1.Experimental study on autologous osteochondral transplantation in the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint with articular cartilage defect in rabbits.
Tao LIU ; Sen FANG ; Fang-Xiang LIU ; Ming-Tao ZHANG ; Zhi-Tao YANG ; Bo-Rong ZHANG ; Jun-Wen LIANG ; Xi-Hao WANG ; Jin JIANG ; Xiang-Dong YUN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(6):619-625
OBJECTIVE:
To explore clinical effect of autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) in the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint with glenoid cartilage defect in rabbits by establishing a model of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint with < 20% glenoid cartilage defect in rabbits.
METHODS:
Twenty-four male New Zealand white rabbits, aged 6-month-old, weighed (2.69±0.17) kg were selected. The labrum of shoulder joint of rabbits was artificially destroyed to establish a model of recurrent anterior dislocation of shoulder joint with cartilage defect. They were divided into AOT surgery group and simple suture group, with 12 rabbits in each group. AOT group were underwent AOT surgery, while simple suture group was treated with simple Bankart suture for recurrent shoulder joint dislocation. At 6 and 12 weeks after operation, 6 rabbits between two groups were sacrificed for sampling. The dietary conditions, activity conditions, mental states of rabbits and healing conditions of grafts in the specimens were observed and compared between two groups. HE staining was used to observe cell creep, cell morphology, inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrochondrocytes and their arrangement. Masson staining was used to observe the formation and arrangement of collagen fibers; Safrane-green staining was used to observe the regeneration of articular cartilage, subchondral bone and bone tissue. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume (BV) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) between two groups were measured by Micro-CT to evaluate the remodeling of shoulder glenoid bone defects by autologous osteochondral cartilage.
RESULTS:
After different surgical interventions were carried out in both groups of rabbits, at 6 weeks after the operation, the abduction, extension, internal rotation and external rotation of the shoulder joint on the operated side showed limited range of motion compared with the contralateral side, while adduction and forward flexion showed no obvious abnormalities compared with the contralateral side. At 12 weeks after operation, the range motion of tshoulder joints in both groups of rabbits had returned to the state before modeling. The effects of HE staining, Masson staining and safrane-green staining at 12 weeks after operation in both groups were stronger than the staining results at 6 weeks after operation. Moreover, the results of HE staining, Masson staining and safranin fixation green staining in AOT group at 6 and 12 weeks after operation were all higher than those in simple suture group. Micro-CT scan results at 6 and 12 weeks after operation showed that BMD (0.427±0.014), (0.466±0.032) g·cm-3, BV(116.171±3.527), (159.327±3.500) mm3, and Tb.Th (0.230±0.006), (0.285±0.009) mm in AOT group, which were higher than those of simple suture group in BMD(0.358±0.011), (0.384±0.096) g·cm-3, BV(72.657±3.903), (118.713±3.860) mm3, and Tb.Th(0.204±0.009), (0.243±0.007) mm;and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
AOT procedure could effectively promote osteogenesis and fibrocartilage regeneration in the cartilage defect area of the shoulder glenoid <20%, which is conducive to reshaping the structure of the shoulder glenoid.
Animals
;
Rabbits
;
Male
;
Transplantation, Autologous
;
Cartilage, Articular/injuries*
;
Shoulder Dislocation/physiopathology*
;
Bone Transplantation
;
Shoulder Joint/surgery*
2.Prokaryotic expression of mouse LRP16, preparation and identification of rabbit anti-mouse LRP16 polyclonal antibody.
Feifei ZHANG ; Jian LI ; Xiangying XU ; Meiling HAN ; Zhe ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(6):544-551
Objective To investigate prokaryotic expression of the antigen sequence (amino acids 59-145) of mouse leukemia-related protein 16 (LRP16) protein and preparation of rabbit anti-mouse LRP16 polyclonal antibody. Methods The prokaryotic expression plasmid pLS962-LRP16 was constructed by the molecular cloning method and transferred into E.coli Rosetta to express LRP16 protein induced by IPTG. The recombinant protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity columns followed by gel filtration chromatography. New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with the purified antigen to generate polyclonal antiserum, with antibody titer quantified by ELISA. Antigen-specific IgG was affinity-purified using Sepharose-coupled LRP16 and validated through Western blot and immunofluorescence assays. Results SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed insoluble expression of the LRP16 fusion protein as inclusion bodies. ELISA demonstrated exceptional antiserum titer (1:256 000). Western blot and immunofluorescence verified that the polyclonal antibody could specifically recognize endogenous LRP16 in murine tissues. Conclusion The prokaryotic expression of the LRP16 gene is successfully achieved, and the rabbit anti-mouse LRP16 polyclonal antibody exhibiting high specificity is prepared. This lays the foundation for further studies on the function of the LRP16 gene.
