| Objective To observe the changes of Wnt3a signal protein in the bone and kidney of ovariectomized rats, and to explore the molecular biological mechanism of the effect of compound prescription of tonifying kidney, invigorating qi, and activating blood circulation on osteoporosis. Methods Seventy-five female rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal group, model group, Fosamax group, low-and high-dose of tonifying kidney, invigorating qi and activating blood circulation compound group. The rats in the latter four groups were ovariectomized to establish osteoporosis model. After 12 weeks of continuous administration of the drugs, bone mineral density was measured with dual energy X-ray and serum levels of ALP and TRAP were detected with ELISA method. Wnt3a protein expression in bone and kidney was examined. Results Compared with the normal group, the bone mineral density, serum ALP and TRAP, and Wnt3a protein expression in the bone and kidney significantly decreased in the model group. Compared with the model group, the bone mineral density, serum ALP, and Wnt3a protein in the bone and kidney significantly increased in each treatment group. Conclusion The mechanism of the development of osteoporosis is related to the change of Wnt3a protein. The therapeutic mechanism of tonifying kidney, invigorating qi, and activating blood circulation herbal compound is to regulate and improve the expression of Wnt3a protein, activate Wnt3a/?-catenin signal transduction pathway, promote osteogenic differentiation, and inhibit osteoclasts, resulting in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. |