Application and Molecular Mechanism of Polysaccharide from Natural Product in Osteoporosis
CHEN Yixuan, WANG Zhengsen*
Osteoporosis is a disease of bone characterized by a reduction in bone mass and disruption of bone tissue microarchitecture, ultimately leading to bone fragility and increased fracture risk. Osteoporosis seriously affects the life cycle and quality of life of human beings, and causes a huge economic burden to the society. Current drugs for anti-osteoporosis are mainly synthetic drugs, which are indeed effective in preventing bone loss but with adverse side effects. It has been reported that certain polysaccharides can promote the formation of osteoblasts and inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, thereby affecting the process of bone remodeling. Since polysaccharides from natural products show fewer side effects and are more suitable for long-term use, they are favored by the public. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to consolidate studies about polysaccharides improving bone health in recent years. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that polysaccharides mainly protect bone health by regulating the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Moreover, multiple signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, BMP/Smad signaling pathway and OPG/RANKL/RANK signaling pathway, are involved in improving bone homeostasis. This review summarizes the latest research about the anti-osteoporosis effect and molecular mechanism of polysaccharides, aiming to provide theoretical basis and direction for searching safer and more effective anti-osteoporosis drugs.
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