Objective To investigate whether the drug-containing serum of Jiangu Granule could affect the osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by regulating miR-141. Methods BMSCs were identified by flow cytometry, and BMSCs cultured in vitro were intervened with Jiangu granules-containing serum and blank serum. Cell morphology was observed under microscope, and ALP staining and quantitative detection, and the alizarin red staining were performed. Gene expression of osteogenic-induced factors including miR-141, DLx5, Msx2 and Runx2 was assessed using Quantitative Real-time PCR. Western blot was used to detect the expression of DLx5, Msx2 and Runx2. Results The cells were identified as BMSCs by flow cytometry. Microscopic observation revealed that there were differences between the two groups of cells, and there was more crystallization between the cells of Jiangu granules-containing serum group. The results of ALP staining and quantitative detection and the alizarin red staining showed that the drug-containing serum group was superior to the blank serum group. RT-PCR detection of osteogenic-induced miR-141 and Dlx5, Msx2, Runx2 gene expression results showed that miR-141 and Msx2 of Jiangu granules-containing serum group decreased significantly compared with blank serum group (P <0. 01), while Dlx5 and Runx2 increased significantly (P<0. 01). Western-Blot detection of osteogenic induced protein expression of DLx5, Msx2, Runx2 showed that compared with blank serum group, in Jiangu granules-containing serum group Msx2 was decreased (P<0. 05), and Dlx5 and Runx2 were significantly increased (P<0. 01). Conclusion Jiangu granules-containing serum could inhibit the high expression of osteoblast negative regulator miR-141 in ovariectomized mouse BMSCs. It could regulate the expression of Dlx5/Msx2/Runx2 signal axis of BMP signal pathway and increase the expression of Runx2, the key factor of bone formation, so as to promote osteoblast differentiation and achieve the purpose of preventing and treating osteoporosis. |