To explore the protective effect of Bushen Zhuanggu Prescription(补肾壮骨方)on chondrocyte degeneration in rats and its mechanism of action.
Primary chondrocytes from rats were isolated and stimulated with various concentrations of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)to identify the optimal concentration for inducing an osteoarthritis(OA)cell model. Concurrently, the serum containing Bushen Zhuanggu Formula at high, medium and low concentration gradients, or serum containing hydrochloric aminoglucose capsules, was prepared as a cellular intervention. The expressions of mRNA and proteins related to cartilage degeneration and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were measured, and the transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate the changes in cellular ultrastructure.
After stimulation with IL-1β, the expressions of proteins related to cartilage degeneration and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in chondrocytes was significantly abnormal, and the severe cellular damage was observed under ultrastructural examination. However, Bushen Zhuanggu Formula, by inhibiting the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, reduced the expressions of inflammatory factors and MMPs induced by IL-1β and promoted the expressions of Collagen Ⅱ and Aggrecan, thereby protecting the chondrocytes.
Serum containing Bushen Zhuanggu Formula can reduce the abnormal expression of degeneration-related proteins by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thus exerting a protective effect.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |