Ursodeoxycholic Acid ameliorates pain severity and cartilage degeneration in monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis in rats

In vitro and in vivo Effects of a Single Dose of Bupivacaine 5% on Donkey Chondrocytes

Single intra-articular (IA) injection of long-acting local anesthetics such as bupivacaine is commonly used clinically for postoperative analgesia, in particular, after arthroscopic surgery. Despite their widespread use, the side effects of IA bupivacaine on joint cartilage as well as hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects remain to be elucidated. The aim of this study is to assess the in vitro effect of bupivacaine 5% on donkey chondrocytes at different time points, in addition to the in vivo effects of a single IA bupivacaine injection on the middle carpal joint in a group of 10 clinically healthy adult male donkeys. In phase I, the effect of in vitro treatment with bupivacaine 5% or saline 0.9% on freshly isolated donkey chondrocytes for 30, 60 min, 24, 48, and 96 h was investigated using MTT and LIVE/DEAD assay. In phase II, in vivo effects of single injection of bupivacaine on the middle carpal joint of the donkey were evaluated compared with saline 0.9%. Biochemical analysis of collected serum and synovia was performed. Additionally, articular cartilage damage was evaluated using radiography, computed tomography (CT), catabolic marker expression via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and histopathological examination 96 h after injection. Our results showed that after a 30-min exposure to bupivacaine 5%, the viability of donkey chondrocytes was 97.3 ± 4.4% and was not significantly affected at the indicated time points (n = 8, p < 0.05). No significant changes in biochemical analytes of serum and synovial fluid following IA bupivacaine injection were observed, compared with saline injection (n = 5 for each group, p < 0.05). Furthermore, in vivo IA injection of bupivacaine revealed no significant differences in radiography, CT scan, gene expression of cartilage catabolic biomarkers, and histopathological examination. These results provide an evidence for the safety of bupivacaine on the donkey cartilage.

Local administration with tauroursodeoxycholic acid could improve osseointegration of hydroxyapatite-coated titanium implants in ovariectomized rats

Despite advances in the pathogenesis of Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on bone, the understanding of the effects and mechanisms of bone osseointegration in TUDCA-associated Hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium implants remains poor. Therefore, the present work was aimed to evaluate the effect of local administration with TUDCA on HA-coated titanium implants osseointegration in ovariectomized(OVX) rats and further investigation of the possible mechanism. Twelve weeks after bilateral ovariectomy, all animals were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation(Sham) group, OVX group and TUDCA group, and all the rats from Sham group and OVX group received HA implants and animals belonging to group TUDCA received TUDCA-HA implants until death at 12 weeks. The bilateral femurs of rats were harvested for evaluation. TUDCA increased new bone formation around the surface of titanium rods and push-out force other than group OVX. Histology, Micro-CT and biochemical analysis results showed systemic TUDCA showed positive effects than OVX group on bone formation in osteopenic rats, with beneficial effect on via activation OPG/RANKL pathway and BMP-2/Smad1 pathway and microarchitecture as well as by reducing protein expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ. The present study suggests that local use of TUDCA may bring benefits to the osseointegration of HA-coated titanium implants in patients with osteoporosis, and this effect may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory reaction and promotion of osteogenesis.

Photobiomodulation and Sida tuberculata combination declines the inflammation's markers in knee-induced osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to assess potential combination effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with Sida tuberculata extracts on the oxidative stress and antioxidant activity, as well as on the inflammatory process. Rats with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were treated with S. tuberculata extracts and PBMT (904 nm, 18 J/cm²). The animals were evaluated for nociception and edema. The blood, knee lavage and structures, spinal cord, and brainstem were collected for biochemical analyses (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content, superoxide dismutase activity, non-protein thiol levels, and measurement of nitrite/nitrate). The knee structures were also used to measure cytokine levels. PBMT lowered the damage due to oxidative stress in the knee and at distant sites from the lesion. PBMT also reduced the levels of nitric oxide and cytokines, which could explain the nociception reduction mechanism. Similarly, S. tuberculata decreased the damage by oxidative stress, levels of nitrite/nitrate, and cytokines. The therapy combination reduced levels of cytokines and nitrite/nitrate. PBMT and S. tuberculata extracts reduced the oxidative stress and inflammation. It is noteworthy that PBMT increased the antioxidant activity in the knee and at sites distant from the lesion, contributing to a more significant decrease in nociception. The combination of therapies did not present significant effects on the analyzed parameters. Therefore, it is suggested that PBM is sufficient to minimize the signs and symptoms of the knee OA in our rat model.

