Simvastatin-Loaded Nanomicelles Enhance the Osteogenic Effect of Simvastatin

Objectives. The present study intended to further verify that simvastatin-loaded nanomicelles (SVNs) enhanced the role of simvastatin (SV) in promoting osteoblast differentiation in vitro and to evaluate the effect of SVNs on bone defect repair in vivo. Methods. SVNs were synthesized by dialysis. MG63 cells were subjected to intervention with 0.25 μmol/l of SVNs and SV. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay kit and flow cytometry were used to determine cell proliferation activity, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis. The osteoblastic differentiation of MG 63 cells was evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, and the expression levels of the osterix (Osx) and osteocalcin (OC) proteins. In addition, 0.5 mg of SVNs or SV was applied to the skull defect area of rabbits. Micro-CT, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining were used for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of new bone in three dimensions and two dimensions. Results. The SVNs had a mean diameter of 38.97 nm. The encapsulation and drug-loading efficiencies were 54.57 ± 3.15 % and 10.91 ± 0.63 % , respectively. In vitro, SVNs and SV can inhibit the proliferation activity and promote osteogenic differentiation of MG63 cells by arresting MG63 cells at the G0/G1 phase without increasing the apoptosis rate. In vivo quantitative results showed that the bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume (BV)/total volume (TV) ratio, and trabecular number (Tb.N) in the gelatin sponge with SVNs (SVNs-GS) group and gelatin sponge with SV (SV-GS) group were 362.1%, 292.0%; 181.3%, 158.0%; and 215.2%, 181.8% of those in the blank control (BC) group, respectively. Histological results identified the new bone tissue in each group as irregular fibrous bone, and the arrangement of trabecular bone was disordered. There were significantly more osteoblasts and new capillaries around the trabecular bone in the SVNs-GS group and SV-GS group than in both the BC and drug-free nanomicelle (DFNs) groups. Both in vitro and in vivo, SVNs exhibited greater osteogenic efficacy than SV. Conclusion. SVNs significantly improved the osteogenic efficacy of SV.

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Knockdown Of Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) In 5TGM1 Multiple Myeloma Cells Inhibits Development Of Lytic Bone Lesions In Vivo

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.879.879 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 879-879

Author(s):

Jing Fu ◽

Shirong Li ◽

Huihui Ma ◽

G. David Roodman ◽

Markus Y. Mapara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Cell Growth ◽

Trabecular Bone ◽

Research Funding ◽

Bone Lesions ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Lytic Bone Lesions

