Anti-inflammatory effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in interleukin-1beta stimulated primary human chondrocytes

Reactive oxygen species-sensitive fenofibrate-loaded dextran nanoparticles in alleviation of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as a prevalent chronic joint pathology, emerging as a leading cause of disability on a global scale. However, the current therapeutic efficacy in OA treatment remains unsatisfactory. Chondrocyte ferroptosis has become to a critical target for OA treatment, while the fabrication of nanomedicines emerges as a promising strategy for OA treatment. Nevertheless, there exists a paucity of reported nanomedicine systems designed to combat chondrocyte ferroptosis for OA alleviation. In light of this, our study introduced a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive fenofibrate-loaded targeted nanoparticle (FN-CNPs) as a means of alleviating OA by suppressing chondrocyte ferroptosis. In vitro investigations demonstrated the FN-CNPs can achieve this through the reduction of lipid peroxidation and ROS levels, as well as the elevation of anti-ferroptosis markers (GPX4, FSP1, and ACSL3). Consequently, FN-CNPs exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects and downregulated the expression of key catabolic mediators in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo studies underscored the ability of FN-CNPs to alleviate OA progression and protect cartilage. Collectively, these findings highlight the efficacy of FN-CNPs in mitigating OA progression by suppressing chondrocyte ferroptosis via regulating ROS levels, antioxidant systems and lipid metabolism of chondrocytes.

Skeletal interoception in osteoarthritis

The interoception maintains proper physiological conditions and metabolic homeostasis by releasing regulatory signals after perceving changes in the internal state of the organism. Among its various forms, skeletal interoception specifically regulates the metabolic homeostasis of bones. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex joint disorder involving cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovium. The subchondral bone undergoes continuous remodeling to adapt to dynamic joint loads. Recent findings highlight that skeletal interoception mediated by aberrant mechanical loads contributes to pathological remodeling of the subchondral bone, resulting in subchondral bone sclerosis in OA. The skeletal interoception is also a potential mechanism for chronic synovial inflammation in OA. In this review, we offer a general overview of interoception, specifically skeletal interoception, subchondral bone microenviroment and the aberrant subchondral remedeling. We also discuss the role of skeletal interoception in abnormal subchondral bone remodeling and synovial inflammation in OA, as well as the potential prospects and challenges in exploring novel OA therapies that target skeletal interoception.

Interplay of G-proteins and Serotonin in the Neuroimmunoinflammatory Model of Chronic Stress and Depression: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

This narrative review addresses the clinical challenges in stress-related disorders such as depression, focusing on the interplay between neuron-specific and pro-inflammatory mechanisms at the cellular, cerebral, and systemic levels.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking chronic psychological stress with low-grade neuroinflammation in key brain regions, particularly focusing on the roles of G proteins and serotonin (5-HT) receptors.

METHODS

This comprehensive review of the literature employs systematic, narrative, and scoping review methodologies, combined with systemic approaches to general pathology. It synthesizes current research on shared signaling pathways involved in stress responses and neuroinflammation, including calcium-dependent mechanisms, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and key transcription factors like NF-κB and p53. The review also focuses on the role of G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptors (GPCRs) in immune and pro-inflammatory responses, with a detailed analysis of how 13 of 14 types of human 5-HT receptors contribute to depression and neuroinflammation.

RESULTS

The review reveals a complex interaction between neurotransmitter signals and immunoinflammatory responses in stress-related pathologies. It highlights the role of GPCRs and canonical inflammatory mediators in influencing both pathological and physiological processes in nervous tissue.

CONCLUSION

The proposed Neuroimmunoinflammatory Stress Model (NIIS Model) suggests that proinflammatory signaling pathways, mediated by metabotropic and ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors, are crucial for maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Chronic mental stress can disrupt this balance, leading to increased pro-inflammatory states in the brain and contributing to neuropsychiatric and psychosomatic disorders, including depression. This model integrates traditional theories on depression pathogenesis, offering a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of the condition.

