Astragaloside IV Improves Tibial Defect in Rats and Promotes Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of hBMSCs through MiR-124-3p.1/STAT3 Axis

A potential function for MicroRNA-124 in normal and pathological bone conditions

Cells produce short single-stranded non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) called microRNAs (miRNAs), which actively regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Several miRNAs have been observed to exert significant impacts on bone health and bone-related disorders. One of these, miR-124, is observed in bone microenvironments and is conserved across species. It affects bone cell growth and differentiation by activating different transcription factors and signaling pathways. In-depth functional analyses of miR-124 have revealed several physiological and pathological roles exerted through interactions with other ncRNAs. Deciphering these RNA-mediated signaling networks and pathways is essential for understanding the potential impacts of dysregulated miRNA functions on bone biology. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of miR-124's involvement in bone physiology and pathology. We highlight the importance of miR-124 in controlling transcription factors and signaling pathways that promote bone growth. This review reveals therapeutic implications for the treatment of bone-related diseases.

Bushen Huoxue recipe ameliorates ovarian function via promoting BMSCs proliferation and homing to ovaries in POI mice

BACKGROUND

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a tricky puzzle in the field of female reproductive medicine. Bushen Huoxue recipe (BHR), a traditional Chinese medicine compound based on the combination of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating functions, has shown excellent efficacy in improving female irregular menstruation, POI, and infertility. However, the potential mechanism of BHR in POI treatment has not yet been elucidated. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), a type of pluripotent stem cells, have received increasing attention for their significant role in improving ovarian function and restoring fertility in women with POI.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of BHR in POI mice and explore its potential mechanism.

METHODS

A POI mouse model was established with a single intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CTX). Distilled water, BHR, or dehydroepiandrosterone was administered via gavage for 28 consecutive days. The effect of BHR on ovarian function in POI mice was evaluated by assessing the estrous cycle, ovarian morphology, follicular development, hormone levels, and angiogenesis. The proportion of BMSCs in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and ovary was analyzed via flow cytometry, and the level of molecules mediating migration and homing in ovary was measured. Cell viability assays, scratch healing assays and transwell migration assays were performed to explore the effect of BHR on BMSCs proliferation and migration in vitro, and its potential mechanism was explored.

RESULTS

BHR significantly ameliorated estrous cycle disorders, hormone disorders, ovarian morphology, ovarian microvascular formation, and ovarian reserve in POI mice. Meanwhile, the number of BMSCs number in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and ovary was apparently increased. Of note, BHR increased the level of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/cellular mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (cMET) and stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in the ovaries of POI mice. Moreover, BHR treatment promoted BMSCs proliferation and migration in vitro, with a significant increase in the level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cMET, and CXCR4.

CONCLUSIONS

BHR effectively restored ovarian reserve, ovarian function, and ovarian angiogenesis in CTX-induced POI mice. In addition, BHR promoted BMSCs proliferation, migration, and homing to the ovary, which was mediated by the SDF-1/CXCR4 and HGF/cMET signaling axis. Finally, the amelioration of ovarian reserve and ovarian function in CTX-induced POI mice by BHR may be related to its promotion of endogenous BMSCs proliferation and homing.

Zhuang-Gu-Fang promotes osteoblast differentiation via myoblasts and myoblast-derived exosomal miRNAs:miR-5100, miR-126a-3p, miR-450b-5p, and miR-669a-5p

BACKGROUND

Senile osteoporosis (SOP) is an age-related systemic metabolic bone disorder. Previous studies have proved that Zhuang-Gu-Fang (ZGF) modulates myokines, stimulates osteogenic differentiation, and mitigates osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the mechanism by which ZGF promotes osteogenic differentiation via myoblast and myoblast exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) and investigate its potential implications in senile osteoporosis.

