Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins Ameliorate Cadmium-Induced Senescence of Osteocytes Through Combating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Abstract

Osteocyte senescence is associated with skeletal dysfunction, but how to prevent bone loss and find the effective therapeutic targets is a potential scientific concern. Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental contaminant that causes substantial bone damage in both animals and humans. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) are naturally polyphenolic substances found in various plants and demonstrate significant anti-senescence potential. Here, we investigated the protective effects of OPC against Cd-induced senescence of osteocytes and identify potential regulatory mechanisms. OPC alleviated Cd-induced senescence of osteocytes by attenuating cell cycle arrest, reducing ROS accumulation, and suppressing pro-inflammatory responses in vitro. Furthermore, OPC effectively prevented the Cd-induced breakdown of dendritic synapses in osteocytes in vitro. Correspondingly, OPC ameliorated Cd-induced damage of osteocytes through anti-senescence activity in vivo. Taken together, our results establish OPC as a promising therapeutic agent that ameliorates Cd-induced osteocyte senescence by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.