Novel analgesic peptide derived from Cinobufacini injection suppressing inflammation and pain via ERK1/2/COX-2 pathway.

Inflammatory pain is a chronic pain caused by peripheral tissue inflammation, seriously impacting the patient's life quality. Cinobufacini injection, as a traditional Chinese medicine injection preparation, shows excellent efficacy in anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatment in patients with advanced tumors. In this study, a novel analgesic peptide CI5 with anti-inflammatory and analgesic bio-functions that naturally presents in Cinobufacini injection and its regulatory mechanism are reported. Our results showed that the administration of CI5 significantly relieved the pain of mice in the acetic acid twisting analgesic model and formalin inflammatory pain model. Furthermore, CI5 effectively reduced the inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1ß) and inflammatory mediator (PGE2) expressions, and prevented the carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. Further LC-MS/MS results showed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic bio-functions of CI5 depended on its interaction with the Rac-2 protein upstream of ERK1/2 and the inflammatory signaling pathway (ERK1/2/COX-2 axis). In summary, CI5, as a novel natural candidate identified from Cinobufacini injection, showed substantial clinical promise for inflammatory pain treatments.

Controlled Cascade-Release and High Selective Sterilization by Core-Shell Nanogels for Microenvironment Regulation of Aerobic Vaginitis.

Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a gynecological disease associated with vaginal flora imbalance. The nonselective bactericidal nature of antibiotics and low customization rate of probiotic supplementation in existing treatments lead to AV recurrence. Here, a drug delivery strategy is proposed that works with the changing dynamics of the bacterial flora. In particular, a core-shell nanogel (CSNG) is designed to encapsulate prebiotic inulin and antimicrobial peptide Cath 30. The proposed strategy allows for the sequential release of both drugs using gelatinase produced by AV pathogenic bacteria, initially selectively killing pathogenic bacteria and subsequently promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the vagina. In a simulated infection environment in vitro, the outer layer of CSNGs, Cath 30 is rapidly degraded and potently killed the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus at 2-6 h. CSNGs enhances proliferation of the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus crispatus by more than 50% at 24 h. In a rat AV model, the drug delivery strategy precisely regulated the bacterial microenvironment while controlling the inflammatory response of the vaginal microenvironment. This new treatment approach, configured on demand and precisely controlled, offers a new strategy for the treatment of vaginal diseases.

Isolation and expansion of murine γδ T cells from mouse splenocytes.

Elucidation of the function of gamma delta T cells (γδ T cells) requires robust models that show how γδ T cells are commonly involved in inflammation, since very little is known about the factors that promote and control their development and function. There are few studies of murine γδ T cells primarily because these cells have proven difficult to isolate, expand and characterize. Here, we describe a simple method that utilizes key expansion elements to isolate and expand murine CD4-CD8-CD3+ γδ T cells typically found in secondary lymphoid tissues. Expansion of γδ T cells reached 150-fold by day 8 of culture, depended on exogenous IL-2, αCD3, and αCD28, and supported efficient and reproducible in vitro differentiation. These studies showed high production of cytokines IFNγ and Granzyme B, with the novel finding of IL-24 upregulation as well. Expression analysis of expanded γδ T cells, after treatment with IL-2, revealed high levels of Granzyme B, Granzyme D, and IFNγ. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assays showed that expanded γδ T cells were effective at inducing >90% cytolysis of murine MC38 colon cancer, E0771 breast cancer, and B16 melanoma cells at 10:1 effector to target ratios. These findings indicated that murine γδ T cells can be successfully isolated, expanded, and used to perform preclinical therapy studies.

16S rDNA analysis of osteoporotic rats treated with osteoking.

