The Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Aerobic Exercise on the Expression of β-catenin and GSK-3β Genes in Heart Tissue of Rats in the Experimental Model of Knee Osteoarthritis

Introduction: Proliferation has long been the main source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in tissue repair , cell therapy and tissue engineering strategies. On the other hand, regular exercise as part of a person’s daily routine may help manage pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cell injection and aerobic exercise on the expression of β-catenin and GSK-3β gene in the heart tissue of mice in an experimental model of knee osteoarthritis. Methods and Materials: For this purpose, 35 male Wistar rats with an average weight of 250-300 gr were divided into 5 groups (7 heads in each group) : 1) control-healthy, 2) controlpatient, 3) saline, 4) MSCs and 5) exercise + MSCs. The OA model (osteoarthritis) was induced initially. Bone marrow cells were then collected for grouping to use MSCs from the femur and tibia. After culturing in the laboratory, 1000000 per kg body weight were prepared for each mouse. During the recovery period, cells were injected as a single injection at the site of induction. The 4-week training program was implemented progressively in accordance with the principle of overload. Laboratory analysis of β-catenin and GSK-3β gene levels in cardiac tissue was determined using special commercial kits by real-time PCR. Data analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance. Results: Induction of the OA model in rats resulted in a significant increase in the β-catenin gene. Moreover, it caused a significant decrease in the GSK3β gene of heart tissue compared to the healthy control group in addition, MSCs and exercise + MSCs resulted in a decrease in the β–catenin gene as well as an increase in the GSK3β gene of heart tissue compared to the patient group. The changes in the MSCs group were not significant lonely; however, they were significant in the exercise+ MSCs group. Discussion and Conclusion: Stem cell injection had little effect on β-catenin and GSK-3β genes in heart tissue. However, aerobic exercise after stem cell injection in osteoarthritis rats was able to make significant changes in β-catenin and GSK-3β genes created heart tissue. Therefore, stem cell injection combined with aerobic exercise may prevent cardiovascular disease in the experimental model of osteoarthritis by inhibiting wnt/β-catenin signaling in the heart.