METHODS

Characterization of ZGF and ZGF serum using UHPLC-MS/MS. An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and staining techniques were employed to corroborate the impacts of ZGF on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) via myoblasts. Subsequently, exosomes derived from myoblasts were isolated through ultracentrifugation. The effects of ZGF on the BMSCs' osteogenic differentiation were substantiated through ALP activity, alizarin red staining, and a quantitative real-time polymerase reaction system (qRT-PCR). Selected miRNAs were identified via high-throughput sequencing and subjected to differential expression analysis, and subsequently validated through qRT-PCR. The senescence-accelerated (SAMP6) mice were selected as the SOP models. qRT-PCR analyses were further conducted to confirm the expression levels of these selected miRNAs in the muscle and bone tissues of the SAMP6 mice, and the protein expression of osteogenesis-related transcription factors OCN and Osterix in its bone tissue was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining analysis (IF).

RESULTS

ZGF may enhance the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through myoblasts and myoblast-derived exosomes. High-throughput sequencing, differential expression analysis, and subsequent qRT-PCR validation identified four miRNAs that stood out due to their significant differential expression: miR-5100, miR-142a-3p, miR-126a-3p, miR-450b-5p and miR-669a-5p. Moreover, the mice experiment corroborated these findings, which revealed that ZGF not only up-regulated the expression of miR-5100, miR-450b-5p and miR-126a-3p in muscle and bone tissues but also concurrently down-regulated the expression of miR-669a-5p in these tissues. IF staining analysis indicated that ZGF can significantly increase the protein expression of the osteogenic transcription factors OCN and Osterix in the bone tissue of mice with SOP.

CONCLUSIONS

ZGF can promote osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts, regulate bone metabolism, and thereby delay the process of SOP. Perhaps, its mechanism is to upregulate myoblast-derived exosomes miR-5100, miR-126a-3p, and miR-450b-5p or downregulate miR-669a-5p. This study reports for the first time that myoblast exosomes miR-669a-5p and miR-450b-5p are novel targets for the regulation of osteoblastic differentiation and the treatment of SOP.

The mechanism of lncRNA MALAT1 targeting the miR-124-3p/IGF2BP1 axis to regulate osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory roles of lncRNA MALAT1, miR-124-3p, and IGF2BP1 in osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We characterized PDLSCs by employing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses to evaluate the expression of key osteogenic markers including ALPL, SPP1, and RUNX2. Manipulation of lncRNA MALAT1 and miR-124-3p expression levels was achieved through transfection techniques. In addition, early osteogenic differentiation was assessed via Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, and mineral deposition was quantified using Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. Cellular localization of lncRNA MALAT1 was determined through Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH). To elucidate the intricate regulatory network, we conducted dual-luciferase reporter assays to decipher the binding interactions between lncRNA MALAT1 and miR-124-3P as well as between miR-124-3P and IGF2BP1.

RESULTS

Overexpression of lncRNA MALAT1 robustly promoted osteogenesis in PDLSCs, while its knockdown significantly inhibited the process. We confirmed the direct interaction between miR-124-3p and lncRNA MALAT1, underscoring its role in impeding osteogenic differentiation. Notably, IGF2BP1 was identified as a direct binding partner of lncRNA MALAT1, highlighting its pivotal role within this intricate network. Moreover, we determined the optimal IGF2BP1 concentration (50 ng/ml) as a potent enhancer of osteogenesis, effectively countering the inhibition induced by si-MALAT1. Furthermore, in vivo experiments utilizing rat calvarial defects provided compelling evidence, solidifying lncRNA MALAT1's crucial role in bone formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals the regulatory network involving lncRNA MALAT1, miR-124-3p, and IGF2BP1 in PDLSCs' osteogenic differentiation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These findings enhance our understanding of lncRNA-mediated osteogenesis, offering potential therapeutic implications for periodontal tissue regeneration and the treatment of bone defects.

Astragaloside IV alleviates macrophage senescence and d-galactose-induced bone loss in mice through STING/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Senile osteoporosis (SOP) is an age-related metabolic bone disease that currently lacks specific therapeutic interventions. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on macrophage senescence, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) osteogenesis, and SOP progression.

METHODS

A senescent macrophage model was established and treated with varying concentrations of AS-IV. Cell activity was measured using the CCK8 assay. The senescence levels of macrophages were evaluated through β-galactosidase staining, PCR, and immunofluorescence. Macrophage mitochondrial function was assessed using ROS and JC-1 staining. Macrophage polarization was evaluated through PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The inhibitory effects of AS-IV on macrophage senescence were investigated using Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the effects of macrophage conditioned medium (CM) on BMSCs osteogenic were detected using ALP, alizarin red, and PCR.

