Gumiganghwal-tang ameliorates cartilage destruction via inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kyung-Bang Gumiganghwal-tang tablet (GMGHT) is a standardized Korean Medicine that could treat a cold, headache, arthralgia and fever. Although GMGHT has been used for arthritis-related diseases including a sprain, arthralgia, unspecified arthritis and knee arthritis, there is no pre-clinical evidence to treat osteoarthritis (OA). This study determined the drug dosage and the mechanisms of GMGHT for OA. METHODS: OA was induced by intra-articular monoiodoacetic acid (MIA) injection in Sprague-Dawley rats. As calculated from the human equivalent dose formula, GMGHT was orally administered at the doses of 9.86, 98.6 and 986 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The arthritis score was performed by a blind test, and histological changes in articular cartilage were indicated by hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin O and toluidine blue staining. SW1353 chondrocytes were stimulated by interleukin (IL)-1ß recombinant to analyze the expressions of Type II collagen, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. RESULTS: Rough and punctate surfaces of the femoral condyle induced by MIA, were recovered by the GMGHT treatment. The arthritis score was significantly improved in the 968 mg/kg of GMGHT-treated cartilage. Loss of chondrocytes and proteoglycan were ameliorated at the deep zone of the subchondral bone plate by the GMGHT administration in OA rats. The expression of Type II collagen was increased, while MMP-1, -3 and -13 levels were decreased in the GMGHT-treated SW1353 chondrocytes. In addition, the GMGHT treatment regulated NF-κB activation along with IL-6, transforming growth factor-ß and IL-12 production. CONCLUSIONS: GMGHT promoted the recovery of articular cartilage damage by inhibiting MMPs, accompanied with its anti-inflammatory effects in OA. GMGHT might be an alternative therapeutic treatment for OA.

Autoantibody and metalloproteinase activity in early arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies (a-Sa), anti-citrullinated α-enolase peptide 1 antibodies (a-CEP-1), anti-filaggrin antibodies (AFAs), heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein compies/anti-RA33-antibodies (a-hnRNP/RA33), anti-carbamylated protein antibodies (a-CarP), and metalloproteinase (MMPs) activity in patients with early inflammatory arthritis (EIA). METHODS: Seventy-four patients with EIA: 51 diagnosed with RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and 23 with UA (undifferentiated arthritis), and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled to the study. Inflammatory markers, rheumatoid factor (RF), and antibodies mentioned above were assessed in all patients. RESULTS: In the EIA group, we observed significantly higher concentration of a-CEP-1 (65.8 ± 111.6 RU/mL) than in controls (2.0 ± 0.0 RU/mL). In RF(+) RA patients, we observed higher concentration of a-Sa and a-CEP-1 than in other groups. A-Sa were positive in 69% of RF(+) RA, 37% of RF(-) RA, 26% of UA patients and in 10% of controls. A-CEP-1 were positive in 77% of RF(+) RA patients, in 56% of RF(-) RA patients, in 8.7% of UA patients, but they were negative in controls. In patients with RF(+) RA, positive a-CarP were present statistically significantly more often than in RF (-) RA patients. No statistically significant difference in frequency of a-hnRNP/RA33 and AFA between RF(+) RA, RF(-) RA, and UA was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a-CEP-1 may help in differentiation between RF(-) RA and UA. a-CEP-1 and a-Sa may be useful while diagnosing EIA. a-CarP may be used in differentiation of RA RF(-) and UA. However, a follow-up study is needed to evaluate the prognostic value of analyzed antibodies.

Duhuo Jisheng Decoction inhibits SDF-1-induced inflammation and matrix degradation in human degenerative nucleus pulposus cells in vitro through the CXCR4/NF-κB pathway.

