Expression of Ptgs2 and Tgfb1 Genes in Rat Cartilage Cells of the Knee under Conditions of Osteoarthritis

The biochemical and molecular analysis of rat cartilage tissue with monosodium iodoacetateinduced osteoarthritis established the increase in the expression levels of Ptgs2 and Tgfb1 genes and the increase in ROS production compared to the corresponding control group of animals. This indicates the activation of inflammatory and destructive processes, impairment of the cellular redox balance, and the development of oxidative stress in the tissues. When using a chondroitin sulfate preparation under the same conditions, the expression levels of these genes, as well as the content of the superoxide anion radical and organic hydroperoxides, were closer to control values compared with experimental osteoarthritis, indicating the antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties of the drug used and its efficiency in osteoarthritis treatment.