| Abstract: | AIM: To observe the effect of Youguiwan (YGW) on the expression of heat shock protein 90α (Hsp90α) in articular cartilage tissues of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats, and to further reveal its mechanism. METHODS: SD rats (n=60) were randomly divided into 6 groups:sham control (SC) group, model (M) group, glucosamine sulfate (GS) group, and high-, middle-and low-dose YGW (YGW-H, YGW-M and YGW-L) groups. The modified Hulth method was used to make KOA models for 6 weeks. The rats were gavaged with corresponding drugs for 8 weeks. HE staining was used and Makin score was evaluated. The expression of Hsp90α, fibronectin (Fn) and collagen type Ⅱ (COL-II) was determined by immunohistochemistry. The expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13 was analyzed by RT-qPCR. The protein expression of Hsp90α and COL-II was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: As compared with SC group, the Makin score was obviously raised in M group, the expression levels of Hsp90α, IL-1β, MMP-3 and MMP-13 were evidently increased, the expression levels of COL-II and Fn were evidently decreased (P < 0.01), articular cartilage was seriously damaged, and the chondrocytes were disarranged. As compared with M group, the Makin score and the expression of Hsp90α were obviously decreased in YGW-H group, the protein expression of Fn was evidently increased in YGW-H group, the protein expression of COL-II was evidently increased in YGW-H and YGW-M groups, the mRNA expressions of IL-1β, MMP-3 and MMP-13 were evidently decreased in YGW-H, YGW-M and YGW-L groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), cartilage structure tended to be normal, the chondrocytes distribution was uneven, and articular cartilage surface was not smooth. CONCLUSION: Youguiwan is effective for treatment of KOA. Youguiwan protects against articular cartilage degeneration by down-regulating the expression of Hsp90α and up-regulating the expression of Fn, and reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors and the degradation of extracellular matrix. |
