Fig. 1

MiR-99a expression was decreased in severe spine OA-affected cartilage tissues. (A) Representative CT and MRI images from the mild group and severe group of patients. (B) Morphological changes in articular cartilage derived from severe spine OA and mild spine OA tissues were evaluated by Safranin O Fast Green staining and Alcian Blue staining. (C) OARSI scores and cartilage thickness were determined by examination of the Safranin O Fast Green staining sections. (D) The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in severe spine OA tissues and blood samples from mild spine OA patients were analyzed by ELISA. (E) Quantitative real time PCR was used to detect the levels of miR-99a expression in human severe spine OA tissues or mild spine OA joint tissues. **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, compared with mild spine OA, N = 10. SF, Safranin O Fast Green staining; AB, Alcian Blue staining