The effect of moderate intensity aerobic training and stem cell Injection on Dkk-1 and Sclerostin levels in a model of Osteoarthritis rats

The present study was performed to compare the effects of moderate intensity aerobic training and stem cell infusion on Dkk-1 and Sclerostin levels in a model of Osteoarthritis rats.

Study was experimental type. For this purpose, 42 male Wistar rats, 8 weeks old, were randomly divided into 6 groups; control, osteoarthritis, saline, osteoarthritis-aerobic training, osteoarthritis-stem cell and osteoarthritis-aerobic training-stem cell. Osteoarthritis was induced by injury to the miniscus and cartilage in male rats. The training program consisted of 30 minutes of treadmill running without slope and speed of 14 to 18 m/min for 8 weeks. Bone-derived stem cell injection was 1000000 cells/kg. Tissue levels of Dkk-1 and Sclerostin were measured by ELISA.

Stem cells-aerobic training, aerobic training, and stem cells groups showed a significant decrease in Dkk-1 and Sclerostin levels of femur compared to the osteoarthritic group (P<0.0001). Aerobic training-stem cell group showed a greater decrease (P<0.0001).

Overall, the results of the present study showed that aerobic training combined with bone marrow-derived stem cells injection reduced the tissue levels of Dkk-1 and Sclerostin in the femur, and may reduce bone loss caused by osteoarthritis by improving bone metabolism