Differential Metabolites in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Many studies have attempted to utilize metabolomic approaches to explore potential biomarkers for the early detection of osteoarthritis (OA), but consistent and high-level evidence is still lacking. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of differential small molecule metabolites between OA patients and healthy individuals to screen promising candidates from a large number of samples with the aim of informing future prospective studies. (2) Methods: We searched the EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Wan Fang Data, VIP Date, and CNKI up to 11 August 2022, and selected relevant records based on inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. We performed qualitative synthesis by counting the frequencies of changing directions and conducted meta-analyses using the random effects model and the fixed-effects model to calculate the mean difference and 95% confidence interval. (3) Results: A total of 3798 records were identified and 13 studies with 495 participants were included. In the 13 studies, 132 kinds of small molecule differential metabolites were extracted, 58 increased, 57 decreased and 17 had direction conflicts. Among them, 37 metabolites appeared more than twice. The results of meta-analyses among four studies showed that three metabolites increased, and eight metabolites decreased compared to healthy controls (HC). (4) Conclusions: The main differential metabolites between OA and healthy subjects were amino acids (AAs) and their derivatives, including tryptophan, lysine, leucine, proline, phenylalanine, glutamine, dimethylglycine, citrulline, asparagine, acetylcarnitine and creatinine (muscle metabolic products), which could be potential biomarkers for predicting OA.

Tapping into 5-HT3 Receptors to Modify Metabolic and Immune Responses

5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT₃) receptors are ligand gated ion channels, which clearly distinguish their mode of action from the other G-protein coupled 5-HT or serotonin receptors. 5-HT₃ receptors are well established targets for emesis and gastrointestinal mobility and are used as adjunct targets in treating schizophrenia. However, the distribution of these receptors is wider than the nervous system and there is potential that these additional sites can be targeted to modulate inflammatory and/or metabolic conditions. Recent progress in structural biology and pharmacology of 5-HT₃ receptors have provided profound insights into mechanisms of their action. These advances, combined with insights into clinical relevance of mutations in genes encoding 5-HT₃ subunits and increasing understanding of their implications in patient's predisposition to diseases and response to the treatment, open new avenues for personalized precision medicine. In this review, we recap on the current status of 5-HT₃ receptor-based therapies using a biochemical and physiological perspective. We assess the potential for targeting 5-HT₃ receptors in conditions involving metabolic or inflammatory disorders based on recent findings, underscoring the challenges and limitations of this approach.

The Effects of Chemotherapeutics on the Ovarian Cancer Microenvironment

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is characterized by a complex and dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, endothelial cells, and adipocytes. Although most approved therapies target cancer cells, a growing body of evidence suggests that chemotherapeutic agents have an important role in regulating the biology of the diverse cells that compose the TME. Understanding how non-transformed cells respond and adapt to established therapeutics is necessary to completely comprehend their action and develop novel therapeutics that interrupt undesired tumor-stroma interactions. Here, we review the effects of chemotherapeutic agents on normal cellular components of the host-derived TME focusing on CAFs. We concentrate on therapies used in the treatment of HGSOC and synthesize findings from studies focusing on other cancer types and benign tissues. Agents such as platinum derivatives, taxanes, and PARP inhibitors broadly affect the TME and promote or inhibit the pro-tumorigenic roles of CAFs by modifying the bidirectional cross-talk between tumor and stromal cells in the tumor organ. While most chemotherapy research focuses on cancer cells, these studies emphasize the need to consider all cell types within the tumor organ when evaluating chemotherapeutics.

A comprehensive drug repurposing study for COVID19 treatment: novel putative dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors show association to serotonin-dopamine receptors

Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a key enzyme required for de novo pyrimidine synthesis and it is suggested as a target for COVID19 treatment due to high pyrimidine demand by the virus replication in the infected host cells as well as its proven effect of blocking of cytokine release by the immune cells to prevent inflammation leading to acute respiratory distress. There are a number of clinical trials underway for COVID19 treatment using DHODH inhibitors; however, there are only a small number of known DHODH antagonists available for testing. Here, we have applied a methodology to identify DHODH antagonist candidates, and compared them using in silico target prediction tools. A large set of 7900 FDA-approved and clinical stage drugs obtained from DrugBank were docked against 20 different structures DHODH available in PDB. Drugs were eliminated according to their predicted affinities by Autodock Vina. About 28 FDA-approved and 79 clinical trial ongoing drugs remained. The mode of interaction of these molecules was analyzed by repeating docking using Autodock 4 and DS Visualiser. Finally, the target region predictions of 28 FDA-approved drugs were determined through PASS and SwissTargetPrediction tools. Interestingly, the analysis of in silico target predictions revealed that serotonin-dopamine receptor antagonists could also be potential DHODH inhibitors. Our candidates shared a common attribute, a possible interaction with serotonin-dopamine receptors as well as other oxidoreductases, like DHODH. Moreover, the Bruton Tyrosine Kinase-inhibitor acalabrutunib and serotonin-dopamine receptor inhibitor drugs on our list have been found in the literature that have shown to be effective against Sars-CoV-2, while the path of activity is yet to be identified. Identifying an effective drug that can suppress both inflammation and virus proliferation will play a crucial role in the treatment of COVID. Therefore, we suggest experimental investigation of the 28 FDA-approved drugs on DHODH activity and Sars-CoV-2 virus proliferation. Those who are found experimentally effective can play an important role in COVID19 treatment. Moreover, we suggest investigating COVID19 case conditions in patients using schizophrenia and depression drugs.

