Figure 3. Effects of SF on the cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) production in the serum of MIA-induced OA rats. Rats were injected with 3 mg MIA in the right knee. SF was administered orally daily for 3 weeks after MIA injection. (A) The concentrations of IL-1β, (B) IL-6 and (C) TNF-α in serum collected from MIA-induced OA rats treated with or without SF. Data were expressed as mean ± SD (n = 8) (*p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01 MIA group vs. normal control group; ^#p < 0.05 and ^##p < 0.01 SF+MIA treatment groups vs. MIA group).