Resveratrol counteracts IL-1β-mediated impairment of extracellular matrix deposition in 3D articular chondrocyte constructs

Cathelicidin-BF regulates the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB pathway to ameliorate murine osteoarthritis: In vitro and in vivo studie

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease with a significant prevalence that causes cartilage damage and can lead to disability. The main factors contributing to the onset and progression of OA include inflammation and degeneration of the extracellular matrix. Cathelicidin-BF (BF-30), a natural peptide derived from Bungarus fasciatus venom, has shown multiple important pharmacological effects. However, the action mechanism of BF-30 in OA treatment remains to be elucidated. In this research, X-ray and Safranin O staining were employed to evaluate the imageology and histomorphology differences in the knee joints of mice in vivo. Techniques such as Western blot analysis, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence staining were applied to examine gene and protein level changes in in vitro experiments. It was found that BF-30 significantly decreased inflammation and enhanced extracellular matrix metabolism. For the first time, it was demonstrated that the positive effects of BF-30 are mediated through the activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB pathway. Moreover, when BF-30 was co-administered with Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, the therapeutic benefits of BF-30 were reversed in both in vivo and in vitro settings. In conclusion, the findings suggest that BF-30 could be a novel therapeutic agent for OA improvement.

Sakuranetin reduces inflammation and chondrocyte dysfunction in osteoarthritis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative disease that impairs limb function, and its pathogenesis is closely related to inflammation. Sakuranetin (SK) is a cherry flavonoid phytoalexin with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and ant-ifungal properties. In recent studies, flavonoid and phytoalexin-related medicines have shown promise in the treatment of OA. However, the effects of SK on chondrocyte inflammation and the chondrogenesis process have remained unexplored, as have its functions in OA treatment. This study sought to confirm the therapeutic effects of SK in the OA rat model and reveal the potential mechanisms for protecting chondrocytes. The relevant mechanisms of SK were analyzed by network pharmacology analysis. Chondrocytes were subjected to IL-1β intervention to simulate an inflammatory environment and received SK treatment. Then, anabolism, catabolism, and inflammatory markers were detected by western blot, qPCR, elisa, and immunofluorescence. Chondrogenic ability was evaluated by micromass and 3D culture assays. The rats were treated with destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery to establish an OA model and SK intra-articular injections subsequently. Histological staining, immunohistochemistry, and micro-CT were performed to analyze the structural and morphological changes of cartilage and subchondral bone. In chondrocytes, IL-1β treatment reduced chondrogenic ability, promoted catabolism, and exacerbated inflammation by triggering the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, whereas SK treatment partially rescued these negative effects. In vivo, SK treatment effectively alleviated the degeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone, thereby delaying the progression of OA. In summary, SK alleviates chondrocyte inflammation and promotes chondrogenesis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, thereby improving OA progression.

Targeting extracellular matrix through phytochemicals: a promising approach of multi-step actions on the treatment and prevention of cancer

Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal and dynamic role in the construction of tumor microenvironment (TME), becoming the focus in cancer research and treatment. Multiple cell signaling in ECM remodeling contribute to uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion and drug resistance of cancer. Targeting trilogy of ECM remodeling could be a new strategy during the early-, middle-, advanced-stages of cancer and overcoming drug resistance. Currently nearly 60% of the alternative anticancer drugs are derived from natural products or active ingredients or structural analogs isolated from plants. According to the characteristics of ECM, this manuscript proposes three phases of whole-process management of cancer, including prevention of cancer development in the early stage of cancer (Phase I); prevent the metastasis of tumor in the middle stage of cancer (Phase II); provide a novel method in the use of immunotherapy for advanced cancer (Phase III), and present novel insights on the contribution of natural products use as innovative strategies to exert anticancer effects by targeting components in ECM. Herein, we focus on trilogy of ECM remodeling and the interaction among ECM, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and sort out the intervention effects of natural products on the ECM and related targets in the tumor progression, provide a reference for the development of new drugs against tumor metastasis and recurrence.

