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Adult Zebrafish Injury Models to Study the Effects of Prednisolone in Regenerating Bone Tissue
Published on: October 18, 2018
Unraveling Ginsenoside Rg1's osteoprotective pathways in zebrafish models of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis via
Xinyu Fan1,2, Ying Zhang2, Xinyu Li1
1Department of Orthopedics, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, 441000, China.
Abstract:
In this study, the effects of Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), the primary bioactive constituent of Panax ginseng roots, on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) were examined using a zebrafish model, with a focus on elucidating its underlying mechanisms. Our findings demonstrated that Rg1 treatment inhibited osteoporosis induced by methylprednisolone (PN), as evidenced by increased mineralisation area and integrated optical density in the spine and skull of zebrafish larvae. Rg1 reduced the expression of bglap (an osteogenic marker gene) and increased the expression of traf (an osteoclast marker gene) compared with the PN group. Behavioural analysis revealed that Rg1 alleviated PN-induced hypoactivity, resulting in enhanced motion speed. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis identified 383 genes reversed by Rg1 treatment, with significant enrichment in skeletal system development. KEGG analysis indicated that Rg1 influenced several signalling pathways primarily involved in retinol, fat, protein and lipid metabolism. Several genes related to skeletal system development and retinol metabolism were validated by qRT-PCR. In summary, this study provides scientific evidence for the potential mechanisms of Rg1 in the therapeutic intervention of GIOP, highlighting its promise as a potential pharmacological agent for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Insights
Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) from Panax ginseng shows promise in treating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). Rg1 treatment in zebrafish improved bone health and reversed disease-related gene expression, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
- Zebrafish Models
Background:
- Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is a significant clinical concern.
- Current treatments for GIOP have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), a key component of Panax ginseng, exhibits various biological activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of Rg1 on GIOP in a zebrafish model.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of Rg1 in preventing and treating GIOP.
- To evaluate Rg1's impact on bone mineralization, gene expression, and behavior.
Main Methods:
- A zebrafish model was used to induce osteoporosis with methylprednisolone (PN).
- Rg1 treatment was administered, followed by assessments of bone mineralization, gene expression (bglap, traf), and behavioral analysis.
- Transcriptome analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed to identify molecular targets and pathways.
- Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used for gene validation.
Main Results:
- Rg1 treatment significantly inhibited PN-induced osteoporosis, increasing mineralization in the spine and skull.
- Rg1 modulated the expression of osteogenic (bglap) and osteoclastic (traf) marker genes.
- Rg1 alleviated PN-induced hypoactivity, improving zebrafish locomotion.
- Transcriptome analysis revealed 383 genes reversed by Rg1, enriched in skeletal system development and retinol metabolism pathways.
Conclusions:
- Rg1 demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for GIOP by enhancing bone mineralization and modulating key gene expressions.
- Rg1's mechanisms involve influencing skeletal system development and metabolic pathways, including retinol metabolism.
- Rg1 shows promise as a pharmacological agent for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
