[Effects on VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in issues of callus in treating fracture of rabbit with three-period treatment theory of bone fracture in traditional Chinese medicine].

Objective: To observe the effects of the three-period treatment theory of bone fracture in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the issues of callus of rabbits. And to explore the rationality of phasing method in TCM in treating fracture.

Method: one hundred and forty male and healthy rabbits were made 3 mm wide bone defection at lower one third part of both radius as fracture healing model. Then those rabbits were divided into four groups randomly, which are three-period treatment group (TTG), one-period treatment group (OTG), positive medicine treatment group (PTG) and model control group (MCG). Those rabbits in TTG were treated with three-period treatment. Those in OTG were treated with one-period treatment. Those in PTG were feed by guzhecuoshangsan, a Chinese patent medicine which is used to treat bone fracture. Those in model control group were given no prescription or drug but distilled water as same dose as that of other groups. At day 3, 6, 9, 14, 28, 42 and 56, five rabbits were selected from every group randomly and were killed by aeroembolism respectively. Their radius were taken out and the left one was taken as the research object. Immunohistochemistry stain and in situ hybridization stain were performed to examinate the VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the haematoma, fibrous callus and soft callus.

Result: All TCM treatment groups can enhance the VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the haematoma, fibrous callus and soft callus at different time points in fracture healing. The VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the three issues of TTG had the tendency of higher than that of the other groups at the most time points after operation.

Conclusion: TCM can promote the VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression in the haematoma, fibrous callus and soft callus. Different Chinese medicines play various roles on VEGF and VEGF mRNA expression at different stage of fracture healing. Treating fracture in three-period treatment has more predominant effect on the expression of VEGF and VEGF mRNA in the haematoma, fibrous callus and soft callus than that of treating fracture with single prescription or drug. It is necessary to treat fracture in stages.