Icariin Prevents Cartilage and Bone Degradation in Experimental Models of Arthritis

Figure 3

Effects of icariin on BMD and bone structural quality of rabbits measured by micro-CT. Representative μ-CT images of the distal femur (a). The BMD was significantly decreased in AIA rabbits as compared to the normal group rabbits. However, the BMD value in ICA treated rabbits was significantly higher compared with that in the AIA group and no change of BMD was found between the control group and the AIA group (b). There was a significant decrease in BV/TV (c), Tb.N (d), and Tb.Th (e) in the AIA rabbits as compared to the normal group. In addition there was a significant increase in Tb.Sp in the AIA group (f). Compared with AIA rabbits, the trabecular BV/TV (c), Tb.N (d), and Tb.Th (e) were significantly increased whereas the Tb.Sp (f) was significantly decreased in ICA treated rabbits. Results are presented as the mean ± SD. , versus corresponding group.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)