Achyranthoside D attenuates chondrocyte loss and inflammation in osteoarthritis via targeted regulation of Wnt3a.

BACKGROUND: Achyranthes bidentata Blume (A. bidentata) is a common Chinese herb used to treat osteoarthritis (OA). Achyranthoside D (Ach-D) is a glucuronide saponin isolated from A. bidentata. PURPOSE: To assess the mechanisms of action of Ach-D and its effects on OA. METHODS: The effects of Ach-D were evaluated in rats underwent anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) with medial meniscectomy (MMx) and in interleukin (IL)-1ß-induced chondrocytes. Histological changes in rat cartilage tissues were detected using Safranin O-Fast green and haematoxylin-eosin staining. Immunohistochemical staining, qRT-PCR, ELISA, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence were conducted to examine cartilage degeneration-related and inflammation-related factor expression. CCK-8, LDH assay, and EdU staining were performed to detect chondrocyte death. RESULTS: Ach-D dose-dependently reduced the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores, alleviated cartilage injury, and decreased the serum concentrations of CTX-II and COMP in ACLT-MMx models. Ach-D increased the expression levels of collagen II and aggrecan and decreased the levels of cartilage degeneration-related proteins, ADAMTS-5, MMP13, and MMP3, in rat cartilage tissues. Additionally, nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-related inflammation was reduced by Ach-D, as shown by the significantly inhibited expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-18 in rat cartilage tissues. In primary rat chondrocytes, Ach-D protected against IL-1ß-induced viability loss and LDH release. Wnt3a is the target protein of Ach-D. Mechanistically, Ach-D alleviated OA by inhibiting Wnt signalling. CONCLUSION: ACH-D may reduce inflammation and cartilage degeneration by inhibiting the Wnt signalling pathway, thereby reducing OA.