ObjectiveTo investigate the differential expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) protein in the osteoarthritis (OA) and normal cartilages, and explore the role of TRPV4 in the prevention and treatment of OA.MethodsThe cartilage tissues from the patients of knee OA (OA group) and femoral neck fracture (control group) were taken. In OA group, there were 6 males and 9 females; the age ranged from 55 to 78 years (mean, 69 years); the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) score was 3.0±0.8. In control group, there were 5 males and 10 females; the age ranged from 57 to 91 years (mean, 71 years). There was no significant difference in gender and age between the two groups (P>0.05). Western blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, Masson staining, and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the difference in protein and mRNA expressions of TRPV4 between the OA and normal cartilages. Then the relationship between the K-L score of OA and the rate of TRPV4-positive cells was analyzed.ResultsThe relative expression of TRPV4 protein and mRNA in OA group were 0.454±0.199 and 2.951±1.200, which were higher than those in control group (0.165±0.074, 1.437±0.682). The difference in relative expression of TRPV4 protein was significant (t=2.718, P=0.026). Histology observation showed that the chondrocytes arranged disorderly in OA group, the structure of extracellular matrix was abnormal, and the cartilage defect reached the deep layer. There were more TRPV4-positive cells in the degenerated tissue, and the rate of TRPV4-positive cells was 37.353%±13.496%. The chondrocytes were arranged well in control group, and the rate of TRPV4-positive cells was only 9.642%±3.284%. There was a significant difference between the two groups (t=7.491, P=0.000). The rate of TRPV4-positive cells in OA group was positively correlated with the OA K-L score (r=0.775, P=0.001).ConclusionThe TRPV4 expression increased in OA cartilages that may contribute to the development of OA.