ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Shaoyangzhugu (SYZG) Formula (a formula consisting of 9 traditional Chinese drugs) in delaying the degeneration of articular cartilage and the role p19-p53-p21 signaling pathway in mediating this effect.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Thirteen aged cynomolgus monkeys with degenerative knee joints were selected based on X-ray findings, and one of them was randomly selected for pathological observation. The other monkeys were randomized equally into SYZG Formula group (treated with SYZG decoction), ammonia moxime group and saline group. All the monkeys were sacrificed after 8 weeks of treatment with intragastric administration of the drugs or saline. The pathology in the knee joint articular cartilage was observed and the mRNA and protein expressions of p19, p53, and p21 in the articular cartilage were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The pathological findings of the articular cartilage in old cynomolgus monkeys were consistent with the characteristics of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Mankin scores of the cynomolgus monkeys were 7.38∓0.52 in SYZG Formula group, 7.88∓0.83 in ammonia moxime group, and 8.38∓0.74 in saline group, showing a significant difference between SYZG Formula group and saline group (P<0.05). The expressions of p19, p53, and p21 were the lowest in SYZG Formula group and the highest in saline group with significant differences among the 3 groups (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SYZG Formula can delay chondrocyte senescence by regulating p19-p53-p21 signaling pathway to delay articular cartilage degeneration in aged cynomolgus monkeys.</p>
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the hemodynamic changes in cynomolgus monkeys with mild carotid atherosclerotic (CAS) plaques after therapy with pushing manipulation on Qiaogong acupoint (MPQ).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nine cynomolgus monkeys were equally randomized into MPQ group, mild CAS model group and blank control group. Mild CAS models were established in the monkeys in MPQ and model groups, and the monkeys in MPQ group received treatment with MPQ intervention after the modeling. The conditions of the carotid artery and the hemodynamic changes in the 3 groups were evaluated after the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Formation of CAS plaques was detected in monkeys in both MPQ and model groups. The vascular cross?sectional area, plaque cross?sectional area and stenosis rate of the plaques in the two groups all differed significantly from those in the blank control group (P<0.05), but these parameters were similar between MPQ group and the model group (P>0.05). Compared with those in the blank control group, the hemodynamic parameters showed significant changes in MPQ and the model groups (P<0.05) but remained similar between the latter two groups (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CAS plaques can cause changes in hemodynamic parameters. Short?term therapy with MPQ does not affect the stability of the plaques or cause adverse effects on hemodynamics in cynomolgus monkeys with mild CAS plaques.</p>