Role of iNOS in osteoarthritis: Pathological and therapeutic aspects

Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation has a key role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Nitric oxide (NO) has been established as one of the major inflammatory mediators in OA and drives many pathological changes during the development and progression of OA. Excessive production of NO in chondrocytes promotes cartilage destruction and cellular injury. The synthesis of NO in chondrocytes is catalyzed by inducible NO synthase (iNOS), which is thereby an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of OA. A number of direct and indirect iNOS inhibitors, bioactive compounds, and plant-derived small molecules have been shown to exhibit chondroprotective effects by suppressing the expression of iNOS. Many of these iNOS inhibitors hold promise for the development of new, disease-modifying therapies for OA; however, attempts to demonstrate their success in clinical trials are not yet successful. Many plant extracts and plant-derived small molecules have also shown promise in animal models of OA, though further studies are needed in human clinical trials to confirm their therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss the role of iNOS in OA pathology and the effects of various iNOS inhibitors in OA.

Photobiomodulation therapy in knee osteoarthritis reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in rats

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease that causes pain and gradual degeneration of the articular cartilage. In this study, MIA-induced OA knee model was used in rats to test the effects of the photobiomodulation therapy (PBM). We analyzed the inflammatory process (pain and cytokine levels), and its influence on the oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity. Knee OA was induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) intra-articular injection (1.5 mg/50 μL) and the rats were treated with eight sessions of PBM 3 days/week (904 nm, 6 or 18 J/cm² ). For each animal, mechanical and cold hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain were evaluated; biological analyses were performed in blood serum, intra-articular lavage, knee structures, spinal cord and brainstem. Cytokine assays were performed in knee, spinal cord and brainstem samples. The effects of the 18 J/cm² dose of PBM were promising in reducing pain and neutrophil activity in knee samples, together with reducing oxidative stress damage in blood serum and spinal cord samples. PBM improved the antioxidant capacity in blood serum and brainstem, and decreased the knee pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Our study demonstrated that PBM decreased oxidative damage, inflammation and pain. Therefore, this therapy could be an important tool in the treatment of knee OA.

Highly bioavailable curcumin powder suppresses articular cartilage damage in rats with mono-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis

This study was performed to investigate the effects of highly bioavailable curcumin as Theracurmin^® (TC) in rats with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA). Seventy-seven male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: normal, negative control (MIA only), positive control (Cerebrex), and three experimental groups treated with 500, 1300, or 2600 mg/kg of TC for 5 weeks. MIA injection-induced OA caused 30% weight-bearing imbalance whereas weight bearing imbalance was significantly improved in the TC groups. Mankin scores revealed TC treatment had significantly ameliorated cartilage damage and chondrocyte decrease. The expressions of nitrotyrosine, tumor necrosis factor-α, phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B cells, and cleaved caspase-3 were markedly increased in rat with MIA-induced OA, but the TC-treated groups exhibited a significant reduction in the number of immunoreactive cells in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, administration of TC contributes to the anti-arthritic effect in rat with MIA-induced OA.

Evaluation of monosodium iodoacetate dosage to induce knee osteoarthritis: Relation with oxidative stress and pain

AIM

To determine the dose of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) required to induce oxidative stress, as well as pain and edema; to confirm the induction of knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms in rats by the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction of antioxidant agents; and to verify the presence of histopathological injury in these affected joints.

METHOD

Biological markers of oxidative stress, pain, knee edema, and cartilage degeneration provided by different doses of MIA (0.5; 1.0 or 1.5 mg) in rat knee joints were analyzed. The animal evaluations were conducted during 15 days for mechanical and cold hypersensitivity, spontaneous pain and edema. After that, blood serum, intra-articular lavage and structures of knee, spinal cord and brainstem were collected for biochemical analysis; moreover, the knees were removed for histological evaluation.

RESULTS

This study demonstrates that the highest dose of MIA (1.5 mg) increased the oxidative stress markers and reduced the antioxidant reactions, both in the focus of the lesion and in distant sites. MIA also induced the inflammatory process, characterized by pain, edema, increase in neutrophil count and articular damage.