Therapeutic effects of triptolide from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. on interleukin-1-beta-induced osteoarthritis in rats

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common yet destructive disease affecting the articular cartilage, and is a major cause of immense suffering and disability for millions of people. Previous studies have shown that triptolide (TPL), an active compound derived from Tripterygium wilfordii, has potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities useful for treating chronic diseases. However, whether TPL has immunosuppressive activity against OA is not known. In this study, we assessed the therapeutic effects of TPL on interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β)-induced OA in rats. Histological and protein analyses revealed that TPL not only could inhibit interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) protein expression in cells and disrupt inflammation, but it also reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and 13. Our results also supported the ability of TPL to suppress the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-beta (NF-κB)/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (OPG/RANK/RANKL) and NF-κB signaling pathways induced by IL-1β. Together these data suggest that TPL may be a potentially valuable treatment for OA, regulating associated inflammation and pain.

Rat Chondrocyte Inflammation and Osteoarthritis Are Ameliorated by Madecassoside

As a joint disease, osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the breakdown of subchondral bone and cartilage damage. Inflammatory factors, such as interleukin- (IL-) 1β, mediate the progression of OA. Madecassoside (MA), a triterpenoid component derived from the gotu kola herb (Centella asiatica), exhibits various pharmacological effects, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, the protective effects and possible mechanism of MA on the treatment of OA were investigated. MA was demonstrated to significantly suppress the IL-1β-induced overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 3, MMP-13, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and to decrease the IL-1β-induced degradation of type II collagen and sox9. Additionally, MA was able to reduce the IL-1β-induced phosphorylation of p65 in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Furthermore, in a rat OA model, MA prevented cartilage degeneration and reduced the OARSI score in the MA-treated group compared with the OA group. The present study showed that MA suppresses the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway, reducing IL-1β-induced chondrocyte inflammation, which indicates the therapeutic potential of MA in patients with OA.

Multi-pathway integrated adjustment mechanism of licorice flavonoids presenting anti-inflammatory activity

Glycyrrhiza, commonly known as licorice, is a herbal medicine that has been used for thousands of years. Licorice contains multiple flavonoids, which possess a variety of biological activities. On the basis of the anti-inflammatory effects of licorice flavonoids, the potential mechanism of action was investigated via a plasma metabolomics approach. A total of 9 differential endogenous metabolites associated with the therapeutic effect of licorice flavonoids were identified, including linoleic acid, sphingosine, tryptophanamide, corticosterone and leukotriene B4. Besides classical arachidonic acid metabolism, metabolism of sphingolipids, tryptophan and fatty acids, phospholipids synthesis, and other pathways were also involved. The multi-pathway integrated adjustment mechanism of licorice flavonoid action may reduce side effects in patients, along with any anti-inflammatory functions, which provides a foundation for identifying and developing novel, high-potential natural drugs with fewer side effects for clinical application.

Isofraxidin inhibits interleukin-1β induced inflammatory response in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent disease of knee especially in the aged people. Isofraxidin (IF) is a coumarin compound refined from traditional Chinese medicines with potential anti-inflammatory ability. This study aimed to evaluate protective anti-inflammatory effects of IF in human OA chondrocytes. The chondrocytes were isolated from OA patients and pretreated with IF before treatment with IL-1β. The results showed that IF blocked IL-1β-stimulated production of NO and PGE2. In addition, IF inhibited the expression of COX-2, iNOs, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5, and increased the levels of aggrecan and collagen-II. Mechanistically, IF suppressed IL-1β-induced IκB-α degradation and NF-κB activation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that IF inhibits inflammation in OA via the regulation of NF-κB signaling, and suggest that IF may be a potential therapeutic agent for OA.

