Chaenomelis fructus inhibits osteoclast differentiation by suppressing NFATc1 expression and prevents ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis

Protective effect of mixture of Acanthopanax sessiliflorum and Chaenomeles sinensis against ultraviolet B-induced photodamage in human fibroblast and hairless mouse

Skin photoaging, characterized by collagen degradation and upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), is a major concern caused by UVB irradiation. In this study, we investigated the potential of Acanthopanax sessiliflorum extract (ASE) and Chaenomeles sinensis (CSE) extracts to mitigate the effects of UVB-induced photodamage in human fibroblast and hairless mice. Water extracts of AS (ASE) and CS (CSE) were found to inhibit the expression of MMP-1/-3 in vitro. Furthermore, the extract of mixture of AS and CS (ACE) showed more potent inhibitor effect, as compared to ASE and CSE. In UVB-irradiated hairless mice, oral administration of ACE effectively reduced wrinkle formation, skin roughness, and epidermal thickness while promoting the deposition of collagenous fibers. These results indicate that ACE has the potential to protect against skin photoaging by restoring the impaired skin via downregulation of MMP-1/-3 expression and secretion. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of ACE in mitigating skin photoaging.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01462-3.

In Vivo Genotoxicity Evaluation of a No-Pain Pharmacopuncture Extract Using the Micronucleus Test

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the genotoxicity of a recently developed no-pain pharmacopuncture (NPP) targeting muscle relaxation and analgesia using the micronucleus test.

Methods

To evaluate the potential of NPP extracts to induce micronuclei in rat bone marrow cells, a micronucleus test was performed using male Sprague-Dawley rats. The test substance NPP was administered intramuscularly at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mL/animal. Saline was used as the negative control and cyclophosphamide as the positive control.

Results

No NPP treatment-related deaths or abnormal changes in general appearance were observed at any dose level during the experimental period. No statistically significant differences in body weight were observed in any of the NPP dose groups compared to the saline negative control group. NPP did not cause a significant increase in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) and PCEs or in the ratio of PCE-to-total erythrocytes.

Conclusion

The NPP extract did not exhibit genotoxic in Sprague-Dawley rat bone marrow cells under the conditions of this study. Further toxicity studies of the NPP extract are required.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of plants in the genus Chaenomeles

Chaenomeles plants belong to the Rosaceae family and include five species, Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai, Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne, Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl, Chaenomeles cathayensis (Hemsl.) Schneid and Chaenomeles thibetica Yu. Chaenomeles plants are found and cultivated in nearly every country worldwide. China serves as both the origin and distribution hub for the plants in the Chaenomeles genus, and all Chaenomeles species except for C. japonica are indigenous to China. Chaenomeles spp. is a type of edible medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in China to treat various ailments, such as rheumatism, cholera, dysentery, enteritis, beriberi, and scurvy. A variety of chemical constituents have been extracted from this genus, including terpenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids and their derivatives, benzoic acid derivatives, biphenyls, oxylipins, and alkaloids. The biological activity of some of these constituents has already been evaluated. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that the plants in the genus Chaenomeles exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, gastrointestinal protective, antitumor, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and other pharmacological activities. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of the available information on the genus Chaenomeles to serve as a valuable reference for further investigations.

Bone Remodeling in Mandible of Wistar Rats with Diabetes Mellitus and Osteoporosis

OBJECTIVES

 This study aimed to determine some of bone molecular expressions and its possible bone remodeling pathway between diabetes mellitus (DM) and osteoporosis model in the mandibular bone of Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Twenty-seven female Wistar rats were divided randomly into control and treatment groups. Treatment groups were injected with streptozotocin intraperitoneally to induce DM (P1) and underwent bilateral ovariectomy to generate osteoporosis (P2). All groups were terminated after 12 weeks. Immunohistochemical and hematoxylin-eosin staining were performed to determine the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), Osterix, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and observed the osteoblast and osteoclast. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

 The lowest mean of RUNX2 and VEGF expression was found in the P2 group. The lowest mean of Osterix expression was found in the P1 group. Both P1 and P2 groups of osteoblast/osteoclast ratio were decreased. There were no significant differences in the expression of TRAP between all groups; however, increased expression of RANKL/OPG ratio was only found in the P2 group.

