To explore the correlation between the Indian hedgehog and severity of knee osteoarthritis cartilage damage.
A total of 215 patients with osteoarthritis [97 males and 118 females with an average age of 65.2 ± 7.8 (49-78) years and 34 healthy persons [28 males and 6 females with an average age of 58.4 ± 8.7 (45-62) years were selected randomly and their cartilages in knee joints collected. The damage degree of osteoarthritis was evaluated by revised Markin scale. The Ihh mRNA was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the Ihh protein expression examined by Western blot.
According to the revised Mankin scale, the osteoarthritis samples were divided into 3 stages of severe, moderate and mild. Comparing with normal control group, the Ihh mRNA and protein expressions increased obviously in cartilage. With worsening cartilage damage, Ihh mRNA and protein expression increased accordingly. Statistical differences existed among the groups (normal: 1.00 ± 0.01; mild: 1.37 ± 0.02; moderate: 1.90 ± 0.02; severe: 2.13 ± 0.03; P < 0.01). And the damage degree of osteoarthritis was determined by injury extent of soft tissue in knee joint (Mankin scale). And the damage degree of cartilage was positively correlated with Ihh expression (r = 0.581, P < 0.01).
Ihh expression is correlated with the damage degree of knee joint osteoarthritis.