Objectives: To study the partial
mechanism of treating postmenopausal osteoporosis patients (POPs) using the ancient
recipe of Qing’E Formula (QEF) by observing its effects on bone metabolic markers
and VDR mRNA expression in primary POPs. Methods: Analysis was performed on 120
outpatient and inpatient POPs treated in our hospital between January and October
2013, where the patients were randomly divided into Qing’E group (QEF + Caltrate),
Calcitriol group (Caltrate + Calcitriol soft capsules), and Compare group (Caltrate),
each with a follow-up period of 1 year. Statistical analysis was then performed
on bone mineral density, blood bone metabolic markers (β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP) and changes in VDR mRNA expressions in the POPs
before and after the treatments. Results: Prior to the treatments, bone mineral
density and blood β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP
and VDR mRNA expression in the 3 groups of POPs exhibited no statistically significant
differences, and the blood β-CTX, N-MID,
T-PINP and VDR mRNA expression in the control group showed no statistically significant
differences before and after the treatments. There were no significant differences
in bone mineral density in the Qing’E group and the Calcitriol group before and
after the treatments whereas the bone mineral density decreased in the control group
after the treatments. As for blood β-CTX,
N-MID, T-PINP and VDR mRNA expression, the measurements in POPs in the Qing’E group
and the Calcitriol group were significantly higher than that of the control group.
Conclusion: By adjusting the VDR mRNA expression, the QEF, a kidney-invigorating
Chinese herbal formula, is capable of activating bone metabolism to prohibit further
losses of bone mass, thereby preventing the deterioration of osteoporosis.