CONCLUSION

 DM and osteoporosis induce changes in the bone remodeling pathway which are represented by a decrease in osteoblast biomarkers and an increase in osteoclast biomarkers.

Jiawei Yanghe Decoction Regulates Bone-Lipid Balance through the BMP-SMAD Signaling Pathway to Promote Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background

The Jiawei Yanghe decoction (JWYHD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of osteoporosis, but its therapeutic mechanism has not been fully elucidated, and the therapeutic target of the intervention disease needs to be further verified. The dysfunction of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is considered to be an important pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). The purpose of this study was to explore how JWYHD regulates BMSC differentiation through the BMP-SMAD signal pathway.

Methods

In the in vivo study, we used an ovariectomized PMOP rat (n = 36, 2-month-old, 200 ± 20 g) model and femur micro-CT analysis to study the effect of JWYHD on bone loss in rats. By immunofluorescence, the translocation expression of BMP2, a key protein in the pathway, was detected. Serum bone metabolism was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was detected by alkaline phosphatase staining (ALPS), osteogenesis and matrix mineralization were detected by alizarin red staining (ARS), the adipogenic ability of BMSCs was detected by oil red staining (ORS), and CFU is used to detect the ability of cells to form colonies. The expression of related proteins was detected by western blotting.

Results

In vivo and in vitro, the OP phenotypes of SD rats induced by ovariectomy (OVX) included impaired bone mineral density and microstructure, abnormal bone metabolism, and impaired MSC differentiation potential. JWYHD treatment reversed this trend and restored the differentiation potential of MSCs. JWYHD medicated serum and direct intervention of drugs activated the BMP-SMAD signaling pathway, promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and inhibited their adipogenic differentiation.

Conclusions

Our data identified that JWYHD is an effective alternative drug for the treatment of PMOP that functions to stimulate the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts in the BMP-SMAD signaling-dependent mechanism.

Chaenomeles Fructus (CF), the Fruit of Chaenomeles sinensis Alleviates IL-1β Induced Cartilage Degradation in Rat Articular Chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes persistent pain, joint dysfunction, and physical disability. It is the most prevalent type of degenerative arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. OA is currently treated with a focus on pain relief, inflammation control, and artificial joint surgery. Hence, a therapeutic agent capable of preventing or delaying the progression of OA is needed. OA is strongly associated with the degeneration of the articular cartilage and changes in the ECM, which are primarily associated with a decrease in proteoglycan and collagen. In the progress of articular cartilage degradation, catabolic enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), are activated by IL-1β stimulation. Given the tight relationship between IL-1β and ECM (extra-cellular matrix) degradation, this study examined the effects of Chaenomeles Fructus (CF) on IL-1β-induced OA in rat chondrocytes. The CF treatment reduced IL-1β-induced MMP3/13 and ADAMTS-5 production at the mRNA and protein levels. Similarly, CF enhanced col2a and aggrecan accumulation and chondrocyte proliferation. CF inhibited NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) activation, nuclear translocation induced by IL-1β, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ERK phosphorylation. CF demonstrated anti-OA and articular regeneration effects on rat chondrocytes, thus, suggesting that CF is a viable and fundamental therapeutic option for OA.

Inhibitory Effects of Euscaphic Acid in the Atopic Dermatitis Model by Reducing Skin Inflammation and Intense Pruritus

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex and multifactorial skin disease characterized by skin inflammation and intense pruritus. There are many commercially available treatments such as topical corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to treat of AD, but their effectiveness is limited, and frequent use of these treatments can cause serious side effects. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic agents is necessary for the treatment of AD. Hence, an alternative agent that was derived from natural products that are effective and safe for AD treatment was investigated using experimental models. The biological activity of euscaphic acid has anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antioxidant effects. Despite the various biomedical properties of euscaphic acid, its therapeutic effects on AD have not been well studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of euscaphic acid on skin inflammation and pruritus in AD mouse model. The effects of euscaphic acid were investigated in activated human epidermal keratinocytes and leukemia T lymphoblast cell lines, and Dermatophagoides farina extract and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD mouse model. Euscaphic acid ameliorated AD properties, such as the expression of inflammatory cytokines and activation of transcription factors. In addition, euscaphic acid reduced critical factors for pruritus such as immunoglobulin E hyperproduction, mast cell invasion, and interleukin-33 expression. Taken together, euscaphic acid could be a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD.

