Angiogenesis and bone regeneration by mesenchymal stem cell transplantation with danshen in a rabbit model of avascular necrotic femoral head.

The present study aimed to explore the potential of combined treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and danshen for angiogenesis and bone regeneration in a rabbit model of avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH). A rabbit model of ANFH was established using the Shwartzman reaction with methylprednisolone and Escherichia coli endotoxin injection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological examination were used to evaluate the rabbit model of ANFH. The rabbits were randomly divided into the danshen group, the MSCs group, the danshen combined with MSCs group and the model group (treated with physiological saline). The expression level of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression level of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by immunofluorescence and the mRNA expression of BMP-2 and VEGF were detected by RT-PCR. Typical osteonecrosis occurred in the rabbit model of ANFH, which indicated that the model was successfully established. MCP-1 and SDF-1 were significantly increased in the model group compared with the normal group (P<0.05). Following the administration of MSCs and Salvia miltiorrhiza (danshen), MSCs labeled with 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine were observed to be gathered in the necrotic area. The increased migration of MSCs to the necrotic area may be due to the upregulated expression of the chemokines MCP-1 and SDF-1. ANFH treated with danshen combined with MSCs may promote revascularization by increasing the expression of VEGF and BMP-2 in the femoral head, promoting re-ossification and revascularization. Danshen combined with the transplantation of MSCs may be regarded as a novel therapy for the treatment of ANFH in a clinical setting.

[Experimental study of eliminat dampness resolv phlegm method in treating cervical spondylopathy of the vertebral artery type].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the velocity and viscosity of blood flow of the vertebral arteries, the apoptotic cell and apoptotic related protein in the brain in order to offer theoretical foundation for the treatment of cervical spondylopathy of the vertebral artery type with the eliminat dampness resolv phlegm method. METHODS: Sixty male Japanese big ear rabbits were divided randomly into normal sodium group (A), Flunarizine group (B), low dosage Wendantang group (C), large dosage Wendantang group (D), Flunarizine group combined with large dosage Wendantang group (E), normal group (F). Each group had 10 rabbits. Xiaozhiling injection was injected around the vertebral arteries of rabbits in group A, B C, D, E to make the model of the cervical spondylopathy of the vertebral artery type. Normal sodium (20 ml x kg(-1)d(-1)) was apply through intragastric administration in group A, F; Flunarizine (0.8 mg x kg(-1)d(-1)), low dosage Wendantang (1 g x ml(-1)d(-1)), large dosage Wendantang (2 g x ml(-1)d(-1)), Flunarizine combined with large dosage Wendantang were respectively apply through intragastric administration in group B, C, D, E. The velocity and viscosity of blood flow of the vertebral arteries, the apoptotic cell and apoptotic protein in the brain were detected before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Satisfactory animal model were obtained in group A, B, C, D, E. The rabbits of group E had the most improvement of the velocity and viscosity of blood flow of the vertebral arteries while at meantime, which had the lowest apoptotic index and apoptotic related protein expression in the brain. CONCLUSION: The routine treatment for the cervical spondylopathy of the vertebral artery combined with eliminat dampness resolv phlegm method could improve velocity and viscosity of blood flow of the vertebral arteries, which maybe relate with reduction of apoptosis in the brain.

[Effects of Xianling Gubao capsules for the treatment of bone loss induced by glucocorticoid].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effects of Xianling Gubao capsules for the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. METHODS: From 2005.6 to 2007.8, 50 patients with primary glomerulonephritis treated with glucocorticoids were divided into two groups randomly. The treatment group were dealed with Xianling Gubao capsules and the control group with calcitriol and Caltrate D 600. TCM Synrdome integral before and after treatment were estimated. And the bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine and femoral neek was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptionm etry (DEXA). Osteo-calcin, intact parathyroidhormone (IPTH), urine excretion of calcium and phosphorus, serum calcium and phosphorus were detected before and after treatment, and adverse effects were investigated too. RESULTS: TCM Synrdome integral in two groups decresed apparently (P<0.05), which decresed more apparently in the treatment group than that in control group (P<0.05). BMD of lumbar spine and femoral neek increased in two groups (P<0.05), but there were no statistical deferences between them (P>0.05). Serum osteocalcin after treatment reduced significantly in two groups (P<0.05) compared with pre-treatment,but there were no statistical deferences between the treatment and the control group (P>0.05). In the control group, serum calcium after treatment increased significantly (P<0.05), but there were no statistical deferences compared with the treatment group (P>0.05). There were no statistical deferences in intact parathyroidhormone, urine excretion of calcium and phosphorus, serum phosphorus in the treatment and the control group before and after therapy. CONCLUSION: Both the treatment group and the control group have clinical effects in prevention and treatment of GC-induced osteoporosis, but the treatment group has more remarkable therapeutic effect and less adverse effects.