Objective To observe the effect of aloin on the bone mass in ovariectomized rats and explore the possible mechanisms. Methods Thirty female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operation group (Sham); ovariectomized group (OVX) and ovariectomized rats + aloesin treatment group (LHS, ovariectomized rats received 50 mg / kg aloin for 12 weeks). After 12 weeks, the bilateral femurs were taken for micro-CT (Micro-CT), to detect the microscopic results of the femoral metaphysis, the changes in the results of trabecular bone were observed through histopathological sections, the changes in bone strength were detected through bone biomechanics, and the Western blot (WB ) was used to detect the possible mechanisms. Results The bone mineral density (BMD), bone microstructure, maximum load, and elastic modulus of the OVX group were significantly lower than those of the Sham group (P<0.05). After treatment with aloin, the bone density, bone microstructure, maximum load, and elastic modulus were significantly improved, which was statistically significant (P<0.05). WB detection showed that the expression levels of p-Erk1 / 2, Erk1 / 2, ALP, RUNX2, OCN and OPN in the OVX group were significantly lower than those in the Sham group (P<0.05). The expression levels of p-Erk1 / 2, Erk1 / 2, ALP, RUNX2, OCN and OPN in the LHS group were significantly higher than those in the OVX group. Conclusion Aloin can significantly improve the strength and bone mass of femurs in ovariectomized rats, and this effect may be achieved by activating the ERK1 / 2-Runx2 signaling pathway to promote osteogenesis. |