Paeoniflorin inhibits nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins and caspase-9 in a rabbit model of intervertebral disc degeneration
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- Published online on: May 18, 2015 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2015.2501
- Pages: 257-262
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Abstract
Apoptosis plays a key role in the pathogenesis of internal disc disruption (IDD); therefore, the inhibition of apoptosis may offer a novel approach for treating IDD diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of paeoniflorin through the detection of relevant indicators in a rabbit model of IDD. In total, 144 rabbits were used in the study and divided into four groups (n=36 per group). Rabbits successfully modeled with IDD received an intragastric injection of 120 mg/kg·day paeoniflorin (high‑dose group), 30 mg/kg·day paeoniflorin (low‑dose group) or saline (model saline group), while rabbits without IDD were used as a normal control group. The apoptosis rate of disc nucleus pulposus cells was detected using flow cytometry. In addition, the expression levels of Bcl‑2, Bax and caspase‑9 in the disc tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis prior to and following the treatment. The results indicated that the expression levels of Bax in the low‑ and high‑dose paeoniflorin groups were significantly reduced, while the Bcl‑2 expression levels were significantly increased when compared with the model saline group (P<0.01). In addition, the expression levels of cleaved caspase‑3 and cleaved caspase‑9 were reduced in the low‑ and high‑dose paeoniflorin groups, as compared with the model saline group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the average apoptotic index of the high‑ and low‑dose paeoniflorin groups was decreased when compared with the model saline group (P<0.05). In conclusion, paeoniflorin was demonstrated to inhibit the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells and the activation of caspase‑3 and caspase‑9 through the regulation of Bcl‑2 family protein expression. These results provide an experimental basis for the future treatment of IDD with paeoniflorin.