Lower back pain (LBP) is the most common disease in orthopedic clinics world-wide. A classic Fangji of traditional Chinese medicine, Duhuo Jisheng Decoction (DHJSD), has been proven clinically effective for LBP but its therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that DHJSD might relieve LBP through inhibiting the exaggerated proinflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Thus, we studied the effects of DHJSD on stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)-induced inflammation and ECM degradation in human nucleus pulposus cells (hNPCs). The primary hNPCs were isolated from either degenerated human intervertebral disc (HID) of LBP patients or normal HID of lumbar vertebral fracture patients, and cultured in vitro. The cells were treated with SDF-1 (10 ng/mL) and subsequently with different concentrations (100-500 µg/mL) of DHJSD for 24 h, respectively. We found that application of DHJSD significantly antagonized the SDF-1-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines and reduction of aggrecan and type II collagen in the hNPCs. DHJSD also markedly reduced the SDF-1-induced increase of CXCR4 and p-p65 and inhibited the nuclear translocation of p65 in the hNPCs. DHJSD, CXCR4-siRNA, and NF-κB inhibitor (BAY11-7082) caused the same inhibition of exaggerated proinflammatory cytokines in the SDF-1-treated hNPCs. These results provided compelling evidence that DHJSD may inhibit the generation of proinflammatory mediators and ECM degradation of HID through an orchestrated targeting at multiple molecules in the SDF-1/CXCR4/NF-κB pathway, thus offered novel mechanistic insights into the clinical effectiveness of DHJSD on LBP.

MMP19 expression in the human optic nerve.

PURPOSE: The defining feature of glaucoma is excavation of the optic nerve head; however, the mechanism of this loss of tissue is not well understood. We recently discovered a copy number variation upstream of matrix metalloproteinase 19 (MMP19) in a large, autosomal dominant pedigree with a congenital malformation of the optic disc called cavitary optic disc anomaly (CODA). Patients with CODA have abnormal optic discs that exhibit an excavated shape similar to cupping seen in glaucoma. The goal of this study is to characterize the localization of MMP19 within the human optic nerve. METHODS: The MMP19 protein in the optic nerve was evaluated with western blot analysis and with immunohistochemistry in sagittal and en face/cross sections of optic nerves obtained from healthy human donor eyes. RESULTS: The MMP19 protein was detected in the human optic nerve, retina, and RPE/choroid with western blot analysis, with highest expression in the retina and the optic nerve. Using immunohistochemistry, MMP19 was localized within the optic nerve to the extracellular space within the septa that separate bundles of optic nerve axons into fascicles. The presence of MMP19 within the optic nerve septa was further confirmed by the colocalization of MMP19 to this structure with type IV collagen. Strong labeling of MMP19 was also detected in the arachnoid layer of the optic nerve sheath. Finally, immunohistochemistry of the optic nerve cross sections demonstrated that MMP19 shows a peripheral to central gradient, with more abundant labeling along the edges of the optic nerve and in the arachnoid layer than in the center of the nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Abundant MMP19 was detected in the optic nerve head, the primary site of pathology in patients with CODA. The localization of MMP19 to the optic nerve septa is consistent with its predicted secretion and accumulation within the extracellular spaces of this tissue. Moreover, the lateral localization of MMP19 observed in the optic nerve cross sections suggests that it might have a role in regulating adhesion to the optic nerve to the scleral canal and remodeling the extracellular matrix that provides the structural integrity of the optic disc. Dysregulation of MMP19 production might, therefore, undermine the connections between the optic nerve and the scleral canal and cause a collapse of the optic disc and the development of CODA. Similar processes might also be at work in the formation of optic disc cupping in glaucoma.

Isolated and combined effects of photobiomodulation therapy, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical activity in the treatment of osteoarthritis induced by papain.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory disease and is characterized as a degenerative process. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), physical activity, and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) applied alone and/or in combination between them in an experimental model of knee OA. OA was induced by injection of papain in the knees of rats. After 21 days, the animals started to be treated with the above treatment. Histological analysis shows that the experimental model of OA induction causes morphological changes consistent with the disease, and among treatments, the PBMT is the most effective for reducing these changes. Moreover, the results demonstrate that PBMT and NSAID reduce the total number of cells in the inflammatory infiltrate (p<0.05) and PBMT was the most effective for reducing the activity of myeloperoxidase (p<0.05). Finally, we observed that both NSAID and PBMT were effective for reducing the gene expression of MMP-3 (p<0.05), but in relation to the gene expression of MMP-13, PBMT was the most effective treatment (p<0.05). The results of this study indicate that PBMT is the most effective therapy in stopping disease progression, and improving inflammatory conditions observed in OA.