RESULTS

AS-IV inhibited macrophage senescence and M1 polarization, alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction, and promoted M2 polarization. Mechanistically, it suppressed the STING/NF-κB pathway in H2O2-activated macrophages. Conversely, the STING agonist c-di-GMP reversed the effects of AS-IV on macrophage senescence. Additionally, AS-IV-induced macrophage CM promoted BMSC osteogenic differentiation. In vivo, AS-IV treatment ameliorated aberrant bone microstructure and bone mass loss in the SOP mouse model, inhibited macrophage senescence, and promoted M2 polarization.

CONCLUSIONS

By modulating the STING/NF-κB signaling pathway, AS-IV potentially inhibited macrophage senescence and stimulated osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, thus exerting an anti-osteoporotic effect. Consequently, AS-IV may serve as an effective therapeutic candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α related mechanism and TCM intervention in process of early fracture healing

As a common clinical disease, fracture is often accompanied by pain, swelling, bleeding as well as other symptoms and has a high disability rate, even threatening life, seriously endangering patients' physical and psychological health and quality of life. Medical practitioners take many strategies for the treatment of fracture healing, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In the early stage of fracture healing, the local fracture is often in a state of hypoxia, accompanied by the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which is beneficial to wound healing. Through literature mining, we thought that hypoxia, HIF-1α and downstream factors affected the mechanism of fracture healing, as well as dominated this process. Therefore, we reviewed the local characteristics and related signaling pathways involved in the fracture healing process and summarized the intervention of TCM on these mechanisms, in order to inspirit the new strategy for fracture healing, as well as elaborate on the possible principles of TCM in treating fractures based on the HIF molecular mechanism.

Vascular wall microenvironment: exosomes secreted by adventitial fibroblasts induced vascular calcification

Vascular calcification often occurs in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), which significantly increases the incidence of cardiovascular events in CRF patients. Our previous studies identified the crosstalk between the endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and the paracrine effect of VSMCs, which regulate the calcification of VSMCs. Herein, we aim to investigate the effects of exosomes secreted by high phosphorus (HPi) -induced adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) on the calcification of VSMCs and the underlying mechanism, which will further elucidate the important role of AFs in high phosphorus vascular wall microenvironment. The conditioned medium of HPi-induced AFs promotes the calcification of VSMCs, which is partially abrogated by GW4869, a blocker of exosomes biogenesis or release. Exosomes secreted by high phosphorus-induced AFs (AFsHPi-Exos) show similar effects on VSMCs. miR-21-5p is enriched in AFsHPi-Exos, and miR-21-5p enhances osteoblast-like differentiation of VSMCs by downregulating cysteine-rich motor neuron 1 (Crim1) expression. AFsHPi-Exos and exosomes secreted by AFs with overexpression of miR-21-5p (AFsmiR21M-Exos) significantly accelerate vascular calcification in CRF mice. In general, AFsHPi-Exos promote the calcification of VSMCs and vascular calcification by delivering miR-21-5p to VSMCs and subsequently inhibiting the expression of Crim1. Combined with our previous studies, the present experiment supports the theory of vascular wall microenvironment.

Lanthanum Oxide Nanoparticles Reinforced Collagen ƙ-Carrageenan Hydroxyapatite Biocomposite as Angio-Osteogenic Biomaterial for In Vivo Osseointegration and Bone Repair

A composite biomatrix fabricated with collagen, ƙ-carrageenan, hydroxyapatite reinforced with lanthanum oxide nanoparticles is explored as proangiogenic and osteogenic bone tissue repair biomaterial. The biomatrix shows increased physical and biological stability as observed from proteolytic degradation and thermal stability studies. The addition of lanthanum oxide nanoparticles facilitates good osseointegration coupled with simultaneous activation of proangiogenic properties to act as a bone mimicking material. The minimal level of reactive oxygen species and superior cytocompatibility help the as-synthesized biomatrix in achieving capillary migration into the bone micro environment. The composite biomatrix upregulates the expression of VEGF, VEGF-R2 genes in endothelial cells and osteopontin, osteocalcin in osteoblasts cells, respectively. The in vivo hard tissue repair experiment conducted in a rat model shows complete healing of the bone defect by eight weeks with the application of collagen-ƙ-carrageenan-hydroxyapatite-lanthanum oxide nanoparticle biomaterial when compared to the biomaterial made out of individual constituents alone. The biomaterial matrix gets biointegrated into the bone tissue and exerts its therapeutic value in bringing a faster osseo repair process. The study shows the feasibility of using rare-earth metal nanoparticles in combination with protein-polysaccharide biopolymers for bone regeneration.

