Exploring the effect of Bushen Bitong recipe-containing serum on IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis based on SOX9/NF-κB/MMP-13 signaling pathway

Objective:To observe the effect and possible mechanism of action of Bushen Bitong recipe(BSBT)containing serum on IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis.Methods:Generation 3 rat chondrocytes were randomized into Control,IL-1β,IL-1β+BSBT(L),IL-1β+BSBT(M),and IL-1β+BSBT(H)groups(5%,10%and 15%BSBT-containing serum),and then 24h after intervention respectively,the cell proliferation and Apoptosis rate;Western blot detected the expression levels of Bcl-2,BAX,Caspase-3,SOX9,NF-κB p65,MMP-13 proteins in chondrocytes.ELISA detected the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,and bFGF in the supernatants of chondrocyte culture.Results:Compared with Control group,cell proliferation activity decreased,apoptosis rate increased,NF-κB p65,MMP-13 protein level and TNF-α,IL-6 level increased,and SOX9 protein level and bFGF level decreased in IL-1βgroup;compared with IL-1βgroup,different concentrations of BSBT-containing serum group,cell proliferation activity increased,and apoptosis rate decreased.NF-κB p65,MMP-13 protein level and TNF-α,IL-6 level decreased,SOX9 protein level and bFGF level increased;compared with IL-1β+BSBT(L)group,cell proliferation activity increased,apoptosis rate decreased in IL-1β+BSBT(M)and IL-1β+BSBT(H)groups,and NF-κB p65,MMP-13 protein level and TNF-αlevel decreased.13 protein levels and TNF-αand IL-6 levels decreased,and SOX9 protein levels and bFGF levels increased.Conclusion:BSBT-containing serum may promote IL-1β-induced proliferation of chondrocytes,reduce apoptosis,improve the microenvironment of chondrocytes,and promote cartilage repair through the SOX9/NF-κB/MMP-13 signaling pathway.