Effects of p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis expression on apoptosis of artificial condrocytes

Objective To explore the effects of p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis(PUMA)on apoptosis in the mouse knee joint osteoarthritis cartilage. Methods The osteoarthritis cell model was made by using mouse artificial chondrocytes treated with interleukin(IL)-1β, and small interfering RNA(siRNA) of PUMA was transfected into chondrocytes. The expression of PUMA and the apoptosis were detected by Western blotting and Hoechst staining at baseline and after transfection. Results PUMA protein expression in control group was 6.11 times of blank group, and that in control group was 2.02 and 3.30 times of experimental groups. The apoptosis rate in blank group, control group, and experimental groups A and B was 3.6%,29.6%,9.0% and 13.2% respectively. SiRNA of PUMA had been transfected into chondrocytes successfully. PUMA protein expression was suppressed, and apoptosis of chondrocytes decreased. Conclusion PUMA gene has taken part in the apoptosis of chondrocytes in mice with osteoarthritis. Key words: Osteoarthritis; Artificial chondrocytes; p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosisl; Small interfering RNA; Apoptosis