To observe the MMP-3 in joint synovial fluid and chondrocyte’s apoptosis of experimental osteoarthritis

Objective:To observe the correlation between MMP-3 of joint synovial fluid and chondrocyte’s apoptosis in experimental osteoarthritis.Methods:OA model was induced in rabbits by Hulth’s method. The MMP-3 of knee Joint synovial fluid were examined at the end of 8 and 16 weeks. The changes of morphology of chondrocyte and cartilage were observed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and apoptosis examined by TUNEL.Results:Compared with early model stage group (20.91±2.48)ng·m-1, MMP-3 expression was significantly increasing in late model stage group (41.68±5.71) ng·m-1, P0.01. Apoptosis cell index had significant difference between early model stage 10.18±1.90 and late model stage 35.47±3.46,P0.01. Apoptosis cell index and MMP-3 has significant correlation between normal groups and model group at every stage.Conclusion:MMP-3 increased in knee joint fluid of experimental osteoathritis, especially in late stage. MMP-3 may be one of the possible reason of ECM destruction and apoptosis of chondrocytes.