Experimental Study Of Theaflavin's Effect On The Steroid-induced Femoral Head Avascular Necrosis In Rabbits

Objective To explore the feasibility and mechanism of theaflavin on preventing rabbits from steroid-induced femoral head necrosis, and provide theory proof for its clinical application.Methods 36 rabbits were divided into 3 groups randomly: model Group (A) ,theaflavin Group (B) ,normal Group (C) .Except the normal group, the other two groups were administered intramuscularly with steroid.At the same time, pured theaflavin (≥60﹪) were fed to the rabbits of Group B. All the rabbits were killed 6 weeks after baseline for research material. A series of indices were measured, including X-ray, pathomorphology, SEM, and content of blood lipid.Results①. The serum chelesterol and TG of Group B were significantly lower than those of Groups A and C, and HDL of Group B was higher than that of Groups B and C(P<0.05).②. By observing the specimens of femoral head of all 3 groups, we found apparent collapse in bone trabecula of rabbits in Group A, and that the percentage of empty osteocyte lacunae and bone trabecula area in Group A were less than those in Groups B and C .③. Higher rate of necrosis could be proved by X-ray photography and SEM in Group A.④. There was no significant difference between Groups B and C in the indices mentioned before.Conclusion Theaflavin can reduce the rate of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis.