| Objective The study explores the effect of Xianling Gubao capsule combined with alendronate on the expression of BMP-2, VEGF, and the formation of callus in rats with osteoporotic fracture. Methods Fifty female SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (SHAM group), model group (MODEL group), Xianling Gubao group (XLGB group), alendronate sodium group (ALLSN group), combined and drug group (LHYW group), with 10 rats in each group. A rat model of osteoporotic fracture was established. Fracture healing was observed and evaluated with X-ray. Bone mineral density was detected with dual-energy X-ray. Bone structure morphology parameters were obtained with micro-CT. The morphology of the callus tissue was observed with Safranin O fast green staining. VEGF and BMP-2 protein expression was detected with immunohistochemistry. Results All experimental rats entered the result analysis. Compared to those in the SHAM group, the fracture healing score, bone mineral density, bone tissue morphology parameters, and callus VEGF and BMP-2 expressions were significantly reduced in the MODEL group (P<0.05). Compared to those in the MODEL group, fracture healing score, bone mineral density, bone tissue morphology parameters, and callus VEGF and BMP-2 expression were significantly increased in XLGB, ALLSN, and LHYY group (P<0.05), and they were the highest in the LHYY group. The bone trabecular structure in SHAM group was normal, and almost all of them were bony callus. The trabecula in the MODEL group was obviously sparse and fractured, and no obvious bony callus was seen. The trabecula in the XLGB group and the ALLSN group increased, the arrangement was slightly disordered, and most of which were bony callus. The bone trabeculae in the LHYW group were significantly increased, arranged densely and neatly, with a large number of bony calluses. Conclusion Xianling Gubao Capsule combined with alendronate may mediate the increased expression of bone growth factors VEGF and BMP-2 in osteoporotic fracture rats, promote callus formation, accelerate callus formation, increase bone mineral density, improve bone structure and shape, and promote fracture healing. |