The biomarkers changes in serum and the correlation with quantitative MRI markers by histopathologic evaluation of the cartilage in surgically-induced osteoarthritis rabbit model.

To investigate the biomarkers change in serum and the correlation with quantitative MRI markers by histopathologic evaluation of the cartilage in surgically-induced osteoarthritis(OA) rabbit model.Thirty-six mature New Zealand rabbits were used. Eighteen rabbits were divided into six groups randomly and equally and subjected to surgery using the improved Hulth method. The other eighteen rabbits were also allocated into six groups randomly and equally which served as the control. At multiple time points after surgery, the BMP-2, CTX-II and COMP levels in the serum were analyzed by ELISA, and quantitative MRI was performed. Histopathology was examined with HE, and Mankin scores were assessed. The changes in the biochemical biomarkers and imaging markers in the OA groups were compared with those in the control groups using paired-samples T tests. The correlation of quantitative MRI markers with biomarkers and Mankin scores were analyzed. The analysis of Mankin scores was conducted with non-parametric wilcoxon signed rank tests.The BMP-2 levels were increased at various times after surgery, and significant differences were observed between the OA and control groups(all the P values