Laboratory Study on Influence of Warm Acupuncture-Moxibustion on Matrix Metalloproteinase and Histomorphology of the Rabbit Experimental Knee Osteoarthritis Model

Objective:To investigate the influence of warm acupuncture-moxibustion on matrix metalloproteinase and histomorphology of the rabbit experimental Knee Osteoarthritis Model,and explore its chondroprotective mechanism.Methods:New Zealand rabbits were equally randomized into control,model and warm acupuncture-moxibustion groups.KOA model was duplicated by anterior cruciate ligament transaction(ACLT).After KOA model was established one week,acupoints ofDubi(ST35),Housanli(ST36) were used for treatment with warm acupuncture-moxibustion,two courses totally.The concentration of MMP-1,MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The histological changes of the medial femoral condyle was observed by haematoxylin-eosin staining.Result:In comparison with control group,the concentration of MMP-1 and rate of MMP-1/TIMP-1 increased significantly in model group(P0.05),while MMP-3 reduced significantly(P0.05),also cartilage degradation was more severe;compared with model group,MMP-1 and MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio reduced significantly(P0.05),MMP-3 increased significantly(P0.05)in warm acupuncture-moxibustion groups,also cartilage degradation was not severe.Conclusion:Warm acupuncture-moxibustion can improve the capability of self-repairing of cartilage,it's chondroprotective effect achieved by regulating the abnormal MMP-1,MMP-3 and MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio.