Salvianolic acid C promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in osteoporotic rats through activation of AMPK/SIRT1 pathway

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of salvianolic acid C (SAC) on osteoporosis. Methods Osteoporotic (OVX) rats were used as the model, and the impacts of SAC treatment on their serum and urine biochemical indicators were assessed. The biomechanical parameters of these rats were also evaluated. The effects of SAC treatment on the bone of OVX rats was quantified using hematoxylin & eosin staining and alizarin red staining, which reflect calcium deposition. The potential signaling pathway involved in SAC treatment was identified and confirmed through Western blotting, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitors, and sirtuin‐1 (small interfering RNA‐SIRT1). Results The results showed that SAC could ameliorate the serum and urine biochemical metabolism, and the pathological alterations of bone tissue in OVX rats. SAC promoted the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal cells in OVX rats, one of the key mechanisms for modulation of Runx2, Osx, and OCN, involved in the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway. Conclusion The findings from this study suggest that SAC promotes the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in osteoporotic rats by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.