Yin-Yang theory plays critical role in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) science. However, there are many competing interpretations of YinYang theory in the context with the development in biology, and no consensus has been established. Here we first propose that osteoblast should be regarded as Yin, while osteoclast should be considered as Yang in bone remodeling compartment(BRC). Our conceptions are consistent with the following key findings: 1)osteoblast and osteoclast both derive from the embryonic ectoderm; 2)osteoblast and osteoclast work collaboratively in BRC to maintain bone homeostasis; 3)the activities of osteoblast and osteoclast are coupled to remain dynamic balance;4)osteoblast and osteoclast exert their function in ceaseless successions. Moreover, we argue that Yin-Yang relationships exist between osteoblast and osteoclast: osteoblast secretes the receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL) and the monocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor(M-CSF) and osteoprotegerin(OPG) to positively or negatively regulate osteoclast differentiation and function.Meanwile, osteoclast and bone resorption in turn release cytokines, such as transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) from bone matrix, to regulate osteoblast differentiation and function. Next, the unlimited division of Yin-Yang can be applied to divide sublevel of Yin-Yang inside osteoblast or osteoclast. Finally, Yin-Yang relationship of osteoblast and osteoclast is relative. Therefore, we come into the conclusion that the relationships between osteoblast and osteoclast as established in contemporary biology reflect the classic Yin-Yang in bone remodeling. The new Yin-Yang concepts of osteoblast and osteoclast may strengthen basic theory and clinical practice in TCM.
Dong-Feng ZhaoCheng-Long WangYong-Jian ZhaoZhi-Lie YangQi ShiXu FengYan-Ping YangYong-Jun Wang
The inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta （IL-1β） plays a key role in the process of intervertebral disc degenera- tion （IVDD）. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of pharmaco-serum of ＂Taoren-Honghua-herb pair＂ on IL-1β- induced chondrocyte degeneration in vitro. Taoren （Semen persicae） and Honghua （Safflower carthamus） were administered to the rats, and the pharmaco-serum was collected and prepared. Chondrocytes of the third passage, isolated from the rat＇s vertebral endplates, were treated by standard medium only （Group NC）, IL-1β （Group IL） or combination of IL-1β and pharmaco-serum （Group TRHH）. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined, and the expression of aggrecan, Col2ul, Coll0ul, IL-6 and SOX9 at the mRNA level in chondrocytes was quantified by real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry staining of type II and X collagen and Safranine O staining were also used to evaluate the chondrocytes. Compared with the Group NC, IL-1β treatment inhibited the cell proliferation and induced the cell apoptosis （P〈0.05）, and the expression of aggrecan, Col2αl and SOX9 at the mRNA level was down-regulated. In contrast, the expression of Coll0ul and IL-6 was up-regulated after IL-1β treatment （P〈0.05）. Meanwhile, the immune-staining of type II collagen and Safranine O staining were decreased, while the staining of type X collagen was increased. Compared with the Group IL, cell proliferation was increased, and apoptosis of chondrocytes was decreased when cells were treated with the pharmaco-semm of TRHH-herb pair （P〈0.05）. The expression of aggrecan, Col2cd and SOX9 at the mRNA level was up-regulated, while that of Coll0cd and IL-6 was down-regulated （P〈0.05）. Saffanine O staining also showed increased positive staining （P〈0.05）. Taken together, the treatment of pharmaco-serum of TRHH-herb pair could prevent endplate chondrocyte degeneration induced by IL-1β.
Kai NiuChenguang LiSong YuanLei ZhangQi ShiYongjun WangWeichao Zheng
目的观察不同浓度的苦杏仁苷对IL-1β诱导的大鼠椎间盘软骨终板细胞的影响,并进一步探讨其作用的可能机制。方法从1月龄SD大鼠椎间盘中分离软骨终板并培养,经鉴定后,随机分组为正常组、诱导组、苦杏仁苷10-2、10-3、10-4、10-5mol·L-1给药组,CCK-8法检测各组对大鼠椎间盘软骨终板细胞增殖的影响。Real-time PCR(RTPCR)检测聚集蛋白聚糖(aggrecan-1)、Ⅱ型胶原(type II collagen,Col2a1)、Ⅹ型胶原(type X collagen,Col10al)、基质金属蛋白酶-13(matrix metalloproteinase 13,MMP-13)基因的表达情况。细胞免疫荧光检测分析Col2a1、Col10al的表达,流式细胞仪检测其对软骨终板细胞凋亡的影响。结果苦杏仁苷10-2mol·L-1给药组能够抑制椎间盘软骨终板细胞的增殖,与正常组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。流式分析,其细胞凋亡比例较诱导组及正常组均较高。RT-PCR检测结果显示一定浓度的苦杏仁苷能够上调Aggrecan、Col2a1mRNA的表达,下调Col10al、MMP-13 mRNA的表达,与诱导组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。一定浓度的苦杏仁苷能够上调Col2a1蛋白的表达,下调Col10al蛋白的表达。结论一定浓度的苦杏仁苷能够抑制IL-1β诱导大鼠椎间盘软骨终板细胞发生退变,起到延缓椎间盘退变的作用。
Kidney governing bone theory plays an important role in treating bone metabolic disease such as osteoporosis, and many tonifying kidney prescriptions/herbs are widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM). However, the exact biological basis of kidney governing bone theory in the context of new advances in biology is still not fully established. In this paper, the content of kidney governing bone theory in biology has been fully demonstrated from different aspects. We first propose that bone and kidney mutually affect each other in pathology and physiology, particularly through homeostasis of calcium, phosphorus and fibroblast growth factor-23(FGF-23). Next, we identify that tonifying kidney prescriptions/herbs exert bone protective effects, thus treating osteoporosis by regulating bone formation and bone resorption.Furthermore, the exact molecular mechanisms of tonifying kidney prescriptions, herbs and their effective components in treating osteoporosis have been systematically reviewed. Finally, we come into the conclusion that kidney regulating bone mineral homeostasis, bone protective effects of tonifying kidney herbs and regulatory effects on bone homeostasis are all the manifestations of kidney governing bone theory.Therefore, the new insights into kidney governing bone theory in biology will promote the development of clinical practices, and drugs discovery in treating osteoporosis.
Dong-feng ZhaoYong-jian ZhaoCheng-long WangYan-ping YangYong-jun Wang
