Down-regulation of FGFR3 expression aggravates the damage of articular chondrocyte superficial zone cells in mice

Objective To investigate the effect of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) on articular cartilage superficial zone cells (SPZCs). Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into two groups: a sham operated group (sham group) and a group of surgically induced unstable medial meniscus model group (DMM group). The histological morphology of articular cartilage was microscopied by Safranin O/Fast Green-stained in 4 weeks and 8 weeks after surgery. Apoptosis and FGFR3 protein expression were detected by immunohistochemical staining microscopy. Primary SPZCs were separated and randomly divided into control group and Fgfr3 knockdown treatment group. The genes and protein expression related to chondrocyte extra cellular matrix synthesis, degradation and chondrocytehypertrophy were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Results Compared with the sham group, the keen cartilage of mice in DMM group showed a pioneer damage of SPZCs after surgery; Immunohistochemistry results showed an increase in chondrocyte apoptosis