| Objective:Ilizarov circular external fixators were applied to rabbit knee osteoarthritic models by limited continuous distraction at different degrees, observing the changes of in rabbit articular cartilage and the histomorphology change of cartilage, evaluating the therapeutic effects after joint distraction.Methods:Twenty four New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a control group(group A), a model group(group B), a normal distraction group(group C) and a high tensile distraction group(group D). The keen osteoarthritis model was established by injecting papain to the knees of rabbits in group B, C and D. After that, group C and D underwent the surgery to install a special Ilizarov external fixator, which could provide different distraction intensity during six-week treatment. After the experiment,changes of MMP-1, MMP-13 and IL-1β protein expressions in rabbit articular cartilage and the histomorphology change of cartilage were observed in each group.Results:The examination of histomorphology revealed the degree of cartilage damage in model group was higher than control group(P<0.01), the expression of MMP-1,MMP-13 and IL-1β in cartilaginous tissue of model group was also significantly higher(P<0.01). After joint distraction, pathological damage of cartilage in group C and D reduced compared to the model group(P<0.01), the expression of MMP-1,MMP-13 and IL-1β also significantly decreased than the model group(P<0.01); The comparison of two treatment groups showed no significant difference in Mankin score,but group D decreased the expression of biochemical markers than group C(P<0.05).Conclusions:Joint Distraction with Ilizarov Circualr External Fixator in osteoarthritic knees could delay the pathological degeneration of articular cartilage, and inhibit the expression of cartilage MMP-1, MMP-13 and IL-1β. The degree of reduction may be associated with drawing strength. |
PDF Full Text Request