Gugutouhuaisiyu Capsule Improves Self-Repair of Traumatic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head through the RUNX2 and HIF-1α Pathway in Rabbits

Ying Zhang, Ning Zhang, Jitian Li, Qiushi Wei, Qiang Yuan, Wei He, Yiping Dong, Zhenhao Jing, Xiangyang Cao, Youwen Liu, Leilei Zhang, Haibin Wang, Wuyin Li

Article ID: 7204
Vol 37, Issue 3, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.23812/j.biol.regul.homeost.agents.20233703.149
Received: 8 April 2023; Accepted: 8 April 2023; Available online: 8 April 2023; Issue release: 8 April 2023

Abstract

Background: We aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of Gugutouhuaisiyu Capsule (GGTHSYC) on traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) using rabbit models. Methods: New Zealand rabbits (n = 24) were randomly placed into the control, model, and 30 and 60 mg/kg GGTHSYC treatment groups. Animals in the model and GGTHSYC treatment groups were subjected to surgically induced ONFH. Rabbits in the 30 and 60 mg/kg GGTHSYC treatment groups were administered GGTHSYC via the gastrointestinal route. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) was employed to assess osteonecrosis. The mRNA and protein expression levels of BMP-2 (bone morphogenetic protein 2), RUNX2 (runt related transcription factor 2), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), HIF-1α (hypoxic-induced factor-1α), and OPG (osteoprotegerin) in femoral head tissues were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting and immunochemistry, respectively. Results: GGTHSYC significantly enhanced osteocalcin activities in rabbits with traumatic ONFH by increasing ALP (alkaline phosphatase) expression (p = 0.008). Administration of GGTHSYC also significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1, VEGF, RUNX2, BMP-2, OPG, and BSP (bone sialoprotein) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Administration of GGTHSYC improved bone regeneration following traumatic ONFH, which was accompanied by increased expression of the transcription factors HIF-1α and RUNX2 as well as other related proteins, suggesting that the transcription factors HIF-1α and RUNX2 may be a potential target for the treatment of traumatic ONFH.


Keywords

Gugutouhuaisiyu Capsule;traumatic ONFH;RUNX2;HIF-1α pathway


References

Supporting Agencies



Copyright (c) 2023 Ying Zhang, Ning Zhang, Jitian Li, Qiushi Wei, Qiang Yuan, Wei He, Yiping Dong, Zhenhao Jing, Xiangyang Cao, Youwen Liu, Leilei Zhang, Haibin Wang, Wuyin Li




This site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).