Objective:To observe the improvement effect of Yilong Tongbi decoction on chondrocyte apoptosis regulatory gene expression of cartilaginous tissue on the rabbit models of knee osteoarthritis (KOA)

and elucidate its potential mechanism. Method: Forty healthy male rabbits were randomly divided into four groups:normal control group

model group

Yilong Tongbi decoction group and glucosamine hydrochloride capsules group. The right knee osteoarthritis model was induced by anterior cruciate ligament transaction except the normal control group. The modeling rabbits were treated by gavage with Yilong Tongbi decoction (0.6 g·kg-1·d-1) and glucosamine hydrochloride capsules (0.1 g·kg-1·d-1) for 4 weeks. The following indexes was observed in all rabbits at experimental endpoint that the ultrastructure changes of arthrodial cartilage and synovium including levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)in synovial fluid by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay(ELISIA)

and the expression of apoptosis in cartilage tissue detected by TUNEL assay

the levels of bcl-2 and bax detected by immunohistochemistry in cartilage tissue. Result: Compared with model group

the indexes showed significant improvement in rabbits of Yilong Tongbi decoction and glucosamine hydrochloride capsules group like the ultrastructure changes of arthrodial cartilage and synovium

levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in synovial fluid

cartilage apoptosis rate

the expression of Bcl-2

Bax and Bcl-2/Bax in cartilage tissue. Conclusion: Yilong Tongbi decoction can decrease the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in synovial fluid

lessen the rate of chondrocyte apoptosis

improve the rate of Bcl-2/Bax

so as to protect cartilaginous tissue in the rabbit with knee osteoarthritis.