Bioinformatics analysis of Transcriptome genes in osteoarthritis rats treated with pilose antler

Abstract Background Pilose antler (PA) is a common Chinese medicine used to treat patients with osteoarthritis (OA) while its treating mechanism is still unknown. The purpose of our study is to clarify this mechanism by studying the effect of pilose antler on transcriptome genes expression in rats with knee osteoarthritis.MethodsTen Sprague Dawley (SD) rats are randomly divided into two groups, the pilose antler group (PA group) and the osteoarthritis group (OA group). The classic Hulth method was performed on the right knee of all the rats to establish the osteoarthritis model. Six weeks after the surgery, the PA group was given pilose antler and the OA group was given saline. This intervention lasted 6 weeks. Two hours after the last administration, cartilage tissues of all the rats were taken from their right knees. The samples were collected and sent to BGI, the genomic organization, to carry on the RNA-Seq measurement. The comparison of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), enrichment analysis, genes classification, and miRNA-mRNA linked network were studied within Dr.Tom system.ResultsSeveral DEGs(3226 in comparison between OA and PA group) were identified (|log2FC|≥1,Q value < 0.001). Compared with the OA group, 711 up-regulated genes and 2615 down-regulated genes were found in the PA group. According to the enrichment analysis, the up-regulated genes mainly enriched in muscle contraction and the down-regulated-genes are involved in inflammatory response. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was performed and the key genes were identified.ConclusionsOur studies have found that PA may alleviate the progression of OA through strengthening the muscle and positively regulate the inflammatory response. We also found some key genes, like Tnni2, Mylpf, Myl1, Actn3, Ifitm6, and Retnlg . These genes may be the potential target of pilose antler in the treatment of OA.