Anemoside B4 attenuates RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by upregulating Nrf2 and dampens ovariectomy-induced bone loss

Increased numbers and functional overactivity of osteoclasts are the pathological basis for bone loss diseases such as osteoporosis, which are characterized by cortical bone thinning, decreased trabecular bone quantity, and reduced bone mineral density. Effective inhibition of osteoclast formation and bone resorption are important means of treating such skeletal diseases. Anemoside B4 (AB4), the main active component of Pulsatilla chinensis, possesses a wide range of anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. However, its effect and mechanism in osteoclast differentiation remain unclear. In this study, we found through tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAcP) staining and immunofluorescence staining that AB4 inhibited the differentiation, fusion, and bone-resorption functions of osteoclasts induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) in vitro. Additionally, real time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis showed AB4 downregulated the expression of osteoclast marker genes, including Nfatc1, Fos, and Ctsk, while upregulating Nrf2 expression. AB4 (5 mg/kg) alleviated bone loss in ovariectomized mice by inhibiting osteoclast formation. Furthermore, the knockout of Nrf2 weakened the inhibitory effects of AB4 on osteoclast formation and related gene expression. In summary, the results suggest AB4 can inhibit osteoclast differentiation and function by activating Nrf2 and indicate AB4 may be a candidate drug for osteoporosis.