Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibits Inflammation and Promotes Chondrocyte Activity in Knee Arthritis Rats

Abstract

This study intends to assess whether BMSCs inhibits inflammation and promotes chondrocyte activity in knee arthritis. 36 SD rats were randomly assigned into group H, group K, group M and group B. The rat models of knee arthritis were established in Group K, group M and group B. After modeling, BMSCs were infused into rats in group B and methotrexate to rats in group M for 6 weeks followed by analysis of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 levels, morphology of knee cartilage, chondrocyte activity and the expression of NO, ERα and cGMP protein. H&E staining found that the surface of knee cartilage in group H was smooth and the morphology of chondrocytes was normal. In group K, bone fissure was formed on articular cartilage surface, and the hyperplasia of deep cells was disorder. The surface of articular cartilage in group B and M gradually became smooth. Compared to group H, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 levels in group K were increased (P < 0.05); their levels in group M and group B were decreased relative to K group (P < 0.05). Compared to group K, chondrocytes activity in groups H, M and B was increased (P < 0.05). NO, ERα and cGMP levels were decreased in knee cartilage of group K relative to H group (P < 0.05) and increased in group M and group B (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BMSCs can down-regulate IL-6, IL-1 and TNF-α, enhance chondrocytes activity, and up-regulate the levels of NO, ERα and cGMP, thus providing a new idea for treating knee arthritis.