Osteoblasts Regulate the Expression of ADAMTS and MMPs in Chondrocytes through ERK Signaling Pathway

Objective Degradative enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and disintegrin metalloproteinase with platelet thrombin-sensitive protein-like motifs (ADAMTS) play a key role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). We aimed to investigate the effects of OA subchondral osteoblasts on the expression of ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13 in chondrocytes and the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Methods A rat knee OA model was constructed by cutting the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joints, and normal rat articular cartilage chondrocytes (N-ACC), OA ra…