Protocatechuic acid benefits proliferation and phenotypic maintenance of rabbit articular chondrocytes: An in vitro study

Abstract

Abstract. Numerous antioxidants exhibit antiarthritic effects due to their inhibitory effect on inflammatory factors. Certain antioxidants, such as protocatechuic acid (PCA) and its analogs, have been reported to be effective in the treatment of arthritis. However, the effect of PCA on chondro-protection may be alleviated due to the induction of apoptosis, as has been demonstrated in stomatocytes. To clearly determine the effect of PCA on the biological and cellular metabolism of rabbit articular chondrocytes in vitro, examinations of cytotoxicity, proliferation and morphology were performed, in addition to analyses of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis and the expression of cartilage-specific genes. The results revealed that PCA effectively promoted chondrocyte growth, the synthesis of the extracellular matrix and the mRNA expression of aggrecan, collagen II and Sox9, while downregulating the expression of the collagen I gene, a marker of chondrocyte dedifferentiation. In addition, hypertrophy, which may result in chondrocyte ossification, was not detected in the groups. Among the doses (range, 0.05-0.3 mmol/l) of PCA that promoted the proliferation of chondrocytes, a concentration of 0.125 mmol/l produced the optimum performance. The results indicated that PCA, particularly at a dose of 0.125 mmol/l, accelerated the proliferation of rabbit articular chondrocytes in vitro and maintained their phenotype. This study may provide a basis for further research concerning the treatment of cartilage defects.

pH-responsive and hyaluronic acid-functionalized metal-organic frameworks for therapy of osteoarthritis

“…3a 3c). Additionally, PCA was able to promote cell proliferation and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production of chondrocytes [66], consistent with the up-regulation of Col2a1 and Acan (Fig. 3a b, 5b).…”

Insights into the Action Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Osteoarthritis

“…Protocatechuic acid, one of polyphenolic compounds extracted from green tea and catechins, possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Protocatechuic acid can promote the proliferation of rabbit chondrocytes and maintain cell phenotype through enhancing the synthesis of ECM and the expression of aggrecan, type II collagen, and SOX9 [ 99 ]. Psoralen, an effective component isolated from Fructus Psoraleae , dose-dependently enhances the production of GAG and type II collagen and increases the expression of SOX9 [ 100 ].…”

pH-responsive and hyaluronic acid-functionalized metal–organic frameworks for therapy of osteoarthritis

“…3 a, c). Additionally, PCA was able to promote cell proliferation and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production of chondrocytes [ 66 ], consistent with the up-regulation of Col2a1 and Acan ( Figs. 3 a, b and 5 b ) .…”