Arthropod steroid hormone (20-Hydroxyecdysone) suppresses IL-1β- induced catabolic gene expression in cartilage

Abstract

BackgroundIn osteoarthritis (OA), the imbalance of chondrocytes’ anabolic and catabolic factors can induce cartilage destruction. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that is capable of inducing chondrocytes and synovial cells to synthesize MMPs. The hypoxia-inducible factor-2alpha (HIF-2alpha, encoded by Epas1) is the catabolic transcription factor in the osteoarthritic process. The purpose of this study is to validate the effects of ecdysteroids (Ecd) on IL-1β- induced cartilage catabolism and the possible role of Ecd in treatment or prevention of early OA.MethodsChondrocytes and articular cartilage was harvested from newborn ICR mice. Ecd effect on chondrocytes viability was tested and the optimal concentration was determined by MTT assay. The effect of HIF-2α (EPAS1) in cartilage catabolism simulated by IL-1β (5 ng/ml) was evaluated by articular cartilage explants culture. The effects of Ecd on IL-1β-induced inflammatory conditions and their related catabolic genes expression were analyzed.ResultsInterleukin-1β (IL-1β) treatment on primary mouse articular cartilage explants enhanced their Epas1, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-3, MMP-13) and ADAMTS-5 genes expression and down-regulated collagen type II (Col2a1) gene expression. With the pre-treatment of 10−8M Ecd, the catabolic effects of IL-1β on articular cartilage were scavenged.ConclusionIn conclusions, Ecd can reduce the IL-1β-induced inflammatory effect of the cartilage. Ecd may suppress IL-1β- induced cartilage catabolism via HIF-2α pathway.

Lactam Triterpenoids from the Bark of Toona sinensis

“…In folk, almost every part of T. sinensis , including seeds, bark, root bark, petioles, and leaves, can be used to treat cold, rheumatic pain, stomach pain, and diarrhea without any irreversible side effects [3, 4]. Modern pharmacological researches also demonstrated that this plant showed wide spectrum of biological activities, such as antioxidant [5], anti-diabetes [6], anti-inflammatory [7], antimicrobial [8], antinociceptive [9] and anti-tumor [10], due to its plentiful chemical constituents (limonoids, flavonoids, phytols, coumarins and norcyteine derivatives) [11–14]. …”

Sexual Orientation Differences in Complementary Health Approaches Among Young Adults in the United States

“…The current study is guided by an established sociobehavioral model of CHA[21-25], which is an extension of the Andersen Behavioral Model[26]. The original Andersen model posits utilization of conventional health care is a function of individuals’ predisposition to seek and use services, factors that aid or hinder access, medical need, and personal health practices[26].…”

“…The original Andersen model posits utilization of conventional health care is a function of individuals’ predisposition to seek and use services, factors that aid or hinder access, medical need, and personal health practices[26]. Our sociobehavioral model contends that CHA use is influenced by these four domains but is additionally motivated by health promotion and wellness behaviors[25,27]. …”

“…Because life course experiences and health concerns of lesbians differ from those of gay men[1], we examine the effects of sexual orientation on CHA separately for men and women. Stratification by gender is also warranted because previous studies suggest the effects of characteristics such as race/ethnicity on CHA are contingent on gender[25]. Enabling resource are factors that pertain to accessibility of health services and there is some evidence that individuals who are uninsured or otherwise forgo conventional care because of cost or convenience are more likely to use CHA[23,25,28-31].…”

“…Stratification by gender is also warranted because previous studies suggest the effects of characteristics such as race/ethnicity on CHA are contingent on gender[25]. Enabling resource are factors that pertain to accessibility of health services and there is some evidence that individuals who are uninsured or otherwise forgo conventional care because of cost or convenience are more likely to use CHA[23,25,28-31]. Nationally, sexual minorities, and lesbian/bisexual women in particular, are more likely to report lacking a usual source of medical care[32].…”