Ginkgo biloba extract inhibits oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced matrix metalloproteinase activation by the modulation of the lectin-like oxLDL receptor 1-regulated signaling pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: The overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) has been found in atherosclerotic lesions. Previous reports have identified that oxLDL, via the upregulation of lectin-like ox-LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1), modulates the expression of MMPs in endothelial cells. Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE), from Ginkgo biloba leaves, has often been considered as a therapeutic compound for cardiovascular and neurologic diseases. However, further investigation is needed to ascertain the probable molecular mechanisms underlying the antiatherogenic effects of GbE. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GbE on oxLDL-activated MMPs of human endothelial cells and to test the involvement of LOX-1 and protein kinase C (PKC)-α, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were stimulated with oxLDL, with or without GbE treatment. LOX-1 signaling and MMPs expression were tested by Western blotting or activity assay. Further, protein expression levels of PKC-α, ERK, nuclear factor-κB, and PPAR-γ were investigated by Western blotting. RESULTS: GbE inhibited the oxLDL-caused upregulation of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3. Pretreating with GbE reduced oxLDL-activated LOX-1 expression. Furthermore, pharmacologic inhibitors of free radicals, Ca(++), PKC, and GbE, inhibited the oxLDL-induced ERK and nuclear factor-κB activation. Lastly, GbE ameliorated the oxLDL-inhibited PPAR-γ function. CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained in this study indicate that GbE actives its protective effects by regulating the LOX-1-mediated PKC-α/ERK/PPAR-γ/MMP pathway, resulting in the suppression of reactive oxygen species formation and, ultimately, the reduction of MMPs expression in endothelial cells treated with oxLDL.

Andrographolide inhibits the migration, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase expression of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes via inhibition of HIF-1α signaling.

AIMS: Hypoxia is implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), contributing to the tumor-like phenotypes of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs). Andrographolide is the main bioactive component of Andrographis paniculata, an herbal medicine that shows therapeutic benefits in RA patients. Here, we explored the effects of andrographolide on hypoxia-induced migration and invasion of RA-FLSs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RA-FLSs were exposed to hypoxia in the presence or absence of andrographolide and cell migration and invasion were tested by Transwell assays. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 was measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. HIF-1α DNA binding activity was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The effects of overexpression of exogenous HIF-1α on the action of andrographolide in RA-FLSs were investigated. KEY FINDINGS: Andrographolide inhibited FLS migration and invasion under hypoxic conditions in a dose-dependent manner. The upregulation of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 in response to hypoxia was significantly (P<0.05) attenuated by andrographolide. Moreover, the expression and DNA binding activity of HIF-1α were dose-dependently decreased in andrographolide-treated cells under hypoxic conditions. Overexpression of HIF-1α almost completely reversed the suppressive effects of andrographolide on the migration, invasion and MMP expression of hypoxic RA-FLSs. SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate the ability of andrographolide to attenuate hypoxia-induced invasiveness of RA-FLSs via inhibition of HIF-1α signaling, and warrant further exploration of andrographolide for the treatment of RA.

Inhibitory effects of dried longan (Euphoria longana Lam.) seed extract on invasion and matrix metalloproteinases of colon cancer cells.

