RESUMO
Clinical investigations have shown a significant relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) and estrogens levels in menopausalwomen. Therefore, treatment with exogenous estrogens has been shownto decrease the risk ofOA.However, the effect estrogen has not been clearly demonstrated in the chondrocytes using phytoestrogens, which lack the specific side-effects of estrogens, may provide an alternative therapy. This study was designed to examine the possible effects of phytoestrogen (daidzein) on human chondrocyte phenotype and extracellular matrix formation. Phytoestrogens which lack the specific side-effects of estrogens may provide beneficial effect without causing hormone based side effect. Human chondrocytes cells were cultured in 2D (flask) and 3D (PCL-CA scaffold) systems. Daidzein cytotoxic effect was determined by MTT assay. Chondrocyte cellular content of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), total collagen and chondrogenic gene expression were determined in both culture systems after treatment with daidzein.Daidzein showedtime-dependent and dose-independent effects on chondrocyte bioactivity.Thecompound at low doses showed significant (p0.05). The expression levels of Fibronectin, Laminin and Integrin b1were significantly increased especially in3Dculture system. This studywas illustrated the potential positive effects of daidzein onmaintenance of human chondrocyte phenotype and extracellular matrix formation suggesting an attractive and viable alternative therapy for OA.