Licochalcone A Inhibits MMPs and ADAMTSs via the NF-κB and Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathways in Rat Chondrocytes.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease in which cartilage degradation is the central pathological change. In this study, we investigated the anti-osteoarthritic effects of licochalcone A (Lico A) in rat chondrocytes. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to evaluate the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-5, ADAMTS-4, collagen II, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 and MMP-1 at both the gene and protein levels, respectively. In addition, the wnt/ß-catenin and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways were also analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Lico A downregulated ADAMTS-5, ADAMTS-4,MMP-13 and MMP-1 expression, and diminished the IL-1ß-induced inhibition of collagen II. In addition, the activation of ß-catenin and phosphorylation of p65 and IKKα/ß were suppressed by Lico A. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Lico A inhibits MMPs and ADAMTS partly via the NF-κB and wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathways in rat chondrocytes. Thus, Lico A may have therapeutic effects in OA.