Expression of Matrix Metalloprotein 13 in Injury Model of Articular Chondrocyte in Rabbits and Analysis of Nano-Drug-Loading System

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the application of a responsive nano-drug-loading system in injury model of articular chondrocyte in rabbits, as well as its effect on expression of matrix metalloprotein 13 (MMP13). The nanoprecipitation method was adopted to prepare camptothecin (CPT)-loaded poly ethylene glycol (PEG)-Poly caprolactone (PCL) and PEG-PCL nanoparticles without CPT. Afterward, the above mentioned nano-drug-loaded system was used to treat an in vitro scratch model of articular chondrocytes. According to different treatment plans, they were divided into groups: G0 (administered CPT-PEG-PCL nanomedicine), G1 (administered PEG-PCL drug), G2 (saline control), and G3 (healthy control). Results showed that the drug-loading capacity and efficiency of CPT-PEG-PCL was higher than that of PEG-PCL. The levels of type II collagen and hyaluronic acid in G0 was higher than that in G1 and G2. The levels of type II collagen and hyaluronic acid in G0 were not obviously different from those in G3. The level of MMP13 in G0 was lower than that in G1 and G2 and the level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) in G0 was higher than that in G1 and G2. The proliferation activity of cells in G0 was higher than that in G1 and G2, but there was no obvious difference when compared with G3. In conclusion, CPT-PEG-PCL has stronger long-term circulation capacity and drug-loading efficiency. It can effectively up-regulate the levels of type II collagen, hyaluronic acid, and TIMP1, as well as reduce the synthesis and secretion of MMP13 and promote the repair of articular cartilage damage.