Scattergrams plotting individual serum biomarker concentration against T2* relaxation time values.

<p>T2* relaxation times correlated significantly with BMP-2, CTX-II and COMP (D, R² = 0.23, <i>P</i> = 0.043; E, R² = 0.4, <i>P</i> = 0.005; F, R² = 0.28, <i>P</i> = 0.025). N = 18.</p

T2 mapping images (A-F) and T2* mapping (A-F) images of rabbit cartilage at different time points after surgery (W2, W4, W8, W12, W16, and W20).

<p>The cartilage was integral and had moderate to slightly high linear homogeneous signal (A-B). The cartilage had moderate to slightly high signal and poor contrast with adjacent synovial fluid, adipose tissue and myeloid tissue(C-D). The cartilage was not integral and had slightly high heterogeneous signal(E-F).</p

The scatter diagram of T2 values and Mankin scores.

<p>A positive correlation was found between the two variables (R² = 0.794, <i>P</i><0.001) using linear regression analysis. A correlation was also found between T2 and T2* values (<i>P</i><0.001). N = 18.</p

The histological images of the cartilage of control and OA rabbits (HE staining, 20×).

<p>Control: Normal cartilage. W2–W20: The cartilage was subjected to the improved Hulth method and evaluated 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks after surgery, respectively.</p

The scatter diagram of T2 values and T2* values.

<p>A correlation was found between T2 and T2* values (<i>P</i><0.001). N = 18.</p

The overview chart of the design in this study.

<p>MRI scanning was evaluated at different time points and histologic analysis was assessed at the same time (black arrows). ACLT = Anterior cruciate ligament transection. Control = Control group. n = 18 for ACLT and control group.</p

Changes in COMP levels in the serum at different points after surgery.

<p>The COMP level peaked at time point of W12 and decreased at W16. Significant differences were found between the control group and all OA groups except the W20 group. Asterisks indicate significant differences with paired-samples T tests.</p

The Mankin score increased at the different time points after surgery with improved Hulth method.

<p>Asterisks indicate significant differences.</p

T2* values were elevated after W2 compared with the control group, but significant differences appeared from W8 to W20.

<p>Asterisks indicate significant differences with paired-samples T tests.</p

Plot of CTX-II level changes in the serum.

<p>The CTX-II levels for the OA groups were higher than that for the control group, except at time point W4. The CTX-II level peaked at W16. Significant differences were found between the control group and all the OA groups except the group evaluated 4 weeks post-surgery. Asterisks indicate significant differences with paired-samples T tests.</p