Fig. 2

BSHXF protects against cartilage degeneration in DMM-induced mice. a Histological knee joint sections (100×) stained using Alcian Blue Hematoxylin/Orange G and Toluidine Blue, and COL2 IHC. Joint degradation are labeled (black arrows: cartilage degradation, blue arrows: osteophyte formation, purple arrows: subchondral sclerosis). Cartilage architecture was evaluated using the Osteomeasure System to determine b the tibial cartilage area, c tibial cartilage thickness, d OARSI scoring and e COL2 positive area. f Representative micro-CT images. Quantification of the g BV/TV, h Tb. Th and i Tb. Sp by static histomorphometry. Bars represent mean ± SD (n = 10). *P < 0.01. Scale bars = 200 μm