Effect of acupuncture in different period on the expression of MMP-13 in cartilage cells in the knee of rabbit osteoarthritis models

Objective To study the effect of acupuncture in different period on the expression of MMP-13 in cartilage cells in the knee of rabbit osteoarthritis models. Methods Forty-four New Zealand big ear rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (each with 11 cases): the control group, the model group, Electroacupuncture (EA) group 1, and EA group 2. Rabbit in the model group, the EA group 1 and EA group 2 were treated with straight bit left knee plaster casts to create osteoarthritis, while those in the control group did not. The changes of MMP-13 in cartilage cells were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results The levels of of MMP-13 decreased as the increase of acupuncture time. According to the Mankin's grading, statistically significant difference were found between the four groups (P0.05). Conclusion The electroacupuncture can urge the rearrangement of cartilage cell in rabbit osteoarthritis models, reduce the expression of MMP-13 in cartilage cells, which is beneficial for the treatment of Osteoarthritis.