The Effect Of Qianggubao Decoction On Rat Knee Osteoarthritis Model Via Ovariectomy Combined With Overmovement

Objectives Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is associated with age-related loss of homeostatic balance. Our previous clinical studies have indicated that Knee Osteoarthritis is a kind of serious problem for mostly elder women. The aim of the present study is to establish a new rat knee osteoarthritis model via ovariectomy combined with overmovement in order to further determine its mechanism.Methods 1. Establish rat knee osteoarthritis model via ovariectomy combined with overmovement.24 female SD rats,8w aged, were randomly divided into blank group, sham-operated group (Sham Group) and ovariectomized group (OVX Group). OVX group was performed by bilateral ovariectomy while fat removal only in the Sham group. Recovered for 7 days, Sham and OVX group received downhill treadmill training for 5 weeks (200 minutes per day,6 days per week). The morphological change of the femoral condyle, tibial plateau and patella cartilage of rats in 3 groups were observed by histological technique. And the indexes in serum were detected by ELISA methods.2. Observe the effect of Qianggubao decoction on rat knee osteoarthritis model.56 female SD rats,8w aged, were randomly divided into blank group, conrol group and Qianggubao group. Establish the rat knee osteoarthritis mode on conrol group and Qianggubao group. After 35 days of training, Qianggubao group received 2 daily intragastric administration of Qianggubao decoction for 4 weeks. While blank and control group received normal saline. Each week, do the mankin score to evaluate the injury of cartilages. Conduct western blot to test iNOS protein. And t iNOS, VEGF, SOD in serum were detected by ELISA methods.Results 1.The establishment of rat knee osteoarthritis model is accomplished.2. Compared to concrol group, after receiving the Qianggubao decoction, the injury of articular cartilage in Qianggubao group is decreased(P<0.05). After 4 weeks, Qianggubao group showed superficial fibrillation (Mankin score 2.833 ± 0.752) with great significantly, compared to control group (Mankin score 6.333 ± 0.516) (P<0.05).3.In Qianggubao group, the level of iNOS in serum and the protein expression of iNOS were reduced (P<0.05).4.The level of VEGF in serum of Qianggubao group was significantly decresed compared to control group in the same period(P<0.05). While the Qianggubao decoction retarded the decrease of SOD level in serum(P<0.05).Conclusion 1.The knee OA model is successfully established in rats by the method of bilateral ovariectomy combined with excessive exercise.2. Qianggubao decoction retarded the damage of articular cartilage in the new OA model.3. Qianggubao decoction decreased the level of iNOS, VEGF in serum; redused the expression of the iNOS protein in articular cartilage; and retarded the decrese of SOD in serum.