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Gugutouhuaisiyu Capsule Improves Self-Repair of Traumatic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head through the RUNX2 and HIF-1α Pathway in Rabbits
Vol 37, Issue 3, 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.
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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
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Medical Genetics, University of Torino Medical School, Italy

Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy