Study Of The Effect Of Fructus Rubi On The Behavioral Changes In Osteoarthritis Rats And Rat Chondrocytes Activities

Objective:To explore the effect of Fructus rubi, a kidney-nourishing and yang-activating traditional Chinese medicine, on the behavioral changes of osteoarthritis rat. This study was also to investigate the proliferative effect on different concentrations of Raspberry extract in rat chondrocytes.Method:SD rats received intra-articular injection of MIA solution for establishing knee OA models. All rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group and Fructus rubi group. Parameters were analyzed at 30th days after oral administration, which include serum ELISA assay (MMP-13; ADMATS-5), X-ray observation, behavioural observation (general physiology, spontaneous activitiy, tail suspension test, grip strength test, and swimming time). Chondrocytes were isolated from joint cartilage of rat knee and then cultured. Cell morphology was observed under the inverted microscope. Chondrocytes were treated with Raspberry extract of 5μg/mL,100μg/mL,200μg/mL, respectively. The other is to control the blank group. Their effects on chondrocytes proliferation were analyzed using MTT assay.Result:At day 30, in the model group, joint swelling, typical articular degeneration (X-ray), behavioural changes (significant decrease of grip strength, spontaneous activity, tail suspension time, and swimming time) were observed. Fructus rubi treatment could significantly reverse the above abnormalities. Raspberry extract could both obviously promote proliferation of chondrocytes(P<0.01), ethanol extract is better than that of water extract. Raspberry extract does not change with time and the concentration inceasing ratio increasing. 48h,200μg/mL group has the most significant effect on chondrocytes proliferation. In 72h may be caused by the drug toxicity, inhibition of cell proliferation.Conclusion:(1)Fructus rubi could exert anti-OA effect by improving behavior and inhibiting joint degeneration, providing a new way for the clinical treatment of OA.(2)Raspberry extract promoted rat chondrocytes proliferation(P<0.01). Raspberryextract can be used to treat diseases such as osteoarthritis, this inference needs further study.