Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula significantly increased lumbar spine bone mineral density in ovariectomized rats compared to the ovariectomized control group. • Micro-CT analysis revealed that the formula improved trabecular microarchitecture by increasing bone volume fraction, bone surface density, and trabecular number, while reducing trabecular separation and structure model index. • Finite element analysis demonstrated that the formula reduced trabecular stress and strain under load, indicating improved biomechanical properties. • Histological examination showed that the formula ameliorated bone marrow fat infiltration, suggesting a protective effect on bone marrow microenvironment.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have confirmed that the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula can increase bone mineral density in osteoporotic rats. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula on bone loss and trabecular biomechanical parameters in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Fifty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal group (n=10) without any intervention, sham-operated group (n=10) with removal of adipose tissue near the ovaries, ovariectomized group (n=10), Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula group (n=10), and alendronate group (n=10). The latter three groups underwent bilateral ovariectomy to establish osteoporosis models. After 12 weeks of modeling, the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula group and alendronate group were administered the respective drugs by gavage once daily for 12 weeks, while the other three groups received normal saline. After treatment, lumbar spine bone mineral density was measured, micro-CT analysis of the distal femur and proximal tibia was performed, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the histological morphology of the proximal tibia, and finite element analysis was used to analyze the strain and stress of the distal femur. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The lumbar spine bone mineral density in the ovariectomized group was lower than that in the normal and sham-operated groups (P < 0.05), while the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula and alendronate groups had higher lumbar spine bone mineral density than the ovariectomized group (P < 0.05). (2) Micro-CT analysis showed that compared with the normal and sham-operated groups, the ovariectomized group had lower bone volume fraction, bone surface density, and trabecular number in the proximal tibia (or distal femur) (P < 0.05), and higher trabecular separation and structure model index (P < 0.05). Compared with the ovariectomized group, the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula and alendronate groups had higher bone volume fraction, bone surface density, and trabecular number in the distal femur (P < 0.05), and lower trabecular separation and structure model index in the distal femur (P < 0.05); in the proximal tibia, bone volume fraction, bone surface density, and trabecular number were also higher (P < 0.05). (3) Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the degree of bone marrow fat infiltration in the ovariectomized group was higher than that in the normal and sham-operated groups, while the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula and alendronate groups showed significant improvement. (4) Finite element analysis showed that under the same load, the trabecular stress and strain in the ovariectomized group were higher than those in the normal and sham-operated groups (P < 0.05), while the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula and alendronate groups had lower trabecular stress and strain than the ovariectomized group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula can prevent bone loss and improve trabecular biomechanical properties in ovariectomized rats, suggesting potential efficacy in preventing osteoporotic fractures.
1. Introduction
Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, which predisposes to fragility fractures, causing severe impacts on patients' health and daily life, even leading to disability and death, and imposing heavy economic and nursing burdens on families and society [1-3].
The author's team has long been dedicated to research on traditional Chinese medicine in the field of osteoporosis. They have found that the pathogenesis of osteoporosis is mainly related to 'kidney deficiency, spleen deficiency, and blood stasis', and proposed the therapeutic principle of 'tonifying kidney to strengthen bones, invigorating spleen to benefit qi, and promoting blood circulation to unblock collaterals'. The Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula (formerly named 'Gukang') was formulated under this background. Clinical observations have confirmed that the formula has multi-target therapeutic effects on osteoporosis without obvious toxic side effects [4-5].
The mechanical properties of bone tissue are crucial to the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures [6-7], so improving bone microarchitecture and mechanical properties is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Previous studies have confirmed that the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula improves bone mineral density in osteoporotic rats [4-5], but whether it can improve the mechanical structure of bone tissue remains unclear. Based on this, the present study mainly analyzed the effects of the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula on bone loss, bone microarchitecture, and mechanical properties in ovariectomized rats.
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Lin Shi, Yang Binbin, Tang Zijia, Dongzhi Zhuoma, Wu Jianjun, Chen Tongying, Wan Lei, Huang Hongxing, Huang Hong (2026). Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula inhibits bone loss and improves trabecular biomechanical parameters in ovariectomized rats. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research. https://doi.org/10.12307/2026.21562
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effect of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula on bone mineral density in ovariectomized rats?
The study found that Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula significantly increased lumbar spine bone mineral density in ovariectomized rats compared to the ovariectomized control group, indicating its potential to prevent bone loss.
How does Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula affect trabecular microarchitecture?
Micro-CT analysis showed that the formula improved trabecular microarchitecture by increasing bone volume fraction, bone surface density, and trabecular number, while reducing trabecular separation and structure model index in the distal femur and proximal tibia.
Does Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula improve biomechanical properties of bone?
Yes, finite element analysis revealed that under the same load, the formula reduced trabecular stress and strain compared to the ovariectomized group, indicating improved biomechanical properties and potential to reduce fracture risk.
What is the significance of the study for osteoporosis treatment?
The study provides evidence that Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula can prevent bone loss and improve trabecular biomechanical properties in ovariectomized rats, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic approach for osteoporosis and fracture prevention.
What animal model was used in this study?
The study used a rat model of osteoporosis induced by bilateral ovariectomy in female Sprague-Dawley rats, which is a standard model for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
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