Beneficial effects of arthrocen on neuroinflammation and behavior like depression in stroke in a murine model

Stroke is a considerable reason for death, disability, socioeconomic loss, and depression in the world. Notably, many attempts to the reduction of the complications of poststroke injuries like depression have failed so far. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of arthrocen, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), in the poststroke injuries like depression improvement in a mice model. We examined the antidepressant-like effect of arthrocen using the forced swimming test and tail suspension test in mice subjected to stroke. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and TNF-α, and neural cell count were performed in the ischemic brain hippocampus of mice. Oral arthrocen reduced significantly (p < .001) the immobility time in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test in the stroke animals. Also, immunohistochemistry analysis of the hippocampus indicated significantly (p < .01) the reduction of IL-10 and TNF-α cytokines production. Nissl staining showed a significant (p < .0001) increase in the number of viable neurons in stroke mice receiving arthrocen. In conclusion, our data revealed the antidepressant activity of arthrocen in the stroke mice which may be the result of its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective role.

Herbal Remedies as Potential in Cartilage Tissue Engineering: An Overview of New Therapeutic Approaches and Strategies

It is estimated that by 2023, approximately 20% of the population of Western Europe and North America will suffer from a degenerative joint disease commonly known as osteoarthritis (OA). During the development of OA, pro-inflammatory cytokines are one of the major causes that drive the production of inflammatory mediators and thus of matrix-degrading enzymes. OA is a challenging disease for doctors due to the limitation of the joint cartilage's capacity to repair itself. Though new treatment approaches, in particular with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that integrate the tissue engineering (TE) of cartilage tissue, are promising, they are not only expensive but more often do not lead to the regeneration of joint cartilage. Therefore, there is an increasing need for novel, safe, and more effective alternatives to promote cartilage joint regeneration and TE. Indeed, naturally occurring phytochemical compounds (herbal remedies) have a great anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anabolic potential, and they have received much attention for the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including the prevention of age-related OA and cartilage TE. This paper summarizes recent research on herbal remedies and their chondroinductive and chondroprotective effects on cartilage and progenitor cells, and it also emphasizes the possibilities that exist in this research area, especially with regard to the nutritional support of cartilage regeneration and TE, which may not benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Combination Inhibits Proinflammatory COX-2 Expression and Prostaglandin E2 Production in Tendon-Derived Cells

Tendinopathy, a common disorder in man and horses, is characterized by pain, dysfunction, and tendon degeneration. Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of tendinopathy. Tendon cells produce proinflammatory molecules that induce pain and tissue deterioration. Currently used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are palliative but have been associated with adverse side effects prompting the search for safe, alternative compounds. This study determined whether tendon-derived cells' expression of proinflammatory cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) could be attenuated by the combination of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), glucosamine (GLU), and chondroitin sulfate (CS). ASU, GLU, and CS have been used in the management of osteoarthritis-associated joint inflammation. Tenocytes in monolayer and microcarrier spinner cultures were incubated with media alone, or with the combination of ASU (8.3 μg/mL), GLU (11 μg/mL), and CS (20 μg/mL). Cultures were next incubated with media alone, or stimulated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β; 10 ng/mL) for 1 h to measure COX-2 gene expression, or for 24 h to measure PGE2 production, respectively. Tenocyte phenotype was analyzed by phase-contrast microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting. Tendon-derived cells proliferated and produced extracellular matrix component type I collagen in monolayer and microcarrier spinner cultures. IL-1β-induced COX-2 gene expression and PGE2 production were significantly reduced by the combination of (ASU+GLU+CS). The suppression of IL-1β-induced inflammatory response suggests that (ASU+GLU+CS) may help attenuate deleterious inflammation in tendons.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Carprofen Is Enhanced by Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Combination in Chondrocyte Microcarrier Spinner Culture

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis is a painful, chronic joint disease affecting man and animals with no known curative therapies. Palliative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used but they cause adverse side effects prompting the search for safer alternatives. To address this need, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), glucosamine (GLU), and chondroitin sulfate (CS) with or without the NSAID carprofen.

DESIGN

Canine chondrocytes were propagated in microcarrier spinner culture and incubated with (1) control medium, (2) ASU (8.3 µg/mL) + GLU (11 µg/mL) + CS (20 µg/mL) combination for 24 hours; and/or carprofen (40 ng/mL). Cultures were next incubated with control medium alone or IL-1β (10 ng/mL) for another 24 hours. Production of PGE2, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 (also known as CCL-2) were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Chondrocytes proliferated in microcarrier spinner culture and produced type II collagen and aggrecan. Stimulation with IL-1β induced significant increases in PGE2, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 production. The increases in production were suppressed by carprofen as well as [ASU+GLU+CS]. The combination of carprofen and [ASU+GLU+CS] reduced PGE2 production significantly more than either preparation alone. The inhibitory effect of carprofen on IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 production was significantly less than that of [ASU+GLU+CS], whereas the combination did not reduce the production of these molecules significantly more than [ASU+GLU+CS] alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The potentiating effect of [ASU+GLU+CS] on low-dose carprofen was identified in chondrocyte microcarrier spinner cultures. Our results suggest that the combination of low-dose NSAIDs like carprofen with [ASU+GLU+CS] could offer a safe, effective management for joint pain.

