| Objective:The purpose of this article is to assess whether icariin can promote tendon-bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction in vivo.Methods:A rat model of ACL reconstruction with autograft was established at the right hind leg. Every day,125mg/kg icariin were given to the Icariin group rats (n= 12), and the controls (n-12) received saline. After experimental intervention for four weeks, the effect of the treatment on tendon-bone healing process was evaluated by serum chemistry, micro-CT, biomechanical test and histological analyses.Results:Therapy with icariin significantly increased serum levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (P<0.05). Biomechanical parameters were improved significantly in icariin treated rats than the controls. Icariin also enhanced the thickness and microarchitecture of trabecular bone according to the micro-CT analysis. Histological analyses showed more osteoblasts, aligned chondrocyte-like cells and,cartilage cells at the tendon-bone interface in the Icariin group than in the control group.Conclusions:Icariin had a acceleration effect in the early tendon-bone healing in ACL reconstruction rats. This result may provide a new strategy for the promotion of tendon-bone healing after ACL reconstruction. |
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