In vivo and in vitro action mechanism of treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis by regulation of osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB pathways by denshensu.

The research aimed to discuss the action mechanism of the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) by denshensu. In the research, 60 rats were purchased and divided into a control group, model group, estradiol group, and denshensu treatment group. Except for the control group, GIOP models were established for all other groups, and then the structural changes of osseous tissues as well as osteoprotegerin (OPG), expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligands (RANKL) were detected. Besides, the changes in osteoclasts were observed by bone marrow-derived mononuclear phagocytes in vitro. The results showed that the micro-structure of bone trabeculae, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone metabolic markers of rats in the denshensu treatment group were enhanced significantly, while trabecular separation and structural model index were reduced (P<0.05). OPG messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels in the hypothalamus and femur tissues were increased, while RANKL content was remarkably decreased (P<0.05). In addition, in vitro experiments revealed that denshensu inhibited the differentiation of positive osteoclasts, and osteoclast-related genes were reduced (P<0.05). To conclude, denshensu might inhibit the expressions of OPG and RANKL and further play a role in treating GIOP.