| Objective To explore the effect of Ferulic acid on bone loss in ovariectomized rats and explore the possible mechanisms. Methods In this study, osteoporosis rat models were established by bilateral ovariectomy; they were then randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham), ovary removal group (OVX), and Ferulic acid group, 10 in each group; of which burdock Rats in Ferulic acid group received Ferulic acid [20 mg/(kg·day)] for 12 weeks; after treatment, Micro-CT, HE stained sections, bone metabolism indicators, bone biomechanical testing and Western blot were used to observe the treatment effect and possible mechanism. Results After 12 weeks of treatment, compared with the OVX group, the results of Micro-CT and HE staining showed that the number of trabeculae and bone mineral density of the rats in the Ferulic acid group were significantly improved. BMD, TV/BV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, and Tb.Sp in the Ferulic acid group were significantly improved compared with the OVX group (P<0.05).At 12 weeks of treatment, the limit load and stiffness of the Ferulic acid group were significantly increased compared with the OVX group (P<0.05), while the levels of bone metabolism indicators P1NP and TRACP-5b in the Ferulic acid group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), which was statistically significant (P<0.05).Compared with the OVX group, the expression levels of BMP-2, Smad1, Smad4, and p-Smad1/5/8 in the Ferulic acid group were up-regulated, and there was a statistical difference (P<0.05). Conclusions Ferulic acid mediates the protective effect on bone loss in ovariectomized rats through the BMP2/Smads signaling pathway. |