The effect of radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia on the expression of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in the blood of rabbits with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia on the morphology of articular cartilage and any changes in serum-1 interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the process of knee osteoarthritis in rabbits. Methods Fifty-four male rabbits were selected and knee osteoarthritis was introduced to their right hind limbs using the modified Hulth model. They were then randomly divided into a model group, a cervus and cucumis polypeptide (CCP) group and a radiofrequency thermotherapy (RT) group, each of 18. The CCP group was injected with deer melon peptide intramuscularly. The RT group was given radiofrequency hyperthermia treatment. The model group was not provided with any special treatment. On the 7th, 13th and 19th day of the treatment, 6 rabbits in each group were sacrificed to resect the right medial femoral condyle cartilage. The morphological characteristics of the cartilage were evaluated using the modified Mankins score, while the content of IL-1βand TNF-α in the serum were detected using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays (ELISAs). Results At the same time points, the average Mankins score and the average content of IL-1βand TNF-α in the serum of the model group were significantly higher than in the CCP group, with the values in the latter group significantly higher than in the RT group. In the RT group, the average Mankins score, as well as the IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha levels in the serum, decreased significantly with longer treatment. Conclusion Radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia is superior to deer melon polypeptide in treating knee osteoarthritis, at least in rabbits. Its therapeutic mechanism may be related to the control of serum IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha levels. Key words: Knee osteoarthritis; Radiofrequency hyperthermia; Interleukin-1β; Tumor necrosis factor-α