Pittsburgh being the leading institute (9%). Joann E. Manson was the most frequent first author (n = 6). Observational studies were the most frequently conducted research type (n = 53), followed by experimental studies (n = 33). Keyword analysis identified classic research topics, including genitourinary syndrome of menopause, bone mineral density (BMD), and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) loci.

CONCLUSION

Using bibliometrics, we conducted an analysis to identify the inadequacies, traditional focal points, and potential prospects in the study of MPS across current scientific areas. Treatment and complications are at the core of MPS research, whereas prediction and biomarkers have less literature of high quality. There is a necessity for innovative analytical metrics to measure the real effect of these papers with a high level of citation on clinical application.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8661 alleviates D-galactose-induced brain aging in mice by the regulation of the gut microbiota

Aging is characterized by a decline in biological functions, leading to various health issues. There is significant interest in mitigating age and age-related health issues. Gut microbiota has emerged as a crucial target for combating aging and influencing host health. This study evaluated the anti-aging effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8661 in mice and the role of the gut microbiota in mediating its effects. Aging was induced in mice using D-galactose, and L. plantarum CCFM8661 was orally administered for 8 weeks to evaluate its effects on age-related decline and the gut microbiota. The results demonstrated that supplementation with L. plantarum CCFM8661 effectively alleviated cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in the aging brain, as well as liver oxidation and bone damage, and impaired intestinal barrier function in aging mice. Furthermore, L. plantarum CCFM8661 modulated the gut microbiota of aging mice, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, and influenced the functionality of the gut microbiota to promote the production of active metabolites. These findings suggest that L. plantarum CCFM8661 has a mitigating effect on organismal aging, especially brain aging.

Oxidative stress: A common pathological state in a high-risk population for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is becoming a major concern in the field of public health. The process of bone loss is insidious and does not directly induce obvious symptoms. Complications indicate an irreversible decrease in bone mass. The high-risk populations of osteoporosis, including postmenopausal women, elderly men, diabetic patients and obese individuals need regular bone mineral density testing and appropriate preventive treatment. However, the primary changes in these populations are different, increasing the difficulty of effective treatment of osteoporosis. Determining the core pathogenesis of osteoporosis helps improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment among these populations. Oxidative stress is a common pathological state secondary to estrogen deficiency, aging, hyperglycemia and hyperlipemia. In this review, we divided oxidative stress into the direct effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the reduction of antioxidant enzyme activity to discuss their roles in the development of osteoporosis. ROS initiated mitochondrial apoptotic signaling and suppressed osteogenic marker expression to weaken osteogenesis. MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways mediated the positive effect of ROS on osteoclast differentiation. Antioxidant enzymes not only eliminate the negative effects of ROS, but also directly participate in the regulation of bone metabolism. Additionally, we also described the roles of proinflammatory factors and HIF-1α under the pathophysiological changes of inflammation and hypoxia, which provided a supplement of oxidative stress-induced osteoporosis. In conclusion, our review showed that oxidative stress was a common pathological state in a high-risk population for osteoporosis. Targeted oxidative stress treatment would greatly optimize the therapeutic schedule of various osteoporosis treatments.