Abstract: Objective:To explore the effect of invigorating kidney and invigorating spleen on ULK1/FUNDC1 mediated mitochondrial autophagy in OP rats. Methods: 72 2-month-old male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, kidney-tonifying group, kidney-tonifying group, spleen-strengthening group and western medicine group (Fosamaxa), with 12 rats in each group. The model group and each medication group were modeled by tail suspension method, and the modeling time was 5 weeks. The normal group and model group were given ultra-pure water, and the other groups were given corresponding drugs. After the modeling, blood samples were collected from the aorta, and the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) were determined by enzyme-related immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The morphological changes of left femur were detected by Micro-CT. Bone mineral density (BMD) of left femur was detected by dual-energy X-ray. The pathological changes of left gastrocnemius were observed by Masson staining. The expressions of mitochondrial proteins ULK1, FUNDC1, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ extracted from the left femur and gastrocnemius were detected by Western blot.Result:Compared with normal group, ALP (P < 0.01) decreased, TRACP (P < 0.01) increased, trabecular area and BMD (P < 0.01) decreased in model group, indicating successful modeling. Masson staining suggested that the degree of gastrocnemius fibrosis was relieved under the intervention of different treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine. Western blot results showed that the expressions of ULK1, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ and FUNDC1 were decreased (P < 0.05) and the level of mitochondrial autophagy was decreased compared with that of model femur group under different treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine. Compared with model group, the protein expressions of ULK1, FUNDC1, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were increased (P < 0.05), and the level of mitochondrial autophagy was increased.Conclusion:The therapeutic effect of TCM treatment of tonifying kidney and spleen on OP model rats may be due to the regulation of mitochondrial autophagy through ULK1/FUNDC1 pathway, and the effect of tonifying kidney and spleen is better. |