[Study on Yiqi Huayu Bushen Recipe and its disassembled recipes in regulating mRNA expression of collagens and metabolic enzymes in extracellular matrix of cervical disc].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of Yiqi Huayu Bushen Recipe (YHBR) and its disassembled recipes on mRNA expressions of collagen I, III, X, matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) in extracellular matrix of cervical disc in model rats of cervical vertebral disc degeneration.


METHODS
The mRNA expressions of collagens, MMP-13 and TIMP-1 were detected by RT-PCR. The strips were scanned by gel imaging system scanner, and the optical density was autocalculated by computer.


RESULTS
Compared with those of the sham-operative group, the mRNA expressions of collagen I , Ill and X and MMP-13 of the model rats increased markedly (P < 0.01), which were lowered by YHBR and its disassembled recipes (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), and the levels after YHBR treatment were significantly different to those after Western medicine treatment. However, no remarkable change was found in TIMP-1 mRNA expression in the model rats (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In the degenerated intervertebral disc the mRNA expressions of collagen I , III, X and MMP-13 increased, TIMP-1 mRNA expression decreased and the proportion of MMPs/TIMP was in imbalance. YHBR and its disassembled recipes could postpone the degeneration of intervertebral disc through regulating mRNA expressions of collagens and their correlated metabolic enzymes.
Shi
Qi
Q
Institute of Spinal Disease, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai. shiqish@hotmail.com
Wang
Yong-Jun
YJ
Li
Chen-Guang
CG
D000818:Animals; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D053509:Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D008517:Phytotherapy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; C528244:yiqi huayu bushen; D003094:Collagen; D053509:Matrix Metalloproteinase 13