AMP1-1 alleviates bone loss in weightless rats by reducing peripheral 5-HT content via the microbiota-gut-bone axis

Weightlessness-induced bone loss (WIBL) refers to the reduction of bone mass and the decline of bone resistance to load in a weightless environment. However, current treatment strategies aimed at increasing bone mass are associated with various limitations and side effects, highlighting the urgent need for safer and more effective therapeutic options to address WIBL.

We aimed to further explore the potential mechanism of the anti-WIBL effect of Atractylodes macrocephalon polysaccharide1-1(AMP1-1). To find a better way to treat WIBL and provide new insights for the development of therapeutic drugs for this condition.

Firstly, the anti-weightlessness bone loss of AMP1-1 was verified by micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT), three-point mechanical bending test and Western Blot (WB). Subsequently, the intestinal barrier was examined using histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and WB. Finally, validation experiments were performed using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). After FMT, 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota composition in the rat feces.

AMP1-1 was able to inhibit WIBL by enhancing bone mass, improving toughness, and increasing osteogenic activity. Meanwhile, AMP1-1 reduced peripheral 5-HT content by restoring enterochromaffin cell function through gut microbiota regulation and tight junction repair. FMT of rat fecal microbiota after gavage of AMP1-1 into tail suspension rats still has the effects of regulating gut microbiota, repairing intestinal barrier and reducing bone loss.

Our results demonstrate that AMP1-1 exerts a protective effect against WIBL in rats, potentially by modulating 5-HT content and 5-HT-related metabolism in bone tissue through microbiota-gut-bone axis. This study is the first to elucidate the mechanism of AMP1-1 in mitigating WIBL through the perspective of the microbiota-gut-bone axis. Moreover, this research integrates plant extract research with the issue of bone loss induced by microgravity (aerospace medicine), thereby opening new avenues for natural drug research.