CONCLUSION

This model provides a basis for the exploration of underlying mechanisms in OA and the identification of mechanisms that may guide therapy and the discovery of OA signals and symptoms.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase as a target for osteoarthritis treatment

INTRODUCTION

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is the enzyme responsible for the production of nitric oxide (NO), a major proinflammatory and destructive mediator in osteoarthritis (OA). Areas covered: This is a comprehensive review of the recent literature on the involvement of iNOS in osteoarthritis and its potential to be used as a target for OA treatment. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo and human studies was systematically collected using medical search engines. Preclinical studies have focused on the effect of direct and indirect iNOS inhibitors in both animal and human tissues. Apart from direct inhibitors, common pharmacological agents, herbal and dietary medicines as well as hyperbaric oxygen, low level laser and low intensity pulsed ultrasound have been shown to exhibit a chondroprotective effect by inhibiting the expression of iNOS. Expert opinion: Data support the further investigation of iNOS inhibitors for the treatment of OA in human studies and clinical trials. Indirect iNOS inhibitors such as interleukin 1 inhibitors also need to be studied in greater detail. Finally, human studies need to be conducted on the herbal and dietary medicines and on the non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatments.

Localized delivery of curcumin from injectable gelatin/Thai silk fibroin microspheres for anti-inflammatory treatment of osteoarthritis in a rat model

The previously developed gelatin/silk fibroin microspheres were loaded with curcumin and applied for anti-inflammatory treatment in monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) in a rat model. The MIA-induced OA rats received a single intra-articular injection with gelatin or gelatin/silk fibroin (30/70) microspheres encapsulating curcumin. The therapeutic effects of treatment groups [concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in blood serum, radiographic and the histological grading on articular joint] were compared with those of normal saline treated OA and normal rats. The result showed that both microsphere groups reduced the level of IL-6 in serum after 1 week of treatment. The gelatin/silk fibroin (30/70) microspheres encapsulating curcumin delayed the cellular destruction in articular joint and synovial tissue after 8 weeks. The radiographic and histological gradings on articular cartilage lesion and synovial tissue change of rats treated with gelatin/silk fibroin (30/70) microspheres encapsulating curcumin were close to those of the normal rats. It was explained that the slow-degrading gelatin/silk fibroin (30/70) microspheres released curcumin for extended period and showed a prolonged anti-inflammatory effect, compared to the fast-degrading gelatin microspheres. This delivery system of curcumin was suggested to be applied for localized treatment of anti-inflammatory in OA with minimal invasion.

Chemical Constituents Identified from Fruit Body of Cordyceps bassiana and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Cordyceps bassiana is one of Cordyceps species with anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-angiogenic, and anti-nociceptive activities. This mushroom has recently demonstrated to have an ability to reduce 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis symptoms in NC/Nga mice. In this study, we further examined phytochemical properties of this mushroom by column chromatography and HPLC analysis. By chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analysis, 8 compounds, such as 1,9-dimethylguanine (1), adenosine (2), uridine (3), nicotinamide (4), 3-methyluracil (5), 1,7-dimethylxanthine (6), nudifloric acid (7), and mannitol (8) were identified from 6 different fractions and 4 more subfractions. Through evaluation of their anti-inflammatory activities using reporter gene assay and mRNA analysis, compound 1 was found to block luciferase activity induced by NF-κB and AP-1, suppress the mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Therefore, our data strongly suggests that compound 1 acts as one of major principles in Cordyceps bassiana with anti-inflammatory and anti-atopic dermatitis activities.

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.

Repair of cartilage defects in osteoarthritis rats with induced pluripotent stem cell derived chondrocytes

Background

The incapacity of articular cartilage (AC) for self-repair after damage ultimately leads to the development of osteoarthritis. Stem cell-based therapy has been proposed for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are becoming a promising stem cell source.

Results

Three steps were developed to differentiate human iPSCs into chondrocytes which were transplanted into rat OA models induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). After 6 days embryonic body (EB) formation and 2 weeks differentiation, the gene and protein expression of Col2A1, GAG and Sox9 has significantly increased compare to undifferentiated hiPSCs. After 15 weeks transplantation, no immune responses were observed, micro-CT showed gradual engraftment and the improvement of subchondrol plate integrity, and histological examinations demonstrated articular cartilage matrix production.

Conclusions

hiPSC could be an efficient and clinically translatable approach for cartilage tissue regeneration in OA cartilages.

Src/Syk/IRAK1-targeted anti-inflammatory action of Torreya nucifera butanol fraction in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Seed of Torreya nucifera (L.) Siebold & Zucc is used to treat several diseases in Asia. Reports document that T. nucifera has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative activities. In spite of numerous findings on its pharmacological effects, the understanding of the molecular inhibitory mechanisms of the plant remains to be studied. Therefore, we aimed to explore in vitro anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ethyl acetate fraction (Tn-EE-BF) prepared from the seed of T. nucifera in LPS-stimulated macrophage inflammatory responses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this purpose, we measured nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, using RT-PCR, luciferase reporter gene assay, immunoblotting analysis, and kinase assay, the levels of inflammatory genes, transcription factors, and inflammatory signal-regulatory proteins were investigated. Finally, the constituent of Tn-EE-BF was identified using HPLC.

