Isorhamnetin ameliorates inflammatory responses and articular cartilage damage in the rats of monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis

Abstract

Context: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with damage to the articular cartilage. Active production of inflammatory cytokine/chemokine and matrix metalloproteinases may be found during the progression of OA. Isorhamnetin had the effects of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ischemia, anti-atherosclerotic hepatoprotective and anticancer activities.

Objective: Our study was focused on the effects of isorhamnetin treatment in OA.

Materials and methods: We used monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rats to evaluate the effects of isorhamnetin related anti-inflammatory process. The rats in all groups were sacrificed on four weeks post-MIA injection. The measurements of knee joint swelling, histological analysis, serum inflammatory biomarkers and western blot were evaluated.

Results: We found that isorhamnetin may reduce MIA-induced knee swelling by significantly reduction of articular cartilage damage.in rats. Suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines production was found after isohamnetin treatment. Isorhamnetin inhibited the production of NO and PGE2, and the expression of iNOS and COX-2. The production of COMP, CTX-II and osteopontin (OPN) were also inhibited in MIA-induced OA rats.

Discussion and conclusions: Isorhamnetin may modulate the inflammatory progression of OA in MIA-induced OA rats. The prevention of cartilage damage was found in OA after adequate isorhamnetin treatment. Isorhamnetin may serve as a potential agent for the management of OA.     

Characterization of colony-forming cells in adult human articular cartilage

Recent studies have shown that adult human articular cartilage contains stem-like cells within the native structure. In this study, we aimed to determine the localization of putative stem cell markers such as CD90, STRO-1, OCT-3/4, CD105 and CD166 in adult human articular cartilage tissue sections and demonstrate the expression of these markers within the expanded surface zone colony-forming (CF) cells and evaluate their differentiation potential. Biopsy samples were either fixed immediately for immunohistochemical analyses or processed for in vitro cell culture. Immunohistochemical and flow cytometry analyses were performed by using CD90, STRO-1, OCT-3/4, CD105 and CD166 antibodies. Isolated colony-forming (CF) cells were further stimulated, by using the appropriate growth factors in their pellet culture, to obtain cartilage, bone and adipose lineages. We observed that the expression of the stem cell markers were in various zones of the human adult cartilage. Flow cytometry results showed that in CF cells the expression of CD90 and CD166 was high, while OCT-3/4 was low. We also determined that CF cells could be stimulated towards cartilage, bone and adipose lineages. The results of this research support the idea that the resident stem-like cells in adult human articular cartilage express these putative stem cell markers, but further experimental investigations are needed to determine the precise localization of these cells.     

On fragmenting,densely mineralised acellular protrusions into articular cartilage and their possible role in osteoarthritis

High density mineralised protrusions (HDMP) from the tidemark mineralising front into hyaline articular cartilage (HAC) were first described in Thoroughbred racehorse fetlock joints and later in Icelandic horse hock joints. We now report them in human material. Whole femoral heads removed at operation for joint replacement or from dissection room cadavers were imaged using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dual echo steady state at 0.23 mm resolution, then 26‐μm resolution high contrast X‐ray microtomography, sectioned and embedded in polymethylmethacrylate, blocks cut and polished and re‐imaged with 6‐μm resolution X‐ray microtomography. Tissue mineralisation density was imaged using backscattered electron SEM (BSE SEM) at 20 kV with uncoated samples. HAC histology was studied by BSE SEM after staining block faces with ammonium triiodide solution. HDMP arise via the extrusion of an unknown mineralisable matrix into clefts in HAC, a process of acellular dystrophic calcification. Their formation may be an extension of a crack self‐healing mechanism found in bone and articular calcified cartilage. Mineral concentration exceeds that of articular calcified cartilage and is not uniform. It is probable that they have not been reported previously because they are removed by decalcification with standard protocols. Mineral phase morphology frequently shows the agglomeration of many fine particles into larger concretions. HDMP are surrounded by HAC, are brittle, and show fault lines within them. Dense fragments found within damaged HAC could make a significant contribution to joint destruction. At least larger HDMP can be detected with the best MRI imaging ex vivo.     

