| Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of Xuling-Jiangu Formula in the treatment of osteoporosis by analyzing the changes of miRNA expression profile in rat model of osteoporosis. Methods Twelve rats of osteoporosis model were established by ovarian removal method, of which 6 were in the model group, 6 were in the Xuling-Jiangu Formula group. Six rats in the sham operation group were as controls. One month after modeling, rats were administrated by gavage with Xuling-Jiangu Formula for 12 weeks. BMD of the lumbar vertebrae was measured. The expression profile of lumbar miRNA in different groups was detected. Bioinformatics analysis was performed for the differentiated expression of miRNAs. Results Compared with those in the sham operation group, 58 lumbar miRNAs were significantly down-regulated and 97 were significantly up-regulated in the model group. Compared with those in the model group, 50 down-regulated lumbar miRNAs were significantly up-regulated and 60 up-regulated ones were significantly down-regulated in the Xuling-Jiangu Formula group; Compared with those in the sham operation group, only 8 lumbar miRNAs were different in the Xuling-Jiangu Formula group. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that differential miRNA target genes were mainly involved in signaling pathways such as Hif-1, thyroid hormone, Hedgehog, GnRH, autophagy, CAMP, and MAPK. Conclusion The miRNAs expression profile of Xuling-Jiangu Formula in the treatment of osteoporosis model rats was established; Differential miRNAs may be involved in the treatment of osteoporosis rats by regulating Hif-1, thyroid hormone, Hedgehog, GnRH, autophagy, CAMP, MAPK, and other signaling pathways. |