Mechanisms of Zuogui Pill in Treating Osteoporosis: Perspective from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Aofei Yang,Fang You,Chaochao Yu,Zhanghua Li,Chengjian He

doi:10.1155/2018/3717391

Abstract

The current treatment strategies for osteoporosis (OP) involve promoting osteogenic differentiation and inhibiting adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). According to a theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the kidneys contain an “essence” that regulate bone metabolism and generate marrow. Kidney disorders are therefore considered to be a major cause of OP as per the principles of TCM, which recommends kidney-tonifying treatments for OP. The Zuogui pill (ZGP) is a classic kidney-tonifying medication that effectively improves OP symptoms. Studies have shown that ZGP can promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, providing scientific evidence for the TCM theory linking kidneys with bone metabolism. In this review, we have provided an overview of recent studies that examined the underlying mechanisms of ZGP mediated regulation of BMSC osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.

Highlights

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common metabolic bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and density and abnormal microstructure, all of which result in increased bone fragility
We have provided an overview of current findings on Zuogui pill (ZGP)-induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) osteogenic differentiation and its application in the treatment of OP
Several signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of BMSC mediated osteogenesis and adipogenesis, and their mechanisms have been previously reported in numerous reviews [21,22,23,24]

Summary

Introduction

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common metabolic bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and density and abnormal microstructure, all of which result in increased bone fragility. A clinical study by Liu et al showed that a kidneytonifying herbal medicine can increase bone density, lower bone turnover rate, alleviate OP-induced osteopathic pain, and improve the quality of life of patients [16]. These findings all demonstrate that kidney deficiency is closely associated with OP and that kidney-tonifying therapy can alleviate OP [17]. Understanding the effect of these medicines on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs will provide new insights into the scientific basis of the TCM theory of kidney essence in bone metabolism and OP.

Signal Transduction Pathways That Regulate BMSCs Differentiation

Role of ZGP in the Regulation of BMSCs Osteogenic Differentiation

Future Directions?

Findings

Conflicts of Interest