Shujin Dingtong capsules treat osteoporosis in SAMP6 mice by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome
BI Wen-xiu,WANG Zhan,TIAN Ai-xian
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Shujindingtong capsules on osteoporosis in SAMP6 mice. Methods Sixteen SAMP6 mice were randomly divided into a blank control group (SAMP blank group) and a Shujindingtong capsules treatment group (SJDT treatment group), and eight SAMR1 mice were used as the control group (SAMR control group). The SJDT treatment group was administered Shujin Dingtong capsules suspension by gavage daily, while the SAMP and SAMR groups were given the same volume of normal saline. After 8 weeks, bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and bone microstructure was examined by micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). The expression levels of OCN, PINP, TRAP-5b, and CTX-I in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 proteins and mRNAs in bone tissue were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR. The expression of NLRP3 was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the SAMP blank group and the SAMR control group, the SJDT treatment group showed significant increases in bone tissue BMD, BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and a significant decrease in Tb.Sp (P <0.05). The expression levels of OCN and PINP in the SJDT treatment group were increased, while the expression levels of TRAP-5b and CTX-I were decreased (P <0.05). The expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 proteins and mRNAs in the SJDT treatment group were significantly decreased (P <0.05). Conclusion Shujin Dingtong capsules can inhibit the expression level of NLRP3 inflammasome, reduce inflammatory response, suppress osteoclast activity, and promote osteoblast formation, NLRP3 may be a potential target for osteoporosis therapy.
