The effects of radiofrequency heating on type Ⅱ collagen formation in the osteoarthritic knee / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the effect of radiofrequency heating on type Ⅱ collagen expression in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.Methods Knee osteoarthritis was induced in the right hind legs of 54 male rabbits using modified Hulth modeling.The rabbits were randomly divided into a model group which was not given any special treatment,a Lugua polypeptide group and a radiofrequency hyperthermia group.The Lugua polypeptide group was injected with Lugua polypeptide;the radiofrequency hyperthermia group was treated with radiofrequency irradiation.Six,12 and 18 days after the treatment,the morphological condition of the rats' right femoral medial condyle cartilages were evaluated using modified Mankins scoring and the type Ⅱ collagen content of the cartilage was detected using a quantitative PCR technique.Results At the same time points after treatment,the average Mankins scores were decreased in all the 3 groups,with that of the model group was significantly higher than those of both of the other groups,and the radiofrequency hyperthermia group's average score was significantly better than that of the Lugua polypeptide group.The average type Ⅱ collagen content was significantly increased in all the 3 groups to various extent (the radiofrequency hyperthermia group ＞ Lugua polypeptide group ＞ model group).For the radiofrequency hyperthermia group,the average Mankins score decreased significantly and the average type Ⅱ collagen content increased significantly as the treatment continued.Conclusion Radiofrequency hyperthermia is superior to Lugua polypeptide for treating knee osteoarthritis,at least in rabbits.Its therapeutic effectiveness may be related to a significant increase of type Ⅱ collagen in the cartilage.