Medical Image Analysis for Expression of IGF-I and IGF-IR in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Objective: Based on medical imaging, we observe the expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor-I combined with its receptor (IGF-IR) in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head (ONFH) model and investigate its biological significance. Methods: 50 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups randomly. We establish a rabbit ONFH model with a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by intravenous injection and four times methylprednisolone (MPS) by intramuscular injection in 30 rabbits. Then, the necrosis femoral heads are defined to be an ONFH group, and the rest of rabbits (20 rabbits) were defined to be a control group. The ONFH group was validated through a paraffin section method; The expression of IGF-I, IGF-IR, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were detected by immunohistochemical staining, and the apoptosis index were studied by a TUNEL (Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl Transferase Mediated Nick End Labeling) method. Result: The expression rate of IGF-I, IGF-IR in the ONFH group was lower than the control group, and the difference was significant between them (P < 0.05). PI in ONFH group was much lower than that in control group (P < 0.05). AI in ONFH group was much higher than that in the control group (P < 0. 05). The expression of IGF-I, IGF-IR had a positive correlation with PI and a negative correlation with AI (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in PI and AI between the positive expression group and the negative expression group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We have established the rabbit ONFH model with a single dose of lipopolysaccharide LPS combined with MPS. IGF-I, IGF-IR promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis, which has an important effect on the occurrence of femoral head necrosis. This can be achieved using microscopy and medical image analysis.