Inhibition of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Bone Loss by Saikosaponin D is Associated with Regulation of the RANKL/RANK Pathway

Background: Osteolytic diseases such as osteoporosis are featured with accelerated osteoclast differentiation and strong bone resorption. Considering the complications and other limitations of current drug treatments, it is necessary to develop a safer and more reliable drug to deal with osteoclast-related diseases. Saikosaponin D (SSD) is the active extract of Bupleurum, which has anti-inflammation, anti-tumor and liver protection functions. However, the role of SSD in regulating the differentiation and function of osteoclasts is not clear.

Purpose: To explore whether SSD could prevent osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption induced by M-CSF and RANKL, and further evaluate the potential therapeutic properties of SSD in LPS-induced inflammatory bone loss mouse models.

Methods: BMMs were cultured in complete medium stimulated by RANKL with different concentrations of SSD. TRAP staining, bone resorption determination, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and Western blotting were performed. A mouse model of LPS-induced calvarial bone loss was established and treated with different doses of SSD. The excised calvaria bones were used for TRAP staining, micro-CT scan and histological analysis.

Results: SSD inhibited the formation and bone resorption of osteoclasts induced by RANKL in vitro. SSD suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory bone loss in vivo.

Conclusion: SSD inhibited osteoclastogenesis and LPS-induced osteolysis in mice both which served as a new potential agent for the treatment of osteoclast-related conditions.