New Perspectives on Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Strategies of Sirtuins and Oxidative Stress
Huiying Zhao, Fan Yu, Wei Wu
Abstract
Estrogen levels are the core factor influencing postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). Estrogen can affect the progression of PMOP by regulating bone metabolism, influencing major signaling pathways related to bone metabolism, and modulating immune responses. When estrogen levels decline, the activity of Sirtuins (SIRTs) is reduced. SIRTs are enzymes that function as NAD+-dependent deacetylases. SIRTs can modulate osteocyte function, sustain mitochondrial homeostasis, and modulate relevant signaling pathways, thereby improving bone metabolic imbalances, reducing bone resorption, and promoting bone formation. In PMOP, SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT6 are primarily affected. Oxidative stress (OS) is a crucial factor in PMOP, as it generates excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) that exacerbate PMOP. There is a certain interplay between SIRTs and OS. The reduced activity of SIRTs leads to intensified OS and the excessive accumulation of ROS. In return, ROS suppresses the AMPK signaling pathway and the synthesis of NAD+, which consequently diminishes the function of SIRTs. Natural SIRT activators and natural antioxidants, which are characterized by high safety, convenience, and minimal side effects, represent a potential therapeutic strategy for PMOP. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of SIRTs and OS in PMOP and summarize potential therapeutic strategies to assist in the improvement of PMOP.