Cathepsin K inhibitor, icariin, increases the healing potential and biomechanical properties of femoral neck in a mice fractured model

Cathepsin K inhibitors have been demonstrated to restore bone mass in both animal model and postmenopausal osteoporotic patients. In the present study, we performed to investigate the pharmacological effect of icariin in the healing potential and biomechanical properties of femoral neck in a mice fractured model. The results showed that the mRNA and protein expression of cathepsin K was markedly up-regulated in FNF group as compared to control group. However, icariin treatment could reverse the expression of cathepsin K in the proximal femur of femoral neck fractured mice. Histological analyses of icariin treated mice revealed the icariin treatment reversed fracture-induced trabecular deleterious effects, which is characterized by increasing disconnections and separation of trabecular bone. Moreover, micro-CT scanning results indicated that femoral neck fractured mice exhibited significantly lower trabecular BV/TV, Tb. N and Tb. Th and higher Tb. Sp, compared to that of the control group. Interestingly, icariin treatment for femoral neck fractured mice resulted in increasing the BV/TV ratio, Tb. N, Tb. Th and decreasing Tb. Sp. Importantly, icariin treatment could improve biomechanical properties and accelerate closure of the wounds in the femur neck. In conclusion, icariin increased the healing potential and biomechanical properties of femoral neck in mice fractured model and might represent a accessory therapeutic medicine with fracture healing.