Altered Chondrocyte Apoptosis Status in Developmental Hip Dysplasia in Rabbits

Abstract

Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is an important factor leading to early adult osteoarthritis. Chondrocyte apoptosis has been proven to be an important factor causing osteoarthritis. Aims: The current study aims to explore whether a rabbit model of developmental dysplasia of the hip through cast immobilization in the legs results in chondrocyte apoptosis. Study Design: Animal experimentation. Methods: Thirty-two New Zealand white rabbits were divided in three groups with cast plaster-induced dislocation at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The contralateral hip joint was utilized as a control group. Ten rabbits in each group were sacrificed, and hip specimens were obtained. Bcl-2/Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-8 expression were examined by western blot analysis. Chondrocyte apoptosis was analyzed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and TUNEL analysis. All experiments were repeated at least three times. Results: In the experimental group, Bcl-2/Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-8 expression were significantly altered. The Bcl-2/Bax ratio decreased with time (all p