Study on the Biological Changes Related to NF-κB and Therapeutic Effects of Phellodendrine Intervention in Noncompressive Lumbar Disc Herniation

Abstract Objective To explore the therapeutic effects of phellodendrine on noncompressive lumbar disc herniation (NCLDH). Methods A rat model of NCLDH was established via autologous caudal nucleus pulposus transplantation. Behavioral observations and neurological function scoring were conducted in 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 NF-κB p65 mRNA in L5 nerve roots and surrounding tissues. Western blotting (WB) was used to assess the protein expression of NF-κB p65 and TNF-α. Immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemical (IHC) 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 LDH. Therefore, the phellodendrine technique has potential value for the treatment of noncompressive LDH. Clinical trial number: Not applicable