Electroacupuncture Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis in Rats: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD) in ovariectomised (OVX) rats; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Objective To systematically evaluate the effects of EA on OVX rats and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Methods Three-month-old female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three different groups (n=10 each): sham operated control (sham operated), ovariectomy (OVX) and ovariectomy with EA treatment (OVX+EA). Rats in the OVX+EA group received 12-week EA treatments. Results Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase level (pConclusion This study demonstrates that EA can prevent OVX-induced bone loss and deterioration of bone architecture and strength by stimulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. These findings suggest that EA may bet a promising adjunct method for inhibiting OVX-induced osteoporosis in clinical settings.