An experimental research into the potential therapeutic effects of Anti-Osteoporosis Decoction and Yougui Pill on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis

Many traditional Chinese medicine tonifying prescriptions for kidney and spleen have been proved to play various roles in osteoporosis. This study aimed to explore whether Anti-Osteoporosis Decoction (AOD) and Yougui Pill (YGP) have potential therapeutic effects on osteoporosis in ovariectomy-induced rat model. The osteoporosis rat model was established with female Wistar rats by the way of ovariectomy. The chosen rats were randomly divided into five groups (control group, model group, sham group, model + AOD group, and model + YGP group). H&E staining was used to detect the bone histological pathology changes. The bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In addition, western blotting assay was applied to explore the expressions of BMP2, Runx2, Collagen I and Opn. Next, we examined the expression of collagen I by immunohistochemistry staining. Finally, the levels of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP) and beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (beta-CTX) were detected. The results revealed that the OVX osteoporosis model was successfully established. AOD and YGP treatment effectively inhibited osteoporosis and reduced the broken trabecular bones. BMD was increased in AOD and YGP treatment. In addition, AOD and YGP treatment groups significantly increased the ALP levels. Furthermore, AOD and YGP significantly increased the expressions of BMP2, Runx2, Collagen I and Opn, while reduced the levels of PINP and beta-CTX in serum compared to OVX model group. In conclusion, AOD and YGP exert regulatory effects on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. They may be potential candidates for the therapy and cure of human osteoporosis.