RESULTS

Tn-EE-BF inhibits NO and PGE2 production and also blocks mRNA levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in a dose dependent manner. Tn-EE-BF reduces nuclear levels of the transcriptional factors NF-κB (p65) and AP-1 (c-Jun and FRA-1). Surprisingly, we found that Tn-EE-BF inhibits phosphorylation levels of Src and Syk in the NF-κB pathway, as well as, IRAK1 at the protein level, part of the AP-1 pathway. By kinase assay, we confirmed that Src, Syk, and IRAK1 are suppressed directly. HPLC analysis indicates that arctigenin, amentoflavone, and quercetin may be active components with anti-inflammatory activities.

CONCLUSION

Tn-EE-BF exhibits anti-inflammatory activities by direct inhibition of Src/Syk/NF-κB and IRAK1/AP-1.

The Role of Protein Arginine Methyltransferases in Inflammatory Responses

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) mediate the methylation of a number of protein substrates of arginine residues and serve critical functions in many cellular responses, including cancer development, progression, and aggressiveness, T-lymphocyte activation, and hepatic gluconeogenesis. There are nine members of the PRMT family, which are divided into 4 types (types I–IV). Although most PRMTs do not require posttranslational modification (PTM) to be activated, fine-tuning modifications, such as interactions between cofactor proteins, subcellular compartmentalization, and regulation of RNA, via micro-RNAs, seem to be required. Inflammation is an essential defense reaction of the body to eliminate harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens. However, chronic inflammation can eventually cause several types of diseases, including some cancers, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis. Therefore, inflammation responses should be well modulated. In this review, we briefly discuss the role of PRMTs in the control of inflammation. More specifically, we review the roles of four PRMTs (CARM1, PRMT1, PRMT5, and PRMT6) in modulating inflammation responses, particularly in terms of modulating the transcriptional factors or cofactors related to inflammation. Based on the regulatory roles known so far, we propose that PRMTs should be considered one of the target molecule groups that modulate inflammatory responses.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and ursodeoxycholic acid have an additive effect in attenuating diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can progress into liver cirrhosis; however, no definite treatment is available. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-3) has been reported to alleviate experimental NASH, although its beneficial effect was not evident when tested clinically. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the additive effect of omega-3 and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on diet-induced NASH in mice. C57BL/6 mice were given a high-fat diet (HFD) for 24 weeks, at which point the mice were divided into three groups and fed HFD alone, HFD with omega-3 or HFD with omega-3 in combination with UDCA for another 24 weeks. Feeding mice an HFD and administering omega-3 improved histologically assessed liver fibrosis, and UDCA in combination with omega-3 further attenuated this disease. The assessment of collagen α1(I) expression agreed with the histological evaluation. Omega-3 in combination with UDCA resulted in a significant attenuation of inflammation whereas administering omega-3 alone failed to improve histologically assessed liver inflammation. Quantitative analysis of tumor necrosis factor α showed an additive effect of omega-3 and UDCA on liver inflammation. HFD-induced hepatic triglyceride accumulation was attenuated by omega-3 and adding UDCA accentuated this effect. In accordance with this result, the expression of sterol regulatory binding protein-1c decreased after omega-3 administration and adding UDCA further diminished SREBP-1c expression. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which may reflect oxidative stress-induced tissue damage, was suppressed by omega-3 administration and adding UDCA further attenuated iNOS expression. These results demonstrated an additive effect of omega-3 and UDCA for alleviating fibrosis, inflammation and steatosis in diet-induced NASH.

Ursodeoxycholic acid alleviates cholestasis-induced histophysiological alterations in the male reproductive system of bile duct-ligated rats

Ursodeoxycholic acid is the most widely used drug for treating cholestatic liver diseases. However, its effect on the male reproductive system alterations associated with cholestasis has never been studied. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on cholestasis-induced alterations in the male reproductive system. Cholestasis was induced by bile duct ligation. Bile duct-ligated rats had higher cholestasis biomarkers and lower levels of testosterone, LH and FSH than did the Sham rats. They also had lower reproductive organs weights, and lower sperm motility, density and normal morphology than those of Sham rats. Histologically, these animals suffered from testicular tubular atrophy, interstitial edema, thickening of basement membranes, vacuolation, and depletion of germ cells. After ursodeoxycholic acid administration, cholestasis-induced structural and functional alterations were significantly ameliorated. In conclusion, ursodeoxycholic acid can ameliorate the reproductive complications of chronic cholestasis in male patients, which represents an additional benefit to this drug.