RESUMO
Aim To investigate the potential mechanism of Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixture regulating intestinal flora in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)by 16S rRNA sequencing.Methods Eight-week-old male C57 mice were randomly divided into three groups:sham group,DMM group,and model+Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixture group(Mixture group),6 mice per group.KOA model was induced by destabilization of medial meniscus surgery.16.25 mL·kg-1 dose mixture was given daily to the mixture group,and normal saline was given to the sham and DMM group.After eight weeks,the knee joints and colons of mice were collected,and the knee joints were prepared into paraffin sections,and the cartilage changes were observed with Safranin O-Fast Green and immunohistochemistry staining.16S rRNA sequencing of intestinal contents was performed to observe the changes of intestinal flora.Results Compared with model group,Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixture could significantly reduce cartilage wear and OARSI score(P=0.033 5,P=0.029 5).16S rRNA sequencing showed that Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixtrue could change the intestinal flora richness of KOA model mice,and improve the Alpha diversity(Chao1,Simpson)and Beta diversity(PCoA,NMDS).LefSe analysis showed that there were species with significant difference in abundance among the three groups(P=0.001),mainly including Lactobacillus,Firmicutes,Proteobacteria and other species.MetaCyc analysis indicated that Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixture had effects on various metabolic pathways such as fatty acid,sugar and amino acid of intestinal flora(P<0.05).Conclusions Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixtrue can effectively protect the articular cartilage and delay the progression of KOA.The mechanism may be through regulating the intestinal flora structure,protecting the intestinal barrier and reducing the inflammatory response.