Jun Zhou1, Yuan Liao2, Haitao Xie3, Ying Liao3, Huifang Liu4, Yahua Zeng3, Neng Li3. 1. Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: zhoujun8005@163.com. 2. Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. 3. Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China. 4. Department of Rehabilitation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We assessed the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on cartilage degeneration, and expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in an experimental rat model of osteoarthritis induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). DESIGN: Experimental. SETTING: University animal laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We performed histological examination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, to assess cartilage degeneration, urine C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), and mRNA expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (c-Jun), p38, and MMPs. RESULTS: Urinary CTX-II in the PEMF group was significantly lower than in the ACLT group at 9 and 13 weeks. Mankin scores in the PEMF group significantly lower than that in the ACLT group (P < 0.01). mRNA expression of ERK1, c-Jun, p38, MMP-13 and MMP-3 was significantly higher in the ACLT group than in the Sham group, while that with the sole exception of MMP-3 in the PEMF group was significantly lower than in the ACLT group. CONCLUSIONS: PEMF may regulate the catabolic factor, MMP13, and inhibit cartilage destruction, at least partially, by inhibiting MAPKs signaling pathway.
OBJECTIVES: We assessed the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on cartilage degeneration, and expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in an experimental rat model of osteoarthritis induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). DESIGN: Experimental. SETTING: University animal laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We performed histological examination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, to assess cartilage degeneration, urine C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), and mRNA expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (c-Jun), p38, and MMPs. RESULTS: Urinary CTX-II in the PEMF group was significantly lower than in the ACLT group at 9 and 13 weeks. Mankin scores in the PEMF group significantly lower than that in the ACLT group (P < 0.01). mRNA expression of ERK1, c-Jun, p38, MMP-13 and MMP-3 was significantly higher in the ACLT group than in the Sham group, while that with the sole exception of MMP-3 in the PEMF group was significantly lower than in the ACLT group. CONCLUSIONS:PEMF may regulate the catabolic factor, MMP13, and inhibit cartilage destruction, at least partially, by inhibiting MAPKs signaling pathway.