Telmisartan: An angiotensin receptor blocker regulates osteoclastogenesis via inhibition of the ERK triggering in osteoporotic male rats

Great attention was recently given to the importance of RAS in controlling inflammatory bone diseases, following the discovery of its local existence in skeletal tissues. Local RAS was found to be expressed on osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells and to exert its action via angiotensin II (AngII) receptors, including angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R) and angiotensin II type 2 receptors. Telmisartan (TLM), an AT(1)R blocker (ARBs), was investigated in the present study for its therapeutic effect on bone health in osteoporotic rats. d-Galactose, a reducing sugar at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day/i.p., was used to induce osteoporosis in male rats. TLM, at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day, was orally introduced in the osteoporotic rats for four consecutive weeks. Tibia and femur bone densitometry was estimated, bone formation and bone resorption biomarkers serum levels were measured, mineral content in blood was also valued, and finally the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) expression in bone was determined. TLM considerably improved the deleterious effect of d-galactose on bone mineral density. It blunted serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin while elevating serum osteoprotegrin (OPG). On the other hand, TLM turned off the pronounced elevation in serum receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa beta ligand (RANKL), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and cathepsin K. Furthermore, it significantly hindered the bone expression of ERK which hampered osteoclastogenesis. AT(1)R inhibition abolished the rise in serum calcium and phosphorus and normalized serum superoxide dismutase and catalase. These TLM protective effects in d-galactose-treated rats were confirmed by the histopathological examination. The results all together denote the potential therapeutic value of ARBs therapy in osteoporosis.

Automated summary

The recent discovery of local RAS in controlling inflammatory bone diseases has received great attention. This study investigated the therapeutic effect of TLM, an AT(1)R blocker, on bone health in osteoporotic rats. The results showed that TLM significantly improved bone mineral density and regulated the levels of bone formation and bone resorption biomarkers, suggesting the potential therapeutic value of ARBs therapy in osteoporosis.