FPF reduced inflammatory infiltration and pannus formation, articular cartilage destruction and osteoclast infiltration, and the expression of MMP-9 and cathepsin K in the ankle joint.
Immunohistochemical staining also demonstrated high expression of MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 in plica and pannus-like tissue of stage IV OA knees and not in normal cartilage.