Affiliation:
1. Department of Anaesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
Abstract
Background Kurarinone, a compound derived from Sophora flavescens, has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its potential in treating autoimmune encephalomyelitis and inflammation-related musculoskeletal diseases. However, the specific molecular mechanisms by which Kurarinone affects osteoporosis are still not fully understood. Objectives To explore the potential pharmacological targets and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Kurarinone on osteoporosis. Materials and Methods To confirm the impact of Kurarinone on osteoporosis, network pharmacology techniques were used to analyze the mechanisms of Kurarinone on osteoporosis. Molecular docking was performed to examine the binding of Kurarinone to key targets involved in osteoporosis. Then, we conducted TRAcP staining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), and Western blot experiments to validate the results. Results Utilizing network pharmacology approaches coupled with docking analysis, our investigation revealed that Kurarinone was involved in the osteoclast differentiation and MAPK signaling pathways. According to in vitro experiments, Kurarinone was found to inhibit osteoclast formation through the p38/MAPK pathway. Conclusion This study suggests that Kurarinone may treat osteoporosis by inhibiting MAPK phosphorylation and inhibiting osteoclast formation.