2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (1): 72-75

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can improve bone metabolism in osteoporotic rats

Feng Hao1, Zhang Bin2, Wang Jianping1   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies have confirmed that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can increase the level of osteoprotegerin and promote bone metabolism.  
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on bone metabolism in osteoporotic rats.
METHODS:   Totally 42 healthy SD rats used in the experiment were divided into sham operation group, osteoporosis group, and transplantation group (n=14 per group). Rat osteoporosis model was prepared by ovariectomized method in the osteoporosis and transplantation groups. After successful model establishment, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were transplanted through the tail vein. At 28 days after transplantation, the serum levels of osteoprotegerin, alkaline phosphatase, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase, osteocalcin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 were detected by ELISA. Western blot assay was used to detect FoxO1 expression in the bone tissues of rats in each group. The AG-IX biomechanics machine was utilized to detect the maximum and breaking loads of the femur. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the bone morphology of rats.  
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The expression levels of osteoprotegerin, alkaline phosphatase, and insulin-like growth factor 1 were lower in the osteoporosis group than those in the sham operation group (P < 0.05). Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase and osteocalcin expression levels were higher in the osteoporosis group than those in the sham operation group (P < 0.05). Expression levels of osteoprotegerin, alkaline phosphatase, and insulin-like growth factor 1 were higher in the transplantation group than those in the osteoporosis group (P < 0.05). Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase and osteocalcin expression levels were lower in the transplantation group than those in the osteoporosis group (P < 0.05). (2) The maximum and breaking loads were lower in the osteoporosis group than those in the sham operation group (P < 0.05). The maximum and breaking loads were higher in the transplantation group than those in the osteoporosis group (P < 0.05). (3) The trabeculae became thicker, arranged orderly, and local space was even in the transplantation group, which was significantly improved compared with the osteoporosis group. (4) The expression level of FoxO1 protein in bone marrow tissue of rats was lower in the osteoporosis group than that in the sham operation group (P < 0.05). The expression level of FoxO1 protein in bone marrow tissue of rats was higher in the transplantation group than that in the osteoporosis group (P < 0.05). (5) It is concluded that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can improve bone metabolism in osteoporotic rats. Its therapeutic mechanism is related to promoting the expression of osteoprotegerin, alkaline phosphatase, and FoxO1.
Key words: bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell, osteoporosis, osteoprotegerin, FoxO1, alkaline phosphatase, rat