[Effects of Guben Zenggu Decoction on Bone Metabolism and Bone Microstructure in Ovariectomized Rats]

To test the effects of Guben Zenggu Decoction on bone metabolism and bone microstructure in ovariectomized rats for the purpose of preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis rat models were established by ovariectomy. The model rats were randomly divided into control, estradiol valerate treatment, and Guben Zenggu Decoction treatment groups with high, medium and low dosages. After 12 weeks of treatments, 10 rats from each group were randomly selected for cardiac blood sampling after abdominal anesthesia. The serum levels of estradiol (E2), osteocalcin (BGP), carboxyterminal of type Ⅰ procollagen (PICP), collagen type Ⅰ pyridine crosslinking peptide (ICTP) and acid tartaric acid phosphatase-5b (TRAP-5b) were determined by ELISA. Bone histomorphometric analysis was performed on the right femoral specimen of rats using micro-CT imaging.

The models rats had lower levels of E2, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and relative bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), number of trabeculae (Tb.N) and connectivity density (Conn.D), and higher levels of BGP, ICTP, PICP, TRAP-5b and degree of trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), structural model index (SMI) than their normal counterparts (P < 0.05). Estradiol valerate and Guben Zenggu Decoction treatments increased the levels of E2, BALP, BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and Conn.D significantly (P < 0.05). Higher doses of Guben Zenggu Decoction resulted in higher changes (P < 0.05).

Guben Zenggu Decoction can improve bone metabolism and bone micro-structure in ovariectomized rats, thus playing a preventive and therapeutic role in postmenopausal osteoporosis.