FIGURE 2.

Baicalein decreases the differentiation of pre‐osteoblasts in the subchondral bone of OA. A, Immunofluorescence staining (Runx2, Osterix) visualised baicalein obviously reduced osteogenic ability of pre‐osteoblasts in subchondral bone compared to DMM surgery group. B,C, Quantification of the intensity of Runx2 and Osterix signal in subchondral bone of the tibia, n = 5, ***P < .001, **P < .01. D‐G, The qRT‐PCR analyses indicated the mRNA expression of ALP, Runx2 and OCN, n = 3, ***P < .001, **P < .01, *P < .05. G, Western blotting analysis of ALP, Runx2 and OCN expression, β‐actin was used as reference gene. H, Immunofluorescence assay results showing the expression level of Runx2. I, ALP staining and alizarin red staining indicated that baicalein decreases pre‐osteoblasts differentiation