Intra-articular low molecular weight heparin injections in treating knee osteoarthritis of rabbits

Key words: 
• low molecular weight heparin /
• sodium hyaluronate /
• osteoarthritis /
• papain /
• cytokine

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of injecting compound low molecular weight heparin /sodium hyaluronate or single low molecular weight heparin into intra-articular for treating osteoarthritis of rabbits. Methods: Twelve rabbits were randomly divided into normal saline group,compound low molecular weight heparin /sodium hyaluronate group and low molecular weight heparin group after the model of osteoarthritis was established by injecting 0.3 ml of 0.4 % papain into knee joint cavities of the rabbits.These three groups respectively received intra-articular injection of normal saline,compound low molecular weight heparin /sodium hyaluronate and low molecular weight heparin weekly for 5 weeks after 7 days from the injection of papain. Results: The curative effects of compound low molecular weight heparin /sodium hyaluronate and low molecular weight heparin obviously were better than that of normal saline group.As to the two groups including low molecular weight heparin,the degeneration of cartilage was lighter in the pathological sections.Intra-articular the two injections including low molecular weight heparin could obviously promote cellular proliferation of synovial membrane and cartilage.Meanwhile,it could revealed a decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α and a regulation in interleukin-6 expression. Conclusion: Low molecular weight heparin posseses significant anti-inflammatory properties.There is a potential capacity to develop safe,convenient and efficient methods for the treatment of osteoarthritis.