α-Lipoic Acid Potentiates the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables in Chondrocyte Cultures

Objective Pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E-2 (PGE₂) play major roles in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Although current pharmacologic treatments reduce inflammation, their prolonged use is associated with deleterious side effects prompting the search for safer and effective alternative strategies. The present study evaluated whether chondrocyte production of PGE₂ can be suppressed by the combination of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) and α-lipoic acid (LA). Design Chondrocytes from articular cartilage of equine joints were incubated for 24 hours with: (1) control media, (2) ASU, (3) LA, or (4) ASU + LA combination. Cells were activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) for 24 hours and supernatants were immunoassayed for PGE₂. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) analyses were performed by immunocytochemistry and Western blot following 1 hour of activation with IL-1β. Results LPS, IL-1β, or H₂O₂ significantly increased PGE₂ production. ASU or LA alone suppressed PGE₂ production in LPS and IL-1β activated cells. Only LA alone at 2.5 µg/mL was inhibitory in H₂O₂-activated chondrocytes. ASU + LA inhibited more than either agent alone in all activated cells. ASU + LA also inhibited the IL-1β induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Conclusions The present study provides evidence that chondrocyte PGE₂ production can be inhibited by the combination of ASU + LA more effectively than either ASU or LA alone. Inhibition of PGE₂ production is associated with the suppression of NF-κB translocation. The potent inhibitory effect of ASU + LA on PGE₂ production could offer a potential advantage for a combination anti-inflammatory/antioxidant approach in the management of OA.

An open, prospective observational study of patients adherent to a 6-month treatment

OBJECTIVES

Observational studies provide insights into real-life situations. Therefore, we assessed the effects of oral avocado/soybean unsaponifiable (ASU) capsules on pain relief and functional ability in patients, while they were receiving a routine treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An open, prospective, observational 6-month study was conducted in 99 centers in Poland in a group of 4822 patients with symptomatic knee OA receiving one 300 mg ASU capsule/day as a routine medication. The patients had no diagnoses of other rheumatic diseases and were not treated with other symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis (SYSADOAs). Data on OA symptoms and therapy were collected from the initiation of ASU treatment (visit 0) and during 3 consecutive control visits performed every 2 months (visits 1-3). Functional Lequesne index, severity of joint pain of one symptomatic knee (Laitinen index and VAS), use of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), adherence to treatment and adverse events were evaluated and recorded using electronic Case Report Forms.

RESULTS

Four thousand one hundred and eighty-six patients (86.8%) attended all 4 visits. In 94.2% of patients (mean age 60.7 ±11.6 years SD, 73.4% female) at least one OA risk factor was identified. There was a significant improvement in functional ability between the last and baseline visits as evidenced by the median Lequesne index decreasing from 8 to 4 points (p < 0.001). Measures of pain intensity also fell significantly (p < 0.001) throughout the study: median Laitinen score decreased from 6 to 3 points, median pain at rest VAS - from 1.8 to 0 cm and median pain during walking VAS - from 5.6 to 1.9 cm. The significant differences were also noted between consecutive visits. The proportion of patients using analgesics and NSAIDs declined from 58.8% at the baseline visit to 24.9% at the last visit 3 (p < 0.001). Defined daily dose of NSAIDs decreased significantly from 1 at the baseline visit to 0.67 at the visit 3. Severe adverse events associated with ASU treatment were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

It was the first observational study in Poland evaluating the effects of routine knee OA treatment with oral ASU. Only a small group of patients (13.2%) treated with ASU discontinued the study. The majority of patients adherent to the ASU treatment for 6 months showed gradual alleviation of joint pain, improvement in functional ability and a significant reduction in NSAIDs intake.

Effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on ligature-induced bone loss and bone repair after ligature removal in rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of administration of avocado/soybean unsaponifiable (ASU), a drug that is commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, on ligature-induced bone loss and bone repair after ligature removal in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty-four rats were randomly assigned to four groups of equal size and received a daily gavage of either sterile saline [control (CTR)] or ASU (0.6 mg/kg), starting 7 d before (ASU/-7), on the day of (ASU/0) or 7 d after (ASU/+7) periodontitis induction. Periodontitis was induced by placing silk ligatures into the gingival sulcus of the second maxillary molars for 7 d; after 7 d, the ligatures were removed. Seven rats from each group were sacrificed, 7, 15 or 30 d after ligature removal. Bone resorption was evaluated by histomorphometry and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of TRAP, RANKL and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to evaluate the levels of interleukin-1beta (Il1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfα), interleukin-6 (Il-6), Rankl and Alp. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, ANOVA and Tukey's test for normal data, and using the Kruskall-Wallis and Dunnet's tests for non-normal data (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Histomorphometry and micro-CT analysis showed greater bone resorption in the CTR group than in the ASU/0 (15 d) and ASU/+7 (7 and 15 d) groups. The CTR group also presented with a higher expression of TRAP (15 and 30 d) and RANKL (7 and 15 d) compared with ASU/0 and ASU/+7 groups. Similarly, qPCR analysis showed higher levels of Rankl and Il1β mRNAs, and lower levels of Alp mRNA, in the CTR group compared with all other groups (for all periods).

CONCLUSION

ASU exhibited a positive effect on bone repair following ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.