Effect of Eucomis autumnalis on the Osteogenic Differentiation of Adipose Derived Stem Cells

Potential role of nutraceuticals via targeting a Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathway in treatment of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease due to the aging of the articular cartilage, a post-mitotic tissue that stays functioning until primary homeostatic processes fail. Because of pain and disability, OA significantly influences national healthcare expenses and patient quality of life. It is a whole-joint illness characterized by inflammatory and oxidative signaling pathways and significant epigenetic alterations that cause cartilage extracellular matrix degradation. The canonical Wnt pathway (Wnt/β-catenin pathway) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways may function in joint tissues by modulating the activity of synovial cells, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. However, finding innovative ways to treat osteoarthritis and get the joint back to average balance is still a struggle. Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements that promote joint health by balancing anabolic and catabolic signals. New therapeutic methods for OA treatment have been developed based on many research findings that show nutraceuticals have strong anti-inflammation, antioxidant, anti-bone resorption, and anabolic properties. For the treatment of osteoarthritis, we explore the possible involvement of nutraceuticals that target the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathways. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In keeping with the aging population, osteoarthritis is becoming more widespread. In this extensive research, we studied the role of the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathway in OA formation and progression. Nutraceuticals that target these OA-related signaling pathways are a viable therapy option. Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signaling pathway are inhibited by polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamins from the nutraceutical category, making them possible therapeutic drugs for OA therapy.

The influence of friedelin, resinone, tingenone and betulin of compounds on chondrogenic differentiation of porcine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (pADMSCs)

The study investigated the influence of friedelin, resinone, tingenone and betulin plant-based secondary metabolite compounds on cellular proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) components synthesis, expression of chondrogenic markers and maturation of differentiated chondrocytes (cell proliferation and hypertrophy) in porcine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (pADMSCs) undergoing chondrogenic differentiation. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and Cyquant assays were used to determine cell proliferation, viability, and total cellular DNA, DMMB (Dimethyl methylene blue) was used for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, RT-qPCR for gene expression and histology combined with immunohistochemistry for cartilage ECM proteoglycan deposition. The MTT results showed that friedelin at 37 μM, resinone at 36 μM and betulin at 18 μM with cell viability of above 100% compared to control. Tingenone at 37 μM showed cell viability of about 76%. These concentrations were considered the most effective with no toxicity effect on the cells and were further analysed with TGF-β3 (10 ng/mL) as a positive control. The results showed a high synthesis of DNA with friedelin on day 14. There was up-regulation of SOX 9, Col II and Col X with friedelin and resinone at day 14 with the significance of p < 0.01. Pellet from friedelin, resinone and tingenone showed more staining of the matrix for Safranin-O and Toluidine blue at day 14. Immunohistostaining of collagen type X (COL-10) showed more stain intensity at friedelin and resinone on day 21. These results provided new knowledge on the potential use of natural isolated secondary metabolites compounds as inducers for chondrogenic and bone differentiation.