Effect of Bushen Huoxue Decoction on Apoptosis-related Protein and Serum Inflammatory Factors in Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

In order to observe the effect of Bushen Huoxue Decoction on apoptosis-related proteins and serum inflammatory factors in synovial cells of rats with osteoarthritis (KOA). A total of 45 SD adult rats were established with KOA model. After successful, they were randomly divided into model group, Bushen Huoxue Decoction group and glucosamine hydrochloride group, with 15 rats in each group. The model group was given pure water, the Chinese medicine group was given Bushen Huoxue Decoction, and the control (glucagon hydrochloride) group was administered with glucosamine hydrochloride. After 8 weeks of treatment, all rats were sacrificed. Rat serum and knee cartilage were collected. The expressions of apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3 and Bax were detected by HE staining, ELISA and RT-PCR. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels, and Mankin scores were used to evaluate articular cartilage damage. Resultsly, the appearance and shape of the knee joint cartilage tissue in the model group were severely damaged. The area of the cartilage surface defect was large. The HE staining showed cell disorder and the tidal line was destroyed. The articular cartilage of the Chinese medicine group had a complete shape and structure, but the surface showed slightly rough. HE staining showed that the cells were arranged regularly and the tidal line was relatively complete. The surface of the knee joint of the aminoglycan group was rough and partially defective. The HE staining showed that the chondrocytes were slightly disordered and some tidal lines were destroyed. The Mankin score of the Chinese medicine group was significantly lower than that of the model group and the control group. The levels of serum IL-1β, TNF-α and iNos and the expression levels of caspase-3 and Bax in the Chinese medicine (Bhushen Huoxue Decoction) group were significantly lower than those in the model group and the control group and model group. In conclusion, Bushen Huoxue Decoction can reduce the expression of apoptotic proteins, reduce the content of serum inflammatory factors, alleviate the inflammatory infiltration of knee osteoarthritis and reduce the destruction of chondrocytes.