Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effect of Buyiganshen decoction on a mouse model of osteoarthritis and its mechanism. Methods A mouse model of knee osteoarthritis（KOA）was established. The study groups were designed as follows：（1）blank control group；（2）osteoarthritis model group；（3）model group with high⁃dose Buyiganshen decoction；（4）model group with administration of high⁃doseBuyiganshen decoction plus TGF⁃β Inhib⁃ itor sb⁃431542. After the administration，the mice in each group were killed，and the articular cartilage tissues were obtained for HE staining. Expressions of TGF⁃β1，ALK5，Smad2，Smad3，Sox9，P70S6K，PI3K，Akt and mTOR in these tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Peripheral blood expressions of TNF⁃ α，IL⁃6 and IL⁃8 were measured by ELISA. Results As compared with those in the control group，expression levels of TGF ⁃β 1，ALK5，Smad2，Smad3，Sox9，P70S6K，PI3K，Akt and mTOR were decreased in the model group. In compari⁃ son with those in the model group，expressions of the above genes were significantly up⁃regulated in the group with Buyiganshendecoction. As compared with those in the control group，expressions of TNF⁃α，IL⁃6 and IL⁃8 were significantly up⁃regulated；while as compared with those in the model group，expressions of TNF⁃α，IL⁃6 and IL⁃8 were significantly down⁃regulated. Additional TGF⁃β1 inhibitor sb⁃431542 could reverse the effect of Buyiganshen⁃ decoction. Conclusions Chinese herbal prescription of Buyibanshenplays a certain role in the treatment of osteoar⁃ thritisby activating the TGF⁃β1⁃sox9/p70S6 extracellular matrix signaling pathway.

Key words:

Buyiganshen decoction, mice, osteoarthritis, transforming growth factor