Role of cabergoline in alleviating osteosarcopenic adiposity in chronic stress rat model targeting glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) expression.

BACKGROUND

Chronic psychogenic stress (CPS) is the cause of many syndromes, like osteosarcopenic adiposity (OSA). This study, by focusing on the expression of IL-6, aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of cabergoline (CAB) in treating OSA induced by CPS in rats.

METHODS

Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups: the control group, the CPS group, and the CAB group. Body weight, cortisol levels, lipid profile, calcium levels, alkaline phosphatase, and urine creatinine were assessed. Bone, muscle and adipose tissue were dissected, and IL-6 immunohistochemistry was performed. Also, the expression of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) was analyzed by PCR.

RESULTS

CAB administration significantly decreased body weight, cortisol, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL levels in comparison to the CPS group. CAB administration significantly increased calcium and HDL levels and decreased urinary creatinine levels compared with the stress group rats. The expression of the NR3C1 gene in the CAB group was significantly higher than in the CPS group. Histopathological changes in the bone, muscle, and adipose tissues of the CPS group were marked, and the administration of CAB restored the tissue architecture. Immunohistochemical quantitation of IL-6 in the CAB group was significantly lower than in the CPS group, showing the healing process of the inflammatory reaction in the bone, muscle, and adipose tissues caused by CPS.

CONCLUSION

CAB exhibits protective activity against CPS-induced OSA in rats, as confirmed by biochemical parameters, NR3C1 gene expression, IL-6 protein levels, and anti-inflammatory activity.