Effect of pERK2 on extracellular matrix turnover of the fibrotic joint capsule in a post-traumatic joint contracture model.

Effect of pERK2 on extracellular matrix turnover of the fibrotic joint capsule in a post-traumatic joint contracture model. Exp Ther Med. 2016 Feb;11(2):547-552 Authors: Sun Y, Li F, Fan C Abstract Lentivirus (LV)-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) has previously been demonstrated to reduce post-traumatic joint contractures: In the present study, the effect of ERK2 siRNA on extracellular matrix turnover within fibrotic joint capsules in post-traumatic joint contractures was examined. Rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups as follows: The non-operated control (CON), operated contracture (ORC) and contracture-treatment (CNT) groups. Representative post-traumatic joint contracture was created through 8 weeks of immobilization following intra-articular injury. In the CNT group, LV-mediated ERK2 siRNA was injected into the model knee at days 3 and 7 after surgery. The posterior joint capsule was examined by western blotting, histology and immunohistochemistry to evaluate alterations in ERK2, phosphorylated (p)ERK2, total collagen, collagen I, collagen III, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-13 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-13. In the ORC group, pERK2 was elevated and total collagen, collagen I, MMP-1 and MMP-13 were significantly increased (P<0.01 vs. CON group); however, these were significantly decreased in the CNT group, and pERK2 was downregulated (P...
Source: Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine - Category: Journals (General) Tags: Exp Ther Med Source Type: research