Research Progress in Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention of Autophagy in the Treatment of Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis, a common and high-incidence bone disease, is characterized by low bone density and degradation of bone microstructure. Its pathogenesis is intricate, with the imbalance of osteoblast and osteoclast functions being a core element and abnormal autophagy also serving as a key pathogenic factor. This paper delves into the intrinsic link between the pathological mechanisms of osteoporosis and autophagy. It comprehensively outlines the manifestations of bone metabolic imbalance, interprets the normal physiological role of autophagy in bone metabolism, and explores the abnormal changes and mechanisms of autophagy in osteoporosis. Furthermore, the paper focuses on the cutting-edge research progress in treating osteoporosis with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by targeting autophagy-related pathways, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMPK/mTOR, and PINK1/Parkin signaling pathways. It highlights the unique advantages of TCM in multi-target and multi-pathway intervention, clarifies future research directions, and aims to establish a more comprehensive and systematic strategy for preventing and treating osteoporosis with TCM.