Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-3, interleukin-1β and chondrocyte apoptosis in rabbit osteoarthritis

Objective To observe the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1,3 (MMP-1,3),interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and chondrocyte apoptosis and explore their roles in the pathogenesis of rabbit osteoarthritis (OA).Methods Twenty Chinese rabbits were randomly divided into normal group (group A) and test group (group B) (n =10 each).The OA model in group B was established by using the Hulth method.After 4 weeks,the specimens were procured from articular cartilage and synovium for medial plateau of tibia for histopathological examination.Immunohistochemistry and in situ end labbeling method were used to detect expression MMP-1 and 3,IL-1β and apoptosis index.Results Histopathological examination showed that the degenerative changes of cartilage in group B were worse than in group A.The expression of MMP-1 and 3,IL-1β and AI in group A were 21.005 ±9.406,18.697±8.225,0.100 ±0.040,and 14.900 ±3.400,and those in group B were 56.147 ±22.340,46.182 ±20.561,0.180 ±0.060 and 25.400 ± 5.200,respectively.The expression levels of MMP-1 and 3,IL-1β and AI in group B were higher than in group A (P ＜ 0.01 or P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The expression of MMP-1,MMP-3 and IL-1β,and chondrocyte apoptosis play an important role in the pathogenesis of rabbit OA,and their abnormal elevation is significantly related with cartilage degeneration and inflammatory response. Key words: Osteoarthritis ;  Matrix metalloproteinase;  Interleubin-1β ;  Apoptosis