Objective: To investigate pathological changes of the cartilage and concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β)

matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and blood tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) by Bushen Huoxue formulae in treating rabbit knee osteoarthritis model copied by Hulth surgery. Method: Forty-eight rabbits were randomly divided control group with 6 rabbits

and model group are forty-two rabbits. The osteoarthritis model was established by Hulth surgery

among them 6 animals were randomly killed after modeling 4 weeks for microscope observation

and the remaining 36 rabbits were randomly divided into treatment group and model group

treatment group was given 15 g·kg-1 Bushen Huoxue

the model group was given the same dose of saline. After 4

6

8 weeks

6 animals were killed in each groups respectively to collect the medial femoral condyle to observe chondrocytes morphology by HE staining

meanwhile

the concentrations of IL-1β

MMP-2

TNF-α were assayed. Result: Compared with the normal group

in model group

concentration of IL-1β was significantly higher at 4

6

8 weeks (P<0.01); the concentration of MMP-2 and TNF-α was significantly higher in the 4th and 6th weeks(P<0.01). Compared with the model group

the Mankin's score in treatment group was much significantly lower(P<0.001) in 8 week. the serum concentration of IL-1β significantly was lower (P<0.05) in 8 week

the concentration of MMP-2 in joint fluid was significantly lower (P<0.01) in 6 week

the serum concentrations of TNF-α was significantly lower (P<0.05) in 6 week. Conclusion: Bushen Huoxue treatment can reduce the concentrations of IL-1β

MMP-2 and TNF-α

it can change the form of cartilage tissue so as to protect the articular cartilage in arthritis.