Effects of growth and exercise on composition, structural maturation and appearance of osteoarthritis in articular cartilage of hamsters

Articular cartilage composition and structure are maintained and remodeled by chondrocytes under the influence of loading. Exercise‐induced changes in the composition, structure, mechanical properties and tissue integrity of growing and aging hamster articular cartilage were investigated. Articular cartilage samples (n = 191) were harvested from the proximal tibiae of hamsters aged 1, 3, 6, 12 and 15 months. The hamsters were divided into runners and controls. The runners had free access to a running wheel between 1 and 3 months (runner groups 3‐, 12‐ and 15‐month‐old hamsters) or 1 and 6 months (runner group 6‐month‐old hamsters) of age. Control animals were subjected to a sedentary lifestyle. Mechanical indentation tests and depth‐wise compositional and structural analyses were performed for the cartilage samples. Furthermore, the integrity of articular cartilage was assessed using histological osteoarthritis grading. Exercise affected the collagen network organization after a 5‐month exercise period, especially in the middle and deep zones. However, no effect on the mechanical properties was detected after exercise. Before the age of 12 months, the runners showed less osteoarthritis than the controls, whereas at 15 months of age the situation was reversed. It is concluded that, in hamsters, physical exercise at a young age enhances cartilage maturation and alters the depth‐wise cartilage structure and composition. This may be considered beneficial. However, exercise at a young age demonstrated adverse effects on cartilage at a later age with a significant increase in the incidence of osteoarthritis.     

The relationship between meckel's cartilage and the development of the human fetal mandible

Summary This work studied the development of the ventral part of Meckel's cartilage and its relationship to the morphogenesis of the mandible in a series of human fetuses. The development of the cartilage was followed up to the end of the embryonic period (stage 23, 8th week) when the primary ossification centre, which was formed from a condensation of embryonic mesenchyme, had become two bony plates forming a trough in which lay the neurovascular bundle. From this trough invagination of the bony plate formed the dental crypt. The primary ossification centre disappeared around the sixth month of fetal life.

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Relations entre le cartilage de Meckel et la morphogénèse de la mandibule chez le foetus humain

Résumé Dans ce travail, les auteurs ont étudié à partir d'une série de foetus humains l'évolution du cartilage de Meckel dans sa portion ventrale et ses relations avec la morphogénèse de la mandibule. Ils ont ainsi pu suivre l'évolution du cartilage de la fin de la période embryonnaire (stade 23 : fin de la période embryonnaire ; 8ème semaine). Le nodule osseux primitif, qui s'est formé aux dépens du mésenchyme embryonnaire, se présente alors sous l'aspect d'une double lame osseuse formant une gouttière, lit du paquet vasculonerveux, dans laquelle vient également s'invaginer la lame dentaire) jusqu'à sa disparition, au cours du 6ème mois, de la vie foetale.

     

健膝强骨丸对膝骨关节炎家兔模型关节软骨病理改变的影响

背景：膝骨关节炎的病理学改变不可逆转,属中医“痹证”范畴,治疗目的是缓解或解除症状,延缓关节退变。健膝强骨丸方是武汉大学基础医学院荆州市第三人民医院的经验方,可补益肝肾,祛风散寒,除湿通络,强骨健膝。 目的：观察健膝强骨丸对膝骨关节炎兔模型膝骨关节软骨的保护作用,及其对软骨细胞骨形态发生蛋白7表达的影响。 方法：36只新西兰兔随机分为3组,每组12只,分别运用改良Hulth术制备兔膝骨关节炎模型。造模后第6周,给药组予健膝强骨丸0.1 g/kg灌胃,模型组和正常对照组予等量生理盐水灌胃。给药4周后通过软骨Mankin’s评分方法行兔膝关节软骨评分,电镜下观察软骨形态,免疫组化法检测膝关节软骨细胞骨形态发生蛋白7表达情况。 结果与结论：给药组兔膝关节软骨病理退变程度较其他2组轻,膝关节软骨细胞骨形态发生蛋白7的表达量较其他2组高,差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05)。提示健膝强骨丸可增强膝骨关节炎模型兔关节软骨细胞骨形态发生蛋白7的表达,从而促进膝关节软骨再生,减少软骨变形坏死,达到治疗关节炎的目的。 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：肾移植;肝移植;移植;心脏移植;组织移植;皮肤移植;皮瓣移植;血管移植;器官移植;组织工程全文链接：     

