Effects of Qi-Fang-Xi-Bi-Granules on Cartilage Morphology and C/ebpαPromoter Methylation in Rats with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of Qi-Fang-Xi-Bi-Granules (QFXBGs) on cartilage morphology and methylation of C/ebpα (CCAAT/enhancer binding proteinα) at the promoter region. Methods Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) modeling was performed in rats in accordance with Hulth's method, and control group received sham operation. Eight weeks after KOA modeling, the rats in the KOA modeling group were further divided into 6 groups. Each group was given the appropriate drug. After 8 weeks, half of the rats were used for Micro-CT scan, HE staining, ABH/OG staining, immunohistochemistry, and TUNNEL staining of the knee joint tissue, and the other half were used to examine C/ebpα promoter methylation. Results The three dose groups of QFXBGs all showed lower degrees of surface fissures and flaking, thicker cartilage layer, and restored chondrocyte and subchondral bone morphology, compared with the KOA model group. C/ebpα-22 promoter methylation levels in the high- and low-dose groups were significantly higher than that in the KOA modeling group (p < 0.05), while C/ebpα-2 promoter methylation level in the medium-dose group was significantly higher than that in the KOA modeling group (p < 0.05). Conclusions QFXBGs may alleviate articular cartilage degeneration through promoting C/ebpα-2 or C/ebpα-22 methylation at specific promoter sites.

Bushenhuoxue Formula Facilitates Articular Cartilage Repair and Attenuates Matrix Degradation by Activation of TGF-β Signaling Pathway

“…Wang et al reported Bi-Qi capsule alleviated cartilage destruction by downregulating the expression of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α ) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) [ 30 ]. TCM Qifangxibi granules exert chondroprotective effective through promoting CCAAT/enhancer binding protein- α methylation [ 31 ]. Moreover, our recent finding is consistent with these previous researches and extends the benefits of TCM to articular cartilage repair.…”