Tranexamic Acid Protects Ovary and Testis Functions and Ameliorates Osteoporosis in Mice

Pharmacology. 2020;105(11-12):652-661. doi: 10.1159/000506233. Epub 2020 Apr 29.

Abstract

Introduction: In a rapidly aging society, the number of people suffering from osteoporosis keeps increasing. However, effective prevention strategies for osteoporosis are not yet currently available.

Objective: In this study, we examined the ameliorative effects of tranexamic acid on osteoporosis in 24-month-old mice.

Methods: During the study period, mice were orally administered tranexamic acid 3 times per week.

Results: Bone mineral density, which is a parameter of osteoporosis, was improved following tranexamic acid administration. In addition, female mice evidenced a stronger phenotypic improvement than male mice. In female mice treated with tranexamic acid, ovary abnormalities were reduced. Furthermore, the levels of transforming growth factor-β, hyaluronic acid, CD44, reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis, as well as the number of infiltrated neutrophils and macrophages in the ovary were lower than those in the control or solvent-administered mice. In addition, 17β-estradiol levels in blood increased when compared with the control or solvent-treated mice. In addition, administration of tranexamic acid to 24-month-old male mice decreased the level of apoptosis in the testis. However, the levels of 17β-estradiol and testosterone in blood increased compared with the control or solvent-administered mice.

Conclusions: The use of tranexamic acid had an ameliorative effect on osteoporosis, possibly by protecting ovaries and testes.

Keywords: Bone mineral density; CD44; Hyaluronic acid; Ovary; Tranexamic acid; Transforming growth factor-β.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Aging / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Bone Density / drug effects
  • Estradiol / blood
  • Estradiol / metabolism
  • Female
  • Hyaluronic Acid / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Osteoporosis / drug therapy*
  • Osteoporosis / etiology
  • Ovariectomy / adverse effects
  • Ovary / drug effects*
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Ovary / pathology
  • Protective Agents / administration & dosage
  • Protective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Testis / drug effects*
  • Testis / metabolism
  • Testis / pathology
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Testosterone / metabolism
  • Tranexamic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Tranexamic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism

Substances

  • Protective Agents
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Testosterone
  • Estradiol
  • Tranexamic Acid
  • Hyaluronic Acid