Introduction. Osteoporosis (OP) is characterized by microstructural degeneration of bone tissue, low bone mass, bone fragility and even brittle fracture (osteoporotic fracture, OPF). OP and OPF are common and there are many disadvantages to the current medications for OP/OPF. Osteoking is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) originating from the Yi nationality (Yunnan, China) that has been used to treat bone diseases for decades.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. This study will reveal the changes in the intestinal microbiota of OP rats after 70 days of osteoking treatment.Method. With duplication of sham and OP rats, eight groups were established, with six rats in each group. The intestinal microbiotas were analysed by 16S rDNA sequencing.Results. The results showed that osteoking changed the intestinal microbiota of sham rats and OP rats. The mechanism by which osteoking improves OP is related to the functions of the intestinal microbiota. After 70 days of treatment with osteoking, the contents of Pseudonocardia, Pedomicrobium, Variovorax, Niastella and Actinosynnema were decreased in OP rats. The functions of the above intestinal microbiota related to iron metabolism affected calcifediol and 25(OH)D, and measuring these bone metabolic indicators is required for further study.Conclusion. Osteoking changes the intestinal microbiota to improve OP, and further study which reveals these intestinal microbiota and mechanism is needed.

16S rDNA analysis of the intestinal microbes in osteoporotic rats.

This study aimed to reveal the differences in intestinal microbes in osteoporotic rats. The rats were divided into two groups: the control and OP (osteoporosis) groups (n=6). Days 0 and 70 were set as the time points. The rats in the OP group underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). Differences between the control and OP groups were determined by 16S rDNA analysis. The relative abundances of OTUs and alpha/beta diversities were determined at days 0 days and 70. The abundances of Verrucomicrobia at the phylum level and Aerococcus, Coprobacillus, Veillonella, Anaerobiospirillum, Flavobacterium, Comamonadaceae, Ohtaekwangia, etc., at the genus level were found to be different between the control_70d and OP_70d groups. KEGG ontology analysis showed that the function of lipid metabolism could be related to OP. The 16S rDNA analysis in the OP rats revealed that intestinal microbes take part in the processes of OP and could affect lipid metabolism. Further study of the relationship between OP and intestinal microbes is necessary, and the prospect for intestinal microbes is a potential treatment for OP.

An Aerolysin-like Pore-Forming Protein Complex Targets Viral Envelope to Inactivate Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1.

Because most of animal viruses are enveloped, cytoplasmic entry of these viruses via fusion with cellular membrane initiates their invasion. However, the strategies in which host cells counteract cytoplasmic entry of such viruses are incompletely understood. Pore-forming toxin aerolysin-like proteins (ALPs) exist throughout the animal kingdom, but their functions are mostly unknown. In this study, we report that ßγ-crystallin fused aerolysin-like protein and trefoil factor complex (ßγ-CAT), an ALP and trefoil factor complex from the frog Bombina maxima, directly blocks enveloped virus invasion by interfering with cytoplasmic entry. ßγ-CAT targeted acidic glycosphingolipids on the HSV type 1 (HSV-1) envelope to induce pore formation, as indicated by the oligomer formation of protein and potassium and calcium ion efflux. Meanwhile, ßγ-CAT formed ring-like oligomers of ∼10 nm in diameter on the liposomes and induced dye release from liposomes that mimic viral envelope. Unexpectedly, transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the ßγ-CAT-treated HSV-1 was visibly as intact as the vehicle-treated HSV-1, indicating that ßγ-CAT did not lyse the viral envelope. However, the cytoplasmic entry of the ßγ-CAT-treated HSV-1 into HeLa cells was totally hindered. In vivo, topical application of ßγ-CAT attenuated the HSV-1 corneal infection in mice. Collectively, these results uncovered that ßγ-CAT possesses the capacity to counteract enveloped virus invasion with its featured antiviral-acting manner. Our findings will also largely help to illustrate the putative antiviral activity of animal ALPs.

Isolation and characterization of the major centipede allergen Sco m 5 from Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans.

