| Objective To investigate the effect of the strong bone and muscle formula on bone mineral density (BMD) and IL-17 level in ovariectomized rats. Methods Thirty SPF grade 6-month-old female SD rats were divided into Sham group (n=9) and model group (n=21) according to random number table. After 12 weeks, 3 rats were respectively selected from the Sham group and OVX group for lumbar vertebrae BMD test to verify the success of modeling. Rats in the model group were divided into OVX group (n=6), ZGQJ group (n=6), and Alen group (n=6). Rats in ZGQJ group received the strong bone and muscle formula. Rats in Alen group received alendronate sodium. After 12 weeks of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed. BMD of the lumbar vertebrae was detected with DEXA. The microstructure of the tibia was detected with micro-CT. The structure of the femur and spleen was observed with HE staining. Serum level of IL-17 was detected with ELISA. The level of IL-17 in the tibia was detected with immunofluorescent staining. The level of IL-17 in the spleen was detected with immunohistochemistry. Results Compared to that in OVX group, the lumbar vertebrae BMD in ZGQJ and Alen group increased significantly (P<0.05), BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th in ZGQJ and Alen groups increased significantly (P<0.05), but Tb.Sp decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared to that in OVX group, trabecular area of the femur in ZGQJ and Alen group increased (P<0.05), serum level of IL-17 in ZGQJ and Alen group decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of IL-17 in the tibia of ZGQJ group decreased (P<0.05). The histopathologic structure of the spleen in ZGQJ group improved, the spleen index in ZGQJ group improved, and the expression of IL-17 in the spleen in ZGQJ group decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion The strong bone and muscle formula improves BMD of the lumbar vertebrae, improves trabecular structure of the tibia and femur, reduces the expression of IL-17, and improves immune function of the spleen in OVX rats. |