Abstract Background Multiple myeloma (MM) cells secrete osteoclastogenic factors that activate osteoclasts (OCL) and contribute to development of pure lytic bone lesions in MM patients. We have recently shown that i) MMP13 is highly expressed by MM cells and ii) exogenous MMP13 increases OCL fusion and bone resorption (Feng et al, 2009). Further, MMP13 mediates these effects by upregulating dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), which is critical for OCL fusion and activation (Fu et al, 2012). Here, we investigated the role of MMP13 in MM-related bone disease (MMBD) in vivo and the underlying osteoclastogenic mechanisms. Methods and Results The role of MMP13 in MMBD was examined in vivo by the intratibial 5TGM1-GFP mouse MMBD model. Mouse MM cell line 5TGM1-GFP cells were transduced by pLKO.1-puro empty vector (EV) or sh-MMP13 (MMP13-KD) lentivirus followed by puromycin selection for 2 weeks. MMP13 knockdown in 5TGM1-MMP13-KD cells were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. 1×105 5TGM1-GFP-EV and 5TGM1-GFP-MMP13-KD cells were bilaterally intratibially injected into Recombination Activating Gene 2 (Rag2) knockout mice (n=9). After 4 weeks of tumor growth, tibiae were separated for micro quantitative computed tomography (micro-QCT) followed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Following 5TGM1-GFP-EV injection, micro-QCT analysis of the tibiae and adjacent femurs indicated severe bone erosions, especially within trabecular bone. By contrast MMP13 KD inhibited the development of MM-induced bone lesions. Bone histomorphologic analysis showed that compared to 5TGM1-GFP-EV, MMP13-KD significantly reduced the MM induced trabecular bone loss with increased relative bone volume (0.069 ± 0.018 vs 0.0499 ± 0.016%; P=0.001), connective density (54.94 ± 33.03 vs 27.33 ± 18.97mm3; P=0.002), trabecular bone numbers (3.26 ± 0.29 vs 3.06 ± 0.33mm-1; P=0.032) and bone mineral density (159.1 ± 20.7 vs 134.2 ± 18.6mg/cm3; P=6E-04); as well as decreased triangulation bone surface to volume ratio (66.12 ± 6.67 vs 73.28 ± 10.07; P=0.017) and triangulation structure model index (3.05 ± 0.36 vs 3.42 ± 0.35 mm-1; P=0.002). In accordance with our finding that MMP13 induced OCL fusion, IHC results confirmed the presence of smaller TRAP+OCLs adjacent to the tumor in mice injected with 5TGM1-GFP-MMP13-KD cells compared with 5TGM1-GFP-EV cells. Although MMP13 knockdown showed no effects on 5TGM1-GFP cell growth in vitro, in vivo tumor progression represented by fluorescence imaging and sera immunoglobin 2G level (0.96 ± 0.12 vs 1.10 ± 0.11 mg/ml) was significantly inhibited (P=0.009 and 0.03 respectively), indicating MMP13 depletion in MM cells impaired OCL activation which, in turn, failed to support MM cell growth in bone marrow microenvironment as effectively in EV control group. In vitro studies demonstrated that MMP13 directly induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in pre-osteoclasts. Consistent with a critical role for ERK1/2 phosphorylation in regulating OCL formation, U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) blocked MMP13-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, ERK1/2-dependent DC-STAMP upregulation and MMP13-induced OCL fusion (P<0.01). Conclusion Our results demonstrate that silencing MMP13 expression in MM cells inhibits MM cell-induced OCL fusion and development of lytic bone lesions in vivo, indicating that MMP13 is essential for MM-induced bone diseases. Further, MMP13 upregulates DC-STAMP expression and OCL fusion via the activation of ERK1/2 signaling. Our data suggest that targeting MMP13 may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of MMBD. Disclosures: Roodman: Amgen: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Lilly: Research Funding. Lentzsch:Celgene: Research Funding.

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Effect of Allium fistulosum Extracts on the Stimulation of Longitudinal Bone Growth in Animal Modeling Diet-Induced Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiencies

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11177786 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (17) ◽

pp. 7786

Author(s):

Jin Ah Ryuk ◽

Hye Jin Kim ◽

Joo Tae Hwang ◽

Byoung Seob Ko

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Growth Plate ◽

Bone Mineral ◽

Bone Growth ◽

Allium Fistulosum ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Mg63 Cells ◽

Alkaline Phosphate

Allium fistulosum is a perennial plant species grown worldwide belonging to the family Liliaceae. In Korean medicine, it is referred to as Chongbaek (CB), and it is prescribed for symptoms associated with the common cold due to its antipyretic properties. This study examined the effects of aqueous (CBW) and 30% ethanol (CBE) extracts on bone growth using a calcium- and vitamin D-deficient animal model. In an in vitro experiment, the alkaline phosphate activities of the extracts were examined using MC3T3-E1 and MG63 cells, and both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts had significant alkaline phosphate activities. In vivo, a serum analysis indicated that the CB extracts promoted bone growth based on the osteogenic markers ALP, calcium, osteocalcin, and collagen type 1 and increased the bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and growth plate length. Overall, our results indicate that both CBW and CBE of A. fistulosum can be utilized to facilitate bone growth and increase BMD in children and adolescents by lengthening the growth plate without adverse side effects, such as metabolic disorders or the release of obesity-inducing hormones.

