Plant metabolites on Bone apoptosis

What is it about?

Physiological and pathological conditions involve the death of the cells by apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis. Apoptosis is a key factor in the growth, development, and maintenance of the skeleton. Apoptosis is generated by two pathways: the intrinsic (mitochondria) and extrinsic (death receptor) pathways. Osteoblast apoptosis is governed by the factors like B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphoinositide- 3-kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3-K/Akt), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and bone matrix protein. Cytokines interact with osteocytes and induce apoptosis. A pro-inflammatory signal stimulates osteocyte apoptosis and increases osteocyte cytokines production. Current therapies have adverse effects which limit their applications. Various plant metabolites have shown beneficial effects on bone.

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Photo by Joyce Hankins on Unsplash

Photo by Joyce Hankins on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The bone degenerative disorder includes osteoporosis, which is more prevalent in the aging population. Current therapies are available and have various limitations in their application. Plant metabolites may be alternatives to overcome the limitations of current therapies. This review proved that plant metabolites have shown an important role in preventing apoptosis of bone. These beneficial roles were reported to mediate antiapoptotic protection by blocking the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis in bone. Various mechanisms shown by each natural product evidenced a specific interaction with the apoptosis mechanism irrespective of its origin and chemical structure.

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