Prenylated Isoflavonoids-Rich Extract of Erythrinae Cortex Exerted Bone Protective Effects by Modulating Gut Microbial Compositions and Metabolites in Ovariectomized Rats

Abstract

Flavonoids, found in a wide variety of foods and plants, are considered to play an important role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Our previous studies demonstrated that Erythrina cortex extract (EC) rich in prenylated isoflavonoids exerted bone protective effects in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The present study aimed to investigate the interactions of gut microbiota with the EC extract to explore the underlying mechanisms involved in its beneficial effects on bone. Sprague-Dawley female rats of 3-months-old were ovariectomized and treated with EC extract for 12 weeks. EC extract reversed ovariectomy-induced deterioration of bone mineral density and bone microarchitecture as well as downregulated cathepsin K (Ctsk) and upregulated runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the tibia of OVX rats. Its protective effects on bone were correlated with changes in microbial richness and the restorations of several genera. EC increased the serum circulating levels of acetate and propionate in OVX rats. We conclude that the bone protective effects of EC extract were associated with the changes in microbial compositions and serum short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in OVX rats.

Quinoa alleviates osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats by regulating gut microbiota imbalance

“…These findings indicate that the OVX group experienced an acceleration in bone tissue and bone metabolism, consistent with previous research. 35,36 The consumption of quinoa resulted in a partial reduction in ALP levels, indicating its potential significance in regulating the equilibrium between bone formation and bone resorption. CTX-I is a type I collagen fragment produced during bone maturation, which can sensitively reflect the activity of osteoclasts and is considered as a specific indicator of bone resorption.…”

New Advances in Improving Bone Health Based on Specific Gut Microbiota

“…Some studies have noted that the antiosteoporotic effects of isoflavonoids are mediated through modulation of bone turnover and improvement of bone microarchitecture (Zhang et al, 2010;Tousen et al, 2016;Lambert et al, 2017). Similarly, a study by Xiao et al indicated that the skeletal protective effect of isoflavonoids-rich extract of Erythrina cortex was associated with alterations in several specific gut bacteria (restoration of Ruminiclostridium and inhibition of Alistipes and Akkermansia) and an increase in SCFAs (Xiao et al, 2021). Cinnamic acid is a natural compound found in dietary plants and has a variety of biological properties.…”

“…Similarly, a study by Xiao et al. indicated that the skeletal protective effect of isoflavonoids-rich extract of Erythrina cortex was associated with alterations in several specific gut bacteria (restoration of Ruminiclostridium and inhibition of Alistipes and Akkermansia) and an increase in SCFAs ( Xiao et al., 2021 ). Cinnamic acid is a natural compound found in dietary plants and has a variety of biological properties.…”

Protective effect of aqueous extracts from Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats

“…Sprague-Dawley rats (female, 3 months old, 200-220 g) were purchased from Hubei Experimental Animal Research Center (Wuhan, China). After a 1-week acclimation period, the animals underwent either bilateral laparotomy (Sham group, n = 10) or bilateral ovariectomy (OVX group, n = 30) as previously described (Xiao et al, 2021). Then the OVX animals were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 rats in each group: OVX control, OVX with low dose AETC (6.0 g raw materials/kg)-treated group and high dose AETC (12.0 g raw materials/kg)-treated group.…”