Effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on the expression of type II collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-13 in chondrocytes of a rabbit model of knee arthritis / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Low intensity pulsed ultrasound is safe, non-invasive, and has strong penetration. In recent years, more and more studies have indicated that low intensity pulsed ultrasound has important role in promoting the repair of damaged articular cartilage. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on the expression of type II col agen and matrix metal oproteinase 13 in articular cartilage of rabbits of knee arthritis. METHODS: A total of 20 New Zealand white rabbits were included in this study to establish knee arthritis model. Al models were randomly divided into control group and experimental group, 10 rats in each group. In the experimental group, the right knee joint received low intensity pulsed ultrasound treatment with an ultrasonic fracture healing instrument. In the control group, right knee joint received false low intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy. At 8 weeks after intervention, cartilage tissue was col ected from medial end of tibia and medial end of femur. After conventional treatment, toluidine blue staining was performed. Pathological observation was conducted under a microscope. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect matrix metal oproteinase 13 and type II col agen expression in chondrocytes. The general situation of the experimental animals was observed. The results of articular cartilage and the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results of matrix metal oproteinase-13 and type II col agen were observed under a microscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Toluidine blue staining and pathological observation 8 weeks after treatment, obvious fissure appeared in articular cartilages, and extending from the surface to the deep layer in the control group, and there was a lack of staining. In the experimental group, cracks formed on articular cartilage surface, and there was a moderate staining missing. (2) Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction at 5 and 10 days after culture, significant differences in gene expression of matrix metal oproteinase-13 and type II col agen were detected at various time points in the experimental and control groups (P < 0.05). (3) The results showed that the low intensity pulsed ultrasound could affect the gene expression of matrix metal oproteinase-13 and type II col agen in the rabbit model of knee arthritis.