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Osteoprotective Effects of Loganic Acid on Osteoblastic and Osteoclastic Cells and Osteoporosis-Induced Mice

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22010233 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 233

Author(s):

Eunkuk Park ◽

Chang Gun Lee ◽

Eunguk Lim ◽

Seokjin Hwang ◽

Seung Hee Yun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Osteoclast Differentiation ◽

Osteoblastic Differentiation ◽

Common Disease ◽

Root Extract ◽

Mouse Bone Marrow ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Bone Mineral Density Loss ◽

In Vivo Experiments

Osteoporosis is a common disease caused by an imbalance of processes between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts in postmenopausal women. The roots of Gentiana lutea L. (GL) are reported to have beneficial effects on various human diseases related to liver functions and gastrointestinal motility, as well as on arthritis. Here, we fractionated and isolated bioactive constituent(s) responsible for anti-osteoporotic effects of GL root extract. A single phytochemical compound, loganic acid, was identified as a candidate osteoprotective agent. Its anti-osteoporotic effects were examined in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with loganic acid significantly increased osteoblastic differentiation in preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells by promoting alkaline phosphatase activity and increasing mRNA expression levels of bone metabolic markers such as Alpl, Bglap, and Sp7. However, loganic acid inhibited osteoclast differentiation of primary-cultured monocytes derived from mouse bone marrow. For in vivo experiments, the effect of loganic acid on ovariectomized (OVX) mice was examined for 12 weeks. Loganic acid prevented OVX-induced bone mineral density loss and improved bone structural properties in osteoporotic model mice. These results suggest that loganic acid may be a potential therapeutic candidate for treatment of osteoporosis.

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Long-Acting Risperidone Dual Control System: Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation In Vitro and In Vivo

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics13081210 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 1210

Author(s):

Xieguo Yan ◽

Shiqiang Wang ◽

Kaoxiang Sun

Keyword(s):

Drug Loading ◽

Entrapment Efficiency ◽

In Vitro Dissolution ◽

Dissolution Behavior ◽

In Vivo Evaluation ◽

Long Term Treatment ◽

Long Acting

Schizophrenia, a psychiatric disorder, requires long-term treatment; however, large fluctuations in blood drug concentration increase the risk of adverse reactions. We prepared a long-term risperidone (RIS) implantation system that can stabilize RIS release and established in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation systems. Cumulative release, drug loading, and entrapment efficiency were used as evaluation indicators to evaluate the effects of different pore formers, polymer ratios, porogen concentrations, and oil–water ratios on a RIS implant (RIS-IM). We also built a mathematical model to identify the optimized formulation by stepwise regression. We also assessed the crystalline changes, residual solvents, solubility and stability after sterilization, in-vivo polymer degradation, pharmacokinetics, and tissue inflammation in the case of the optimized formulation. The surface of the optimized RIS microspheres was small and hollow with 134.4 ± 3.5 µm particle size, 1.60 SPAN, 46.7% ± 2.3% implant drug loading, and 93.4% entrapment efficiency. The in-vitro dissolution behavior of RIS-IM had zero-order kinetics and stable blood concentration; no lag time was released for over three months. Furthermore, the RIS-IM was not only non-irritating to tissues but also had good biocompatibility and product stability. Long-acting RIS-IMs with microspheres and film coatings can provide a new avenue for treating schizophrenia.

