Acteoside Derived from Cistanche Improves Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis by Activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway. Issue 1 (31st December 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Shumei; Cui, Yajie; Li, Min; Zhang, Wenting; Sun, Xiaoxue; Xin, Zhaoxu; Li, Jing
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative surgery. Volume 36:Issue 1(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-12-31
• Subjects: Acteoside -- Cistanche -- glucocorticoids-induced osteoporosis; Surgery -- Research -- Periodicals; Research; Surgery; Surgical Procedures, Operative; 617.075
• DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2022.2154578
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-1939

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Glucocorticoids are widely used in clinical practice; however, they can cause side effects, such as osteoporosis. Acteoside (ACT) from Cistanche has been used to combat a variety of diseases. The study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of ACT in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) and its potential mechanism. Methods: Dexamethasone (Dex) was injected intramuscularly to induce osteoporosis in a rat model, and ACT was given orally. ACT was supplemented in vivo in Dex-stimulated osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. RT-qPCR was performed to assess the mRNA levels of bone formation (Runx2, CoL1A1), and bone resorption (OPG and RANKL). A commercial ELISA kit was applied to assess serum OC and CTX levels. Western blot was performed to assess protein levels in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were performed to assess osteoblast viability and apoptosis. Results: ACT reduced Dex-induced bone microstructure deterioration, increased serum levels of OC, and decreased the levels of CTX ( P < 0.05). In the MC3T3-E1 cells, Dex inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis; however, this effect was greatly attenuated by ACT ( P < 0.05). Concurrently, ACT reversed the reduction in Runx2, osterix, CoL1A1, and OPG mRNA levels, ALP activity, and the promotion of RANKL by Dex. Additionally, ACT attenuated Dex-induced inhibition of p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR, and p-PI3K/PI3K protein levels by Dex ( P < 0.05), while the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor LY294002 diminished the potential effect of ACT ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: ACT from Cistanche may exert osteoprotective effects by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to alleviate Dex-induced osteoporosis.