Comparing different physical factors on serum TNF-α levels, chondrocyte apoptosis, caspase-3 and caspase-8 expression in osteoarthritis of the knee in rabbits.

Objective: To study the therapeutic effects that different physical factors may have on rabbits with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Methods: A total of 64 rabbits were randomised and organised into eight groups, eight of which were each assigned a different physical factor, in which the rabbits received one type of physical therapy: millimetre waves for 20 min, pulsed electromagnetic fields, millimetre waves for 40 min, ultrasound, low-level laser therapy or ultrashort wave diathermy. The two remaining groups, the normal group and the model group, served as controls. The efficacy of the different treatments were determined by observing the configuration and structure of the cartilaginous tissue by haematoxylin and Eosin staining, measuring the serum tumour necrosis factor-α levels by enzyme immunoassay, evaluating the expression levels of caspases-3 and -8 by immunohistochemistry, and calculating the ratio of chondrocytes apoptosis by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling. The values obtained for each assessment of the eight groups were analysed by a One-way ANOVA.

Results: By applying upmentioned physical treatments, the organisational configuration and structure of cartilage cells from the knees of rabbits with osteoarthritis increased. These treatments also decreased serum tumour necrosis factor-α levels, reduced the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-8 and reduced chondrocyte apoptosis, resulting in an overall delay in osteoarthritis development.

Conclusion: The application of pulsed electromagnetic fields, millimetre waves for 40 min, ultrasound, or low-level laser therapy had significant effects in improving osteoarthritis; in particular, treatment with pulsed electromagnetic fields or ultrasound yielded the greatest therapeutic effect.