RESUMO
Objective To observe the morphology changes in articular cartilage of knee osteoarthritis ( KOA) model rats after intervention with Shudi Jisheng Zhuanggu Decoction (SJZD). Methods SD rats were randomized into 7 groups, namely blank control group, model group, Paracetamol group ( 0.270 g/kg) , Zhuangu Guanjie Pills group ( 1.08 g/kg) , and high-, middle- and low-dosage SJZD groups ( 27.450, 13.725, 6.863 g/kg, respectively). Rats were injected with papain solution into the right knee joint to build models of KOA before administration of drugs. Thickness of right knee joint was measured to evaluate the effect of SJZD on the swelling degree of knee joint. Histological changes of knee cartilage were evaluated by Mankin scoring method after the cartilage sections being stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). Results Swelling degree of knee joint and Mankin scores were significantly increased in the model group compared to the blank control group ( P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the swelling degree of knee joint and Mankin scores of SJZD groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the pathological changes were relieved. Conclusion SJZD can ameliorate the pathological changes of knee articular cartilage in rats with KOA, so as to delay cartilage degeneration and protect the cartilage.