Biomechanical Analysis of Ovariectomized Osteoporosis Rats with Kidney Deficiency

Abstract Background: Osteoporosis patients with chronic kidney disease usually have a higher risk of bone fracture. In traditional Chinese medicine, Kidney-Yang Deficiency and Kidney-Yin Deficiency are two common syndromes for chronic kidney disease patients. You-gui pills are used as a classic prescription to treat Kidney-Yang Deficiency syndrome due to their efficiency. This study evaluated the effect of you-gui pills on biomechanical properties of femurs in Kidney-Yin and Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats.Methods: The ovariectomized female specific pathogen-free rats were divided into four groups, including Kidney-Yin Deficiency and Kidney-Yang Deficiency with and without you-gui pills. All the ovariectomized rats were sacrificed before the femurs on both sides were separated. Micro-CT analyzed the left femur, the right femur was used to perform a three-point bending test for a femoral shaft, compression and surface indentation tests for the femoral head. The obtained mechanical parameters were statistically analyzed by T-test.Results: The effects of you-gui pills on the femur of Kidney-Yin and Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats were different. You-gui pills significantly affect the bone microstructure and biomechanical properties of the femur of Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats. You-gui pills could significantly enhance bone/tissue volume, trabecular thickness and toughness of the femur in Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats.Conclusion: You-gui pills can enhance the anti-fracture ability of the femoral shaft and the anti-deforming capability of the femoral head in Kidney-Yang Deficiency rats, but have no noticeable effect on the femur of Kidney-Yin Deficiency rats. This study reports on the clinical efficacy of you-gui pills in the treatment of bone. Moreover, it presents a comprehensive narrative of the rationale of this method, highlighting its potential for treatment kidney failure, which affects bone strength.