Hedgehog信号通路在佐剂性关节炎大鼠关节软骨中的表达及其意义

Objective: We aimed to study the expression of hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in articular cartilage of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats and its pathologic significance. Methods: AIA in Rats was induced by injection of Complete Freund's adjuvant. The protein and mRNA levels of Hh pathway related genes (Shh, Ptch1 and Gli1) in articular cartilage were assayed by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR respectively. In addition, we analyzed the possible relationships between Shh, Ptch1 and Gli1 mRNA levels and clinicopathologic parameters of AIA rats including secondary paw swelling and histological scores of knee joint damage. Results: We successfully established the AIA rat model. The protein and mRNA levels of Shh, Ptch1, and Gli1 showed higher levels in articular cartilage of AIA rats compared with the sham rats, and the elevated levels of Shh, Ptch1, and Gli1 mRNA were indeed positively associated with the secondary paw swelling and histological scores of knee joint damage. Conclusion: Hh signaling pathway was over-activated in articular cartilage of AIA rats, and the elevated Hh signal was apparently associated with AIA disease severity.