The critical step in colorectal cancer progression and associated mortality is cancer invasion, which depends on two key gelatinase enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9. Dried longan ( Euphoria longana Lam.) seed is a rich natural source of antioxidant polyphenols.This study evaluated the effect of dried longan seeds on colon cancer cell invasion via gelatinase function and expression. Three dried longan seed fractions were collected by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. They showed a potent inhibitor on colorectal cancer cell invasion and gelatinase activity. The antigelatinase activities of fractions 1 and 2 were a direct effect via Zn²âº chelation, whereas fraction 3 modulated indirectly through suppression of zymogen activators. Among the fractions, only fraction 3 reduced the gelatinase expression, which was correlated with the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and may as well involve the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathways. This primary research has manifested and encouraged the anticancer properties of dried longan seed extracts with potential inhibitory effects on cancer cell invasion as well as antigelatinase activity and expression in colon cancer cells.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate inhibits interleukin-1ß-induced inflammation in human articular chondrocytes.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a pluripotent lipid mediator that transmits signals through a family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to control diverse biological processes including inflammation and wound-healing. In this study, a novel biological activity of S1P in articular chondrocytes was identified. Human primary chondrocytes were cultured in a monolayer. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were performed to detect genes and proteins involved in inflammation and cartilage degradation when human primary chondrocytes were stimulated by interleukin (IL)-1ß. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity was evaluated by gelatin zymography. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) degradation was evaluated using the dimethylene blue method. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). By using the S1P1 receptor agonist and antagonist, we discovered the key role played by S1P1 in the S1P-dependent inhibition of IL-1ß-induced inflammation in human chondrocytes. S1P dose-dependently inhibited IL-1ß-induced NF-κB p65, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13 and MMP-14 mRNA expression in human chondrocytes and IL-1ß-induced PGE2 synthesis and GAG degradation in human cartilage explants. W146, a known S1P1 receptor antagonist, inhibited the active form of NF-κB p65 and COX-2 expression induced by IL-1ß. The anti-inflammatory action of the S1P1 receptor agonist SEW2871 was similar to that of S1P. This study demonstrates that S1P has anti-inflammatory effects on chondrocytes via the S1P1 receptor. Our data suggest that targeting S1P and S1P1 may be a potential therapy for arthritis.

Triptolide inhibits ovarian cancer cell invasion by repression of matrix metalloproteinase 7 and 19 and upregulation of E-cadherin.

Triptolide, a compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine preparation of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F., has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. However, its effect on ovarian cancer invasion is unknown. We observed that MMP7 and MMP19 expression increased in ovarian cancer tissue. Triptolide treatment inhibited the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells SKOV3 and A2780 at the concentration of 15 nM. We also observed that triptolide suppressed MMP7 and MMP19 promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner, down-regulating the expressions of these promoters on mRNA and protein level. Moreover, triptolide enhanced E-cadherin expression in ovarian cancer cells. In vivo, triptolide inhibited tumor formation and metastasis in nude mice, and suppressed MMP7 and MMP19 expression; it also enhanced E-cadherin expression in tumor in a dose-dependent manner. Over expression of MMP7 and MMP19, or suppression of E-cadherin expression partially abolished the inhibitory effect of triptolide on invasion of ovarian cancer cells. To summarize, triptolide significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by suppression of MMP7 and MMP19 and up-regulation of E-cadherin expression. This study shows that triptolide is a good candidate for the treatment of ovarian cancer and reduction of metastasis.

Pro-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties of the green tea constituent epigallocatechin gallate increase photodynamic therapy responsiveness.

