| Objective To investigate the effect of betaine (TCJ) on bone loss in type 2 diabetic rats and explore the possible mechanisms. Methods Thirty rats were randomly divided into a control group (CON)，a model group (MOD)，and a betaine group (TCJ)，10 in each group. Among them，type 2 diabetes models were established for MOD and TCJ group. Then TCJ group rats received 50 mg per day / kg betaine treatment for 12 weeks ；after the treatment, they were detected by Micro-CT, HE stained sections and Western blot. Results After 12 weeks of treatment, compared with the MOD group, the result of the three-point bending test, Micro-CT and HE staining showed that the number of trabeculae, bone strength and bone density of the TCJ group were significantly improved(P<0.05) .The maximum load and elastic modulus, BMD, TV/BV, Tb.N, Tb.Th and Tb.Sp of the TCJ group were significantly improved compared with the MOD group (P<0. 05). Compared with the MOD group, the expression level of β-catenin in the TCJ group was significantly increased, while the expression levels of p-IGF-lR, p-GSK-3β, p-β-catenin,IGF-1R and GSK-3β were significantly reduced(P<0. 05). Conclusion Betaine mediates the protective effect on bone loss in type 2 diabetic rats through IGF-1R/β-catenin signaling pathway. |