Figure 4.

As the concentration of genistein increases, the levels of TNF-α in the chondrocytes of the OA model gradually decrease. Compared with group A, the levels of TNF-α were higher in groups B, C, D and F, as detected using ELISA. However, the expression levels of TNF-α in groups C, D, E and F, treated with various concentrations of genistein and estradiol valerate, significantly decreased compared with group B. Data are presented as the mean ± SD (n=10). **P<0.01 vs. group A or as indicated; ^##P<0.01 vs. B. OA, osteoarthritis; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; IL, interleukin.