Effect ofTougu Xiaotong capsule on articular cartilage changes in rat models of osteoarthritis

Wu Guang-wen; Ye Jin-xia; Zheng Chun-song; Chen Wen-lie; Liu Xian-xiang; Ye Hong-zhi

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2014.49.010

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Tougu Xiaotong capsule is the clinical prescription for the treatment of osteoarthritis, however, its mechanism has not been fuly elucidated. Urokinase type plasminogen activator system which participated in the degradation of the extracelular matrix of articular cartilage and hyperplasia of joint synovium plays an important role in the pathological process of osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect ofTougu Xiaotong capsule on urokinase-type plasminogen activator system in knee cartilage tissues of knee osteoarthritis rats. METHODS: Of 144 Sprague-Dawley rats, 120 rats were randomly made into models of knee osteoarthritisvia intra-articular injection of papain, and randomly assigned to model group,Zhuanggu Guanjie Wan group [1.2 g/(kg?d)], low-doseTougu Xiaotong capsule group [0.092 g/(kg?d)], moderate-doseTougu Xiaotong capsule group [0.184 g/(kg?d)] and high-doseTougu Xiaotong capsule group [0.368 g/(kg?d)]. Each group contained 24 rats. Every 2 weeks was considered as a course, with a 2-day interval, totaly 4 courses. The remaining 24 normal rats were included in the blank group. After every two courses, a batch of experimental animals was sacrificed. The pathological changes were observed folowing staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The positive cels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor and plasminogen activator inhibitor were measured by immunohistochemistry. The protein levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor and plasminogen activator inhibitor were measured by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Mankin’s score was significantly lower in theTougu Xiaotong capsule group and Zhuanggu Guanjie Wan group compared with the model group (P < 0.01), in a time-dependent manner. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that the positive cels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor were significantly decreased, but plasminogen activator inhibitor was significantly increased in theTougu Xiaotong capsule group andZhuanggu Guanjie Wangroup in a time-dependent manner. Western blot assay results had an identical trend to immunohistochemistry. These indicated thatTougu Xiaotong capsule showed preventive and therapeutic effects on osteoarthritis by regulating urokinase-type plasminogen activator system.