Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Danggwisu-san (Dangguixu-san, DG) on bone repair from femur fracture in mice.
Methods Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (normal, control, positive control and DG 300 mg/kg-treated gr...
Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Danggwisu-san (Dangguixu-san, DG) on bone repair from femur fracture in mice.
Methods Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (normal, control, positive control and DG 300 mg/kg-treated group). In order to investigate the effects of DG on gene expressions in experimental animals with fracture, we measured the levels of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), Sox9, collagen type Ⅱ alpha 1 chain (Col2a1), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osterix genes. After the cytotoxicity test, we analyzed the levels of expression of osteocalcin and Runx2, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. The process of fusion in the fracture was also investigated by gross examination.
Results Through in vivo BMP2, COX2 gene expression significantly decreased. Sox9 significantly increased. Col2a1, Runx2, osterix gene expression also increased as well, but there was no statistical significance. The degree of unilateral fracture fusion investigated by gross examination was significantly faster than those of the other groups. Through in vitro the level of TNF-α in macrophages was increased by DG in a dose-dependent mannerand and 250 and 500 μg/mL showed statistical significance. Osteocalcin and Runx2 genes expressions increased when DG was treated in osteoblasts.
Conclusions DG promotes the healing of the fracture through the expression of bone repair-related genes and TNF-α production. This study may set the foundation for the clinical application of DG to the patients with bone fractures. (J Korean Med Rehabil 2021;31(1):1-16)