Tropisetron attenuates lipopolysaccharide induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting NF-κB and SP/NK1R signaling pathway

Tropisetron, an antagonist of serotonin type 3 receptors (5-HT₃Rs), has been investigated in colonic inflammatory process. Since substance P/neurokinin 1 receptor (SP/NK1R) signaling pathway plays a key role in several sensory neuronal inflammatory. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of tropisetron in mice cerebral cortex, and discovered that it was a potential inhibitor in LPS-mediated neuron inflammation through SP/NK1R signaling pathway. We found that tropisetron significantly reduced the increased number of iba-1 positive microglia, down-regulated the gene transcription and protein expression of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS stimulated cerebral cortex. To characterize the inhibitory mechanism of tropisetron at the SP response in inflammation, we further examined the effect of tropisetron on NF-κB and SP/NK1R signaling pathway in the process of mice cerebral cortex inflammation. We found that tropisetron inhibited the gene transcription and protein expression of NF-κB, SP, NK1R via inhibiting 5-HT₃R activity. These findings might provide new insights into the anti-inflammatory activities of 5-HT₃R inhibitor tropisetron, which would be the interaction of serotonin receptor signaling and SP/NK1R pathway. These might highlight their potential to design novel therapeutic strategies to manage inflammatory diseases.

Protective effect of controlled release of cytokine response modifier A from chitosan microspheres on rat chondrocytes from interleukin-1β induced inflammation and apoptosis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of cytokine response modifier A (CrmA) released from chitosan (CS) microspheres in a controlled manner on interleukin (IL)-1β-induced inflammation and apoptosis in chondrocytes. The CrmA release kinetics were characterized by an initial burst release, which was reduced to a linear release over 8 days. Furthermore, chondrocytes were isolated from 1-week-old Sprague Dawley rats. The cell culture was established by stimulation with 10 ng/ml IL-1β and subsequent incubation with CS-CrmA microspheres. Following stimulation with IL-1β, the viability of chondrocytes was decreased. However, the cell viability was attenuated by CS-CrmA microspheres as revealed by a cell counting kit-8 assay. CS-CrmA microspheres significantly inhibited IL-1β-induced inflammation in chondrocytes by attenuating increases in the gene expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, as well as the concentrations of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2. CS-CrmA microspheres significantly decreased the number of apoptotic chondrocytes induced by IL-1β as indicated by a terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay. In addition, CS-CrmA microspheres blocked IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis by increasing B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and decreasing Bcl-2-associated X protein, caspase-3 and poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase expression at the mRNA and protein levels, as indicated by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. The results of the present study revealed that CS-CrmA microspheres, as a controlled release system of CrmA, may protect rat chondrocytes from IL-1β-induced inflammation and apoptosis via regulating inflammatory and apoptosis-associated genes.

Synovial membrane receptors as therapeutic targets: A review of receptor localization, structure, and function

Joint pathology and degeneration is a significant cause of pain. The synovial membrane plays an important role in maintenance of the joint, contributes to the pathology of many arthropathies and may be adversely affected in joint disease. Improving knowledge of the receptors present within the synovium will aid in a better understanding of joint pathology and the development of new treatments for diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Knowledge of the location and function of synovial membrane receptors (both in healthy and diseased synovium) may provide important targets in the treatment of various arthropathies. Classic pain receptors such as opioid receptors in the synovium are a mainstay in local and systemic management of chronic pain in many species. In addition to these, many other receptors such as bradykinin, neurokinin, transient receptor potential vanilloid, and inflammatory receptors, such as prostanoid and interleukin receptors have been discovered within the synovial membrane. These receptors are important in pain, inflammation, and in maintenance of normal joint function and may serve as targets for pharmacologic intervention in pathologic states. The goal of this review is to outline synovial membrane receptor localization and local therapeutic modulation of these receptors, in order to stimulate further research into pharmacological management of arthropathies at the local level. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1589-1605, 2017.

Melatonin inhibits Sirt1-dependent NAMPT and NFAT5 signaling in chondrocytes to attenuate osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease mainly characterized by cartilage degradation. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) contributes to OA pathogenesis by enhancing oxidative stress and inflammation. Melatonin reportedly elicits potent protection against OA. However, the role of melatonin and underlying mechanism in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes remain largely unclear. In this study, we found that melatonin inhibited IL-1β-induced toxicity and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) enhancement in human chondrocytes. Melatonin reduced the IL-1β-increased nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) expression and the NAD⁺ level in chondrocytes in a Sirt1-dependent manner. In turn, the inhibitory effect of melatonin on Sirt1 was mediated by NAMPT. Moreover, melatonin suppressed IL-1β-induced Sirt1-mediated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13 production. Melatonin also decreased the Sirt1-steered nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) expression in IL-1β-challenged chondrocytes. NFAT5 depletion mimicked the suppressive effects of melatonin on IL-1β-elevated production of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), and nitric oxide (NO) in chondrocytes. TNF-α, IL-1β, PGE₂, or NO decrease caused the similar reduction of MMP-3 and MMP-13 by melatonin in IL-1β-insulted chondrocytes. Highly consistent with in vitro findings, in vivo results demonstrated that melatonin repressed the expression of relevant genes in rat OA pathogenesis in anterior cruciate ligament transection model. Overall, these results indicate that melatonin effectively reduced IL-1β-induced MMP production by inhibiting Sirt1-dependent NAMPT and NFAT5 signaling in chondrocytes, suggesting melatonin as a potential therapeutic alternative for chondroprotection of OA patients.

