早期激素性股骨头坏死过程中细胞色素c的作用

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that apoptosis is closely related to the pathogenesis of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis. The release of cytochrome c plays a very important role in the process of apoptosis. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of cytochrome c on early steroid-induced femoral head necrosis. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy adult male New Zealand rabbits at 5 months old were randomly divided into model group and control group (n=12 per group). Models of early steroid-induced femoral head necrosis were established by intragluteal injection of hormone combined with ear vein injection of horse serum. In the control group, rabbits were given ear vein injection of the same amount of physiological saline. At 2, 4 and 6 weeks after model establishment, histopathological changes of bilateral femoral head were observed by optical microscope, and the ratio of empty lacuna was calculated. Apoptosis of osteocytes was determined by TUNEL assay, and apoptotic index was calculated. Immunohistochemical method was used to determine cytochrome c and to calculate cytochrome c-positive expression rate. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The ratio of empty lacuna and apoptotic index: The model of early steroid-induced femoral head necrosis was successfully established in the experiment. Compared with the control group, ratio of empty lacuna, apoptotic index and expression rate of cytochrome c in osteocytes were significantly higher in the model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (2) Correlation analysis: Ratio of empty lacuna was significantly positively associated with apoptotic index at various time points in the model group (r=0.856, P < 0.01). Expression rate of cytochrome c was significantly positively associated with apoptotic index at various time points in the model group (r=0.824, P < 0.01). (3) These findings confirm that cytochrome c-involved apoptosis of osteocytes may play an important role in steroid-induced femoral head necrosis. Expression rate of cytochrome c in osteocytes is remarkably positively associated with the occurrence of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis in rabbits. 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：组织构建；骨细胞；软骨细胞；细胞培养；成纤维细胞；血管内皮细胞；骨质疏松；组织工程

Effects of cytochrome c on early steroid-induced femoral head necrosis