The Mechanism of miRNA 146a Regulating VEGF in the Degenerative Process of OA Chondrocyte

Abstract：Objective To Study the expression changes of VEGF after up-regulated or down-regulated the miRNA146a in the normal chondrocytes and the middle and late stage of the OA chondrocytes. To explore the role of miRNA146a in the devel-opment and progression of osteoarthritis. Methods We collected 4 cases of normal cartilage and 12 cases of arthritic cartilage which were divided into middle stage and late stage by Kellgren-Lawrence Imaging protocol. miRNA146a mimic or miRNA146a inhibitor was chemically transfected to every group of chondrocyes. Then,we studied the changes of VEGF after up-regulating or down-regulating the miRNA146a chondrocytes. Results miRNA146a mimic increased the expression level of VEGF in the normal chondrocytes. The result was stastically significant(P < 0. 05). While miRNA146a inhibitor acted in a converse man-ner. The result was not statistically significant(P≥0. 05). The protein expression level of VEGF was higher in the middle stage OA chondrocytes than that of the late OA stage chondrocytes,and the result was statistically significant(P < 0. 05). miRNA-146a mimic increased the expression level of VEGF in middle and late stage of the OA chondrocytes. The result was stastically significant(P < 0. 05). While miRNA146a inhibitor acted in a converse manner,and the result was stastically significant in middle stage of OA chondrocytes but isn′t stastically significant in late stage of OA chondrocytes. Conclusion miRNA146a may contribute to OA pathogenesis by regulating VEGF levels in chondrocytes.