ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of water extracts from Duhuo Jisheng decoction on chondrocyte G1 phase.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Chondrocytes were collected from four-week-old SD rats to establish the chondrocyte in vitro culture system. The third generation of chondrocytes was intervened. MTT method was used to measure the effect of water extracts from different concentrations of Duhuo Jisheng decoction on chondrocyte activity. The expressions of Chondrocyte Cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6 and P21 mRNA in the blank group and low, middle and high-dose groups (100, 200, 400 mg x L(-1)) were detected by RT-PCR method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The MTT assay showed that the chondrocyte activity significantly increased within specific drug concentrations (50-800 mg x L(-1)) (P < 0.01); After the intervention for 24 h, the expressions of CyclinD1, CDK4 and CDK6 mRNA in all dose groups notably increased (P < 0.05), with the maximum expressions at the concentration of 200 mg x L(-1); The expression of P21 mRNA decreased, particularly at the concentration of 200 mg x L(-1) (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Water extracts from Duhuo Jisheng decoction can promote chondrocyte proliferation by effecting the expression of chondrocyte G1 phase regulator mRNA.</p>