Association between discoidin domain receptor 2 and cartilage damage / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To detect the changes in the expression of discoidin domain receptor 2(DDR2)and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 in different stages of cartilage and synovium damage of osteoarthritis rats.The relation between DDR2 and the degree of cartilage damage was explored.Methods Modified papain knee joint injection approach was adopted to establish animal model of OA.The expression and distribution of protein of DDR2 and MMP-13 were checked in articular cartilage and synovium at different stages of OA.Results The expressions of DDR2 in articular cartilage and synovium of experimental groups were different from those of the normal group (P＜0.01).They were higher in cartilage than those in the corresponding synovium.The expressions of MMP-13 demonstrated the same characteristics with those of DDR2,r=0.93(P＜0.01).Conclusions The important role of DDR2-MMP-13 in cartilage damage has been proven in the pathogenic process of OA.The upregulated expressions of DDR2 in articular cartilage and synovium have a detrimental effect on cartilage degeneration.