BACKGROUND: Allergic reactions have been observed following both direct centipede bites and the clinical use of centipede-containing medicines, such as traditional Chinese medicines utilizing Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans; however, no natural centipede allergen has yet been characterized. METHODS: An allergen was purified from S. s. mutilans venom using Superdex 75 gel filtration and RESOURCE S ion chromatography, and its primary structure was determined via a combination of LC-MS-MS, MALDI-TOF/TOF and protein sequencing techniques. Its potential allergenicity was evaluated by immunoblotting, ELISAs, skin prick tests (SPTs) and mast cell activation assays. RESULTS: A novel allergen Sco m 5 (210 amino acids long) was successfully purified from crude S. s. mutilans venom. Sco m 5 could promote the degranulation of a human mast cell line, HMC-1. Among centipede-allergic patients, Sco m 5 showed an 83.3% IgE-binding frequency and a 66.7% positive reaction frequency, as detected by immunoblotting and SPTs, respectively. Sco m 5 IgE-binding frequencies of common Chinese population was found to be 9%-16%. Sera positive for Sco m 5 IgE-binding was cross-reactive against venom from the wasp Vespa mandaeinia. CONCLUSIONS: The present study isolated and characterized a novel allergen termed as Sco m 5 from the centipede S. s. mutilans. The use of Sco m 5 to identify centipede-allergic individuals could be important, given the high potential allergenicity of Sco m 5 among the general Chinese population, along with the likely possibility of cross-reactivity against wasp venom among centipede-allergic patients.

Clinical significance of EPHX2 deregulation in prostate cancer.

The arachidonic acid (AA) metabolic pathway participates in various physiological processes as well as in the development of malignancies. We analyzed genomic alterations in AA metabolic enzymes in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) prostate cancer (PCa) dataset and found that the gene encoding soluble epoxide hydrolase (EPHX2) is frequently deleted in PCa. EPHX2 mRNA and protein expression in PCa was examined in multiple datasets by differential gene expression analysis and in a tissue microarray by immunohistochemistry. The expression data were analyzed in conjunction with clinicopathological variables. Both the mRNA and protein expression levels of EPHX2 were significantly decreased in tumors compared with normal prostate tissues and were inversely correlated with the Gleason grade and disease-free survival time. Furthermore, EPHX2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in metastatic and recurrent PCa compared with localized and primary PCa, respectively. In addition, EPHX2 protein expression correlated negatively with Ki67 expression. In conclusion, EPHX2 deregulation is significantly correlated with the clinical characteristics of PCa progression and may serve as a prognostic marker for PCa.

Immunoreactivity and neutralization study of Chinese Bungarus multicinctus antivenin and lab-prepared anti-bungarotoxin antisera towards purified bungarotoxins and snake venoms.

Bungarus multicinctus is the most venomous snake distributed in China and neighboring countries of Myanmar, Laos, north Vietnam and Thailand. The high mortality rate of B. multicinctus envenomation is attributed to the lethal components of α-, ß-, γ- and κ- bungarotoxins contained in the venom. Although anti-B. multicinctus sera were produced in Shanghai, Taiwan and Vietnam, the most widely clinic used product was term as B. multicinctus antivenin and manufactured by Shanghai Serum Bio-technology Co. Ltd. In the present investigation, high purity α-, ß- and γ-bungarotoxins were separately isolated from B. multicinctus crude venom. Rabbit anti- α-, ß- and γ-bungarotoxin antisera were prepared by common methods, respectively. LD50 values of α-, ß- and γ-bungarotoxins were systematically determined via three administration pathways (intraperitoneal, intramuscular and intravenous injections) in Kunming mice. LD50 values of ß-bungarotoxin were closely related with injection routines but those of both α- and γ-bungarotoxins were not dependent on the injection routines. Commercial B. multicinctus antivenin showed strong immunoreaction with high molecular weight fractions of the B. multicinctus but weakly recognized low molecular weight fractions like α- and γ-bungarotoxins. Although B. multicinctus antivenin showed immunoreaction with high molecular weight fractions of Bungarus fasciatus, Naja atra, Ophiophagus hannah venoms but the antivenin only demonstrated animal protection efficacy against O. hannah venom. These results indicated that the high molecular weight fractions of the O. hannah played an important role in venom lethality but those of B. fasciatus and N. atra did not have such a role.

