MMP-3 and TIMP-1 expression in cartilage of rabbit osteoarthritis knee

Objective To investigate the MMP-3 and TIMP-1 level in cartilage of rabbits osteoarthritis knee and their relationship with osteoarthritis. Methods Female rabbits were divided into Experiment group(E),Experimental contrast group(C) and Normal contrast group(N). Cartilage injury model was used in this study,animals were executed 2,4,6 weeks after surgery. Cartilage samples were observed,HE stain and immunohistochemistry were performed. Results Obvious osteoarthritis change was found in experiment group,include hyaline cartilage degeneration,collagen destroyed,proteoglycan degradation,cartilage cell necrosis. MMP-3 and TIMP-1 level increasing obviously in hyaline cartilage. Conclusions Biomechanics and biochemistry environment was compromised in knee osteoarthritis,also cartilage structure degenerated,malfunction of knee can conversely aggravate the osteoarthritis. Key words: Cartilage injury; Osteoarthritis; MMP-3; TIMP-1