Effect of icariin on fracture healing in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis

Abstract

Abstract. Osteoporosis is frequently asymptomatic, presenting a significant clinical and economic burden, particularly following an osteoporosis-associated fracture. Icariin has been reported to inhibit osteoporosis in vitro, and the present study investigated whether icariin also promoted bone fracture healing in ovariectomized osteoporotic (OVX) rats in vivo. A total of 30 female rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10 per group): i) Sham surgery; ii) OVX; and iii) OVX with icariin (OVX + ICA) groups. At 3 months after the ovariectomy, a unilateral cross-tibia fracture was made at the proximal right tibia. Animals were then sacrificed after 5 weeks of oral treatment. X-rays were taken at 1 week, 3 weeks and 5 weeks of treatment, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the bone mineral density (BMD). Changes to the osteocalcin (BGLAP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and estradiol levels in blood were measured. Callus formation and bone union were observed, the BMD was significantly higher and the BGLAP, ALP and TRAP levels were reduced, but no significant increase was observed in the blood estradiol level in the OVX + ICA group compared with the OVX group. The present findings indicate that icariin has potential as a novel alternative therapeutic agent for fracture healing in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Biochemical and immunohistochemical investigations on bone formation and remodelling in ovariectomised rats with tamoxifen citrate administration

“…It was report-ed that the bone loss caused by ovariectomy depends on the degree of skeletal area and the time since ovariectomy. Cao et al [4] examined the effect of icariin on fracture healing in an ovariectomised patient and reported that the use of icariin may help to improve fracture healing in postmenopausal osteoporosis and can be improved as an alternative therapy. The effect of oestrogen deficiency was reduced bone mass due to increased bone resorption and increased osteoclastic activity and also decreased new bone formation due to decreased osteoblastic life.…”

Icariin promotes early and late stages of fracture healing in rats

“…This should be related to the effect of icariin on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This situation might be clarified by icariin's simulative effects on osteoblasts, inhibition of osteoclast differentiation [5,6] and suppression of osteoclastogenesis. [7] Recent meta-analysis about in vivo studies of icariin indicates that icariin has a high osteo-inductive potential as a biomaterial for use in bone tissue engineering.…”

“…[3] In addition, the flavonoids of Herba Epimedii have been shown to concurrently improve osteogenic differentiation and inhibit the osteoclastic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived cells. [4] It is suggested that Epimedium-derived flavonoids including icariin have an anabolic effect on osteoporotic bone by concomitantly promoting the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells [5,6] while suppressing adipogenic differentiation. [7] Fracture healing and bone repair which may result in unfavorable extension involve a combination of a series of complicated processes.…”

Icariin Reduces Cartilage Degeneration in a Mouse Model of Osteoarthritis and is Associated with the Changes in Expression of Indian Hedgehog and Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein

“…Mice in the other two groups, the sham group, and the ACLT group were treated with the same amount of normal saline, once into the joint. The icariin treatment doses were chosen according to the findings from previous pharmacological studies [ 17 , 18 ]. In vitro , icariin was administered into the chondrogenic medium at concentrations of 10 −7 M, 10 −6 M, and 10 −5 M.…”