Exploring the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating gut-derived 5-HT for osteoporosis treatment

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Oct 17:14:1234683. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1234683. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by an imbalance in the relationship between osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts. This imbalance in bone metabolism results in the destruction of the bone's microstructure and an increase in bone brittleness, thereby increasing the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis has complex causes, one of which is related to the dysregulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine, a neurotransmitter closely associated with bone tissue metabolism. Dysregulation of 5-HT directly or indirectly promotes the occurrence and development of osteoporosis. This paper aims to discuss the regulation of 5-HT by Traditional Chinese Medicine and its impact on bone metabolism, as well as the underlying mechanism of action. The results of this study demonstrate that Traditional Chinese Medicine has the ability to regulate 5-HT, thereby modulating bone metabolism and improving bone loss. These findings provide valuable insights for future osteoporosis treatment.

Keywords: 5-HT receptor; gut-derived 5-hydroxytryptamine; intestinal microbioms; low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5; osteoporosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional*
  • Osteoclasts / metabolism
  • Osteoporosis* / metabolism
  • Osteoporosis* / therapy
  • Serotonin* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Serotonin

Grants and funding

The authors are supported by grants from the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Construction Project of Inheritance Studio of National Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Experts (No. 2021-2024), Youth Qihuang Scholar Support Project of the State Administration of Troditional Chinese Medicine (No. 2021-2023), Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Research of Osteonecrosis in Heilongjiang Province.