白介素单核苷酸多态性与骨关节炎易感性关系的研究进展

骨性关节炎是骨科常见的致残致畸性疾病,其具体的病因及发病机制目前尚未阐明。年龄、性别、肥胖、既往关节损伤、关节的过度使用及基因因素可能与骨性关节炎发病风险有关。近年来白介素单核苷酸多态性与骨性关节炎发病风险间的研究成为国内外学者关注的热点,希望从基因层面进一步探讨骨性关节炎的发病机制。本文就目前国内外关于白介素单核苷酸多态性与骨性关节炎易感性关系的研究进展作一综述。     

富血小板血浆干预膝关节骨性关节炎模型兔关节软骨和滑膜的改变

文题释义： 富血小板血浆(PRP)：1993年Hood等首先提出富血小板血浆概念,并发现富血小板血浆含有丰富的血小板,其数目比全血中数目高3倍以上。血小板中含有大量的生长因子,如血小板衍生生长因子、转化生长因子β、类胰岛素生长因子、表皮生长因子、血管内皮生长因子等。 Ⅱ型胶原纤维(COL Ⅱ)：胶原纤维是关节软骨基质的重要组成结构之一,其中含量最多的Ⅱ型胶原纤维是构成软骨的基本框架,具有维持关节软骨的形态结构和抗张力强度的功能。基质金属蛋白酶为Ⅱ型胶原纤维的特异性降解酶,其中基质金属蛋白酶13降解Ⅱ型胶原纤维的速度是基质金属蛋白酶1的10倍。 背景：研究显示富血小板血浆具有很强的促进软骨细胞修复和增生作用。 目的：探讨富血小板血浆在骨性关节炎中对软骨细胞修复及滑膜炎症抑制的疗效。 方法：新西兰大白兔40只,于兔耳中央动脉取血后采用Hokugo等的方法制备富血小板血浆,同时检测外周血及富血小板血浆的血小板、血小板衍生生长因子、转化生长因子β和血管内皮生长因子水平。采用前交叉韧带切断法来制作动物模型后随机将兔分为实验组和对照组,实验组双侧膝关节每周注射1次0.3 mL 富血小板血浆;对照组每周注射1次0.3 mL无菌生理盐水,共注射10周。注射后第2,4,6,8,10周对兔进行大体观察及膝关节组织学观察;检测关节软骨Ⅱ型胶原蛋白及基质金属蛋白酶13水平,并进行软骨组织Mankin评分。实验方案经重庆医科大学动物实验伦理委员会批准。 结果与结论：①富血小板血浆中血小板、血小板衍生生长因子、转化生长因子β和血管内皮生长因子水平分别是正常血中的5.5,4.8,7.7和6.2倍(均P < 0.05);②注射后第6周实验组Mankin评分小于对照组(P < 0.05);③实验组第4,6,8,10周时Ⅱ型胶原蛋白水平明显高于对照组(P < 0.05);实验组第2,4,6,8,10周时基质金属蛋白酶13水平明显小于对照组(P < 0.05);④结果表明,关节腔内注射富血小板血浆能通过缓解关节滑膜炎症及延缓甚至阻断软骨细胞的损伤来抑制骨性关节炎的进展。 ORCID: 0000-0001-6301-4790(邱皓) 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程     

Correlations of low‐field NMR and variable‐field NMR parameters with osteoarthritis in human articular cartilage under load

