RLosac, a Hemolin, Prevents Human Chondrocyte Aging and Degeneration of Articular Cartilage

Abstract

Chrondrocyte aging is associated with the degeneration of articular cartilage such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA). One of the most prominent changes in cartilage affected by these diseases is loss of extracellular matrix due to its elevated degradation and lowered synthesis. Moreover, pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐a and IL‐1b play roles in the progression of these degenerative changes.The aim was to investigate of rLosac as an anti‐inflammatory/chondroprotective agent and to analyze its capacity to stimulate the production of extracellular matrix molecules. Primary cultures of human chondrocytes from cartilage of osteoarthritic knee joints was cultured in the absence or in the presence of IL‐1b and treated with rLosac. Specific senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity, cell viability, production of extracellular matrix molecules, cell cycle, expression of collagen I receptor and IL‐1 β were analysed. rLosac inhibited cellular death and reduced the IL‐1β‐induced expression of β‐galactosidade and stimulated the production of collagen type I, laminin and fibronectin. Increased expression of Col‐I and decreased expression of IL‐1β, proposing a down‐regulation of the inflammatory condition, suggesting that rLosac may have the potential to prevent inflammation, aging and cellular death induced in pro‐inflammatory chondrocytes.Supported by FAPESP (CETICs), Capes, INCTTox‐CNPq.