RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of Shangke Jiegu Tablet (SJT)in repairing the mandibular defect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 72 healthy male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into the normal control group (n = 24), the model group (n = 24), and the SJT group (n = 24). Then the mandibular defect model was established. Animals in the normal control group and the model group were fed with normal forage, while those in the SJT group were fed with SJT forage. On the day 7, 14, 28, and 56 after model establishment, 6 rabbits were killed in each group. The bone was collected from the mandibular defect. The gene expressions of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) were detected by means of RT-PCR. The positive dyeing strength and area of the bone tissue were detected by means of immunohistochemical technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal control group, the degree of OPGmRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated on day 7 after model establishment (P < 0.05) and the degree of OPGLmRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated on day 14 after model establishment (P < 0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the degree of OPGmRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated (P < 0.05), and the positive dyeing strength and area of bone tissue were stronger and broader on day 14, 28, and 56 after model establishment in the SJT group. The degree of OPGLmRNA expression was remarkably down-regulated (P < 0.05), and the positive dyeing strength and area of bone tissue were weaker and smaller on day 14 after model establishment in the SJT group. The ratio of OPGmRNA/OPGLmRNA was remarkably up-regulated on day 14, 28, and 56 after model establishment (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The effect mechanism of promoting mandibular defect repairing by SJT may be correlated to regulating the expressions of OPGmRNA and OPGLmRNA.</p>