NMR experiments carried out at magnetic fields below 1 T provide new relaxation parameters unavailable with conventional clinical scanners. Contrast of T₁ generally becomes larger towards low fields, as slow molecular reorientation processes dominate relaxation at the corresponding Larmor frequencies. This advantage has to be considered in the context of lower sensitivity and frequently reduced spatial resolution. The layered structure of cartilage is one example where a particularly strong variation of T₁ across the tissue occurs, being affected by degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). Furthermore, the presence of ¹H‐¹⁴ N cross‐relaxation, leading to so‐called quadrupolar dips in the ¹H relaxation time dispersion, provide insight into the concentration and mobility of proteoglycans and collagen in cartilage, both being affected by OA. In this study, low‐field imaging and variable‐field NMR relaxometry were combined for the first time for tissue samples, employing unidirectional load to probe the mechanical properties. 20 human knee cartilage samples were placed in a compression cell, and studied by determining relaxation profiles without and with applied pressure (0.6 MPa) at 50 μm in‐plane resolution, and comparing with volume‐averaged T₁ dispersion. Samples were subsequently stored in formalin, prepared for histology and graded according to the Mankin score system. Quadrupolar dips and thickness change under load showed the strongest correlation with Mankin grade. Average T₁ and change of maximum T₁ under load, as well as its position, correlate with thickness and thickness change. Furthermore, T₁(ω) above 25 mT was found to correlate with thickness change. While volume‐averaged T₁ is not a suitable indicator for OA, its change due to mechanical load and its extreme values are suggested as biomarkers available in low‐field MRI systems. The shape of the dispersion T₁(ω) represents a promising access to understanding and quantifying molecular dynamics in tissue, pointing toward future in vivo tissue studies.     

miR-140在软骨分化与骨关节炎的研究进展

骨关节炎(OA)是以关节软骨退行性变,关节内滑膜炎症以及周围关节和软骨下骨改变为特征的一种疾病。在OA组织中可观察到软骨细胞凋亡的分子特征,这表明软骨细胞的死亡在OA的发病机制中发挥关键作用。因此,对软骨分化的调控在延缓OA的发展中起到了至关重要的作用。miR-140在关节软骨中特异表达。越来越多的证据表明,miR-140通过抑制转录后水平的基因表达,在软骨细胞分化与OA中发挥重要分子作用。研究miR-140可为发现OA机制及治疗新靶点提供新的借鉴。     

The association of telomere length and genetic variation in telomere biology genesa

Telomeres cap chromosome ends and are critical for genomic stability. Many telomere‐associated proteins are important for telomere length maintenance. Recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding telomere‐associated proteins (RTEL1 and TERT‐CLPTM1) as markers of cancer risk. We conducted an association study of telomere length and 743 SNPs in 43 telomere biology genes. Telomere length in peripheral blood DNA was determined by Q‐PCR in 3,646 participants from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial and Nurses' Health Study. We investigated associations by SNP, gene, and pathway (functional group). We found no associations between telomere length and SNPs in TERT‐CLPTM1L or RTEL1. Telomere length was not significantly associated with specific functional groups. Thirteen SNPs from four genes (MEN1, MRE11A, RECQL5, and TNKS) were significantly associated with telomere length. The strongest findings were in MEN1 (gene‐based P=0.006), menin, which associates with the telomerase promoter and may negatively regulate telomerase. This large association study did not find strong associations with telomere length. The combination of limited diversity and evolutionary conservation suggest that these genes may be under selective pressure. More work is needed to explore the role of genetic variants in telomere length regulation. Hum Mutat 31:1050–1058, 2010. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Collagen fibril structure of normal, aging, and osteoarthritic cartilage.

The collagen architecture in normal, aging, and osteoarthritic articular cartilage was studied optically using a new silver staining technique based on specimens from 50 autopsy cases, four amputated limbs, and six osteoarthritic knees. In the normal articular cartilage, the collagen fibrils in the superficial zone were compactly arranged into layers of decussating flat ribbons mostly parallel to the artificial split lines. The fibrils showed a tendency to condense into vertical arcade columns undergirded by tangential bundles in the intermediate zone. In the deep zone, the fibrils formed a random meshwork with a slight preponderance of vertical fibrils in the perilacunar region. Three types of early degradative lesions involving the collagen network were identified. Type I lesions consisted of focal superficial disruptions related to age and friction. Type II lesions consisted of focal disruptions of tangential fibrils in the intermediate zone leading to cyst formation, probably representing a form of local stress failure. Type III lesions were found in the patella and consisted of marked swelling of the superficial zone, the cause of which was unknown. Lesions of varying severity were seen within each of the three types; the morphological changes of the more severe lesions overlapped with those of clinically overt osteoarthritis.     