LncRNA XIST facilitates S1P-mediated osteoclast differentiation via interacting with FUS

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, a frequent age-related metabolic bone disorder, remain incomprehensive and challenging. The potential regulatory role of lncRNA XIST and sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) pathway need experimental investigations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RAW264.7 cells and BMMs were obtained for in vitro studies and 30 ng/mL RANKL was implemented for induction of osteoclast differentiation. The suppressing of lncRNA XIST, SPHK1 and fused in sarcoma (FUS) was achieved using small hairpin RNA, while overexpression of XIST and FUS was constructed by pcDNA3.1 vector system. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used for observation of formation of osteoclasts. RNA-pulldown analysis and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) was implemented for measuring mRNA and protein interactions. RT-qPCR was conducted to determining mRNA expression, whereas ELISA and Western blotting assay was performed for monitoring protein expression.

RESULTS

RANKL induced osteoclast differentiation and upregulated expression of osteoclastogenesis-related genes that included NFATc1, CTSK, TRAP and SPHK1 and the level of lncRNA XIST in both RAW264.7 cells and BMMs. However, knockdown of lncRNA XIST or suppressing SPHK1 significantly reserved the effects of RANKL. LncRNA XIST was further demonstrated to be interacted with FUS and increased the stability of SPHK1, indicating its ability in promoting osteoclast differentiation through SPHK1/S1P/ERK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA XIST promoted osteoclast differentiation via interacting with FUS and upregulating SPHK1/S1P/ERK pathway.

Effects of Sparganii Rhizoma on Osteoclast Formation and Osteoblast Differentiation and on an OVX-Induced Bone Loss Model

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is caused by an imbalance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts and causes severe bone loss. Osteoporotic medicines are classified into bone resorption inhibitors and bone formation promoters according to the mechanism of action. Long-term use of bisphosphonate and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) can cause severe side effects in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients. Therefore, it is important to find alternative natural products that reduce osteoclast activity and increase osteoblast formation. Sparganii Rhizoma (SR) is the dried tuberous rhizome of Sparganium stoloniferum Buchanan-Hamilton and is called “samreung” in Korea. However, to date, the effect of SR on osteoclast differentiation and the ovariectomized (OVX)-induced bone loss model has not been reported. In vitro, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, western blots, RT-PCR and other methods were used to examine the effect of SR on osteoclast differentiation and osteoblasts. In vivo, we confirmed the effect of SR in a model of OVX-induced postmenopausal osteoporosis. SR inhibited osteoclast differentiation and decreased the expression of TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) and c-Fos pathway. In addition, SR stimulates osteoblast differentiation and increased protein expression of the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)/SMAD signaling pathway. Moreover, SR protected against bone loss in OVX-induced rats. Our results appear to advance our knowledge of SR and successfully demonstrate its potential role as a osteoclastogenesis-inhibiting and osteogenesis-promoting herbal medicine for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through regulating forkhead box F1/Wnt/β-Catenin axis

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by inadequate bone formation of osteoblasts and excessive bone resorption of osteoclasts. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), with the potential of osteogenic differentiation, have been widely used in the bone tissues engineering for the treatment of bone diseases, including postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) has been reported to be implicated in bone formation during the development of Rett syndrome. However, the influence of MeCP2 on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs during osteoporosis remains unclear. Firstly, mice model with estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis was established through ovariectomy (OVX). MeCP2 was found to be down-regulated in bone tissues and BMSCs of OVX-induced osteoporosis mice. Secondly, over-expression of MeCP2 enhanced the calcium deposition of BMSCs isolated from the OVX-induced osteoporosis mice. Moreover, expression of osteogenic biomarkers including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), and osteocalcin (OCN) was increased in BMSCs by overexpression of MeCP2. Thirdly, over-expression of MeCP2 reduced protein expression of forkhead box F1 (FOXF1) and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), while enhanced Wnt5a and β-catenin expression in BMSCs. Over-expression of FOXF1 attenuated MeCP2 over-expression-induced decrease of FOXF1 and APC, as well as increase of Wnt5a and β-catenin. Finally, the increased calcium deposition, protein expression of ALP, RUNX2COL1A1 and OCN induced by concomitant overexpression of MeCP2 were also restored by FOXF1 over-expression. In conclusion, MeCP2 promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through regulating FOXF1/Wnt/β-Catenin axis to attenuate osteoporosis. MeCP2 over-expression reduced FOXF1 to promote the activation of Wnt5a/β-Catenin and promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs during the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Induction of osteoclast formation by LOX mutant (LOXG473A) through regulation of autophagy

