Abnormal variations of the four factors in osteoporotic fractures

Abstract Objective: The classical osteoporotic signaling pathways include the four key factors (LRP5, Runx2, Osterix, and RANKL) influencing the regulation of osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the variations of these four factors in bone specimens associated with fractures of osteoporotic rats. Methods: Osteoporotic rats as osteoporotic group were randomly divided into three groups: group A, group B and group C. Non-osteoporotic rats as control group were divided into three groups: A0, B0 and C0, using the same method. The rats were killed on the third day of fractures in groups A and A0, on the seventh day of fractures in groups B and B0 and on the fourteenth day of fractures in groups C and C0. The bone specimens were taken from the femur. The expression level of each factor in bone specimens was detected using RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: LRP5, Runx2 and Osterix expressions were decreased in osteoporotic rat fractures and then increased with the increase in time. The expression of RANKL was elevated in osteoporotic rat bone specimens, and then after that, it keeps going up decreased. Conclusion: The four factors can inform on an ideal interventions in the prevention and management of osteoporosis.