ABSTRACT
Objective:To analysis the correlation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,OPN and MMP-13 in rabbit model with different degree of osteoarthritis (OA).Methods:Forty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of 10 each,then we constructed the rabbit model with different degree of osteoarthritis (OA) by different concentrations of papain.The mRNA and protein levels of β-catenin,OPN,MMP-13,type Ⅱ collagen and proteoglycan were detected by Real-Time PCR and ELISA,respectively.Results:We have successfully established OA rabbit model by different concentrations of papain,and these OA rabbits model could be divided into mild,moderate and severe three level by Mankin scoring system,chondrocytes.Compared with the normal control group,the protein levels of β-catenin,OPN,and MMP-13 in the osteoarthritis were significantly increased,while the protein levels of type Ⅱ collagen and proteoglycan were significantly decreased (P＜0.05).With the increasing severity of OA,the results were consistent (P＜0.05).Conclusions:These results indicated that Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway might regulate the expression of OPN,thereby affecting the expression of MMP-13,and ultimately have an impact on the occurrence ofosteoarthritis.