Conclusions
The present study shows that LIPUS improved osteoporosis and promoted bone defect healing in the ovariectomized rats may through the inhibition of the MSTN signal pathway.
Methods
The rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham ovariectomized group (Sham), ovariectomized model group (OVX), ovariectomized model with LIPUS therapy group (OVX + LIPUS). The OVX + LIPUS rats were treated with LIPUS (1.5 MHz, 30 mW/cm2) on the femur for 20 min/day that lasted for 19 days.
Results
LIPUS effectively improved the bone microstructure, increased mechanical properties and promoted the healing of bone defects in ovariectomized rats. Moreover, LIPUS effectively decreased the MSTN content in serum and quadriceps muscle in ovariectomized rats, and inhibited the expression of MSTN downstream signaling molecules and activated the Wnt signaling pathway in the femur. Conclusions: The present study shows that LIPUS improved osteoporosis and promoted bone defect healing in the ovariectomized rats may through the inhibition of the MSTN signal pathway.