Figure 4.

Expression of RUNX2, RANKL and BMP2 in rats from the various experimental groups. The mRNA expression levels of (A) RUNX2, (B) RANKL and (C) BMP2 were measured using the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. (D) The protein expression levels of RUNX2, RANKL and BMP2 were detected using western blot analysis. Control, untreated rats; PRED, rats received PRED for 4 weeks; PRED + ALN, rats received PRED and ALN for 4 weeks; PRED + β-Ecd, rats received PRED and β-Ecd (5 or 10 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Data are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. **P<0.01 vs. control; ^##P<0.01 vs. PRED. RUNX, Runt-related transcription factor; RANKL, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand; BMP, bone morphogenetic protein; PRED, prednisolone; ALN, alendronate; β-Ecd, β-ecdysterone.