Unravelling the role of dipeptidyl peptidases-8/9 (DPP-8/9) in inflammatory osteoporosis: a comprehensive study investigating chrysin as a potential anti-osteoporotic agent

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of dipeptidyl peptidase-8 and 9 (DPP-8/9) enzymes in inflammatory bone loss using a 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced model in Wistar rats. Additionally, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of inhibiting these enzymes with the flavonoid chrysin.

Methods: Inflammatory osteoporosis was induced by administering VCD that elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. DPP-8/9 enzyme expression and various bone markers were assayed using serum. Further analysis included bone microarchitecture, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, chrysin's potential to inhibit DPP-8/9 and mitigate VCD-induced inflammatory bone loss was also evaluated.

Key findings: VCD administration in rats caused ovotoxicity that increased IL-6 and TNF-α levels, resulting in significant bone loss. Serum analysis revealed elevated bone resorption markers and DPP-8/9 enzyme levels. Inhibiting DPP-8/9 with 1G244 reversed these effects, confirmed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and micro-CT scans. Moreover, chrysin significantly reduced DPP-8/9 levels compared with the untreated group, improved bone markers, and lower inflammatory cytokines, indicating reduced osteoclastogenesis.

Conclusion: This study highlights the role of DPP-8/9 in inflammation-induced osteoporosis. Following inhibition of DPP-8/9, we observed improved bone markers with preservation of trabecular bone mineral density in rats. Additionally, chrysin demonstrated potential as an anti-DPP-8/9 agent, suggesting its viability for future therapeutic interventions in DPP-8/9-related inflammatory diseases.

Keywords: chrysin; dipeptidyl peptidase-8; dipeptidyl peptidase-9; inflammation; osteoporosis.