Fig. 2

Radiographic images showing the development of OA at knee. Representative digital X-ray images from medial–lateral approach of the right knee were obtained before the ACLT (Day 0) and then biweekly thereafter (Week 2, 4, 6 and 8). Obvious destruction of the posterior tibial plateau is indicated by arrow. The destruction was reduced by the DAEP topical treatment at Week 2 as indicated by the arrowhead. Sham: the group of rats received surgical procedures to expose the knee joint cavity only, but without ACLT and meniscus resection, without treadmill running and DAEP treatment. Control: The group of rats received surgical procedures to expose the knee joint cavity, with ACLT and meniscus resection, with treadmill running but without DAEP topical treatment. DAEP: The group of rats received all the surgical procedures and treadmill running as Control, together with DAEP topical treatment