Regeneration of static-load-degenerated articular cartilage extracellular matrix by vitamin C supplementation

Abstract

The effect of a physiological dose of vitamin C (100 microg/ml) on goat articular cartilage chondrocytes cultured in an alginate matrix and subjected to static pressurization of 2.4 MPa was investigated. Biochemical analyses of DNA, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), collagen and protease activity were carried out in various matrix fractions, i.e. cellular matrix (CM) and further removed matrix (FRM), and in culture medium. The treatment of chondrocytes with vitamin C after static pressure increased the GAG content in both CM and FRM (P < 0.03) as compared with control or vitamin C/ static load alone. The collagen content of chondrocytes treated with vitamin C alone and vitamin C after static load also increased significantly in FRM (P < 0.003) as compared with control and static load alone. The specific activity of protease in CM and FRM decreased after vitamin C supplementation both with and without static pressure relative to control (P < 0.003). Transmission electron-microscopic images showed a mixed population of spherical and elliptical chondrocytes when vitamin C was added after static load as compared with static load alone where only elliptical cells were seen. Abundant pericellular and collagen fibrils were seen in this group of chondrocytes as compared with all other groups and the control. The results thus show that, in vitro, vitamin C supplementation of chondrocytes after static loading has the potential to reduce the morphological and biochemical degeneration of chondrocytes caused by static loading, thereby improving the cellular health and functioning of articular cartilage.

Vitamin C and Articular Integrity

“…Gallagher et al [6] also reported no evidence in the literature to support or refute their use for chondroprotection. Earlier however, Kraus et al [7] showed ascorbic acid increased rather than decreased the severity of spontaneous osteoarthritis in animals as discussed by Sharma et al [8], and Chaganti et al [9] found higher serum vitamin C levels in cases of knee osteoarthritis with more rapid disease progression.…”

“…This suggests that low doses of ascorbate are extremely effective compared to higher dose concentrations. An in vitro study by Sharma et al [8] further showed that vitamin C supplementation of chondrocytes after static loading reduced the normal degenerative processes of these cells caused by static loading, thereby improving the cellular health and functioning of articular cartilage. Likewise, Koike et al [16] found a vitamin C derivative to effectively suppress mitochondrial superoxide generation and delayed cartilage degeneration in a mechanical overload model, and which appears to be of considerable utility.…”

The Role of Vitamin C in Human Immunity and Its Treatment Potential Against COVID-19: A Review Article

“…The production of the extracellular matrix during the healing process following damage or infection of tissue also relies on vitamin C [ 22 ]. It is responsible for hydroxylating proline and lysine within newly formed collagen, allowing it to mature and stabilize the tissue of a healing wound [ 34 ]. Lack of vitamin C leads to this process being compromised.…”

Intra-articular injection of an antioxidant formulation did not improve structural degeneration in a rat model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis

“…Another potent antioxidant, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), has a broad spectrum of antioxidative activities, owing to its ability to scavenge numerous ROS [14] . It also acts as a cofactor for numerous biochemical reactions and is essential for collagen biosynthesis [15] . A preclinical study on surgically induced OA in guinea pigs [16] and an epidemiological study on OA patients [17] , both suggested that high dietary intake of vitamin C reduced the risk of cartilage loss and delayed disease progression.…”