| Objective To explore the ameliorative effects of Sunshang Capsule on postmenopausal osteoporosis via regulating the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway. Methods In vitro, P2 rat BMSCs were divided into blank (basal medium + blank serum), induction (basal medium + blank serum + osteogenic inducer), and low/medium/high-dose drug groups (basal medium + drug-containing serum + osteogenic inducer). Cell proliferation (CCK-8), mineralization (Alizarin red staining), and Wnt3a/β-catenin/CyclinD1 expression (RT-qPCR/Western blotting) were assessed. In vivo, 60 SPF female SD rats were divided into sham and ovariectomized (OVX) groups. After 8 weeks, OVX rats were further divided into control, estradiol, and low/medium/high-dose drug groups. After 12 weeks of intervention, the femurs were analyzed with micro-CT (BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp), HE staining (bone trabeculae, fat vacuoles), and Wnt3a/β-catenin/CyclinD1 expression (RT-qPCR/Western blotting). Results In vitro, BMSCs showed short shuttle-shaped adhesion initially. They formed colonies by day 5, uniformed needle-like morphology by 24h, and were confluent over 80% with ordered growth by 4-5 days. Cells in the medium-dose group exhibited the highest mineralized nodules (P<0.05) and up-regulated expression of Wnt3a/β-catenin/CyclinD1 mRNA/protein (P<0.05). In vivo, rats in the OVX control group had lower BMD/BV/TV/Tb.N (P<0.01) and higher Tb.Sp (P<0.01) vs. Those in the sham group. Rats in the treatment groups (low/medium/high-dose, estradiol) ameliorated these indices (P<0.05), with those in the medium-dose and estradiol groups showing optimal effects. HE staining revealed restored trabecular continuity and reduced fat vacuoles in treatment groups. Wnt3a/β-catenin/CyclinD1 expression was down-regulated in the OVX control (P<0.01) but was up-regulated in treatment groups (P<0.05), with the most significant effect in the medium-dose and estradiol groups. Conclusion Sunshang Capsule ameliorates postmenopausal osteoporosis by activating the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway, promoting BMSC osteogenic differentiation and enhancing bone formation, thereby alleviating OVX-induced bone microstructural degradation. |