| Objective To explore the role and mechanism of Zhengqing Fengtongning in repairing knee cartilage defect by promoting the homing of bone marrow stem cells (BMSC). Methods In vivo experiments: New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into model group, Zhengqing Fengtongning low dose group, Zhengqing Fengtongning medium dose group, Zhengqing Fengtongning high dose group, and glucosamine group, with 10 rabbits in each group. Another 10 rabbits were taken as sham operation group. After being treated with Zhengqing Fengtongning and glucosamine, the repair of knee cartilage, the expression of BMSC markers CD90, CD29 and CD45 in rabbit cartilage tissue, the levels of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), chemokine ligand (CCL)5 and CCL7 in rabbit peripheral blood in each group were detected. In vitro experiments: the rabbit BMSCs in each group were extracted for identification. The in vitro migration and the expression of type II collagen (Col II) in rabbit BMSCs were detected. Results Compared to those in the model group, the international society for cartilage repair (ICRS) gross score, the expressions of CD90 and CD29, the levels of SDF-1, MCP-1, CCL5, and CCL7, BMSC migration number in vitro, and Col II expression in the low-, medium-, and high-dose Zhengqing Fengtongning groups and glucosamine group increased (P<0.05), the CD45 expression decreased (P<0.05), and there was a dose-dependent effect in the Zhengqing Fengtongning groups (P<0.05). Compared to those in the high-dose Zhengqing Fengtongning group, there was no great change in the indexes of rabbits in the glucosamine group (P>0.05). Conclusion Zhengqing Fengtongning enhances the expression of chemokines, promotes BMSC migration and homing, and thus repairs cartilage defect in rabbit knee joints. |