Expression of miR-199-3p in subchondral bone from rabbits with knee osteoarthritis

Objective To detect the expression of microRNA-199-3p (miR-199-3p) in subchondral bone of rabbit model with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups:anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT) group (n=12) and sham group (n=12). OA was surgically induced in the right knee of rabbits in ACLT group. The rabbit knees were evaluated at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after ACLT by gross observation and histological examination. After getting the specimens, we segregated subchondral bone, and the expression of miR-199-3p was tested by qRT-PCR. Results Rabbits in ACLT group showed typical OA pathological changes after 4 weeks, such as loss of surface integrity, fissuring and mircocracks, loss of cartilage and these symptoms aggravated at 8 and 12 weeks after operation. The expression of miR-199-3p could be detected in all subchondral bone with a decreasing trend over time, and it was significantly lower in ACLT group comparing with sham group, while the expression of MMP-3 and IL-1β were higher in ACLT group than sham group with significant difference at each time point (P< 0. 05). Conclusion Our findings indicate that low expression of miR-199-3p is closely related with the development and progression of OA.