Objective To investigate the anti-osteoporotic effects of Bushen Zhuanggu compound on bone structure and bone metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods Osteoporotic rats model was established by bilaterally ovariectomy in Sprague-Dawley female rats. Bushen Zhuanggu compound aqueous extract (0.7 and 1.4 g∕kg) were orally given to OVX rats for 12 weeks. Biochemical method was used to determine serum levels of calcium (S-Ca) and phosphorus (S-P), urinary levels of calcium (U-Ca∕Cr) and phosphorus (U-P)∕Cr) as well as serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG). ELISA was used to examine collagen I amino terminal peptide (PINP), collagen I carboxyl terminal peptide (CTX-I), osteocalcin (OCN) and urine deoxypyridine (DPD). The activity of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined by radioimmunoassay. Western-blotting method was used to measure the expression of cathepsin K in the rat tibia. Bone mineral density, microstructure and biomechanics were determined by dual-energy X-ray (DEXA), VivaCT and bone biomechanical properties. Results: Bushen Zhuanggu compound increased the serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, HDL-C and PINP, decreased the urinary levels of calcium and phosphorus and DPD, and reduced serum levels of ALP, OCN and CTX-I. At the same time, Bushen Zhuanggu Compound could increase the femur bone density, improve bone microstructure, increase bone strength and reduced the expression of tibia cathepsin K in OVX rats. Conclusion: Bushen Zhuanggu Compound could exert anti-osteoporosis effect by increasing bone mineral density and strength and improving bone microstructure through regulation of bone metabolism and mineral content in OVX rats, and this effect might be related to inhibition of the cathepsin K expression in rat tibia. |