Inhibition of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis through the suppression of the ERK signaling pathway by astragaloside IV and attenuation of titanium-particle-induced osteolysis

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a natural plant extract that enhances osteoblast activity, and therefore, has the potential to treat osteoclast-related diseases. Such diseases include osteoporosis, periodontal disease, rheumatoid arthritis and aseptic prosthesis loosening. However, data associating the effects of AS-IV on osteoclasts are limited. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of AS-IV on osteoclasts in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro studies demonstrated that AS-IV exerts potent inhibitory effects on the ligand of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B-induced osteoclastogenesis and revealed the mechanism of action of AS-IV, which inhibited osteoclastogenesis by suppression of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway. The in vivo studies proved that AS-IV attenuated titanium particle-induced osteolysis in a mouse calvarial model. Collectively, the findings of the study suggest that AS-IV is a potential natural agent for the treatment of osteoclast-related diseases.