Therapeutic potential of total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae: inhibiting adipogenesis and promoting osteogenesis via MAPK/HIF-1α pathway in primary osteoporosis

Abstract

AIM: This study seeks to confirm the therapeutic effectiveness of TRFD in inhibiting adipogenesis and promoting osteogenesis in primary osteoporosis through the MAPK/HIF-1α signaling pathway. C57BL/6J mice underwent ovariectomy (OVX) to induce osteoporosis. Mice were administered TRFD (Low and high doses)estradiol for a duration of 12 weeks. Bone microarchitecture evaluated using Micro-CT, while serum biomarkers and protein expressions were analyzed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, BMSC were isolated to show differentiation, Osteogenic and adipogenic induction were performed, including ALP activity and Oil Red O staining. Bioinformatics analysis of RNA sequencing data was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes. RESULTS: Total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae treatment significantly improved bone microarchitecture and reversed histopathological damage in OVX mice. It increased serum levels of osteogenesis markers (RUNX2, BMP-2) and enhanced MAPK and HIF-1α signaling pathways, The results also showed a significant dose, TFDR enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs while suppressing adipogenic differentiation, as demonstrated by increased ALP activity and mineralization, alongside, the expression of lipid markers (PPAR-γ, C/EBPα) was inhibited. Furthermore, MAPK/HIF-1α pathway was confirmed be crucial in mediating these effects. CONCLUSION: TRFD exhibits significant therapeutic potential in treating primary osteoporosis by promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis through the MAPK/HIF-1α pathway. These establish an investigation of TRFD as a natural treatment option for managing osteoporosis. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.