Combination of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of Shengyu Decoction for treating anemia

Anemia is a common clinical hematological disease with a high incidence, which seriously affects human health. Shengyu Decoction is often used in the treatment of anemia. However, the pharmacodynamic substance basis and therapeutic mechanism are still unclear, which hinders the comprehensive development and utilization of Shengyu Decoction. In this study, 143 compounds were identified in Shengyu Decoction using high-throughput ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, 24 of which were absorbed into the blood. Taking these blood-entering ingredients as the research object, we found through network pharmacology research that ferulic acid, calycosin, and astragaloside A can act on AKT1, MAPK1, and MAPK14, and play a role in treating anemia through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and Pathways in anemia. Finally, it was demonstrated that the active compound could bind to the core target with good affinity by molecular docking. The research shows that Shengyu Decoction has multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel effects in the treatment of anemia, which provides a basis for the development and clinical application of Shengyu Decoction.

Compound synthesizing profiling based on quantitative HPLC fingerprints combined with antioxidant activity analysis for Zhizi Jinhua pills

BACKGROUND

Compound drug Zhizi Jinhua Pills (ZZJHP) is composed of 8 herbal medicines (HMs), and it is necessary to control the HMs to ensure its holistic quality.

PURPOSE

To establish a quality monitoring method for ZZJHP from precise control of multiple active ingredients to contour control of fingerprint, to calculate the contribution of HMs and predict the quality of compound drugs.

METHODS

In this study, HPLC method was established for content determination of 11 analytes and fingerprint assessment. In vivo and in vitro studies of antioxidant activity were performed, Orthogonal Partial Least Squares analysis was applied for spectrum-effect correlation between antioxidant activity and HPLC fingerprint. The compound synthesizing fingerprint (CSF) of ZZJHP was fitted with 8 HMs, and the contribution of the single herb to prescription was evaluated by Sub-quantified profiling method.

RESULTS

The content of 11 analytes and fingerprints of ZZJHP were measured simultaneously, 32 batches of samples were divided into 6 grades. In vivo and in vitro researches suggested significant antioxidant activity capacity of ZZJHP. Then, spectrum-effect relationship study showed that 24 of the 30 fingerprint peaks had antioxidant activity. By prescription and decomposition profiling, the qualitative and quantitative contributions of the 8 herbs were revealed in turn. The negative solution experiment proved that CSF could accurately predict the quality of composite drugs.

CONCLUSION

The intelligent prediction strategy could intervene at the source to realize rapid screening of HMs and prediction of the quality of preparations, which could provide guidance for the use of HMs and improve the quality of composite drugs.

lncRNA FGD5-AS1 Regulates Bone Marrow Stem Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Affecting miR-296-5p/STAT3 Axis in Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Background

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common hip joint disease, which is more harmful and seriously affects the lives of patients. This study aims to clarify the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA FGD5-AS1 in ONFH.

Methods

The expression of the protein and mRNA was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot assay. The regulatory mechanism of lncRNA FGD5-AS1 was detected by the dual-luciferase reporter assay, CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry assay.

Results

Dex can inhibit cell proliferation and differentiation and induce apoptosis in hBMSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of lncRNA FGD5-AS1 promoted cell proliferation and restrained apoptosis in Dex-treated hBMSCs. In addition, lncRNA FGD5-AS1 acts as a sponge for miR-296-5p. Also, miR-296-5p directly targets STAT3. More importantly, miR-296-5p and STAT3 can affect the function of lncRNA FGD5-AS1 in Dex-treated hBMSCs.

Conclusion

lncRNA FGD5-AS1 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in steroid-induced ONFH through acting as a sponge for miR-296-5p and upregulation of STAT3.