OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of quercetin on bone morphogenetic protein（BMP）/runt-related transcription factor 2（Runx2） signaling pathway in New Zealand rabbit model with tibial plateau fracture

to probe into the mechanism of quercetin and its effects in promoting fracture healing. METHODSS: Totally 40 healthy New Zealand rabbits were selected

10 rabbits as the normal group and the remaining 30 rabbits were used to establish tibial plateau fracture model

which were randomly divided into the model group

low-dose group and high-dose group. The low-dose group and high-dose group were respectively given 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of quercetin for gavage once a day; the normal group and model group were given an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl solution once a day; each group was continuously intervened for 7 days. The serum osteocalcin concentrations were measured

the pathomorphism of bone callus tissue were observed

the expression of BMP/Runx2 signaling pathway factors and changes of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor α（TNF-α）

interleukin（IL） 1β and IL-10] were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group

the serum osteocalcin levels were decreased

the levels of TNF-α

IL-1β and IL-10 increased in the model group

low-dose group and high-dose group; compared with the model group and low-dose group

the level of osteocalcin was higher

the levels of TNF-α

IL-1β and IL-10 were lower in the high-dose group

with statistically significant differences（P<0.05）. Compared with the normal group

the expression of BMP and Runx2 was higher in the model group

low-dose group and high-dose group; compared with the model group and low-dose group

the expression of BMP and Runx2 was higher in the high-dose group

with statistically significant differences（P<0.05）. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention of qercetin in New Zealand rabbits with tibial plateau fracture can effectively improve the pathological damage of bone callus

inhibit the activity of inflammatory mediators

which is contribute to fracture healing

and the mechanism may be related to the activation of BMP/Runx2 signaling pathway

confirming that quercetin can effectively promote fracture healing with significant effect.