Ternary regulation mechanism of Rhizoma drynariae total flavonoids on induced membrane formation and bone remodeling in Masquelet technique

CONTEXT: Rhizoma drynariae total flavonoids (RDTF) are used to treat fractures. CD31(hi)Emcn(hi) vessels induced by PDGF-BB secreted by osteoclast precursors, together with osteoblasts and osteoclasts, constitute the ternary regulatory mechanism of bone tissue reconstruction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether RDTF can promote bone tissue remodeling and induce membrane growth in the rat Masquelet model and to explore its molecular mechanism based on the ternary regulation theory. METHODS: Thirty-six SD rats were randomized to three groups: blank, induced membrane, and RDTF treatment (n = 12/group). The gross morphological characteristics of the new bone tissue were observed after 6 weeks. Sixty SD rats were also randomized to five groups: blank, induction membrane, low-dose RDTF, medium-dose RDTF, and high-dose RDTF (n = 12/group). After 4 weeks, immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to detect the expression of membrane tissue-related proteins. The mRNA expression of key factors of ternary regulation was analyzed by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: RDTF positively affected angiogenesis and bone tissue reconstruction in the bone defect area. RDTF could upregulate the expression of key factors (PDGF-BB, CD31, and endomucin), VEGF, and HMGB1 mRNA and proteins in the ternary regulation pathway. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Although the expected CD31(hi)Emcn(hi) vessels in the induction membrane were not observed, this study confirmed that RDTF could promote the secretion of angiogenic factors in the induced membrane. The specific mechanisms still need to be further studied.