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Published on: September 27, 2024
Strontium gluconate potently promotes osteoblast development and restores bone formation in glucocorticoid-induced
Luping Dai1, Xuemei Chen2, Yu Xiong3
1Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518035, China; Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
Abstract:
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) has emerged as a challenge after long-term glucocorticoid administration during the clinical therapy of diverse diseases. Although some candidates for GIOP treatment have been explored, there is still a lack of reliable drugs for GIOP prevention. In this study, rat bone marrow stem cells (rBMSCs) were utilized to investigate the feasibility of applying strontium gluconate (GluSr), which displays mild activity, easy absorption and good biocompatibility, for GIOP prevention. Thirty-two SD rats were divided into 4 groups to explore the effects of GluSr on osteoporosis rescue in vivo. Our results suggested that GluSr markedly alleviated dexamethasone (DEX)-induced apoptosis of osteoblast precursor cells and rBMSCs and enhanced rBMSC osteogenesis differentiation in vitro. GluSr also effectively promoted osteoblast survival, inhibited osteoclast differentiation and restored bone formation in GIOP rat models. Microarray analysis of the femora from GIOP rats treated with GluSr revealed that the signalling pathways of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), oestrogen receptor gene (ESR) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) were involved in bone restoration by GluSr. In summary, our study proved that GluSr enhanced osteoblast differentiation and suppressed osteoclast activity both in vitro and in vivo. GluSr might function as a novel strontium reagent for GIOP prevention.
Insights
Strontium gluconate (GluSr) shows promise for preventing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). This study found GluSr protects bone cells and promotes bone formation in GIOP models, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Osteoporosis treatment
- Stem cell biology
Background:
- Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is a significant clinical challenge.
- Current treatments for GIOP lack effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate strontium gluconate (GluSr) as a potential preventative agent for GIOP.
- To evaluate the effects of GluSr on bone cells and GIOP rat models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized rat bone marrow stem cells (rBMSCs) in vitro.
- Administered GluSr to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with induced GIOP.
- Conducted microarray analysis on rat femora.
Main Results:
- GluSr reduced apoptosis in osteoblast precursor cells and rBMSCs.
- GluSr enhanced osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs in vitro.
- GluSr promoted osteoblast survival, inhibited osteoclast differentiation, and restored bone formation in vivo.
- Signaling pathways including glucocorticoid receptor (GR), estrogen receptor (ESR), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) were implicated in bone restoration.
Conclusions:
- Strontium gluconate (GluSr) demonstrates efficacy in preventing and treating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
- GluSr enhances osteoblast differentiation and suppresses osteoclast activity.
- GluSr represents a potential novel strontium-based therapeutic for GIOP prevention.
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