Resveratrol Alleviates Diabetic Periodontitis-Induced Alveolar Osteocyte Ferroptosis Possibly via Regulation of SLC7A11/GPX4

The mode and mechanism of diabetic periodontitis-induced alveolar-osteocyte death are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of ferroptosis in alveolar osteocytes during diabetic periodontitis and the therapeutic potential of resveratrol to alleviate osteocyte ferroptosis. Diabetic periodontitis was induced in C57/BL6-male mice and treated with or without resveratrol. Periodontitis pathogenicity was analyzed by micro-CT and histology, and alveolar-osteocyte ferroptosis was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. MLOY4 osteocytes were treated with P. gingivalis-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+advanced glycosylated end products (AGEs) mimicking diabetic periodontitis condition in vitro, with or without resveratrol or ferrostatin-1 (ferroptosis inhibitor). Osteocyte ferroptosis and expression of inflammatory mediators were analyzed. Diabetic periodontitis aggravated periodontitis pathogenicity and inhibited the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 in alveolar osteocytes and resveratrol alleviated these effects. LPS+AGEs triggered osteocyte ferroptosis in vitro as indicated by the downregulated GPX4 and SLC7A11, upregulated malondialdehyde, disrupted mitochondrial morphology, and overexpressed pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1β, TNF-α, SOST, RANKL, and IL-6, and ferrostatin-1 or resveratrol treatment reversed these effects. LPS+AGEs upregulated pIKBα and pNF-κB p65 expression in osteocytes, and resveratrol or ferrostatin-1 reversed this effect. In conclusion, diabetic periodontitis triggers alveolar osteocyte ferroptosis possibly via disruption of the SLC7A11/GPX4 axis, and resveratrol has therapeutic potential to correct this biological event.

Chondroitin sulfate microspheres anchored with drug-loaded liposomes play a dual antioxidant role in the treatment of osteoarthritis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. The injection of a single antioxidant drug is characterized by low drug utilization and short residence time in the articular cavity, limiting the therapeutic effect of antioxidant drugs on osteoarthritis. Currently, the drug circulation half-life can be extended using delivery vehicles such as liposomes and microspheres, which are widely used to treat diseases. In addition, the composite carriers of liposomes and hydrogel microspheres can combine the advantages of different material forms and show stronger plasticity and flexibility than traditional single carriers, which are expected to become new local drug delivery systems. Chondroitin sulfate, a sulfated glycosaminoglycan commonly found in native cartilage, has good antioxidant properties and degradability and is used to develop an injectable chondroitin sulfate hydrogel by covalent modification with photo-cross-linkable methacryloyl groups (ChsMA). Herein, ChsMA microgels anchored with liquiritin (LQ)-loaded liposomes (ChsMA@Lipo) were developed to delay the progression of osteoarthritis by dual antioxidation. On the one hand, the antioxidant drug LQ wrapped in ChsMA@Lipo microgels exhibits significant sustained-release kinetics due to the double obstruction of the lipid membrane and the hydrogel matrix network. On the other hand, ChsMA can eliminate ROS through degradation into chondroitin sulfate monomers by enzymes in vivo. Therefore, ChsMA@Lipo, as a degradable and dual antioxidant drug delivery platform, is a promising option for osteoarthritis treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Compared with the traditional single carrier, the composite carriers of hydrogel microspheres and liposome can complement the advantages of different materials, which shows stronger plasticity and flexibility, and is expected to become a new and efficient drug delivery system. ChsMA@Lipo not only attenuates IL-1β-induced ECM degradation in chondrocytes but also inhibits the M1 macrophages polarization and the inflammasome activation. The obtained ChsMA@Lipo alleviates the progression of osteoarthritis in vivo, which is promising for osteoarthritis treatment.

Protective Effect of Resveratrol on Knee Osteoarthritis and its Molecular Mechanisms: A Recent Review in Preclinical and Clinical Trials

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the progressing chronic joint associated with by many complex factors such as age, obesity, and trauma. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common type of OA. KOA is characterized by articular cartilage destruction and degeneration, synovial inflammation, and abnormal subchondral bone changes. To date, no practical clinical approach has been able to modify the pathological progression of KOA. Drug therapy is limited to pain control and may lead to serious side effects when taken for a long time. Therefore, searching for safer and more reliable treatments has become necessary. Interestingly, more and more research has focused on natural products, and monomeric compounds derived from natural products have received much attention as drug candidates for KOA treatment. Resveratrol (RES), a natural phenolic compound, has various pharmacological and biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-apoptotic, and anti-decay. Recently, studies on the effects of RES on maintaining the normal homeostasis of chondrocytes in KOA have received increasing attention, which seems to be attributed to the multi-targeted effects of RES on chondrocyte function. This review summarizes preclinical trials, clinical trials, and emerging tissue engineering studies of RES for KOA and discusses the specific mechanisms by which RES alleviates KOA. A better understanding of the pharmacological role of RES in KOA could provide clinical implications for intervention in the development of KOA.