温阳益髓中药干预兔膝骨关节炎软骨基质金属蛋白酶的表达

背景：目前临床上关于温阳益髓中药治疗膝骨关节炎对软骨基质金属蛋白酶表达影响的研究还较少有报道。 目的：制作兔膝骨关节炎模型观察温阳益髓中药对软骨基质金属蛋白酶表达的影响。 方法：健康成年新西兰大白兔96只,随机选取72只采用石膏外固定方法制作兔膝骨关节炎模型。确定造模成功后再随机分为3组,模型组不做处理;中药治疗组每日灌胃方药提取液24 mL/kg,药物对照组每日灌胃葡立胶囊(盐酸氨基葡萄糖)24 mg/kg,1次/d,至造模成功后8周。另外24只新西兰大白兔作为空白对照。 结果与结论：PCR方法定量分析骨关节炎模型组软骨组织中基质金属蛋白酶1、基质金属蛋白酶3、基质金属蛋白酶13表达水平均显著高于其他3组。中药治疗组及药物对照组中基质金属蛋白酶1、基质金属蛋白酶3及基质金属蛋白酶13的表达较模型组明显降低。说明温阳益髓中药治疗兔膝骨关节炎能够有效抑制兔骨关节炎软骨基质金属蛋白酶的表达。 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程全文链接：     

维药买朱尼对关节软骨前炎性因子的影响

背景：骨关节炎病理过程中,白细胞介素1β被认为是促进软骨基质降解和关节软骨破坏的最重要的细胞因之一。 目的：观察白细胞介素1β在关节软骨中的表达,并观察维药买朱尼对其的影响。 方法：将40只SD大鼠随机数字表法随机等分为模型对照组、维药买朱尼组、假手术组、正常对照组。模型对照组和维药买朱尼组采用改良Hulth造模法建立大鼠膝骨关节炎模型,假手术组仅显露膝关节,不切断韧带,不切除内侧半月板。维药买朱尼组建模第2周开始灌胃维药买朱尼10.31 mg/(kg•d),模型组及假手术组大鼠均灌服等量生理盐水,连续4周。 结果与结论：模型组软骨退变程度明显重于维药买朱尼组,模型组软骨大体评分及Mankin评分均明显高于维药买朱尼组(P < 0.05),模型组软骨细胞白细胞介素1β的表达强度亦明显高于维药买朱尼组(P < 0.05)。与正常对照组比较,假手术组软骨大体评分、Mankin评分及软骨细胞白细胞介素1β差异无显著性意义 (P > 0.05)。结果说明,维药买朱尼可以抑制关节软骨前炎性因子白细胞介素1β的表达。     

Role of chondrocyte death and hypocellularity in ageing human articular cartilage and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis

Apoptotic death of articular chondrocytes has been implicated in the pathogenesis of human osteoarthritis. Although nitric oxide and Fas ligand have been shown to be inducers of chondrocyte apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, the contribution of other triggers such as hypoxia, matrix acidosis, abnormal shear stress and catabolic cytokines like interleukin-1beta and tumour necrosis factor alpha has not been examined. It is also not known if growth factors such as insulin like growth factor 1 or anabolic cytokines prevent apoptosis. The intracellular mechanism of effecting apoptotic death depend on whether damage to the mitochondrion or receptor ligation is the primary apoptotic stimulus, since these activate different initiator caspases which then deliver the apoptotic signal to common downstream effector caspases and other proteases. The hypothesis proposed here suggests that by using chondrocytes derived from control and osteoarthritis joints and established human chondrocyte cell lines, it is possible to investigate the relative contributions of major cell death inducing mechanisms and correspondingly which initiating caspase is activated. This understanding is essential for developing appropriately targeted anti-protease therapies for the inhibition of chondrocyte apoptosis in the rational treatment of osteoarthritis.     

The relationship between somatic mtDNA rearrangements, human heart disease and aging

The lifetime accumulation of low-abundance, somatic mtDNA re-arrangements (sublimons) has been proposed as a potential contributor to aging, and also to diseases such as cardiomyopathy or coronary heart disease. Tissue-specific sublimons, varying in abundance by three orders of magnitude between individuals, have recently been observed in myocardium of control subjects. To study the relationship between myocardial sublimon levels and various types of cardiac disease and aging, we applied a semi-quantitative fluorescent PCR assay on cellular DNA extracted from left ventricle in a series of 300 well characterized male victims of sudden death up to age 70 (Helsinki Sudden Death Study). The most prevalent classes of sublimons were present at <0.1 to 91 copies per cell, but their abundance did not correlate with any cardiac disease phenotype. In multiple regression analyses age (beta = 0.43, P < 0.0001) and smoking (bet = 0.25, P = 0.012) were the only independent factors found to correlate with sublimon levels. Thus, sublimons are inferred to accumulate with age in myocardium of a subset of individuals, but to levels where they do not appear to have any phenotypic effects during a typical life span. We propose that, instead of being a causal factor in cardiac aging, sublimons co-exist with wild-type mtDNA in an equilibrium which is regulated by as yet unknown mechanisms.     

