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

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 PPAR and osteocalcin were detected by q-PCR. Then, the mRNA expression of PPAR and osteocalcin in the three groups were compared. Western blot was used to detect the PPAR protein expression in the bone of rabbits. ELISA was used to measure the osteocalcin protein.ResultsThe mRNA expression of PPAR 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 PPAR 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.