Animals
;
Rabbits
;
Mice
;
Antibodies/immunology*
;
Escherichia coli/metabolism*
;
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
;
Blotting, Western
;
Antibody Specificity
3.Empirical and modified hemostatic resuscitation for liver blast injury combined with seawater immersion: A preliminary study.
Haoyang YANG ; Chenglin DAI ; Dongzhaoyang ZHANG ; Can CHEN ; Zhao YE ; Xin ZHONG ; Yijun JIA ; Renqing JIANG ; Wenqiong DU ; Zhaowen ZONG
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2025;28(3):220-225
PURPOSE:
To compare the effects of empirical and modified hemostatic resuscitation for liver blast injury combined with seawater immersion.
METHODS:
Thirty rabbits were subjected to liver blast injury combined with seawater immersion, and were then divided into 3 groups randomly (n = 10 each): group A (no treatment after immersion), group B (empirical resuscitation with 20 mL hydroxyethyl starch, 50 mg tranexamic acid, 25 IU prothrombin complex concentrate and 50 mg/kg body weight fibrinogen concentrate), and group C (modified resuscitation with additional 10 IU prothrombin complex concentrate and 20 mg/kg body weight fibrinogen concentrate based on group B). Blood samples were gathered at specified moments for assessment of thromboelastography, routine coagulation test, and biochemistry. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and survival rate were also documented at each time point. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to examine the normality of data distribution. Multigroup comparisons were conducted with one-way ANOVA.
RESULTS:
Liver blast injury combined with seawater immersion resulted in severe coagulo-fibrinolytic derangement as indicated by prolonged prothrombin time (s) (11.53 ± 0.98 vs. 7.61 ± 0.28, p<0.001), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (s) (33.48 ± 6.66 vs. 18.23 ± 0.89, p<0.001), reaction time (R) (min) (5.85 ± 0.96 vs. 2.47 ± 0.53, p<0.001), decreased maximum amplitude (MA) (mm) (53.20 ± 5.99 vs. 74.92 ± 5.76, p<0.001) and fibrinogen concentration (g/L) (1.19 ± 0.29 vs. 1.89 ± 0.32, p = 0.003), and increased D-dimer concentration (mg/L) (0.38 ± 0.32 vs. 0.05 ± 0.03, p = 0.005). Both empirical and modified hemostatic resuscitation could improve the coagulo-fibrinolytic states and organ function, as indicated by shortened APTT and R values, decreased D-dimer concentration, increased fibrinogen concentration and MA values, lower concentration of blood urea nitrogen and creatine kinase-MB in group B and group C rabbits in comparison to that observed in group A. Further analysis found that the R values (min) (4.67 ± 0.84 vs. 3.66 ± 0.98, p = 0.038), APTT (s) (23.16 ± 2.75 vs. 18.94 ± 1.05, p = 0.001), MA (mm) (60.10 ± 4.74 vs. 70.21 ± 3.01, p < 0.001), and fibrinogen concentration (g/L) (1.68 ± 0.21 vs. 1.94 ± 0.16, p = 0.013) were remarkably improved in group C than in group B at 2 h and 4 h after injury. In addition, the concentration of blood urea nitrogen (mmol/L) (24.11 ± 1.96 vs. 21.00 ± 3.78, p = 0.047) and creatine kinase-MB (U/L) (85.50 ± 13.60 vs. 69.74 ± 8.56, p = 0.013) were lower in group C than in group B at 6 h after injury. The survival rates in group B and group C were significantly higher than those in group A at 4 h and 6 h after injury (p < 0.001), however, there were no statistical differences in survival rates between group B and group C at each time point.