A secreted pore-forming protein modulates cellular endolysosomes to augment antigen presentation.

Bacterial pore-forming toxin aerolysin-like proteins are widely distributed in animals and plants. Emerging evidence supports their roles in host innate immunity, but their direct actions in adaptive immunity remain elusive. In this study, we found that ßγ-CAT, an aerolysin-like protein and trefoil factor complex identified in the frog Bombina maxima, modulated several steps of endocytic pathways during dendritic cell antigen presentation. The protein augmented the antigen uptake of dendritic cells and actively neutralized the acidification of cellular endocytic organelles to favor antigen presentation. In addition, the release of functional exosome-like extracellular vesicles was largely enhanced in the presence of ßγ-CAT. The cellular action of ßγ-CAT increased the number of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I-ovalbumin and MHC II molecules on dendritic cell surfaces and the released exosome-like extracellular vesicles. An enhanced antigen presentation capacity of dendritic cell for priming of naive T cells was detected in the presence of ßγ-CAT. Collectively, these effects led to strong cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and antigen-specific antibody responses. Our findings provide evidence that a vertebrate-secreted pore-forming protein can augment antigen presentation by directly modulating cellular endocytic and exocytic pathways, leading to robust activation of adaptive immunity.

Osteoking improves OP rat by enhancing HSP90­ß expression.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a chronic bone disease that affects individuals worldwide. Osteoporosis is primarily asymptomatic, and patients with OP suffer from pain, inconvenience, economic pressure and osteoporotic fracture (OPF). Osteoking, a Traditional Chinese Medicine compound that originates from the Yi ethnic group, has been used for a number of years to treat fractures. In our previous study, osteoking exhibited therapeutic effects on rats with OPF by promoting calcium deposition. Based on bioinformatics and network pharmacology analyses of a component­target­disease database, heat shock protein HSP 90­ß (HSP90­ß), also known as HSP90­ß, was identified to be a key target of osteoking in OP. High HSP90­ß expression levels were observed in osteoporotic rats and rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) following osteoking treatment. After 12 weeks of administration in vivo, there was increased bone mineral density (BMD) (P<0.05), increased bone alkaline phosphatase (P<0.05), and improved bone microstructure in the osteoking group compared with those of the negative control group. In vitro, increased calcium deposition in rBMSCs was observed after 4 weeks of osteoking treatment. These results suggest that the mechanisms of osteoking are closely associated with HSP90­ß and activate the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling pathway, primarily through BMP­2. Osteoking treatment improves OP in rats by enhancing HSP90­ß expression.

Potent immunomodulatory effects of an anti-CEA-IL-2 immunocytokine on tumor therapy and effects of stereotactic radiation.

While anti-CEA antibodies have no direct effect on CEA-positive tumors, they can be used to direct potent anti-tumor effects as an antibody-IL-2 fusion protein (immunocytokine, ICK), and at the same time reduce the toxicity of IL-2 as a single agent. Using a fusion protein of humanized anti-CEA with human IL-2 (M5A-IL-2) in a transgenic murine model expressing human CEA, we show high tumor uptake of the ICK to CEA-positive tumors with additional lymph node targeting. ICK treated CEA-positive tumors exhibit significant tumor eradication. Analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes shows a high frequency of both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells along with CD11b positive myeloid cells in ICK treated mice. The frequency of tumor-infiltrating FoxP3+ CD4+ T cells (Tregs) is significantly reduced vs anti-CEA antibody-treated controls, indicating that ICK did not preferentially stimulate migration or proliferation of Tregs to the tumor. Combination therapy with anti-PD-1 antibody did not improve tumor reduction over ICK therapy alone. Since stereotactic tumor irradiation (SRT), commonly used in cancer therapy has immunomodulatory effects, we tested combination SRT+ICK therapy in two tumor model systems. Use of fractionated vs single high dose SRT in combination with ICK resulted in greater tumor inhibition and immunity to tumor rechallenge. In particular, tumor microenvironment and myeloid cell composition appear to play a significant role in the response rate to ICK+SRT combination therapy.

