RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effect of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) on osteoarthritis (OA) and comprehensively evaluate the role of the Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling pathway in chondrocytes. METHOD: In our study, we treated chondrocytes with BDMC in an in vitro chondrocyte assay and measured its influence on extracellular matrix (ECM) expression, downstream heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) levels. RESULTS: Our study indicates that BDMC significantly activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway in chondrocytes in vitro. Furthermore, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3, interleukin 1ß, recombinant a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)4 and (ADAMTS)5 was significantly suppressed by BDMC. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the potential for BDMC to activate the Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 signalling pathway and alleviate OA symptoms. Therefore, BDMC is a promising therapeutic agent for OA that offers new insights and treatment methods.