Effects Of Bushenhuoxue Recipe On Histology And BFGF Expression Of Osteoarthritic Cartilage In A Rabbit Model

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a new herbal recipe, bushenhuoxue recipe (BSHX) (Rx. Achyranthis Bidentatae, Rz. Drynariae, Rx. Dipsaci, Rx. Astragali Membranaceae, Resina Gummi Olibanum, Rx. Peaoniae Albae, Fr. Chaenomelis, Caulis et Rz. Sinomenii seu Sabiae) on the histopathology of joint cartilage and its bFGF-mRNA-expression in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. METHODS: According to Hulth et al.[1], a model for osteoarthritis of the knee was established in 36 New Zealand White Rabbits. Animals were randomly divided into 3 groups (12 animals each): following surgery, group A was treated with BSHX once daily, group B with zhuangguguanjie recipe (ZGGJ), a standard herbal prescription for OA in China, group C received a placebo. The normal joints of 12 randomly chosen animals served as a control group (group D). After 4, 8 and 12 weeks, the pathohistologic changes .of the articular cartilage of the different groups were scored according to Colombo et al. [2]. bFGF-mRNA-expression in the cartilage was investigated quantitatively by in-situ hybridization. RESULTS: Regarding the histopathologic changes, group A received a significantly better score than group C at all times (P<0.01), whereas group B showed a significantly better result after 8 and 12 weeks. Furthermore, a significant difference in the histopathologic changes was seen between group A and B. Measuring the degree of darkness in bFGF-in-situ hybridization, a significantly lower degree of darkness was seen in group A and B compared to group C and D after 4 weeks (P<0.01). This shows a significant upregulation of bFGF in group A and B. CONCLUSION: The treatment of OA in a rabbit model with BSHX showed significantly better histologic results and a higher bFGF-expression than the placebo group. As bFGF is known to have an important role in the repair of articular cartilage, these data suggest, that BSHX is able to decrease the degree of osteoarthritic changes in the cartilage, probably by supporting repair mechanisms. It is, therefore, a useful agent for the prevention and treatment of OA. Further research is needed, to assess side effects and to reveal the excact mechanisms of action of this Chinese herbal prescription.