CONCLUSIONS
Modified hemostatic resuscitation could improve the coagulation parameters and organ function better than empirical hemostatic resuscitation.
Animals
;
Rabbits
;
Resuscitation/methods*
;
Liver/injuries*
;
Seawater
;
Blast Injuries/therapy*
;
Fibrinogen/administration & dosage*
;
Male
;
Tranexamic Acid/administration & dosage*
;
Immersion
;
Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives/administration & dosage*
4.A novel carbonyl reductase for the synthesis of (R)-tolvaptan.
Yahui LIU ; Xuming WANG ; Shuo MA ; Keyu LIU ; Wei LI ; Lulu ZHANG ; Jie DU ; Honglei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(1):321-332
Screening carbonyl reductases with the ability to catalyze the reduction of complex carbonyl compounds is of great significance for the biosynthesis of R-tolvaptan(R-TVP). In this study, the target carbonyl reductase in the crude enzyme extract of rabbit liver was separated, purified, and identified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel-filtration chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, and protein mass spectrometry. With the rabbit liver genome as the template, the gene encoding the carbonyl reductase rlsr5 was amplified by PCR and the recombinant strain was successfully constructed. After RLSR5 was purified by affinity chromatography, its enzymatic properties were characterized. The results indicated that the gene sequence of rlsr5 was 972 bp, encoding a protein with a molecular weight of 40 kDa. RLSR5 was a dimeric protein, and each monomer was composed of a (α/β)8-barrel structure. RLSR5 could asymmetrically reduce 7-chloro-1-[2-methyl-4-[(2- methylbenzoyl)amino]benzoyl]-5-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepine (prochiral ketone, PK) to synthesize R-TVP. The specific activity of the enzyme was 36.64 U/mg, and the optical purity of the product was 99%. This enzyme showcased the optimal performance at pH 6.0 and 30 °C. It was independent of metal ions, with the activity enhanced by Mn2+. This study lays a foundation for the biosynthesis of tolvaptan of optical grade.
Animals
;
Rabbits
;
Alcohol Oxidoreductases/biosynthesis*
;
Recombinant Proteins/metabolism*
;
Escherichia coli/metabolism*
;
Liver/enzymology*
5.Effect of Rehmanniae Radix Extract on Chondrocyte Apoptosis in the Rabbit Model of Knee Osteoarthritis.
Bin YANG ; Shang-Zeng WANG ; Shun YANG ; Jun-Jie XU ; Guang-Yi TAO
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(2):198-206
Objective To explore the effect of rehmanniae radix extract(RRE)on chondrocyte apoptosis in the rabbit model of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)by regulating the miR-485-5p/heat shock protein 90 beta family member 1(Hsp90b1)axis.Methods New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned into control,KOA,low-dose RRE,medium-dose RRE,high-dose RRE,celecoxib,high-dose RRE+antagonist control,and high-dose RRE+miR-485-5p antagonist groups,with 12 rabbits in each group.Rabbits in other groups except the control group were modeled for KOA with the improved Hulth method.After modeling for 8 weeks,the rabbits were administrated with corresponding agents for 4 weeks.The changes in the activity rating of rabbits were recorded.ELISA was employed to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin(IL)-6 in the serum.Safranine O-fast green staining was conducted to reveal the pathological changes in the cartilage tissue and Mankin scoring was performed.TUNEL was employed to detect chondrocyte apoptosis.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed to determine the expression of miR-485-5p in the cartilage tissue.Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of Hsp90b1,cleaved cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3(Caspase-3),and Bcl2-associated-X(Bax)in the cartilage tissue.The dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to examine the relationship between miR-485-5p and Hsp90b1.Results Compared with the control group,the KOA group showed down-regulated expression of miR-485-5p,elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum,cartilage erosion and losses,and increases in activity rating,Mankin score,chondrocyte apoptosis rate,and protein levels of Hsp90b1,cleaved Caspase-3,and Bax(all P<0.001).Compared with the KOA group,RRE at low,medium,and high doses,and celecoxib up-regulated the expression of miR-485-5p,lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum,alleviated the pathological damage to the cartilage tissue,and decreased the activity rating,Mankin score,chondrocyte apoptosis rate,and protein levels of Hsp90b1,cleaved Caspase-3,and Bax(all P<0.05).Compared with the high-dose RRE group and the high-dose RRE+antagonist control group,high-dose RRE+miR-485-5p antagonist down-regulated the expression of miR-485-5p,elevated the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum,exacerbated the pathological damage to the cartilage tissue,and increased the activity rating,Mankin score,chondrocyte apoptosis rate,and protein levels of Hsp90b1,cleaved Caspase-3,and Bax(all P<0.05).The results indicated that there was a targeted regulatory relationship between miR-485-5p and Hsp90b1.Conclusion RRE may inhibit the expression of Hsp90b1 by up-regulating miR-485-5p,thereby inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis in the rabbit model of KOA.
Animals
;
Rabbits
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Chondrocytes/pathology*
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/drug therapy*
;
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
Rehmannia/chemistry*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood*
;
Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
;
Interleukin-6/blood*
;
HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
6.Biocompatibility of 3D printed biodegradable WE43 magnesium alloy scaffolds and treatment of bone defects.
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(2):309-316
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the biocompatibility of porous WE43 magnesium alloy scaffolds manufactured by 3D printing technology and to observe its effect in treating femoral defects in New Zealand white rabbits.
METHODS:
In vitro cytotoxicity test was performed using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from Sprague Dawley (S-D) rats. According to the different culture media, the cells were divided into 100% extract group, 50% extract group, 10% extract group and control group. After culturing for 1, 3 and 7 days, the cell activity of each group was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). In the in vivo experiment, 3.0-3.5 kg New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: Experimental group, bone cement group and blank group, with 9 rabbits in each group. Each rabbit underwent surgery on the left lateral femoral condyle, and a bone defect with a diameter of 5 mm and a depth of 6 mm was created using a bone drill. The experimental group was implanted with WE43 magnesium alloy scaffolds, the bone cement group was implanted with calcium sulfate bone cement, and the blank group was not implanted. Then 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery, 3 rabbits in each group were euthanized by carbon dioxide anesthesia, and the femur and important internal organs were sampled. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) scanning was performed on the left lateral femoral condyle. Sections of important internal organs were prepared and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). Hard tissue sections were made from the left lateral femoral condyle and stained with methylene blue acid fuchsin and observed under a microscope.
RESULTS:
In the cytotoxicity test, the cell survival rate in the 100% extract group was higher than that in the control group (140.56% vs. 100.00%, P < 0.05) on 1 day of culture; there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in cell survival rate among the groups on 3 days of culture; the cell survival rate in the 100% extract group was lower than that in the control group (68.64% vs. 100.00%, P < 0.05) on 7 days of culture. Micro-CT scanning in the in vivo experiment found that most of the scaffolds in the experimental group had been degraded in 4 weeks, with very few high-density scaffolds remaining. In 12 weeks, there was no obvious stent outline. In 4 weeks, a certain amount of gas was generated around the WE43 magnesium alloy scaffold, and the gas was significantly reduced from 8 to 12 weeks. Hard tissue sections showed that a certain amount of extracellular matrix and osteoid were generated around the scaffolds in the experimental group in 4 weeks. In the bone cement group, most of the calcium sulfate bone cement had been degraded. In 8 weeks, the osteoid around the scaffold and its degradation products in the experimental group increased significantly. In 12 weeks, new bone was in contact with the scaffold around the scaffold in the experimental group. There was less new bone in the bone cement group and the blank group.
CONCLUSION
The porous WE43 magnesium alloy scaffold fabricated by 3D printing process has good biocompatibility and good osteogenic properties, and has the potential to become a new material for repairing bone defects.
Animals
;
Rabbits
;
Printing, Three-Dimensional
;
Alloys/chemistry*
;
Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry*
;
Magnesium/chemistry*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Biocompatible Materials
;
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology*
;
Femur/surgery*
;
Rats
;
Absorbable Implants
;
Male
;
Bone Regeneration
;
Tissue Engineering/methods*
;
Cells, Cultured
7.Three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted freeze-casting of processed pyritum-doped β-tricalcium phosphate biomimetic scaffold with angiogenesis and bone regeneration capability.
