Effect of acupotomy on chondrocyte proliferation and expression of CyclinD1, CDK4 and CDK6 in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of acupotomology (Apo) in the prevention of articular cartilage destruction via the promotion of chondrocyte proliferation and chondrocyte expression of cell cycle regulators, CyclinD1, CDK4 and CDK6 in a rabbit knee osteoarthritis (KOA) model. Methods: Twenty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into a control group, an OA (osteoarthritis) model group, an Apo (acupotomology) group and EA (electro-acupuncture) group (n = 7). Improved Videman's method was used to induce a rabbit model of KOA over 6 weeks. One week later, acupotomy and electro-acupuncture therapy was applied to animals in the respective groups and treatment lasted 4 weeks. Following these treatments, quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were performed to assess the mRNA and protein levels of cell cycle regulators CyclinD1 (Cell cycle protein D1), CDK4 (Cyclin-dependent kinase 4) and CDK6 (Cyclin-dependent kinase 6). Ethology measures and knee morphology were also compared among groups. Results: The Lequesne MG index score of morphology was increased (P .05). Compared with the EA group, the morphology score was decreased in Apo group (P < .05). Conclusions: The mRNA levels of CyclinD1 and CDK4, and the protein level of CDK4 in chondrocytes are regulate by both Apo and EA. Apo is more effective than EA in regulating the protein levels of CyclinD1 and CDK6. According to the observed changes in morphology and cytokine levels, acupotomy can promote chondrocyte proliferation and can alleviate the destruction of articular cartilage in a model of KOA. Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis, Apo, EA, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, CyclinD1