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Development of In Situ Self-Assembly Nanoparticles to Encapsulate Lopinavir and Ritonavir for Long-Acting Subcutaneous Injection

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics13060904 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 904

Author(s):

Irin Tanaudommongkon ◽

Asama Tanaudommongkon ◽

Xiaowei Dong

Keyword(s):

Sustained Release ◽

Trough Concentration ◽

Self Assembly ◽

Subcutaneous Injection ◽

Drug Loading ◽

Entrapment Efficiency ◽

Long Acting

Most antiretroviral medications for human immunodeficiency virus treatment and prevention require high levels of patient adherence, such that medications need to be administered daily without missing doses. Here, a long-acting subcutaneous injection of lopinavir (LPV) in combination with ritonavir (RTV) using in situ self-assembly nanoparticles (ISNPs) was developed to potentially overcome adherence barriers. The ISNP approach can improve the pharmacokinetic profiles of the drugs. The ISNPs were characterized in terms of particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, drug loading, in vitro release study, and in vivo pharmacokinetic study. LPV/RTV ISNPs were 167.8 nm in size, with a polydispersity index of less than 0.35. The entrapment efficiency was over 98% for both LPV and RTV, with drug loadings of 25% LPV and 6.3% RTV. A slow release rate of LPV was observed at about 20% on day 5, followed by a sustained release beyond 14 days. RTV released faster than LPV in the first 5 days and slower than LPV thereafter. LPV trough concentration remained above 160 ng/mL and RTV trough concentration was above 50 ng/mL after 6 days with one subcutaneous injection. Overall, the ISNP-based LPV/RTV injection showed sustained release profiles in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

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Development of Cephradine-Loaded Gelatin/Polyvinyl Alcohol Electrospun Nanofibers for Effective Diabetic Wound Healing: In-Vitro and In-Vivo Assessments

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics13030349 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 349

Author(s):

Anam Razzaq ◽

Zaheer Ullah Khan ◽

Aasim Saeed ◽

Kiramat Ali Shah ◽

Naveed Ullah Khan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wound Healing ◽

Polyvinyl Alcohol ◽

Mtt Assay ◽

Chronic Wound ◽

Drug Loading ◽

Group Identification ◽

Wound Infections ◽

Diabetic Wound

Diabetic wound infections caused by conventional antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains are fast emerging, leading to life-threatening situations (e.g., high costs, morbidity, and mortality) associated with delayed healing and chronic inflammation. Electrospinning is one of the most widely used techniques for the fabrication of nanofibers (NFs), induced by a high voltage applied to a drug-loaded polymer solution. Particular attention is given to electrospun NFs for pharmaceutical applications (e.g., original drug delivery systems) and tissue regeneration (e.g., as tissue scaffolds). However, there is a paucity of reports related to their application in diabetic wound infections. Therefore, we prepared eco-friendly, biodegradable, low-immunogenic, and biocompatible gelatin (GEL)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun NFs (BNFs), in which we loaded the broad-spectrum antibiotic cephradine (Ceph). The resulting drug-loaded NFs (LNFs) were characterized physically using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry (for drug loading capacity (LC), drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug release kinetics determination), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) (for thermostability evaluation), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (for surface morphology analysis), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) (for functional group identification). LNFs were further characterized biologically by in-vitro assessment of their potency against S. aureus clinical strains (N = 16) using the Kirby–Bauer test and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, by ex-vivo assessment to evaluate their cytotoxicity against primary human epidermal keratinocytes using MTT assay, and by in-vivo assessment to estimate their diabetic chronic wound-healing efficiency using NcZ10 diabetic/obese mice (N = 18). Thin and uniform NFs with a smooth surface and standard size (<400 nm) were observed by SEM at the optimized 5:5 (GEL:PVA) volumetric ratio. FTIR analyses confirmed the drug loading into BNFs. Compared to free Ceph, LNFs were significantly more thermostable and exhibited sustained/controlled Ceph release. LNFs also exerted a significantly stronger antibacterial activity both in-vitro and in-vivo. LNFs were significantly safer and more efficient for bacterial clearance-induced faster chronic wound healing. LNF-based therapy could be employed as a valuable dressing material to heal S. aureus-induced chronic wounds in diabetic subjects.

