OBJECTIVETo observe beta-catenin expression of Wnt signaling pathway in rats with knee osteoarthritis, and influence of Bushen Huoxue decoction on beta-catenin and MMP-7 expression of synoviocytes in rats with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODSRats model with knee osteoarthritis were established by Hulth method. Primary synoviocytes and OA synoviocytes were cultured with collagenase digestion method. The cultured synoviocytes were divided into normal group, OA model group and Bushen Huoxue decoction group. Western blotting method was used to detect beta-catenin, MMP-7 protein expression of synoviocytes after acting by Bushen Huoxue decoction for 48 h; ELISA method was used to detect MMP-7 expression of synovial supernatant.

RESULTSOA synoviocytes were cultured successfully. Western blotting showed that beta-catenin, MMP-7 expression in OA synoviocytes was significantly higher than normal group, Bushen Huoxue decoction could significantly reduce beta-catenin, MMP-7 expression; ELISA results showed that MMP-7 expression of OA synovial supernatant was significantly higher than normal synoviocytes supernatant, Bushen Huoxue decoction significantly regulated the level MMP-7 down.

CONCLUSION(1) High expression of beta-catenin in OA synoviocytes indicates that Wnt classical signal pathway is activated in rat with knee osteoarthritis; (2) High expression of MMP-7 expression in OA synoviocytes confirms the MMP-7 is downstream genes of Wnt/beta-catenin signal pathway; (3) Activation of Wnt signal pathway and increase of MMP-7 may cause degradation of articular cartilage, and promote the formation of osteoarthritis; (4) Bushen Huoxue decoction can reduce expression of MMP-7, and promote cartilage repair, which may be one of mechanisms of osteoarthritis.