Chenxu WEI ; Zongan LI ; Xiaoyun LIANG ; Yuwei ZHAO ; Xingyu ZHU ; Haibing HUA ; Guobao CHEN ; Kunming QIN ; Zhipeng CHEN ; Changcan SHI ; Feng ZHANG ; Weidong LI
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(9):863-880
Bone repair remains an important target in tissue engineering, making the development of bioactive scaffolds for effective bone defect repair a critical objective. In this study, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds incorporated with processed pyritum decoction (PPD) were fabricated using three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted freeze-casting. The produced composite scaffolds were evaluated for their mechanical strength, physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, in vitro pro-angiogenic activity, and in vivo efficacy in repairing rabbit femoral defects. They not only demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties, enhanced mechanical strength, and good biosafety but also significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and aggregation of pro-angiogenic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In vivo studies revealed that all scaffold groups facilitated osteogenesis at the bone defect site, with the β-TCP scaffolds loaded with PPD markedly enhancing the expression of neurogenic locus Notch homolog protein 1 (Notch1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and osteopontin (OPN). Overall, the scaffolds developed in this study exhibited strong angiogenic and osteogenic capabilities both in vitro and in vivo. The incorporation of PPD notably promoted the angiogenic-osteogenic coupling, thereby accelerating bone repair, which suggests that PPD is a promising material for bone repair and that the PPD/β-TCP scaffolds hold great potential as a bone graft alternative.
Calcium Phosphates/chemistry*
;
Animals
;
Bone Regeneration
;
Rabbits
;
Tissue Scaffolds
;
Printing, Three-Dimensional
;
Humans
;
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
;
Neovascularization, Physiologic
;
Osteogenesis
;
Tissue Engineering/methods*
;
Biomimetic Materials
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Angiogenesis
8.Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound combined with nystatin treatment synergistically inhibits vaginal Candida albicans biofilm infection in rabbits.
Mengyao XIE ; Min YANG ; Xin LI ; Yonghong DU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(2):296-303
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the efficacy of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with nystatin for treatment of vaginal Candida albicans biofilm infection.
METHODS:
In vitro cultured Candida albicans biofilm were treated with LIPUS, nystatin, or both, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nystatin was determined. Crystal violet staining, confocal laser microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy were used to quantify the biofilm and observe the activity and morphological changes of the biofilms; DCFH-DA was used to detect the changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Twenty female New Zealand White rabbits with vaginal inoculation of Candida albicans biofilm were randomized into 4 groups for treatment with normal saline, LIPUS, nystatin, or both LIPUS and nystatin. The changes in vulvar symptoms of the rabbits were observed, and the histopathological and ultrastructural changes of the vagina before and after treatment were observed using HE staining and transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS:
In the combined treatment group, the MIC50 and MIC80 of nystatin in Candida albicans biofilms were both reduced by 50% compared with those in nystatin group, and the biofilm clearance rate increased by 26% and 68% compared with nystatin and LIPUS groups, respectively. Compared with nystatin and LIPUS treatment alone, the combined treatment produced stronger effects for inhibiting biofilm activity, causing structural disruption and promoting ROS production. In the rabbit models, the combined treatment more effectively improved vulvar symptoms and inflammatory infiltration, reduced residual vaginal hyphae/strains, and improved ultrastructure of the vaginal epithelium than LIPUS and nystatin treatment alone.
CONCLUSIONS
LIPUS combined with nystatin produces a significant synergistic antifungal effect against Candida albicans biofilm both in vitro and in vivo.
Animals
;
Rabbits
;
Female
;
Biofilms/drug effects*
;
Candida albicans/physiology*
;
Nystatin/therapeutic use*
;
Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/microbiology*
;
Ultrasonic Waves
;
Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Vagina/microbiology*
;
Ultrasonic Therapy
;
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
;
Combined Modality Therapy
9.Effect of needle-knife release on the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament in rabbits with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Yunnan LI ; Qiaoyin ZHOU ; Shen LUO ; Weilin LIN ; Xinyao HUANG ; Ying CAO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(11):2358-2364
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of needle knife release on median nerve (MN) and transverse carpal ligament (TCL) morphology and function and expression levels of inflammatory factors in rabbit models of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods Thirty adult New Zealand rabbits were randomized equally into control group, CTS model group, ultrasound-guided needle knife release group, needle knife release group without ultrasound guidance, and sham treatment groups. In all but the control group, the rabbits were subjected to CTS modeling by 10% glucose solution injection into the carpal tunnel once a week for 4 consecutive weeks, followed by interventions with a single treatment session. At 3 days and 30 days after the interventions, 3 rabbits from each group were selected for ultrasound measurement of TCL and MN thickness, electrophysiological testing, ultrasound elastography, and inflammatory cytokine level assessment.
