Department of Food Science and Technology, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos, 12243 Egaleo, Greece.
Cloudpharm Private Company, Kifissias Avenue 44, 15125 Marousi, Greece.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 May 6;25(9):5047. doi: 10.3390/ijms25095047.
Osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone density and increased fracture risk, affects over 200 million people worldwide, predominantly older adults and postmenopausal women. The disruption of the balance between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts underlies osteoporosis pathophysiology. Standard treatment includes lifestyle modifications, calcium and vitamin D supplementation and specific drugs that either inhibit osteoclasts or stimulate osteoblasts. However, these treatments have limitations, including side effects and compliance issues. Natural products have emerged as potential osteoporosis therapeutics, but their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of natural compounds in modulating molecular targets relevant to osteoporosis, focusing on the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway and the gut microbiome's influence on bone homeostasis. Using an in silico and in vitro methodology, we have identified quercetin as a promising candidate in modulating MAPK activity, offering a potential therapeutic perspective for osteoporosis treatment.
骨质疏松症以骨密度降低和骨折风险增加为特征，影响全球超过 2 亿人，主要是老年人和绝经后妇女。骨形成细胞和成骨细胞之间的平衡破坏是骨质疏松症发病机制的基础。标准治疗包括生活方式改变、钙和维生素 D 补充以及专门抑制破骨细胞或刺激成骨细胞的药物。然而，这些治疗方法存在局限性，包括副作用和依从性问题。天然产物已成为治疗骨质疏松症的潜在药物，但它们的作用机制仍知之甚少。在这项研究中，我们研究了天然化合物调节与骨质疏松症相关的分子靶点的功效，重点关注丝裂原活化蛋白激酶 (MAPK) 途径和肠道微生物组对骨稳态的影响。我们使用计算和体外方法，确定了槲皮素是调节 MAPK 活性的有前途的候选药物，为骨质疏松症治疗提供了一种潜在的治疗方法。
