Effects of Humulus lupulus L. and its active ingredient xanthohumol on preventing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of Humulus lupulus L. extract (HLE) and xanthohumol (XN) on preventing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). Methods The GIOP model was established by intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone (DEX). Bone microstructure, bone mineral density and serum biochemical indexes were evaluated by Micro-CT and ELISA kits. The levels of cells proliferation and ALP activity, and the expression of bone formation related proteins were assayed with primary osteoblasts injured by DEX. Results HLE and XN significantly alleviated the bone microstructure damage, enhanced the bone mineral density, and improved the trabecular parameters in GIOP mice. In vitro experiments showed that HLE and XN can prevent bone loss not only by improving cell proliferation and ALP activity, but also through increasing the expression of bone γ-glutamic acid-containing proteins (BGP), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2). Conclusion This study confirmed that HLE and XN had anti-GIOP effects for the first time. It provides a new resource for the development of anti-osteoporosis medications.