Research Paper Volume 15, Issue 12 pp 5775—5797
Astaxanthin prevents osteoarthritis by blocking Rspo2-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chondrocytes and abolishing Rspo2-related inflammatory factors in macrophages
Figure 9. Astaxanthin inhibited the development of OA by blocking Rspo2 in an in vivo DMM model. (A) A graphic scheme of OA induction and AST administration. (B) The joint lesions were evaluated by the OARSI scoring system. (C) The joint lesions were evaluated by the Mankin scoring system. (D) ELISA was used to detect the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in joint cavity effusion. (E, H) The cartilage tissues were analyzed via Safranin O staining. (F, I) The cartilage tissues were analyzed via HE staining. (G, J) Immunofluorescence staining for CD86. The data are represented as the mean ± S.D. of three independent experiments (n = 8). ns: Not significant; ****p < 0.0001 vs Sham group; #p < 0.05 vs OA group; ##p < 0.01 vs OA group; ###p < 0.001 vs OA group; ####p < 0.0001 vs OA group; &&p < 0.01 vs the OA+Rspo2 group; &&&p < 0.001 vs the OA+Rspo2 group.