Evaluation of the effect of phellodendrin application on rats creating an experimental model of non-compression lumbar disc herniation on the NF-κB-related inflammatory signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effects of phellodendrine on non-compression lumbar disc herniation (NCLDH). METHODS: The Sprague Dawley rat model of NCLDH was established via autologous caudal nucleus pulposus transplantation. Behavioral observations and neurological function scoring were conducted in Sprague Dawley rats, and the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‒qPCR) was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 mRNA in L5 nerve roots and surrounding tissues. Western blotting was used to assess the protein expression of NF-κB p65 and TNF-α. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to investigate the distribution and expression of the NF-κB p65 protein in the L5 nerve and its surrounding tissues. RESULTS: In this animal study, phellodendrine was found to downregulate the expression of p65 mRNA, decrease the release of inflammatory factors, and alleviate motor dysfunction caused by lumbar disc herniation(LDH). Therefore, the phellodendrine technique has potential value for the treatment of NCLDH. CONCLUSION: In this animal experiment, phellodendrine was found to significantly reduce the expression level of p65 mRNA, decrease the release of inflammatory cytokines, and alleviate lumbar disc pain. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.