Objective:To investigate the effects of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on apoptosis and approach the mechanism. Methods:The primary cultured mouse chondrocytes were incubated with different concentration of AGEs for 24 h or 48 h. Apoptosis of chondrocytes was detected by FCW;expression of ColⅠ,MMP-3,MMP-9 and p53 was measured by Western blot. Results:After the chondrocytes were treatment with AGEs(50,100,200 mg/L) for 24 h,the apoptosis was increased compared with the control groups;the maximum stimulation of chondrocytes was 200 mg/L AGEs. After the chondrocytes were treatment with AGEs(50,100,200 mg/L) for 48 h,expression of Col was significamtly decreased(P<0.05,n=3) while the levels of MMP-3,MMP-9 and p53 were increased,compared to control groups and BSA group. Conclusion:AGEs can increase the apoptosis of mouse chondrocytes in a dose-dependent manner, thus damage in chondrocytes via decrease of the expression of extracellular matrix.