• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.1-21
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• 2020

Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the bone regeneration effects of Sintongchukea-tang (SC) on rib fractured rats. Methods Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (normal, control, positive control, SC low [SC-L] and SC high [SC-H]). All groups were subject to fractured rib except normal group. Normal group received no treatment at all. Control group was orally fed with phosphate buffered saline, and positive control group was medicated with tramadol (20 mg/kg). SC group was orally medicated with SC (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) once a day for 14 days. The fracture healing process was observed by x-ray, micro CT and fracture tissue slide was observed by immunohistochemical staining. We analysed levels of transforming growth factor-β1, Ki67, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and analysed levels of Osteocalcin in plasma. We measured levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), ALP, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in plasma, for hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of SC. Results Though X-ray and micro-computed tomography, more callus formation was observed and bone union was progressing. Through Hematoxylin and Eosin, callus formation was increased compared to the control group. Runx2 level at SC-H was significantly increased and TRAP level at SC-L was significantly decreased compared with the control group. AST, ALT, ALP, BUN and creatinine were not statistically different from the control group. Conclusions As described above, SC promoted fracture healing by stimulating the bone regeneration factor. And SC shows no hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In conclusion, it seems that SC helps to promote fracture regeneration and it can be used clinically to patients with fracture.