Objective To investigate the effect of gentiopicroside (GENT) on bone resorption in osteoporosis (OP) rats based on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Methods Seventy-eight female SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group), model group (OP group), estradiol group (E2 group, 0.05 mg·kg-1), gentiopicroside low- (GENT LD, 30 mg·kg-1), medium- (GENT MD, 60 mg·kg-1), and high-dose group (GENT HD groups, 120 mg·kg-1). Except in Sham group, OP model was reproduced with bilateral ovariectomy. ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of bone metabolism indexes (CBF-α1,CTX-Ⅰ, PINP, OC, and E2), and inflammatory indexes (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1 β). Three-point bending test was used to evaluate the mechanical strength of the right femur. Micro CT was used to scan the right femur of rats to observe the changes of bone microstructure of the distal femur. HE staining was used to observe the changes of bone histomorphology. TRAP staining was use to analyze the number of osteoclasts on bone surface (N.Oc/BS). Western blotting was used to detect the expression of RANKL, JNK, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and their phosphorylated proteins. Results Compared to those in Sham group, the serum E2, bone metabolism related markers, maximum loading and fracture deflection of the femur, BMD, bone trabecular microstructure parameters BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th decreased significantly in OP group (P<0.05). Inflammatory factors, Tb.Sp, N.Oc/BS, the expression of RANKL, p-JNK/JNK, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, and p-p38/p38 in the bone tissue increased significantly (P<0.05). The thickness of cortical bone and the number of trabeculae reduced significantly. The trabeculae were broken and arranged loosely. After the treatment with GENT, the serum levels of E2 and bone metabolism related markers, maximum loading and fracture deflection of the femur, BMD, bone trabecular microstructure parameters BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th in E2 group and GENT MD, GENT HD groups increased significantly (P<0.05). Inflammatory factors, Tb.Sp, N.Oc/BS, the expression of RANKL, p-JNK/JNK, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, and p-p38/p38 in the bone tissue decreased significantly (P<0.05). The new bone trabeculae can be seen with relatively complete morphology. Conclusion GENT improves the bone microstructure of OP rats and has a protective effect from OP. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the activation of MAPK signaling pathway, the formation of osteoclasts, and the reduction of bone resorption. |