Therapeutic effect of Guijiajiao (Colla Carapacis et Plastri) on bone regeneration in rats and zebrafish

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Guijiajiao (Colla Carapacis et Plastri, CCP), the glue of tortoise shell, on bone regeneration in zebrafish and male Wistar rats.

METHODS

In this study, we applied in vitro and in vivo models, tissue section analysis, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to assess the effects of CCP on bone repair. MG-63 cells were used in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization assays. Zebrafish and male Wistar rats were used to evaluate the effects of CCP on bone repair in vivo.

RESULTS

A simple preparation of CCP promoted osteogenesis in vivo and in vitro, and promoted MG-63 cell proliferation as well as ALP activity and mineralization. In addition, CCP activated Akt and extracellular signaling-regulated kinase pathways and significantly increased the expression of ossification-related genes and proteins such as runt-related transcription factor-2, osteocalcin, and osteopontin. The in vivo results revealed promotion of osteogenesis by immersing zebrafish in CCP for 72 h. An oral dose of 1.25 g/kg CCP significantly improved skull defects in rats, which was accompanied by an increase in serum ALP levels.

CONCLUSION

One of the ingredients of Guilu Erxianjiao (tortoise shell and deer horn formula) provides a practical alternative therapy for bone regeneration.