Effect of LncRNA DGCR5 on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Osteoporosis Rats Through Regulation of ERK/P38 Signaling Pathway

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) osteogenic differentiation plays an important role in Osteoporosis (OP). LncRNA DGCR5 participates in OP development. However, LncRNA DGCR5's effect on BMSCs in osteoporosis rats and related mechanisms have not been elucidated. SD rats were divided into control group and OP group. Rat BMSCs were cultured and transfected with LncRNA DGCR5 siRNA followed by analysis of LncRNA DGCR5 expression by Real time PCR, cell proliferation by MTT assay, Caspase 3 activity, of ERK/P38 signaling pathway protein expression by Western blot, ALP activity, and the osteogenic genes Runx2 and OC expression by Real time PCR. LncRNA DGCR51 expression was increased in BMSCs of OP rats. Compared with control group, cell proliferation was significantly inhibited, Caspase 3 activity was increased, p-ERK1/2 and p-P38 were downregulated, ALP activity, Runx2 and OC expression was decreased (P < 0.05). DGCR51 siRNA transfection into OP rat BMSCs significantly reduced DGCR51 expression, promoted cell proliferation, decreased Caspase 3 activity, increased p-ERK1/2 and p-P38 expression, increased ALP activity, Runx2 and OC expression compared to OP group (P < 0.05). LncRNA DGCR51 expression is increased in OP rat BMSCs. Down-regulation of LncRNA DGCR51 promoted the activation of ERK/P38 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the apoptosis of BMSCs and promoting proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSC in OP rats.