Figure 6.

mRNA expression of cartilage injury index proteins Aggrecan, Collagen II and MMP13. Total RNA was extracted from cartilage tissues for measuring the mRNA expression of Aggrecan, Collagen II and MMP13 by real-time quantitative PCR. *, P<0.05 compared to normal group; #, P<0.05 compared to model group. Compared with normal control group, MIA rats had significantly higher MMP-13, and lower Aggrecan or collagen II levels. However, opposite changes of these markers were observed after IGF-1 or Rapamycin treatment.