Icariin Prevents Cartilage and Bone Degradation in Experimental Models of Arthritis

Figure 4

Decreased RANKL and enhanced OPG expression in articular cartilage is associated with icariin therapy. Icariin treatment reduced RANKL and enhanced OPG protein and mRNA expression in subchondral bone as shown by immunohistochemistry (a) and real-time PCR analysis (b, c). RANKL/OPG ratio (d). Results are presented as the mean ± SD. , versus corresponding group. Arrow heads indicate positive staining in subchondral bone. Original magnification, ×400.

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