BACKGROUND: A polyphenol constituent of green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has anti-carcinogenic properties. A growing number of studies document EGCG-mediated induction of apoptotic pathways and inhibition of pro-survival factors when combined with chemotherapy or radiation. We evaluated the efficacy of EGCG in modulating photofrin (PH)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) responses. METHODS: Mouse mammary carcinoma (BA) cells and transplanted BA tumors growing in C3H mice were treated with PH-mediated PDT. Select groups of treated cells and mice also received EGCG and then cytotoxicity, tumor response, and expression of survival molecules were evaluated in all experimental groups. RESULTS: EGCG increased apoptosis and cytotoxicity in BA cells exposed to PH-mediated PDT. The initial pro-survival phase of the unfolded protein response (UPR), characterized by increased expression of the 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP-78), was induced by PDT. The second pro-apoptotic phase of the UPR, characterized by phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) expression, activation of caspases-3 and 7, poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and expression of C/EBP homologous protein was observed when PDT was combined with EGCG. EGCG also decreased the expression of the pro-survival proteins GRP-78 and survivin, and attenuated PDT-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) expression in PDT-treated cells. Comparable responses also were observed when BA tumors were treated with PDT and EGCG. In addition, PDT-induced expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was down-regulated in treated tumor tissue by EGCG. CONCLUSIONS: The polyphenol EGCG improves PDT efficacy by increasing tumor apoptosis and decreasing expression of pro-survival and angiogenic molecules within the tumor microenvironment.

Anticancer activities of an anthocyanin-rich extract from black rice against breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Anthocyanins widely present in human diet and have a variety of health effects. This study investigates the anticancer effects of an anthocyanin-rich extract from black rice (AEBR) on breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. AEBR reduced the viability of breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (ER(+), HER2/neu(-)), MDA-MB-231 (ER(-), HER2/neu(-)), and MDA-MB-453 (ER(-), HER2/neu(+)) and induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-453 cells via the intrinsic pathway in vitro by activating caspase cascade, cleaving poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), depolarizing mitochondrial membrane potential, and releasing cytochrome C. Oral administration of AEBR (100 mg/kg/day) to BALB/c nude mice bearing MDA-MB-453 cell xenografts significantly suppressed tumor growth and angiogenesis by suppressing the expression of angiogenesis factors MMP-9, MMP-2, and uPA in tumor tissue. Altogether, this study suggests the anticancer effects of AEBR against human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis and suppressing angiogenesis.

Modulatory effect of hesperidin on benzo(a)pyrene induced experimental lung carcinogenesis with reference to COX-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Hesperidin is a naturally occurring flavonoid that has been reported to possess anticancer effects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of hesperidin in modulating the expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), mast cells (MCs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) induced lung carcinogenesis in mice. B(a)P (50 mg/kg body weight) induced animals showed increased mast cell density (MCD) as revealed by toluidine blue staining and severe expression of COX-2 along with upregulated expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as revealed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Supplementation of hesperidin (25 mg/kg body weight) to lung cancer bearing mice attenuated MCD and downregulated the expressions of COX-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9. These observations show that hesperidin exerts its anti-carcinogenic activity against lung cancer by altering the expressions of COX-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9.

alpha-Lipoic acid reduces matrix metalloproteinase activity in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.

alpha-Lipoic acid (LA), a naturally occurring molecule in animal and plant cells, is a potent antioxidant that reportedly exerts beneficial effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. However, the molecular mechanisms behind the antimetastatic property of LA are not well understood. The present study investigates the effect of LA on metastasis in a cell system. Our hypothesis is that LA inhibits metastasis via inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in vitro. MDA-MB-231 cells, a human breast cancer cell line, were treated with various concentrations of LA (0, 250, 500, or 1000 mumol/L) to measure metastasis, MMP activity, and mRNA expression. The viability of cells was examined by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The effect of LA on metastasis was evaluated using the motility, migration, and invasion assay in vitro. The activity and mRNA expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were measured. After LA treatment, cell motility and cell migration were significantly decreased (P < .05). alpha-Lipoic acid also reduced cell invasion through a Matrigel-coated chamber (P < .05). Activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were decreased by LA treatment in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the reduction in mRNA expression level of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by LA treatment. We conclude that in this cell culture model, LA treatment inhibits cancer metastasis, and this inhibition is likely due to the decrease in the activity and mRNA expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 caused by LA.

