Spatial distribution proteoglycans articular cartilage of femoral condyles and tibial plateau in experimental osteoarthritis in rats

Abstract

Currently, worldwide research is being conducted on the development of new drugs for viscosupplementation therapy. However, there are a very few studies dedicated to the spatial distribution of proteoglycans in articular cartilage after the use of these drugs. Pulmonary surfactant proteins, which have lubricative functions similar to those of articular cartilage proteoglycans, are possible promising substances for viscosupplementation therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a mixture of allogenic surfactant proteins (MASP) on the spatial distribution of proteoglycans and the expression of IL-1 in articular cartilage after their intra-articular injection. Morphological and immunohistochemical studies were conducted using antibodies to aggrecan and lubricin to assess the spatial distribution of proteoglycans, and antibodies to IL-1 were used to identify potential pro-inflammatory processes. Three weeks after intra-articular injection of MASP, the thickness of the articular cartilage and the relief of the joint surface did not change compared to intact rats. However, a decrease in the number of immunopositive chondrocytes to aggrecan in the intermediate zone of the articular cartilage and an increase in IL-1 were observed after MASP injection. The obtained data during the study can be used for further research on MASP in the conditions of experimental osteoarthritis.