Comparative analysis of diverse toxins from a new pharmaceutical centipede, Scolopendra mojiangica.

As the oldest venomous animals, centipedes use their venom as a weapon to attack prey and for protection. Centipede venom, which contains many bioactive and pharmacologically active compounds, has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine, as shown by ancient records. Based on comparative analysis, we revealed the diversity of and differences in centipede toxin-like molecules between Scolopendra mojiangica, a substitute pharmaceutical material used in China, and S. subspinipes mutilans. More than 6 000 peptides isolated from the venom were identified by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) and inferred from the transcriptome. As a result, in the proteome of S. mojiangica, 246 unique proteins were identified: one in five were toxin-like proteins or putative toxins with unknown function, accounting for a lower percentage of total proteins than that in S. mutilans. Transcriptome mining identified approximately 10 times more toxin-like proteins, which can characterize the precursor structures of mature toxin-like peptides. However, the constitution and quantity of the toxin transcripts in these two centipedes were similar. In toxicity assays, the crude venom showed strong insecticidal and hemolytic activity. These findings highlight the extensive diversity of toxin-like proteins in S. mojiangica and provide a new foundation for the medical-pharmaceutical use of centipede toxin-like proteins.

Wound dressing from polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan electrospun fiber membrane loaded with OH-CATH30 nanoparticles.

Novel nanomaterials have been developed for antimicrobial and wound healing applications. Here, we report the preparation of a polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) nanofiber with carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles (CMCS-OH30 NPs) encapsulating the antibacterial peptide OH-CATH30 (OH-30). The PVA/CS nanofibers containing OH-30 NPs (NP-30-NFs) obtained via electrospinning could achieve a secondary embedded OH-30. The effect of NP-30-NFs on the release of OH-30 was investigated through high-performance liquid chromatography. The antibacterial activities of NP-30-NFs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were studied by bacterial plate counting. NP-30-NFs containing different concentrations of NPs were applied to mouse skin wounds to determine their effectiveness in promoting wound healing. Results showed that NP-30-NFs exhibited antibacterial properties and promoted skin wound healing.

Problematic Mobile Phone Use Among Undergraduate Medical Students and Its Impact on Sleep Quality and Sleep Pattern

@#Introduction: Sleep deprivation is a concern in young adults and the use of mobile phone is very common in this population. This study aimed to measure and correlate the sleep quality, pattern of sleep and problematic mobile phone use in young medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Problematic Mobile Phone Use Scale (PMPUS) and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) among medical students in a Malaysian medical college. Correlation among the variables was done using bi-variate analysis followed by Pearson correlation coefficient and 2-tailed significance. A level for p ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: We found significant positive correlation between poor sleep quality and total problematic mobile phone use as well as its sub dimensions, namely deprivation, adverse outcomes and control disorder. PSQI score showed significant negative correlation with different patterns of MEQ like moderate evening, late sleepers, moderate morning and early risers. Positive correlation of the PSQI with sub dimension of PMPUS reflects unhealthy dependency on mobile phone in this population. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the unhealthy use of mobile phone adversely affected sleep quality in the cohort of young medical students. It is thus important for medical schools to formulate policies and create educational programs vis-a-vis sleep health and to increase awareness regarding controlled mobile phone usage.

Geraniol targets KV1.3 ion channel and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo.

Naturally occurring monoterpenes are known for their various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammation. KV1.3 ion channel is a voltage-gated potassium channel and has been validated as a drug target for autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases like psoriasis. Here we experimentally test the direct interaction between monoterpenes and KV1.3 ion channel. Our electrophysiological analysis determined that monoterpenes (geraniol, nerol, ß-citronellol, citral and linalool) have inhibitory effects on KV1.3 ion channel. Representatively, geraniol reversibly blocked KV1.3 currents in a voltage-dependent manner with an IC50 of 490.50 ±â€¯1.04 µM at +40 mV in HEK293T cells. At the effective concentrations, geraniol also inhibited cytokine secretion of activated human T cells, including IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ. In an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like animal model, geraniol administration significantly reduced psoriasis area and severity index scores, ameliorated the deteriorating histopathology and decreased the degree of splenomegaly. Together, our findings not only suggest that monoterpenes may serve as lead molecules for the development of KV1.3 inhibitors, but also indicate that geraniol could be considered as a promising therapeutic candidate to treat autoimmune diseases.

