Protective effects of ectoine on articular chondrocytes and cartilage in rats for treating osteoarthritis

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299351
• Publication Date: 2024-02-29T18:25:35Z
• Authors: Peng Li; Yong Huang; Lishuai Miao; Zhiqi Zhu; Zhanjun Shi
• Keywords: Ectoine; Viability assay

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease that primarily includes articular cartilage destruction and inflammatory reactions, effective treatments for this are still lacking. The present study aimed to explore the protective effects of ectoine, compatible solute found in nature, on chondrocytes rats its possible application OA treatment. In vitro studies, morphology after trypsin digestion 2 min viability at 50°C were observed ectoine reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels pretreated with post-stimulated H O detected using an ROS assay. Chondrocytes before IL-1β stimulation. RT‒qPCR was used measure mRNA cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), metallomatrix proteinase-3, -9 (MMP-3, -9), collagen type II alpha 1 (Col2A1). addition, immunofluorescence assess expression collagen. vivo effect evaluated rat model induced by modified Hulth method. findings revealed significantly increased tolerance chondrocytes, maintained 50°C, improved their resistance oxidation. Compared treatment alone, pretreatment reduced COX-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 synthesis chondrocytes. , ectoine-treated exhibited less degeneration lower Research Society International (OARSI) scores. results suggest exerts can, therefore, be as potential therapeutic agent OA.