ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the effect of Wenyangbushen formula on mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor- kappa B (RANK) and receptor activator of nuclear factor- kappa B ligand (RANKL) in rabbits with steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head (SANFH). Methods:A total of 46 healthy conventional New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into normal group (n = 10) and model building group (n = 36). The modified method of horse serum plus methylprednisolone was used to establish the SANFH model. Two rabbits from the normal group and four from the model building group were used for HE staining. Then the other models were randomly divided into model group, and low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose treatment groups, with eight rabbits in each group. The normal group was given normal saline 10 ml/d, and the treatment groups were given Wenyangbushen formula 6.44 g/(kg·d), 9.66 g/(kg·d) and 12.88 g/(kg·d), respectively, for eight weeks. The mRNA expression of OPG, RANK and RANKL was detected by reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction. Results:The empty lacuna rate was significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group (t = 17.085, P < 0.001). Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of OPG increased (P < 0.01), and the mRNA expression of RANK and RANKL decreased (P < 0.01), in the treatment groups. Compared with the low-dose treatment group, the mRNA expression of OPG increased (P < 0.01), and the mRNA expression of RANK and RANKL decreased (P < 0.01), in the medium-dose and high-dose treatment groups. There was no significant difference in the mRNA expression of OPG, RANK and RANKL between the low-dose treatment group and the high-dose treatment group (P > 0.05). Conclusion:Wenyangbushen formula could increase the mRNA expression of OPG and inhibit the mRNA expression of RANK and RANKL in the femoral head tissue of the rabbits with SANFH.