ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the effect of radiofrequency heating on the morphology of articular cartilage in the knee and the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the synovium using a rabbit model of knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods:Fifty-four male rabbits had OA induced in their right hind limbs using the modified Hulth method. They were then randomly divided into a model group, a cervus and cucumis polypeptide (CCP) group and a radiofrequency thermotherapy (RT) group, each of 18. The CCP group was injected with deer melon peptide intramuscularly every day, while the RT group was given daily radiofrequency hyperthermia treatment at 36.5-38.5 ℃. The model group was not provided with any special treatment. On the 6th, 12th and 18th day of the treatment, 6 rabbits in each group were sacrificed to resect the right femur′s medial condyle cartilage. The morphological characteristics of the cartilage were evaluated using modified Mankins scoring, while the contents of lL-1B and TNF-a in the synovial membrane were detected using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays.Results:The average Mankins scores and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α decreased significantly at each time point, and significant differences were observed among the three groups. In the RT group the average Mankins score as well as the IL-1β and TNF-α levels decreased significantly with time throughout the experiment.Conclusions:Radiofrequency hyperthermia is superior to the injection of deer melon polypeptide in knee osteoarthritis, at least in rabbits. The therapeutic mechanism may be related to the control of IL-1β and TNF- α levels in the synovial membrane.