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Updated: May 14, 2026
Application of Acupotomy in a Knee Osteoarthritis Model in Rabbit
Published on: October 20, 2023
Acupotomy Ameliorates Articular Cartilage Fibrosis in a Rabbit Model of Knee Osteoarthritis via the TGF-β1/Smad
Longfei Xing1, Wenting Zhu2, Xilin Chen3,4
1Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate whether acupotomy can regulate the activity of factors related to the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, thereby reducing the degree of cartilage fibrosis in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and alleviating cartilage degradation.
Methods:
A modified Videman's long-term knee joint immobilization method in the extended position was used to establish the KOA model. Behavioral Lequesne MG scoring was performed before and after the acupotomy intervention. Masson staining was used to observe the morphology and structure of the cartilage using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the protein levels and mRNA expression of Smad3, Smad7, TGF-β1, collagen type I (Col-I), collagen type II (Col-II), and collagen type III (Col-III) in the cartilage tissue of acupotomy-treated KOA rabbits.
Results:
The modified Lequesne MG score was significantly higher in the KOA group than that in the control group. Histologically, the cartilage in the KOA group exhibited fissures, matrix dissolution, reduced Col-II content, and obvious fibrosis. TGF-β1 and Smad3 in the TGF-β1/SMAD pathway were significantly upregulated, and Smad7 was down-regulated. Acupotomy treatment reduced the protein and mRNA expression levels of Col-I and Col-III, attenuated the loss of Col-II in cartilage extracellular matrix, and effectively delayed cartilage degeneration in KOA rabbits. This process may be achieved by regulating the factors related to the TGF-β1/SMAD pathway.
Conclusion:
In the KOA rabbit model, acupotomy alleviated the degree of fibrosis by regulating factors related to the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, thereby delaying cartilage degeneration.
Insights
Acupotomy treatment in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rabbits reduced cartilage fibrosis and degradation. This was achieved by regulating the transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway, offering a potential therapeutic approach for KOA.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics and Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular Biology and Signaling Pathways
Background:
- Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is characterized by cartilage degradation and fibrosis.
- The transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway plays a crucial role in extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis in KOA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acupotomy on the TGF-β1/Smad pathway in a rabbit model of KOA.
- To determine if acupotomy can reduce cartilage fibrosis and degradation by modulating this pathway.
Main Methods:
- A KOA model was established using knee joint immobilization in rabbits.
- Acupotomy was performed, followed by behavioral scoring (Lequesne MG).
- Cartilage morphology was assessed using Masson staining, light microscopy, and SEM. Protein and mRNA levels of key pathway factors (TGF-β1, Smad3, Smad7) and collagen types (Col-I, Col-II, Col-III) were analyzed via Western blotting and RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- KOA rabbits showed significantly higher Lequesne scores, cartilage fissures, matrix dissolution, and fibrosis compared to controls.
- The TGF-β1/Smad pathway exhibited upregulation of TGF-β1 and Smad3, and downregulation of Smad7 in KOA cartilage.
- Acupotomy treatment decreased Col-I and Col-III expression, preserved Col-II, and attenuated cartilage degeneration.
Conclusions:
- Acupotomy effectively alleviates cartilage fibrosis and delays degeneration in a KOA rabbit model.
- The therapeutic effect of acupotomy is associated with the regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
