Objective: To determine the effects of Bushenhuoxue formula (BHF) on interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels in a rat model of osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish an OA model and subjected to various treatments over 6 weeks. Rats were treated with BHF, glucosamine sulfate (GS), or starch as a control. Serum levels of IL-1β and MMP-1 and joint fluid levels of IL-1β were determined by means of ELISAs. We used immunohistochemistry to determine DDR2 levels in knee cartilage. Gene expression levels of MMP-1 in joint synovial tissue were assessed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays.
Results: Serum IL-1β levels were unchanged throughout the study. Levels of IL-1β in joint fluid and MMP-1 in sera from the BHF- and GS-treated groups were significantly reduced. DDR2 levels in knee cartilage were also significantly reduced in the BHF group. Expression of the MMP-1 gene was significantly reduced by BHF treatment.
Conclusion: BHF might be beneficial in the inhibition and alleviation of local inflammatory responses and cartilage degeneration in OA.