MiR-211 Reduces the Degradation of Articular Cartilage Matrix by Targeting Matrix Metalloproteninase 9

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteninase 9 (MMP9) promotes osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage matrix degradation. Abnormal miR-211 expression is associated with OA. Bioinformatics analysis showed a targeted relationship between miR-211 and MMP9 mRNA 3′-UTR. Our study intends to evaluate miR-211’s role in the destruction of chondrocyte matrix in OA model rats. The OA model rats were divided into OA group, OA group+agomir-NC group, OA group+agomir-211 group, followed by analysis of the arthritis Mankin score, Hyp and IL-1β content by ELISA, MMP-9 and COL2A1 expression by western blot and miR-211 level by qRT-PCR. The cartilage tissues were divided into control group, IL-1β+ agomir-NC group, IL-1β+ agomir-211 group, and the expression of MMP-9 and COL2A1 in chondrocytes were detected. Compared with Sham group, IL-1β and Hyp levels in the joint cavity fluid of the OA group were significantly increased and miR-211 expression was significantly decreased with increased MMP9 expression and decreased COL2A1 expression. Injection of agomir-211 into the joint cavity of OA rats significantly reduced MMP9 expression in cartilage tissue, decreased Hyp content in the joint cavity fluid, increased COL2A1 expression, and decreased Mankin score and cartilage damage. IL-1β treatment significantly up-regulated MMP9 expression and decreased COL2A1 expression; miR-211 overexpression attenuated IL-1β-induced cartilage matrix degradation and cartilage destruction. miR-211 plays a role in regulating MMP9 expression and promoting OA. miR-211 overexpression inhibits MMP9 expression, reduces the degradation of cartilage matrix and increases collagen synthesis, thus ameliorating OA development.