Resveratrol Microencapsulation into Electrosprayed Polymeric Carriers for the Treatment of Chronic, Non-Healing Wounds

Chronic, non-healing wounds represent a challenging socio-economic burden, demanding innovative approaches for successful wound management. Resveratrol (RSV) represents a promising therapeutic candidate, but its therapeutic efficacy and clinical applicability have been hampered by its rapid degradation and/or depletion. Herein, RSV was encapsulated into poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) microparticles by electrospraying with the aim to prolong and preserve RSV’s release/activity, without affecting its therapeutic properties. Electrospraying led to the fabrication of spherical (2 to 10 μm in size), negatively charged (<−1 mV), and quasi-monodisperse (PDI < 0.3) microparticles, with 60% RSV release after 28 days. Microencapsulation of RSV into PCL prevented its photochemical degradation and preserved its antioxidant properties over 72 h. The RSV-PCL microparticles did not exhibit any cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblasts. RSV released from the microparticles was biologically functional and induced a significant increase in collagen type I deposition. Furthermore, the produced RSV-PCL microparticles reduced the expression of inflammatory (IL-6, IL-8, COX-2) and proteolytic (MMP-2, MMP-9) mediators. Collectively, our data clearly illustrate the potential of electrosprayed polymeric carriers for the sustained delivery of RSV to treat chronic wounds.

Polyphenols Targeting MAPK Mediated Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disorder, predominantly symmetric, which causes joint inflammation, cartilage degeneration and bone erosion, resulting in deformity and the loss of physical function. Although the management of RA has steadily improved, the pathophysiological mechanism is incompletely elucidated, and therapeutic options are still limited. Due to shortcomings in the efficacy or safety profiles of conventional RA therapies, therapeutic alternatives have been considered. Therefore, natural extracts containing polyphenolic compounds can become promising adjuvant agents for RA global management, due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and apoptotic properties. Polyphenols can regulate intracellular signaling pathways in RA and can generate different immune responses through some key factors (i.e., MAPK, interleukins (ILs 1 and 6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), nuclear factor light k chain promoter of activated receptor (NF-κB), and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK)). The critical function of the Toll like-receptor (TLR)-dependent mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in mediating the pathogenic characteristics of RA has been briefly discussed. Oxidative stress can trigger a change in transcription factors, which leads to the different expression of some genes involved in the inflammatory process. This review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the efficacy of polyphenols in mitigating RA by inhibiting signaling pathways, suggesting future research perspectives in order to validate their use.

Stimuli-Sensitive Nanotherapies for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic inflammatory disease in the joints. It is one of the leading causes of disability with increasing morbidity, which has become one of the serious clinical issues. Current treatments would only provide temporary relief due to the lack of early diagnosis and effective therapy, and thus the replacement of joints may be needed when the OA deteriorates. Although the intra-articular injection and oral administration of drugs are helpful for OA treatment, they are suffering from systemic toxicity, short retention time in joint, and insufficient bioavailability. Nanomedicine is potential to improve the drug delivery efficiency and targeting ability. In this focused progress review, the particle-based drug loading systems that can achieve targeted and triggered release are summarized. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers that are sensitive to endogenous microenvironmental signals such as reactive oxygen species, enzymes, pH, and temperature, as well as external stimuli such as light for OA therapy are introduced in this review. Furthermore, the nanocarriers associated with targeted therapy and imaging for OA treatment are summarized. The potential applications of nanotherapies for OA treatment are finally discussed.

Decellularized sturgeon cartilage extracellular matrix scaffold inhibits chondrocyte hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo

Since chondrocyte hypertrophy greatly limits the efficiency of cartilage defects repairing via cartilage tissue engineering (CTE), it is critical to develop a functional CTE scaffold able to inhibit chondrocyte hypertrophy during this period of cartilage regeneration. In this study, we tested the applicability of using decellularized sturgeon cartilage ECM (dSCECM) scaffold to cease chondrocyte hypertrophy during cartilage damage repair. The dSCECM scaffolds with interconnected porous structure and pore size of 114.1 ± 20.9 μm were successfully prepared with freeze-dry method. Chondrocytes displayed a round shape and aggregated to form cellular spheroids within dSCECM scaffolds, which is similar to their chondrocytic phenotype within cartilage in vivo. Higher transcriptional level of chondrogenic related genes and integrin related genes was observed in chondrocytes incubated with dSCECM scaffolds instead of type I collagen (COL I) scaffolds, which were used as the control due to their widely usage in CTE and clinic applications. Furthermore, it confirmed that, compared with COL I scaffolds, dSCECM scaffolds significantly reduced the transcription of chondrocyte hypertrophy related genes in chondrocytes following the hypertrophic induction treatment. To test the ability of dSCECM scaffold to inhibit chondrocytes hypertrophy in vivo, chondrocytes with dSCECM scaffolds and COL I scaffolds were cultured with hypertrophic media and were implanted into nude mice respectively. Following 4 weeks implantation, interestingly, only the specimens derived from COL I scaffolds displayed consequences of chondrocyte hypertrophy like calcification deposition, demonstrating that chondrocyte hypertrophy is ceased by the dSCECM scaffold following hypertrophic induction. It suggests that the dSCECM scaffold can be potentially applied in clinical treating cartilage defects via the CTE approach to avoid the risk of chondrocyte hypertrophy.

