Salvianolic acid B prevents steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head via PPARγ expression in rats.

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is a water-soluble phenolic compound derived from Salvia Miltiorrhiza. Recent studies show Sal B has a clear function of anti-cerebral ischemia injury, which is closely related to antioxidation, free radical scavenging, neuroprotection and the blood brain barrier. The aim of the present study was to verify whether Sal B prevents steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head and to investigate its underlying pharmacological mechanisms. Steroid-induced osteonecrosis rat models were established to evaluate the effects of Sal B on osteonecrotic changes and repair processes. The use of Sal B improved steroid-induced histopathological scores and inhibited osteoclast differentiation in rats. Notably, Sal B induced bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into osteogenesis. Moreover, Sal B treatment suppressed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and AP2 protein expression levels and increased runt-related transcription factor 2 and Collagen I protein expression levels in steroid-induced rats. osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase content in steroid-induced rats was enhanced by treatment with Sal B. These results suggest that Sal B prevents steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head via PPARγ expression in rats. The present pilot study provides a brief insight into the effect of Sal B on steroid-induced osteonecrosis.