| Objective To verify whether there is a difference in the expression of Wnt/LRP-5/β-catenin signaling pathway related genes between osteoporosis model rats and sham-operated rats, and to observe the effect of total flavonoids of drynaria on the expression of this pathway gene in osteoporosis model rats. Methods Forty 3-month-old healthy female SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group ( SHAM group ), osteoporosis model group ( OVX group ), osteoporosis model +108 mg / (kg·d )concentration of drynaria total flavonoids gavage group ( OVX + OTF group ), osteoporosis model +0.1 mg / (kg·d) concentration of estrogen gavage group ( OVX + USP group ), 10 rats in each group. In addition to the SHAM group, osteoporosis was modeled by bilateral ovariectomy in each group, and the SHAM group underwent sham operation. After 10 weeks of routine feeding, the model was verified by hematoxylin-eosin staining ( HE ). After successful modeling, drug intervention was started, and the OVX + OTF group was given 108 mg / kg · d dose of drynaria total flavonoids by gavage. The OVX + USP group was given 0.1 mg/kg·d dose of conjugated estrogen solution by gavage; the OVX group and the SHAM group were given an appropriate amount of normal saline once a day. After 2 months of administration, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The expression of Wnt/LRP5/β-catenin signaling pathway related genes between osteoporosis model rats and SHAM rats was detected by RT-PCR. The expression of Wnt/ LRP5/β-catenin signaling pathway in osteoporosis model rats was observed by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with SHAM group, the mRNA expressions of Wnt3α, LRP-5, β-catenin and Runx2 in Osteoporosis model rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with OVX group, the protein expressions of Wnt, LRP-5, β-catenin and Runx2 in OVX + OTF group and OVX + estrogen group showed a significant upward trend (P<0.01). Conclusion After castration, the expression of Wnt3α, LRP-5 and β-catenin genes in Osteoporosis model rats were significantly down-regulated, and drynaria total flavonoids may play an anti-osteoporosis role by increasing the expression of key proteins in Wnt/LRP-5/β-catenin pathway in tibia of OVX rats. |