Fig. 4

Effects of boiogito and indomethacin on gene expressions in the synovial membranes in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Data are shown as the relative mRNA expression of matrix metalloprotease 3 (MMP3; a), hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2; b), hyaluronidase 1 (HYAL1; c) and aquaporin 1 (AQP1; d), normalized to reference gene of beta actin (ACTB). The expressions of MMP3 (a) and HAS2 (b) increased and that of HYAL1 (c) decreased in the synovial membranes of rats with OA (Con, n = 12) compared with those of sham-operated rats (Sham, n = 8). Expressions of these genes were not influenced by boiogito (n = 12). Indomethacin (Ind, n = 11) decreased HAS2 mRNA and slightly increased AQP1 mRNA in the synovial membranes of rats with OA. Results are expressed as mean ± SE. ^##P < 0.01 vs. Sham, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01 vs. non-treated control rats with OA (Con)