Effectiveness of an aquatic exercise program and low-level laser therapy on articular cartilage in an experimental model of osteoarthritis in rats

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an aquatic exercise program and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (associated or not) on degenerative modifications and inflammatory mediators on the articular cartilage using an experimental model of knee OA. Method: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: knee OA – without treatment (OA); OA plus exercise program group (OAE); OA plus LLLT (OAL); OA plus exercise program associated with LLLT (OAEL). Trained rats performed a water-jumping program carrying a load equivalent to 50-80 % of their body mass strapped to their chest. The laser irradiation was used either as the only method or after the exercise training had been performed, at 2 points contact mode (medial and lateral side of the left joint). The treatments started 4 weeks after the surgery, 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Results: The results revealed that all treated groups (irradiated or not) exhibited a better pattern of tissue organization, with less fibrillation and irregularities along the articular surface and improved chondrocytes organization. Also, a lower cellular density and structural damage (OARSI score) and higher thickness values were observed in all treated groups. Additionally, OAE and OAEL showed a reduced expression in IL-1β and caspase-3 as compared with OA. Furthermore, a statistically lower MMP-13 expression was only observed in OAEL as compared with OA. Conclusion: These results suggest that aquatic exercise program and LLLT were effective in preventing cartilage degeneration. Also, physical exercise program presented anti-inflammatory effects in the knees in OA rats.     

人膝骨性关节炎滑膜中表达的骨桥蛋白

背景：目前研究显示骨桥蛋白与骨性关节炎关节软骨退变密切相关,但骨桥蛋白与骨性关节炎滑膜病变是否相关,仍少见报道。 目的：研究骨桥蛋白在原发性骨性关节炎发生与发展过程中的作用。 方法：选取膝骨性关节炎患者关节滑膜标本与下肢外伤患者作对照,根据综合评分法进行分组,采用免疫组化方法检测关节滑膜中骨桥蛋白水平,比较不同程度骨性关节炎组膝关节滑膜中骨桥蛋白的差异,同时比较标本滑膜衬里层和衬里下层骨桥蛋白的水平。 结果与结论：骨性关节炎组织中骨桥蛋白阳性呈黄色、棕黄色、棕褐色表达,病变程度越重,颜色表达越深。骨性关节炎组滑膜中骨桥蛋白明显高于对照组,差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05),且随着骨性关节炎病情加重,骨桥蛋白的表达逐渐增多,呈正相关(ρ=0.663,P < 0.01)。但滑膜衬里层和衬里下层骨桥蛋白的水平差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05)。说明骨桥蛋白可能与骨性关节炎的发病有关。     

环氧合酶-2抑制剂对大鼠骨关节炎模型软骨中血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的研究环氧合酶-2抑制剂(吲哚美辛)对大鼠骨关节炎模型关节软骨中血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达的影响。方法健康雄性wistar大鼠30只,随机均分为对照组、骨性关节炎组(OA组)和吲哚美辛处理组。利用膝关节注射4%的木瓜蛋白酶溶液的方法制作骨关节炎模型。采用关节炎评分法评定各组大鼠平均关节炎指数(MAI),免疫组化方法与Western blot方法检测关节软骨中VEGF蛋白的表达变化。结果 OA模型组随着造模的时间延长,关节出现了重度红肿现象,对照组关节无任何异常变化;与OA模型组比较,吲哚美辛组的关节炎症反应呈现消退现象。VEGF蛋白在对照组大鼠关节软骨仅有微量表达,而在术后8周OA组大鼠关节软骨表达则显著升高(P0.01);与OA组相比,吲哚美辛组大鼠关节软骨中VEGF蛋白表达显著降低(P0.01)。结论吲哚美辛对骨关节炎的抑制作用可能与下调VEGF蛋白的表达相关。