Effects of Wenyangbushen formula on the expression of VEGF, OPG, RANK and RANKL in rabbits with steroid-induced femoral head avascular necrosis.
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Wenyangbushen formula on the mRNA and protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)‑κβ ligand (RANK), and RANK ligand (RANKL) in a rabbit model of steroid‑induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH). The present study also aimed to examine the potential mechanism underlying the effect of this formula on the treatment of SANFH. A total of 136 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: Normal group, model group, and three groups treated with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Wenyangbushen decoction, at a low, moderate and high dose, respectively. The normal group and positive control group were intragastrically administered with saline. The TCM groups were treated with Wenyangbushen decoction at the indicated dosage. Following treatment for 8 weeks, the mRNA and protein expression levels of VEGF, OPG, RANK and RANKL in the femoral head tissues were determined using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses, respectively. The data revealed that Wenyangbushen decoction effectively promoted the growth of bone cells, osteoblasts and chondrocytes, and prevented cell apoptosis in the SANFH. The mRNA and protein expression levels of OPG and VEGF were increased, while the levels of RANK and RANKL were reduced in the necrotic tissue of the model group, compared with those in the normal rabbits. Wenyangbushen treatment prevented these changes, manifested by an upregulation in the expression levels of VEGF and OPG, and downregulation in the expression levels of RANK and RANKL in a dose‑dependent manner. It was concluded that treatment with Wenyangbushen formula alleviated necrosis of the femoral head induced by steroids. It was observed to promote bone cell, osteoblast and chondrocyte growth, as well as prevent cell apoptosis. In addition, it upregulated the expression levels of OPG and VEGF, and inhibited the expression levels of RANK and RANKL. These results suggest the potential use of Wenyangbushen formula as a possible approach for the effective treatment of SANFH.
Department of Rehabilitation, Second Affiliated People's Hospital of Fujian Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350003, P.R. China.
Hong-Mei
HM
Song
Orthopedic Department, Fujian Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350003, P.R. China.
Ying-Chen
YC
Wei
Orthopedic Department, Fujian Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350003, P.R. China.
Nan
N
Li
Department of Rehabilitation, Second Affiliated People's Hospital of Fujian Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350003, P.R. China.
Bin
B
Wu
Quality Control Department, Harrison International Peace Hospital, Hengshui, Hebei 053000, P.R. China.
Na
N
Xie
Department of Rehabilitation, Second Affiliated People's Hospital of Fujian Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350003, P.R. China.
Kun-Mu
KM
Zhang
Fujian Vocational College of Bioengineering, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P.R. China.
Shi-Zhong
SZ
Wang
Orthopedic Department, Fujian Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350003, P.R. China.
He-Ming
HM
Wang
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005270:Femur Head / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D005271:Femur Head Necrosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000187:drug effects; D053244:Osteoprotegerin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D053245:RANK Ligand / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits; D053246:Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D048069:Tumor Necrosis Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D053244:Osteoprotegerin; D053245:RANK Ligand; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D053246:Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B; D048069:Tumor Necrosis Factors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C000610758:wenyangbushen