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Bmk9 and Uricase Nanoparticle Complex for the Treatment of Gouty Arthritis and Uric Acid Nephropathy

Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology ◽

10.1166/jbn.2021.3168 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (10) ◽

pp. 2071-2084

Author(s):

Tianjiao Han ◽

Meiying Wang ◽

Wenchao Li ◽

Mingxing An ◽

Hongzheng Fu

Keyword(s):

Uric Acid ◽

Drug Loading ◽

Gouty Arthritis ◽

The Body ◽

Key Points ◽

Uric Acid Nephropathy ◽

Charged Carrier ◽

Dual Drug

Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism, and excessive serum uric acid can cause gouty arthritis and uric acid nephropathy. Therefore, lowering the uric acid level and alleviating inflammation in the body are the key points to treating these diseases. A stable nanosuspension of peptide BmK9 was prepared by the precipitation-ultrasonication method. By combining uricase on the surface of a positively charged carrier, a complex consisting of neutral rod-shaped BmK9 and uricase nanoparticles (Nplex) was formed to achieve the delivery of BmK9 and uricase, respectively. The formulation of Nplex has a diameter of 180 nm and drug loading up to 200%, which releases BmK9 and uricase slowly and steadily in drug release tests in vitro. There was significantly improved pharmacokinetic behavior of the two drugs because Nplex prolonged the half-life and increased tissue accumulation. Histological assessments showed that the dual drug Nplex can reduce the inflammation response in acute gouty arthritis and chronic uric acid nephropathy in vivo. In the macrophage system, there was lower toxicity and increased beneficial effect on inflammation with Nplex than free BmK9 or uricase. Collectively, this novel formulation provides a dual drug delivery system that can treat gouty arthritis and uric acid nephropathy.

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Antitumor Effect of the Essential Oil from the Leaves of Croton matourensis Aubl. (Euphorbiaceae)

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules23112974 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (11) ◽

pp. 2974 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Emilly Lima ◽

Rafaela Alves ◽

Gigliola D´Elia ◽

Talita Anunciação ◽

Valdenizia Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gas Chromatography ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Cancer Cell ◽

Hepg2 Cells ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

In Vitro Cytotoxicity ◽

Cell Cycle Distribution ◽

Antitumor Effects

Croton matourensis Aubl. (synonym Croton lanjouwensis Jabl.), popularly known as “orelha de burro”, “maravuvuia”, and/or “sangrad’água”, is a medicinal plant used in Brazilian folk medicine as a depurative and in the treatment of infections, fractures, and colds. In this work, we investigated the chemical composition and in vitro cytotoxic and in vivo antitumor effects of the essential oil (EO) from the leaves of C. matourensis collected from the Amazon rainforest. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and characterized qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC–FID), respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity of the EO was assessed in cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HCT116, HepG2, and HL-60) and the non-cancer cell line (MRC-5) using the Alamar blue assay. Furthermore, annexin V-FITC/PI staining and the cell cycle distribution were evaluated with EO-treated HepG2 cells by flow cytometry. In vivo efficacy of the EO (40 and 80 mg/kg/day) was demonstrated in C.B-17 severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice with HepG2 cell xenografts. The EO included β-caryophyllene, thunbergol, cembrene, p-cymene, and β-elemene as major constituents. The EO exhibited promising cytotoxicity and was able to cause phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation without loss of the cell membrane integrity in HepG2 cells. In vivo tumor mass inhibition rates of the EO were 34.6% to 55.9%. Altogether, these data indicate the anticancer potential effect of C. matourensis.