Oxidative stress and inflammation in osteoarthritis pathogenesis: Role of polyphenols

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint degenerative disease leading to irreversible structural and functional changes in the joint and is a major cause of disability and reduced life expectancy in ageing population. Despite the high prevalence of OA, there is no disease modifying drug available for the management of OA. Oxidative stress, a result of an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their clearance by antioxidant defense system, is high in OA cartilage and is a major cause of chronic inflammation. Inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are highly upregulated in OA joints and induce ROS production and expression of matrix degrading proteases leading to cartilage extracellular matrix degradation and joint dysfunction. ROS and inflammation are interdependent, each being the target of other and represent ideal target/s for the treatment of OA. Plant polyphenols possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit ROS production and inflammation in chondrocytes, cartilage explants and in animal models of OA. The aim of this review is to discuss the chondroprotective effects of polyphenols and modulation of different molecular pathways associated with OA pathogenesis and limitations and future prospects of polyphenols in OA treatment.

Hsa_circ_0005567 Activates Autophagy and Suppresses IL-1β-Induced Chondrocyte Apoptosis by Regulating miR-495

Excessive chondrocyte apoptosis is mostly responsible for the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). It has been shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are differentially expressed in OA cartilage and participate in various pathological processes during OA. Here, this study was designed to explore the effect and molecular mechanism of hsa_circ_0005567 on IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. The results showed that hsa_circ_0005567 knockdown aggravated the IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. In contrast, hsa_circ_0005567 overexpression attenuated the IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, but this effect could be abrogated by 3-methyladenine (an inhibitor of autophagy), suggesting that hsa_circ_0005567 overexpression inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis by inducing autophagy. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0005567 competitively bound to miR-495 and derepressed the expression of ATG14, an early autophagy marker that was a direct target of miR-495. Moreover, both miR-495 mimic and ATG14 knockdown counteracted the autophagy-promoting and anti-apoptotic effects of hsa_circ_0005567 overexpression in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. Taken together, hsa_circ_0005567 activates autophagy by regulating the miR-495/ATG14 axis and thereby suppresses IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. These findings suggest that hsa_circ_0005567 may serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of OA.

Cyclodextrin Complexation for Enhanced Stability and Non-invasive Pulmonary Delivery of Resveratrol-Applications in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Pulmonary drug delivery is a noninvasive therapeutic approach that offers many advantages including localized drug delivery and higher patient compliance. As with all formulations, the low aqueous solubility of a drug often poses a challenge in the formulation development. Thus, strategies such as cyclodextrin (CD) complexation have been utilized to overcome this challenge. Resveratrol (RES), a natural stilbene, has shown abundant anti-cancer properties. Due to many drawbacks of conventional chemotherapeutics, RES has been proposed as an emerging alternative with promising pharmacological effects. However, RES has limited therapeutic applications due to low water solubility, chemical stability, and bioavailability. This study was aimed at developing an inhalable therapy that would increase the aqueous solubility and stability of RES by complexation with sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBECD). Phase solubility profiles indicated an optimal stoichiometric inclusion complex at 1:1 (SBECD:RES) ratio for formulation considerations. Physiochemical characterizations were performed to analyze CD-RES. Stability studies at pH 7.4 and in plasma indicated significant improvement in RES stability after complexation, with a much longer half-life. The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of CD-RES was 2.6 ± 0.7 μm and fine particle fraction (FPF) of 83.4 ± 3.0% are suitable for pulmonary delivery and efficient deposition. Lung cancer was selected as the respiratory model disease, owing to its high relevance as the major cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Cell viability studies in 5 non-small-cell-lung-cancer (NSCLC) cell lines suggest CD-RES retained significant cytotoxic potential of RES. Taken together, CD-RES proves to be a promising inhalation treatment for NSCLC.