| Objective To explore the effect of ginseng polysaccharide on relieving osteoporosis and Wnt3/β-catenin/Runx2 signaling pathway in ovariectomized rats. Methods Rats were divided into five groups, sham operation group, model group, low-dose and high-dose ginseng polysaccharide groups (100 and 200 mg/kg), and alendronate sodium vitamin D3 group (6.25 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Osteoporosis model was established using ovariectomy. After continuous intervention for 12 weeks, body mass was recorded. The histopathologic morphology of the bone was observed. Bone mineral density, bone biomechanical indexes, serum bone metabolism, and biochemical indexes were detected. Expressions of Wnt3, β-catenin, and Runx2 in the bone tissue were measured. Results Compared to those in the model group, the body mass of rats in low-dose and high-dose ginseng polysaccharide groups decreased significantly (P<0.01), the histopathologic morphology of bone was alleviated, and bone mineral density, stiffness, and maximum stress and maximum load increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum TRAP-5b content decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). The contents of BALP, OC, OPG, P3+, and Ca2+ increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of Wnt3, β-catenin, and Runx2 in the bone tissue increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion Ginseng polysaccharide relieves osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of Wnt3/β-catenin/Runx2 signaling pathway. |