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Enhanced oral bioavailability of nisoldipine-piperine-loaded poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles

Nanotechnology Reviews ◽

10.1515/ntrev-2017-0151 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. 517-526 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Permender Rathee ◽

Anjoo Kamboj ◽

Shabir Sidhu

Keyword(s):

Oral Bioavailability ◽

Drug Loading ◽

Average Particle Size ◽

Entrapment Efficiency ◽

Pharmacokinetic Interaction ◽

Precipitation Method ◽

Pharmacokinetic Studies ◽

Average Particle

AbstractBackground:Piperine helps in the improvement of bioavailability through pharmacokinetic interaction by modulating metabolism when administered with other drugs. Nisoldipine is a substrate for cytochrome P4503A4 enzymes. The study was undertaken to assess the influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nisoldipine nanoparticles in rats.Methods:Optimization studies of nanoparticles were performed using Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, and the nanoparticles were formulated by the precipitation method. The influence of piperine and nanoparticles was evaluated by means of in vivo kinetic and dynamic studies by oral administration in rats.Results:The entrapment efficiency, drug loading, ζ potential, and average particle size of optimized nisoldipine-piperine nanoparticles was 89.77±1.06%, 13.6±0.56%, −26.5 mV, and 132±7.21 nm, respectively. The in vitro release in 0.1 n HCl and 6.8 pH phosphate buffer was 96.9±0.48% and 98.3±0.26%, respectively. Pharmacokinetic studies showed a 4.9-fold increase in oral bioavailability and a >28.376±1.32% reduction in systemic blood pressure by using nanoparticles as compared to control (nisoldipine suspension) in Wistar rats.Conclusion:The results revealed that piperine being an inhibitor of cytochrome P4503A4 enzymes enhanced the bioavailability of nisoldipine by 4.9-fold in nanoparticles.

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Drug-Herb Interaction Between Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators and Estrogenic Herbal Medicine Er-Xian Decoction in Bone in Vivo and in Vitro

10.21203/rs.3.rs-101206/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ka-Ying Wong ◽

Liping Zhou ◽

Wenxuan Yu ◽

Christina Chui Wa Poon ◽

Man-Sau Wong

Keyword(s):

Estrogen Receptor ◽

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators ◽

Serum Estradiol ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Alp Activity ◽

Estrogen Receptor Modulators ◽

Combined Use ◽

Receptor Modulators

Abstract Background: Er-Xian decoction (EXD), a traditional Chinese Medicine for managing menopausal syndrome and osteoporosis in China, could exert osteoprotective action via activation of estrogen receptor (ERs) and regulation of serum estradiol without causing severe side effects. However, no fundamental studies have explored its potential interaction in the combined use of prescription drugs, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), regarding the osteogenic and uterotrophic effects. The present study evaluated the estrogenic effects of EXD and its potential interactions with tamoxifen and raloxifene in bone and uterus using a mature ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model and human osteoblastic MG-63 cells. Methods: Six-month-old female SD rats were randomly assigned to Sham-operated group or seven OVX groups: vehicle, 17ß-estradiol (E2, 1.0 mg/kg.day), Tamoxifen (Tamo, 1.0 mg/kg.day), Raloxifene (Ralo, 3.0 mg/kg.day), EXD (EXD, 1.6 g/kg.day), EXD+Tamoxifen (EXD+Tamo) and EXD+Raloxifene (EXD+Ralo). The effect of EXD on bodyweight, bone mineral density (BMD), bone microarchitecture, biochemical analysis of serum and urine, and uterus were evaluated. In addition, Alkaline phosphatase assay and activation of estrogen-responsive element mediated by EXD and in its combination with SERMs were investigated in MG-63 cells. Results: In vivo, EXD could interact with SERMs to modulate the serum estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, osteocalcin level as well as BMD and bone properties in OVX rats. Moreover, EXD could relieve the uterotrophic effect of SERMs. In vitro, EXD crude extract and EXD-treated serum could promote ALP activity. In particular, EXD-treated serum could interact with SERMs on regulating ALP activity in MG-63 cells. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that EXD in vivo and EXD-treated serum in vitro did not weaken the osteogenic effect of SERMs. Interestingly, EXD seems to ameliorate the uterotrophic effects of SERMs. Therefore, the combined use of EXD and SERMs may be considered safe and effective in managing postmenopausal osteoporosis.

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