Background

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) has been identified to modulate osteoclast activity, so we explored the role of LOX_G473A, the highest frequency single nucleotide polymorphism in LOX, in osteoclast formation and its potential relationship to autophagy.

Methods

The ability of the LOX mutant, LOX_G473A, to promote autophagy and osteoclast formation was evaluated in the pre-osteoclast cell line RAW264.7. Furthermore, autophagy-related protein expression and autophagosomes were detected by western blot and electron microscopy, respectively. Simultaneously, osteoclast formation and resorption ability were also detected using TRAP staining assay and bone resorption assay. In addition, the osteoclast-related proteins and mRNAs, as well as p-AMPKα and p-mTOR proteins, were further evaluated by western blot and qPCR assays.

Results

Autophagy inhibitor 3-MA suppressed the Beclin-1 and ATG5 protein levels and the ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I, as well as autophagosome formation in RAW264.7 transfected with the MUT plasmid and enhanced p62 protein expression. Simultaneously, 3-MA also reduced osteoclast formation and resorption, as well as the F-actin ring level of osteoclasts. In addition, 3-MA inhibited osteoclast-related protein and mRNA expression, including NFATC1, ACP5, CTSK. And the autophagy-related pathway protein p-AMPKα was increased and p-mTOR was reduced by 3-MA treatment. However, autophagy agonist RAPA reversed the effect of 3-MA on RAW264.7 with LOX_G473A mutation, indicating that promoting autophagy could enhance the ability of LOX_G473A to induce osteoclast formation.

Conclusions

LOX mutant (LOX_G473A) might promote osteoclast formation for RAW264.7 by enhancing autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway, which is a new direction for bone disease research.

Lycii radicis cortex inhibits glucocorticoid‑induced bone loss by downregulating Runx2 and BMP‑2 expression

Lycii radicis cortex (LRC) has been used to regulate high blood pressure, body temperature, pain and bone disorders in East Asia. Glucocorticoids (GCs), also known as steroids, are potent immunity regulators widely used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, despite their effectiveness, GC usage is strictly controlled due to severe side‑effects, such as osteoporosis. However, further research is required as to date, at least to the best of our knowledge, there is no appropriate model to overcome secondary osteoporosis as a side‑effect of GC use. Thus, the aim of the present study was to establish an experimental model of osteoporosis induced by GC. Furthermore, the present study aimed to establish the research methodology for medical evaluations of the effectiveness and side‑effects of GCs. A secondary osteoporosis animal model was established, and the animals were divided into two groups as follows: The allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)‑induced group and the non‑ACD‑induced group. In the ACD‑induced group, a GC topical application group was compared with a GC subcutaneous injection group. The results revealed that the presence of ACD affected the induction of GC‑mediated osteoporosis. Therefore, the group exhibiting induced ACD that was treated with a topical application of GC was selected for examining the side‑effects of GCs. The effects of LRC on secondary osteoporosis were confirmed in vivo and in vitro. The results indicated that LRC regulated dexamethasone‑induced osteoblast apoptotic markers, including caspase‑6, caspase‑9, X‑linked inhibitor of apoptosis, apoptosis inhibitor 1 and apoptosis inhibitor 2, and increased the expression of osteoblast differentiation‑related genes, such as Runt‑related transcription factor 2 and bone morphogenetic protein 2 in the MC3T3E‑1 cell line. LRC also significantly reduced GC‑induced osteoporosis and exerted anti‑inflammatory effects in vivo. In addition, LRC inhibited the reduction of calbindin‑D28k in the kidney. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that the use of LRC alleviates GC‑induced secondary osteoporosis.