RESULTS:
In the rabbit models of CTS, ultrasound-guided needle knife release significantly reduced the thickness of TCL and MN and improved sensory nerve conduction velocity at both 3 and 30 days after the intervention. Elastography of the TCL showed markedly softened intra-carpal tissues after ultrasound-guided needle knife release and achieved superior outcomes over those in the other groups. The treatment also significantly reduced IL-17 levels and lowered IL-6 and PGE2 expression at 30 days after the intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Needle knife release of the TCL reduces thickness of the MN and TCL, enhances median nerve function, alleviates intrascatic tissue stiffness, and downregulates inflammatory factors in the carpal tunnel in rabbit models of CTS, and ultrasound guidance further enhances its therapeutic efficacy.
Animals
;
Rabbits
;
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/surgery*
;
Median Nerve/physiopathology*
;
Disease Models, Animal
10.Effect of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction on knee osteoarthritis model rabbits through regulation of cell pyroptosis mediated by PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Lin-Qin HE ; Peng-Fei LI ; Xiao-Dong LI ; Qi-Peng CHEN ; Zong-Han TANG ; Yu-Xin SONG ; Han-Bing SONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):187-197
This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction(DJD) in the prevention and treatment of knee osteoarthritis(KOA). Forty SPF New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided using SPSS 26.0 software into five groups: blank group, model group, low-dose DJD group, high-dose DJD group, and high-dose DJD+phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) signaling pathway activator group(high-dose DJD+740Y-P group), with eight rabbits in each group. Except for the blank group, the KOA model was established in the other groups using papain injection into the knee joint cavity combined with forced flexion of the knee joint. The day after modeling, the blank group and model group were given normal saline at 10 mL·kg~(-1) by gavage, the low-dose DJD group received DJD at 8.8 g·kg~(-1) by gavage, the high-dose DJD group received DJD at 35.2 g·kg~(-1) by gavage, and the high-dose DJD+740Y-P group received DJD at 35.2 g·kg~(-1) by gavage along with 740Y-P at 0.15 μmoL·kg~(-1) injected via the auricular vein. All groups received treatment continuously for four weeks. After modeling and intervention, behavioral observations were performed for all groups, and after the intervention, imaging assessments of the knee joints were conducted. Cartilage from the knee joints was collected, and gross morphological changes were observed. Pathological changes in cartilage tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The results of these observations were quantitatively evaluated using the Lequesne MG score, Kellgren-Lawrence(K-L) grading, Pelletier score, and Mankin score. ELISA was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-18(IL-18), and matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13) in cartilage tissue. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), cysteine protease 1(caspase-1), and gasdermin D(GSDMD) in cartilage tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD. The results showed that compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significant knee joint degeneration, increased Lequesne MG score, K-L grading, Pelletier score, and Mankin score, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and MMP13 in cartilage tissue, activation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR phosphorylation along with increased mRNA expression levels, and elevated protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD. Compared with the model group, these indicators were reversed in both the low-dose and high-dose DJD groups, with the high-dose group showing greater decline degree than the low-dose DJD group. However, compared with the high-dose DJD group, the improvements in knee joint degeneration were less pronounced in the high-dose DJD+740Y-P group, with increased Lequesne MG score, K-L grading, Pelletier score, Mankin score, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and MMP13, activation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR phosphorylation along with increased mRNA expression, and increased protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD. In conclusion, DJD is effective and safe in the treatment of KOA, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway-mediated pyroptosis in cartilage tissue, thereby improving knee joint bone structure, reducing the inflammatory response, and preventing cartilage matrix degradation.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rabbits
;
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/genetics*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Pyroptosis/drug effects*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Female

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