Early patellofemoral articular cartilage degeneration in a rat model of patellar instability is associated with activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway

Abstract Background Patellar instability (PI) often increases the possibility of lateral patellar dislocation and early osteoarthritis. The molecular mechanism articular cartilage degeneration during patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) still requires further investigation. However, it is known that NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in degeneration. aim this study was to investigate relationship between joint Methods We established a rat model PI-induced PFOA. Female 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 120) were randomly divided into two groups: PI 60) control group 60). distal femurs isolated compared 4, 8, 12 weeks after surgery. morphological structure trochlear subchondral bone evaluated by micro-computed tomography histology. expression NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, collagen X, TNF-ɑ immunohistochemistry quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results In group, loss found 4 Compared with protein mRNA significantly increased surgery group. addition, markers MMP-13 X more highly expressed at different time points Conclusions This has demonstrated can be caused growing rats, accompanied significant may associated activation deteriorate as result PI.