Fig. 3

BSHXF reduces MMP13 and elevate TGFBR2 and pSMAD2 expressional levels in osteoarthritic chondrocyte. a Knee joint representative IHC image (200×) of TGFBR2, pSMAD2 and MMP13 stained chondrocytes (brown; black arrows) with cell nuclei counterstained with hematoxylin (blue). Quantification of b TGFBR2, c pSMAD2 and d MMP13 as positive cells rate. e Mmp13 mRNA and protein expression inchondrogenic ATDC5 cells. f Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling chondrocyte apoptosis (200×). g Quantification of TUNEL staining positive cells was performed to evaluate chondrocyte apoptosis. Bars represent mean ± SD (n = 10). *P < 0.01. Scale bars = 100 μm