Abstract:Objective To observe the effect of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on H-type microvessel formation in a rat model of hormone-induced femoral head necrosis (SONFH).Methods SONFH model was established using lipopolysaccharide combined with methylprednisolone acetate in rats. Fifty rats were divided into blank group, model group, and high, medium, and low-dose Ginkgo biloba leaf extract groups, with 10 rats in each group. The high, medium, and low-dose Ginkgo biloba leaf extract groups were administered Ginkgo biloba leaf extract solution intravenously at doses of 0.88 mL/kg, 0.43 mL/kg, and 0.21 mL/kg, respectively, while the blank group and model group were given an equal volume of normal saline intravenously. After 4 weeks, micro-CT scanning and HE staining were used to observe the shape of the femoral head, trabecular structure, and cystic changes. After 8 weeks of treatment, HE staining was used to detect the smoothness of the cartilage surface of the femoral head and trabecular density, and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) and endomucin (Emcn) in the femoral head.Results Micro-CT scanning showed deformation of the femoral head and sparse trabeculae in rats after 4 weeks, and HE staining showed sparse trabeculae, fractures, and femoral head necrosis. The results of micro-CT scanning were consistent with HE staining, indicating successful replication of the SONFH model in rats. After 8 weeks, HE staining showed varying degrees of femoral head necrosis in the high, medium, and low-dose Ginkgo biloba leaf extract groups and the model group compared with the blank group. However, compared with the model group, the trabeculae were relatively dense, and femoral head necrosis was reduced in the high, medium, and low-dose Ginkgo biloba leaf extract groups. The positive rates of CD31 and Emcn in each group of rats were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The positive rates of CD31 and Emcn in the model group were lower than those in the blank group and the high, medium, and low-dose Ginkgo biloba leaf extract groups (P < 0.05). The positive rate of CD31 in the high-dose Ginkgo biloba leaf extract group was not statistically different from that in the blank group (P > 0.05), but the positive rate of Emcn was higher than that in the blank group (P < 0.05). The positive rates of CD31 and Emcn in the high-dose Ginkgo biloba leaf extract group were statistically different from those in the medium and low-dose groups (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the medium and low-dose groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions Ginkgo biloba leaf extract can promote H-type microvessel formation in the SONFH model in rats, improve blood circulation around the femoral head, promote vascular-bone coupling, and delay disease progression.