Generation of dual specific bivalent BiTEs (dbBIspecific T-cell engaging antibodies) for cellular immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Bispecific T-cell engaging antibodies (BiTES), comprising dual anti-CD3 and anti-tumor antigen scFv fragments, are important therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. The dual scFv construct for BiTES requires proper protein folding while their small molecular size leads to rapid kidney clearance. METHODS: An intact (150 kDa) anti-tumor antigen antibody to CEA was joined in high yield (ca. 30%) to intact (150 kDa) anti-murine and anti-human CD3 antibodies using hinge region specific Click chemistry to form dual-specific, bivalent BiTES (dbBiTES, 300 kDa). dbBiTEs were tested in vitro by EM, flow cytometry and cell cytoxicity and in vivo by PET tumor imaging and redirected T-cell therapy. RESULTS: The interlocked hinge regions are compatible with a structural model that fits the electron micrographs of 300 kDa particles. Compared to intact anti-CEA antibody, dbBiTES exhibit high in vitro cytotoxicity, high in vivo tumor targeting as demonstrated by PET imaging, and redirected dbBiTE coated T-cells (1 microgram/10 million cells) that kill CEA+ target cells in vivo in CEA transgenic mice. CONCLUSION: dbBiTE redirected T-cell therapy is a promising, efficient approach for targeting and killing cancer cells.

Anti-osteoporosis effects of osteoking via reducing reactive oxygen species.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Osteoking is a Traditional Chinese Medicine consisting of seven types of medicinal herbs originated from Yi nationality and has been used in clinic to treat bone diseases for thousands of years in China. Osteoking shows excellent clinical therapeutic effects on osteoporosis, but it is not clear whether Osteoking could exhibit beneficial effects against osteoporosis via reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore whether the protective effects of Osteoking on osteoporosis related to ROS, we investigated the effects of Osteoking on osteogenesis differentiation under oxidative stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ovariectomized (OVX) osteoporosis model was established by ovarian surgery, and Osteoking was orally administrated for 84 days. Then the pathogenesis changes of femur were analyzed by Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining. The levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA)and superoxide dismutase (SOD) from rats' serum were further measured. In vitro, mouse pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells pre-treated with or without 0.25 mM tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) for 2 h were cultured and treated with different dilutions of Osteoking or 20 µM N-Acetyl-L-cysteine for another 24 h, respectively. The intracellular ROS production and markers of oxidative damage of the MC3T3-E1 cells were determined using corresponding kits, respectively. The expressions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I, osteoprotegerin (OPG), TGF-ß1, ß-catenin, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were further analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blotting upon treatment. RESULTS: Our results showed that Osteoking significantly improving trabecular microstructure by promoting collagen fiber repair and new bone or cartilage regeneration was demonstrated in OVX osteoporosis rat models by micro-CT analysis and histological staining results. Osteoking supplementation reduced the levels of ROS and MDA in OVX rat serum and increased SOD activities. In addition, Osteoking could also up-regulate the proteins expression levels of Runx2, osteocalcin (BGP) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) but reducing the expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). In vitro, Osteoking could effectively inhibit the t-BHP-induced intracellular excessive ROS production and protect cells from oxidative stress in mouse pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Meanwhile, the mRNA expressions of ALP, collagen type I, OPG, TGF-ß1 and ß-catenin were also up-regulated whereas the RANKL and IL-6 were down-regulated in Osteoking-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: A novel therapeutic mechanism of Osteoking on osteoporosis reveals by present investigation. Clinic effects of Osteoking to treat osteoporosis are closely related to its ability to reduce oxidative stress.