Solanum nigrum Line inhibits osteoclast differentiation and suppresses bone mineral density reduction in the ovariectomy‑induced osteoporosis model

Bone homeostasis is maintained by osteoclasts that absorb bone and osteoblasts that form bone tissue. Menopausal osteoporosis is a disease associated with aging and hormonal changes due to menopause causing abnormal activation of osteoclasts, resulting in a decrease in bone density. Existing treatments for osteoporosis have been reported to have serious side effects, such as jawbone necrosis and breast and uterine cancer; therefore, their use by patients is decreasing, whilst studies focusing on alternative treatments are increasingly popular. Solanum nigrum Line (SL) has been used as a medicinal plant that possesses several pharmacological effects, such as anti‑inflammatory and hepatotoxic protective effects. To the best of our knowledge, however, its effects on osteoporosis and osteoclasts have not been demonstrated previously. In the present study, the anti‑osteoporotic effect of SL was investigated using a postmenopausal model of osteoporosis in which Sprague‑Dawley rat ovaries were extracted. In addition, the inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation and function of SL was confirmed using an osteoclast model treated with receptor activator of NF‑κB ligand (RANKL) on murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. In vivo experiments showed that SL reduced the decrease in bone mineral density and improved changes in the morphological index of bone microstructure, such as trabecular number and separation. In addition, the number of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase‑positive cells in the femur and the expression levels of nuclear factor of activated T‑cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and cathepsin K protein were inhibited. In vitro, SL suppressed RANKL‑induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption ability; this was mediated by NFATc1/c‑Fos, a key transcription factor involved in osteoclast differentiation, ultimately inhibiting expression of various osteoclast‑associated genes. These experimental results show that SL may be an alternative treatment for osteoporosis caused by abnormal activation of osteoclasts in the future.

Effects of Melandrium firmum Rohrbach on RANKL‑induced osteoclast differentiation and OVX rats

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD), which results in an increased risk of fracture. Melandrium firmum (Siebold & Zucc.) Rohrbach (MFR), 'Wangbulryuhaeng' in Korean, is the dried aerial portion of Melandrii Herba Rohrbach, which is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family and has been used to treat several gynecological conditions as a traditional medicine. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of MFR on osteoclast differentiation and osteoporosis has not been assessed. To evaluate the effects of MFR on osteoclast differentiation, tartrate‑resistant acid phosphatase staining, actin ring formation and bone resorption assays were used. Additionally, receptor activator of nuclear factor‑κB ligand‑induced expression of nuclear factor of activated T cell, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and c‑Fos were measured using western blotting and reverse transcription‑PCR. The expression levels of osteoclast‑related genes were also examined. To further investigate the anti‑osteoporotic effects of MFR in vivo, an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of menopausal osteoporosis was established. Subsequently, the femoral head was scanned using micro‑computed tomography. The results revealed that MFR suppressed osteoclast differentiation, formation and function. Specifically, MFR reduced the expression levels of osteoclast‑related genes by downregulating transcription factors, such as NFATc1 and c‑Fos. Consistent with the in vitro results, administration of MFR water extract to OVX rats reduced BMD loss, and reduced the expression levels of NFATc1 and cathepsin K in the femoral head. In conclusion, MFR may contribute to alleviate osteoporosis‑like symptoms. These results suggested that MFR may exhibit potential for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

LncRNA X inactive-specific transcript promotes osteoclast differentiation through Tgif2 by acting as a ceRNA of miR-590-3p in a murine model

Aim: This study aims to investigate whether long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)  X-inactive specific transcript (Xist) can regulate osteoclast differentiation in osteoporosis and the mechanism. Materials & methods: The mouse model of osteoporosis was established by ovariectomy surgery. Osteoclast differentiation from RAW264.7 cells was induced in vitro. The relationships between associated genes were assessed. Results: Xist and Tgif2 were upregulated, but miR-590-3p was downregulated in ovariectomy mouse femurs and cell models. Xist knockdown or miR-590-3p overexpression inhibited Tgif2 expression and osteoclast differentiation. Tgif2 and Xist were the targets of miR-590-3p. Increased miR-590-3p expression inhibited Tgif2 level and osteoclast differentiation, while Xist overexpression reversed these effects. Conclusion: Xist serves as a ceRNA of miR-590-3p to promote Tgif2 level; thereby, contributing to osteoclast differentiation.