Abstract
Objective: To observe the influence of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), CD47, L-selectin and advanced oxidation proteinproducts (AOPP) in osteoarthritis and the intervention of curcumin. Methods: A total of 20 male C57BL/6 mice (10.05-15.00 g) were randomly divided into control group, OA group, Cur25 group and Cur50 group (intraperitoneal injected 25 μmol/L or 50 μmol/L of curcumin everyday after modeling). After 4 weeks treatment, we observed the morphological changes of the gross specimen by immunohistochemical method, and observed the ultrastructure of cartilage tissue under electron microscope. The expression of MMP-2, MCP-1 and CD47 were detected by western blotting, and L-selectin and AOPP were detected by ELISA and spectrophotometer, respectively. Results: In the cartilage tissue morphology, the chondrocytes of OA group showed obvious change, while Cur25 and Cur50 groups maintained the good cartilage cell membrane intact. Compared with control group, the expressions of MMP-2, MCP-1, L-selectin and AOPP in OA group, Cur25 group and Cur50 group were increased (all P<0.05), while CD47 levels were decreased (all P<0.05). Compared with OA group, the expressions of MMP-2, MCP-1, L-selectin and AOPP in Cur25 group and Cur50 group were decreased (all P<0.05), while CD47 levels were increased (all P<0.05), and such changes were more significant in Cur50 group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The MMP-2, MCP-1, CD47, L-selectin and AOPP are closely associated with the pathology course of OA. Curcumin has protection effect on cartilage, which can relieve joint cartilage degeneration, reduce cartilage inflammation and increase the metabolic activity of chondrocytes.