Ugonin P mitigates osteolytic bone metastasis by suppressing MDK via upregulating miR-223-3p expression

Bone metastasis is a significant complication in advanced-stage cancers, especially breast and lung malignancies, profoundly influencing prognosis and quality of life. Osteolytic bone metastasis contains multiple interactions between cancer cells and the bone microenvironment, driving osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and deterioration while releasing growth factors that promote tumor progression. Current treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, often result in severe side effects, highlighting the need for effective, targeted therapies. Ugonin P, a natural compound derived from Helminthostachys zeylanica, known for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, the effects of Ugonin P on osteolytic bone metastasis remain unclear. Our findings demonstrate that Ugonin P inhibits both RANKL-induced and lung and breast cancer-induced osteoclast formation. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that Midkine (MDK), a heparin-binding growth factor known to promote migration, is highly elevated in breast and lung cancer patients and is related with osteoclast formation. We further showed that MDK is involved in cancer-promoted osteoclastogenesis and that Ugonin P suppresses this process by upregulating miR-223-3p expression. Importantly, Ugonin P effectively blocks lung and breast cancer-facilitated osteolytic bone metastasis in vivo. These findings highlight Ugonin P as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating osteolytic bone metastasis.