Objective To observe the effect of chiropractics on intervertebral disk extracell matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-1

MMP-3

MMP-13

cellular collagen typeⅡ(COL-Ⅱ)

tissue inhibitor 1 of metalloproteinase(TIMP-1)and extracellular matrix(ECM)in the rats with cervical spondylosis

so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of cervical spondylosis.Methods A total of 40 SD rats were randomized into a sham group

a model group

a chiropractics group and a mobic group

8rats in each one.The model was established by static-dynamic imbalance method.The rats in the chiropractics group were treated with chiropractic therapy for two courses

14 times a day and 14 days as a course.The rats in the mobic group were treated with intragastric administration of mobic.The expression of MMP-1

MMP-3

MMP-13

COL-Ⅱ and TIMP-1 in the intervertebral disk tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry

and the protein expression of ECM was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with those in the sham group

the expressions of MMP-1

MMP-3

MMP-13 in the model group increased(all P<0.05)

and COL-Ⅱ

TIMP-1 decreased(both P<0.05).Compared with those in the model group

the expressions of MMP-1

MMP-3

MMP-13 in the chiropractics group and the mobic group decreased(all P <0.05)

and COL-Ⅱ

TIMP-1 increased(all P<0.05).Compared with that in the sham group

the expression of ECM protein in the model group decreased(P<0.05).Compared with that in the model group

the expression of ECM protein in the chiropractics group and the mobic group increased(both P<0.05).Conclusion Chiropractics may improve the degeneration in rats with cervical spondylosis by regulating intervertebral disc ECM system and relevant metabolic enzymes.