Gastroprotective activity of atractylenolide III from Atractylodes ovata on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVES: The rhizome of Atractylodes ovata De Candolle is popularly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases. However, the major gastroprotective compounds of A. ovata have not been identified. This study reports on the principal gastro- protective component of A. ovata. METHODS: Five sesquiterpenoids (atractylon, atractylenolides I, II, III and biatractylolide) were isolated from the extracts of A. ovata rhizome via silica gel column chromatography. The gastroprotective effects of these five sesquiterpenoids were measured in in-vitro ethanol-induced primary culture rat gastric mucosal (PRGM) cell damage and in-vivo ethanol-induced acute rat gastric ulcer models. KEY FINDINGS: Atractylon, atractylenolide I and biatractylolide were strongly toxic in PRGM cells, whilst atractylenolides II and III were not. Atractylenolide II did not show cytoprotective effects, but oral administration of atractylenolide III dose-dependently prevented ethanol-induced PRGM cell death and cell membrane damage. The EC50 values were 0.27 and 0.34 mm, respectively. In the in-vivo assay, atractylenolide III 10 mg/kg significantly reduced 70% ethanol-induced Wistar rat gastric ulcer. Atractylenolide III could inhibit matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression through upregulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase from the gastric ulcerated tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Atractylenolide III was the major gastroprotective component of A. ovata in ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer. It is suggested that the gastroprotective mechanism of atractylenolide III was via inhibition of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 pathway.

Icariin protects murine chondrocytes from lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses and extracellular matrix degradation.

Septic arthritis is an inflammatory arthropathy characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage. Icariin, the main active flavonoid glucoside isolated from Epimedium pubescens, is used as antirheumatics (or antiinflammatory), tonics, and aphrodisiacs in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate the in vitro inflammatory response of chondrocytes during septic arthritis. Our hypothesis is that the icariin can protect chondrocytes from LPS-induced inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation. The inflammation of neonatal mice chondrocytes was induced by LPS and the antiinflammatory effects were examined. The synthesis of nitric oxide was analyzed, whereas the titer of glycosaminoglycan and total collagen were measured and the gene expressions (including inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13) were evaluated. The results showed that the viability of chondrocytes, extracellular matrix synthesis, was significantly decreased, whereas nitric oxide synthesis was significantly increased in the presence of 10(-5) g/mL LPS. Icariin pretreatment can partially reverse these effects. The up-regulated expressions of MMP-1, 3, 13, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and iNOS genes by LPS treatment were also significantly down-regulated by the pretreatment of icariin to 1.8%, 0.056%, 7.7%, 3.1%, and 5.3% of the LPS-positive control sample, respectively. Our results demonstrate that icariin is a safe anabolic agent of chondrocytes. Icariin may exert its protective effects through inhibition of nitric oxide and MMP synthesis, and may then reduce the extracellular matrix destruction.

Effect of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract on ECM and proteases in mammary carcinoma rats.

The early stages of invasion are characterized by the extracellular proteolysis and the accumulation of specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold, that are responsible for the development of vascular bed, endothelial cell proliferation and invasion of tumour cells. The ground substance of provisional matrix consists of collagen, elastin, glycoaminoglycans and proteoglycans that facilitate the interaction of tumour cells with the host environment. In the present work, we have studied the influence of Semecarpus anacardium nut milk extract on localized differentials of ECM component and proteases involved in matrix metabolism of tumour tissue. Mammary carcinoma was induced in Sprague Dawley rats with 7,12, dimethyl benz(a)anthracene and treated with S. anacardium nut milk extract administered orally for 14 days. The altered amount of ECM components in tumour tissues was almost reverted back to normal level in the drug treated animals. The activities of reported proteases and glycohydrolases were also decreased on treatment with S. anacardium nut milk extract indicating decreased turnover of the matrix. Also, the factors associated with the matrix turnover and expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were restored back to near normal values. The stabilization of the ECM with the decreased activity of proteases might inhibit the epithelial-endothelial interaction and tumour cell migration thus, preventing the adjacent invasion and tumour growth and might be regarded as antineoplastic agent which demands further studies.