[Effects of Chiropractics on Intervertebral Disk Extracell Matrix and Metabolic Enzymes in Rats with Cervical Spondylosis].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of chiropractics on intervertebral disk extracell matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, cellular collagen type Ⅱ (COL-Ⅱ), tissue inhibitor 1 of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) and extracellular matrix (ECM) in the rats with cervical spondylosis, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of cervical spondylosis.

METHODS

A total of 40 SD rats were randomized into a sham group, a model group, a chiropractics group and a mobic group, 8 rats in each one. The model was established by static-dynamic imbalance method. The rats in the chiropractics group were treated with chiropractic therapy for two courses, 14 times a day and 14 days as a course. The rats in the mobic group were treated with intragastric administration of mobic. The expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, COL-Ⅱ and TIMP-1 in the intervertebral disk tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the protein expression of ECM was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with those in the sham group, the expressions of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13 in the model group increased (all P<0.05), and COL-Ⅱ, TIMP-1 decreased (both P<0.05).Compared with those in the model group, the expressions of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13 in the chiropractics group and the mobic group decreased (all P<0.05), and COL-Ⅱ, TIMP-1 increased (all P<0.05). Compared with that in the sham group, the expression of ECM protein in the model group decreased (P<0.05). Compared with that in the model group, the expression of ECM protein in the chiropractics group and the mobic group increased (both P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Chiropractics may improve the degeneration in rats with cervical spondylosis by regulating intervertebral disc ECM system and relevant metabolic enzymes.