Transcriptional sequencing analysis reveals the potential use of deer antler for “tonifying the kidney and strengthening bone”

BACKGROUND: It is recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia that deer antlers can be used to tonify the kidney and strengthen bone. Although numerous studies have demonstrated that deer antler has protective effects on the kidney and bone, its molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism underlying its effects on the bone and kidney. METHODS: Water extract of pilose antler was prepared and then filtered through a 0.45 μm Hollow Fiber Cartridge (GE Healthcare, USA). The filtrate was freeze-dried by a Heto PowerDry LL3000 Freeze Dryer (Thermo, USA) and stored at − 80 °C. Rats were treated with deer antler extract (DAE) prepared in advance, and gene regulatory network in the kidney and bone was detected by RNA-Seq technique. Micro-CT was used to detect bone trabecular formation, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume fraction (BV/TV). RESULTS: The results demonstrate that DAE could jointly heighten renal function by maintaining renal homeostasis, combating renal fibrosis, and reducing renal inflammation by regulating ion transport. Furthermore, DAE can strengthen the bone system by stimulating osteoblast differentiation and regulating bone regeneration and the bone marrow microenvironment. Micro-CT results confirmed that DAE can promote bone trabecular formation and increase BMD and BV/TV. We also identified many genes that can regulate both the kidney and bone simultaneously, which explained the theory of “kidney governing bone” at the molecular level and provided possible strategies for further application of this theory to treat diseases. CONCLUSIONS: DAE enhances renal function, maintains renal homeostasis, positively regulates skeletal system development, and increases bone mineral density. The underlying mechanism involves improving the expression levels of functional genes involved in renal function and regulation and repair, as well as genes that positively regulate skeletal system development. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-022-03308-w.