[Effects of Drynaria total flavonoids on apoptosis of osteoblasts mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α]
Zhi-ming Huang1, Gui-ling Ouyang, Lian-bao Xiao
1Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai 200052, China.
Objective:
To investigate the influence of Drynaria total flavonoids on proliferation and apoptosis of osteoblasts in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)- mediated medium, so as to explore the mechanism of Drynaria total flavonoids in preventing and treating osteoporosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods:
Twenty Wistar rats with average weight of (200±20) g were randomly divided into two groups: blank control group and Qianggu capsule (Drynaria total flavonoids) group. Rats in Qianggu capsule group were fed with 75 mg Qianggu capsule daily for continuous 3 d. One hour after the last feed, blood samples were collected. The in vitro experiment of four groups was designed: blank control serum group, Drynaria total flavonoids-containing serum group, blank control serum plus TNF-α group and Drynaria total flavonoids-containing serum plus TNF-α group. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium method was used to detect the proliferation of osteoblasts. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of osteoblasts and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax mRNAs in osteoblasts.
Results:
Compared with the control serum, Drynaria total flavonoids-containing serum promoted the proliferation and decreased the apoptosis of osteoblasts in TNF-α-mediated inflammatory environment (P<0.05), and increased the ratio of Bcl-2 mRNA to Bax mRNA.
Conclusion:
In TNF-α-mediated inflammatory environment, Drynaria total flavonoids can promote the proliferation and decrease the apoptosis of osteoblasts by improving the ratio of Bcl-2 mRNA to Bax mRNA, which may be one of the mechanisms of Drynaria total flavonoids in preventing and treating osteoporosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Insights
Drynaria total flavonoids promote osteoblast proliferation and reduce apoptosis in inflammatory conditions. This action, by modulating Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA, may help prevent and treat rheumatoid arthritis-associated osteoporosis.
Area of Science:
- Osteology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Context:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with osteoporosis.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plays a role in RA pathogenesis and bone loss.
- Osteoblasts are crucial for bone formation and maintenance.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effects of Drynaria total flavonoids on osteoblast proliferation and apoptosis.
- To explore the mechanism by which Drynaria total flavonoids may prevent and treat RA-associated osteoporosis.
Summary:
- Drynaria total flavonoids were tested in vitro using osteoblasts in a TNF-α-mediated inflammatory environment.
- The study assessed osteoblast proliferation, apoptosis, and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA.
- Results showed that Drynaria total flavonoids promoted osteoblast proliferation and reduced apoptosis.
Impact:
- Drynaria total flavonoids enhance osteoblast activity and survival in inflammatory settings.
- The findings suggest a potential therapeutic mechanism for Drynaria total flavonoids in managing RA-related osteoporosis.
- Modulating the Bcl-2/Bax mRNA ratio is identified as a key pathway.