Effect of psoralen on the expression of PPAR\u03b3, osteocalcin, and trabecular bone area in rabbits with steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head

Huiying Li,Dong Yuan,Xiaorui Zhang,Dongfang Meng

doi:10.1186/s13018-018-1054-0

Huiying Li, Dong Yuan + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-018-1054-0

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Abstract

ObjectivePsoralen is a natural plant toxin which has the function of protecting fungi, insects, and herbivores. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect and mechanism of psoralen on steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head (SANFH).MethodsThirty rabbits were randomly divided into blank group (n = 10), model group (n = 10), and experimental group (n = 10). Rabbits in blank and model groups were treated with normal saline, and rabbits in experimental group were treated with psoralen. Total RNA of bone marrow was extracted by trizol, and the mRNA expression of PPARγ and osteocalcin were detected by q-PCR. Then, the mRNA expression of PPARγ and osteocalcin in the three groups were compared. Western blot was used to detect the PPARγ protein expression in the bone of rabbits. ELISA was used to measure the osteocalcin protein.ResultsThe mRNA expression of PPARγ in model group significantly increased compared with blank group. The mRNA expression of osteocalcin in model group decreased compared with blank group. However, the mRNA and protein expressions of PPARγ in experimental group were significantly decreased compared with the model group. The protein expressions of osteocalcin increased compared with the model group. There was no significant difference of trabecular bone area (TBA) between experimental and blank groups (P > 0.05). TBA in model group was lower than the experimental group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of TBA between experimental and blank groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionThis research confirms that psoralen plays a positive role in the rehabilitation of SANFH.

Highlights

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) can occur in patients who receive hormonal therapy, causing steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) [1]
Psoralen improved the pathological changes of steroidinduced osteonecrosis of the femoral head The morphological changes of adipocytes were observed as follows: when primary cells were inoculated for about 24 h, the cells began to adhere to the wall, showing a circular undifferentiated state
After 14 to 16 days, the cells aggregated into layers and showed colony growth (Fig. 2a blank group, b model group, c experimental group)

Summary

Introduction

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) can occur in patients who receive hormonal therapy, causing steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) [1]. The disease can be divided into two categories: traumatic and non-traumatic The former is mainly caused by hip trauma, such as femoral neck fracture and hip dislocation. All kinds of diseases are treated by hormone pulse therapy to cure patients and control their condition. This treatment can lead to long-term accumulation of hormones and significant increase in blood viscosity and vascular infarction in patients leading to the bone formation decreased, the bone trabecular turned sparse, the sclerotin dropped, the fracture fragments accumulated rarefaction of bone; and steroid-induced femoral head formed [4]. In order to further clarify the etiology, it is necessary to do early diagnosis and take the treatment as soon as possible, so as to alleviate the suffering of patients

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