Fig. 6: str-ZPM Gel induces BMSCs recruitment and rescues OA cartilage degeneration in rats. | Nature Communications

Fig. 6: str-ZPM Gel induces BMSCs recruitment and rescues OA cartilage degeneration in rats.

From: Streamlined metal-based hydrogel facilitates stem cell differentiation, extracellular matrix homeostasis and cartilage repair in male rats

Fig. 6

a Experimental design time flowchart and the illustration of the recruitment process of BMSCs during cartilage repair. b Immunofluorescent staining of CD44 and CD90 at 7 or 14 days. c Experimental design time flowchart. d WB analysis of protein levels of COL2A1, Aggrecan, MMP13, ADAMTS5, Ihh, and PTHrP in rats. Blots are representative of three independent experiments. e Quantitative analysis of WB. Data were presented as the mean ± SD (n = 3 independent experiments). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, and ***P < 0.001. Statistical comparisons were performed using the unpaired two-sided Student’s t-test. f Macroscopic observation of cartilage defect at 4- and 8-weeks post-surgery. g Heatmap of variables of macroscopic scoring at 4 and 8 weeks. h ICRS macroscopic scores of different groups. Data were presented as the mean ± SD (n = 4 independent experiments). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, and ***P < 0.001. Statistical comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s test. i Representative three-dimensional (3D) images of the rat knee joint, 2D images in the coronal and sagittal planes were reconstructed by micro-CT. (3D images of subchondral bone were obtained by reconstructing the green areas in 2D images using processing software). j Quantitative analysis of osteophyte volume. k–o BMD, BV/TV, Tb. N, Tb. Th, and Tb. Sp were quantified by micro-CT. Data were presented as the mean ± SD (n = 4 independent experiments). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, and ****P < 0.0001. Statistical comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s test in j–o Source data are provided as a Source Data file.

Back to article page