C-Reactive Protein Knock Out Attenuate Temporomandibular Joint Inflammation in Rats

Abstract Background: C-reactive protein (CRP), as the biomarker for inflammation, high expresses in osteoarthritis (OA) related diseases with exact role been clouded. In this study, we evaluated the biological effect of CRP in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA).Methods: Freund’s complete adjuvant (CFA) was used for TMJ inflammation induction in CRP knock out (CRP -/-) and control rats. And TMJ degenerative changes, such as the synovitis performance, TMJ disc morphological changes and cartilage degeneration were compared to elucidate the role of CRP played in TMJ-OA. Results: Compared to control group, CFA induced TMJ inflammation caused systemic and local CRP expression increased. Based on this, CRP -/- rat performed less severe inflammation symptoms. Lower degree of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukins IL-1β and IL-6) expression and up-expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were detected in CRP -/- rat, which with less macrophage and activation and osteoclast differentiation.Conclusion: These results indicated that control high elevated CRP level during inflammation should be benefit for TMJ-OA prevention and treatment.