ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effects of ozoned water on the synovial inflammation in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis.Methods Thirty-two rabbits were randomly and evenly divided into four groups by random number method.All the rabbits were made into osteoarthritis models except those in groups A and D.After the osteoarthritis models were made successfully,rabbits in groups C and D received intra-articular injection of ozoned water of 20 μg/ml (2 ml)once a week for three weeks,and the other two groups did not.The morphology of synovium was observed and the expres-sion levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the synovium were compared among the four groups.Results In group A,there was no hyperemia,edema or cell hyperplasia in the synovium,and the synovium re-mained normol tissue structure.In group B,the synovial structure was damaged,with serious cell hyperplasia,masses of inflammatory cells invading,vascular proliferation and hyperemia,and signifi-cantly increased synovium thickness compared with the normal.In group C,synovial hyperemia and edema were improved,the inflammatory cells reduced,and the synovium thickness was thinner than that in group B.And the group D had no synovitis phenomenon.Compared with group A,the expres-sions of IL-6 and TNF-αwere slightly higher in group D,and they were significantly increased (P <0.05)in the other two groups.Compared with group B,the IL-6 and TNF-α contents of synovium were reduced (P < 0.05)in group C.Conclusion Injecting 2 ml ozoned water of 20 μg/ml into artic-ular cavity can significantly improve synovial inflammation and reduce the expression of IL-6 and TNF-αin the synovium,which does no damage normal synovium.