Alcohol-induced apoptosis in femoral head and its p53 gene expression

  Objective   To explore the expression and significance of p53 and Bcl-2 proteins in osteocyte apoptosis in avascular necrosis of the femoral head by alcoho lism.

  Methods   60 rabbits were chosen and divided into two groups randomly.The experimental group were administered the wine containing 50% of alcohol at dosage of 8 ml/kg·d, the control group was given isodose NS by pouring into stomach with a plastic tube for 1 to 6 months.The osteocytes apoptosis was measured by means of TUNEL.The expression of p53 and Bcl-2 proteins by immunohistochemistry.

  Results   The apoptosis osteocytes in the exper imental group was striking in the subchontral region.In month 2, 3, 6, the number of apoptosis osteocytes in experimental group significantly increased than that of the control group(P < 0.01), as the time passing by, apoptosis osteocytes increased gradually.In 2, 3, 6 months, the amount of Bcl-2 proten expression of osteocytes in the experimental group significantly decreased than that of the control group(P < 0.01).The number of apoptosis osteocy tes in the experimental group was negatively correlated to Bcl-2 protein expression(r=-0.75, P < 0.01).The expression of p53 protein of osteocytes in the experimental group was significantly increased compared with the control group(P < 0.01).The number of apoptosis osteocytes in the experimental(r=0.168, P < 0.01).

  Conclusion   Remarkable appearance of apoptosis in osteocytes of ANFH induced by alcohol was found.It was correlative with p53 protein up-reg ulation and Bcl-2 protein down-regulation.