Granisetron and carvedilol can protect experimental rats againstadjuvant-induced arthritis

CONTEXT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disabling autoimmune disorder of the joints as well as other organs, affects about 1% of population. Unfortunately, all current treatments of RA cause severe gastrointestinal, renal and other complications.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the possible antiarthritic effects of a serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor blocker, granisetron, and a nonselective adrenergic receptor blocker, carvedilol, on complete Freund's adjuvant-induced RA in adult female albino rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were allocated into a normal control group, an arthritis control group, two reference treatment groups receiving dexamethasone (1.5 mg/kg/day) and methotrexate (1 mg/kg/day), and two treatment groups receiving granisetron (2.5 mg/kg/day) and carvedilol (10 mg/kg/day). Serum-specific rheumatoid, immunological, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed. A confirmatory histopathological study on joints and spleens was performed.

RESULTS

Granisetron administration significantly improved all the measured biomarkers, with the values of rheumatoid factor, matrix metalloproteinase-3, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, immunoglobulin G, antinuclear antibody and myeloperoxidase being restored back to normal levels. Carvedilol administration significantly improved all biomarkers, with serum MPO value restored back to normal levels.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor blockers and adrenergic receptor blockers, represented by granisetron and carvedilol, may represent new promising protective strategies against RA, at least owing to immune-modulator, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials.

Echinocystic Acid Inhibits IL-1β-Induced COX-2 and iNOS Expression in Human Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes

Echinocystic acid (EA), a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from the fruits of Gleditsia sinensis Lam, displays a range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the effect of EA on IL-1β-stimulated osteoarthritis chondrocyte has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of EA on IL-1β-stimulated human osteoarthritis chondrocyte. Chondrocytes were stimulated with IL-1β in the absence or presence of EA. NO and PGE2 production were measured by Griess reagent and ELISA. The expression of COX-2, iNOS, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), inhibitory kappa B (IκBα), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were detected by Western blot analysis. The results showed that EA suppressed IL-1β-induced collagenase-3 (MMP-13), NO, and PGE2 production in a dose-dependent manner. IL-1β up-regulated the expression of COX-2 and iNOS, and the increase was inhibited by EA. Furthermore, IL-1β-induced NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation were inhibited by EA. In conclusion, EA effectively attenuated IL-1β-induced inflammatory response in osteoarthritis chondrocyte which suggesting that EA may be a potential agent in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Resveratrol Interferes with IL1-β-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Paracrine Interaction between Primary Chondrocytes and Macrophages

State of the art. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic articular disease characterized by cartilage degradation and osteophyte formation. OA physiopathology is multifactorial and involves mechanical and hereditary factors. So far, there is neither preventive medicine to delay cartilage breakdown nor curative treatment. Objectives. To investigate pro-inflammatory paracrine interactions between human primary chondrocytes and macrophages following interleukin-1-β (IL-1β) treatment; to evaluate the molecular mechanism responsible for the inhibitory effect of resveratrol. Results. The activation of NF-κB in chondrocytes by IL-1β induced IL-6 secretion. The latter will then activate STAT3 protein in macrophages. Moreover, STAT3 was able to positively regulate IL-6 secretion, as confirmed by the doubling level of IL-6 in the coculture compared to macrophage monoculture. These experiments confirm the usefulness of the coculture model in the inflammatory arthritis-linked process as a closer biological situation to the synovial joint than separated chondrocytes and macrophages. Il also demonstrated the presence of an inflammatory amplification loop induced by IL-1β. Resveratrol showed a strong inhibitory effect on the pro-inflammatory marker secretion. The decrease of IL-6 secretion is dependent on the NFκB inhibition in the chondrocytes. Such reduction of the IL-6 level can limit STAT3 activation in the macrophages, leading to the interruption of the inflammatory amplification loop. Conclusion. These results increase our understanding of the anti-inflammatory actions of resveratrol and open new potential approaches to prevent and treat osteoarthritis.

Tropisetron suppresses colitis-associated cancer in a mouse model in the remission stage

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high risk for development of colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced by enterochromaffin cells of the intestine. Serotonin and its receptors, mainly 5-HT3 receptor, are overexpressed in IBD and promote development of CAC through production of inflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we demonstrated the in vivo activity of tropisetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, against experimental CAC. CAC was induced by azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DDS) in BALB/c mice. The histopathology of colon tissue was performed. Beta-catenin and Cox-2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry as well as quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Alterations in the expression of 5-HT3 receptor and inflammatory-associated genes such as Il-1β, Tnf-α, Tlr4 and Myd88 were determined by qRT-PCR. Our results showed that tumor development in tropisetron-treated CAC group was significantly lower than the controls. The qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of 5-HT3 receptor was significantly increased following CAC induction. In addition, tropisetron reduced expression of β-catenin and Cox-2 in the CAC experimental group. The levels of Il-1β, Tnf-α, Tlr4 and Myd88 were significantly decreased upon tropisetron treatment in the AOM/DSS group. Taken together, our data show that tropisetron inhibits development of CAC probably by attenuation of inflammatory reactions in the colitis.

Schisandrae Fructus Inhibits IL-1β-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinases and Inflammatory Mediators Production in SW1353 Human Chondrocytes by Suppressing NF-κB and MAPK Activation

Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) by stimulating several mediators that contribute to cartilage degradation. Schisandrae Fructus (SF), the dried fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Magnoliaceae), is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a number of chronic inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the antiosteoarthritis properties of an ethanol extract of SF on IL-1β-stimulated SW1353 chondrocytes. SF attenuated IL-1β-induced expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 and also reduced the elevated levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase associated with the inhibition of prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide production in IL-1β-stimulated SW1353 chondrocytes. In addition, SF markedly suppressed the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) by blocking inhibitor κB-alpha degradation and inhibited the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These results indicate that the inhibitory effect of SF on IL-1β-stimulated expression of MMPs and inflammatory mediators production in SW1353 cells were associated with the suppression of the NF-κB and JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathways. The results from this study indicate that SF may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of OA due to its anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective features.

Taraxasterol inhibits IL-1β-induced inflammatory response in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic degenerative joint disease, is a leading cause of disability among elderly patients. Taraxasterol, a pentacyclic-triterpene isolated from Taraxacum officinale, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. However, the protective effect of taraxasterol on OA remains unclear. In order to provide a scientific basis for the applicability of taraxasterol in OA, the anti-inflammatory effects of taraxasterol on IL-1β-stimulated osteoarthritic chondrocytes were investigated. Chondrocytes were pretreated with taraxasterol 1h before IL-1β treatment. The productions of MMP-1, MMP3, MMP13, PGE2 and NO were measured by ELISA and Griess reaction. The expression of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB was detected by western blot analysis. Our results demonstrated that taraxasterol dose-dependently suppressed MMP-1, MMP3, MMP13, PGE2 and NO production induced by IL-1β. The expression of COX-2 and iNOS was also inhibited by taraxasterol. Western blot analysis showed that taraxasterol suppressed IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, we found that taraxasterol protected human chondrocytes by inhibiting MMPs, NO and PGE2 production. Taraxasterol may be a useful agent for prevention and treatment of OA.

Astragalin inhibits IL-1β-induced inflammatory mediators production in human osteoarthritis chondrocyte by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK activation

Astragalin, a bioactive component isolated from Rosa agrestis, has been described to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of astragalin on IL-1β-stimulated human osteoarthritis chondrocyte. The production of NO and PGE2 was detected by Griess reaction and ELISA. The expression of iNOS and COX-2 was detected by western blotting. The expression of NF-κB and MAPKs was detected by western blot analysis. We found that astragalin dose-dependently inhibited IL-1β-induced NO and PGE2 production, as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression. Meanwhile, western blot analysis showed that astragalin inhibited IL-1β-induced NF-κB and MAPK activation in human osteoarthritis chondrocyte. In addition, astragalin was found to activate PPAR-γ. The inhibition of astragalin on IL-1β-induced NO and PGE2 production can be reversed by PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662. Astragalin suppressed IL-1β-induced inflammatory mediators via activating PPAR-γ, which subsequently inhibited IL-1β-induced NF-κB and MAPK activation. Astragalin may be a potential agent in the treatment of osteoarthritis.