Subversive molecular role of Krüppel-like factor 5 in extracellular matrix degradation and chondrocyte dedifferentiation.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder worldwide and a leading cause of pain and disability. However, the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis has not been elucidated. Krüppel-like factor (KLF)-5 is involved in several biological processes, including inflammation and cell differentiation, but its role in OA has not been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the role of KLF-5 in chondrocyte differentiation. KLF-5 overexpression in chondrocytes induced a loss of type II collagen expression and sulfated proteoglycan synthesis at the transcriptional and translational levels. Based on immunofluorescence staining, the ectopic expression of KLF-5 reduced type II collagen expression. In contrast, with KLF-5-transfected cells, KLF-5 siRNA transfection-induced type II expression also blocked dedifferentiation caused by the overexpression of KLF-5. In zebra fish, KLF-5 reduced the sulfated proteoglycan synthesis of ceratobranchial cartilage. Our results suggest that KLF-5 plays a pivotal role in the dedifferentiation of rabbit articular cartilage and zebra fish, providing a basis for therapeutic strategy for osteoarthritis aimed at controlling cartilage destruction.

Novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole compounds inhibit the tyrosinase and melanin level: Synthesis, in-vitro, and in-silico studies.

In this research work, we have designed and synthesized some biologically useful of 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles. The structural interpretation of the synthesized compounds has been validated by using FT-IR, LC-MS, HRMS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR techniques. Moreover, the in-vitro mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory potential of the target compounds was assessed. The in-vitro study reveals that, all compounds demonstrate an excellent tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Especially, 2-(5-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ylthio)-N-phenylacetamide (IC50 = 0.003 ± 0.00 µM) confirms much more significant potent inhibition activity compared with standard drug kojic acid (IC50 = 16.83 ± 1.16 µM). Subsequently, the most potent five oxadiazole compounds were screened for cytotoxicity study against B16F10 melanoma cells using an MTT assay method. The survival rate for the most potent compound was more pleasant than other compounds. Furthermore, the western blot results proved that the most potent compound considerably decreased the expression level of tyrosinase at 50 µM (P < 0.05). The molecular docking investigation exposed that the utmost potent compound displayed the significant interactions pattern within the active region of the tyrosinase enzyme and which might be responsible for the decent inhibitory activity towards the enzyme. A molecular dynamic simulation experiment was presented to recognize the residual backbone stability of protein structure.

Simvastatin abolishes nitric oxide- and reactive oxygen species-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression by blocking the nuclear factor κB pathway in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to be linked with numerous diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). Our study aimed to examine the effect of simvastatin on NO- or ROS-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in OA. Simvastatin has attracted considerable attention since the discovery of its pharmacological effects on different pathogenic processes, including inflammation. Here, we report that simvastatin treatment blocked sodium nitroprusside (SNP)- and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß)-induced COX-2 production. In addition, simvastatin attenuated SNP-induced NO production and IL-1ß-induced ROS generation. Treatment with simvastatin prevented SNP- and IL-1ß-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity. Inhibiting NO production and ROS generation using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and NG-monomethyl- l-arginine ( l-NMMA), respectively, accelerated the influence of simvastatin on NF-κB activity. In addition, NAC blocked SNP and simvastatin-mediated COX-2 production and NF-κB activity but did not alter IL-1ß and simvastatin-mediated COX-2 expression. l-NMMA treatment also abolished IL-1ß-mediated COX-2 expression and NF-κB activation, whereas SNP and simvastatin-mediated COX-2 expression were not altered compared with the levels in the SNP and simvastatin-treated cells. Our findings suggested that simvastatin blocks COX-2 expression by inhibiting SNP-induced NO production and IL-1ß-induced ROS generation by blocking the NF-κB pathway.

Inhibitory effects on melanogenesis by thymoquinone are mediated through the ß­catenin pathway in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a component found in the seeds of Nigella sativa, an annual plant growing on the Mediterranean coast, and is known for its anticancer and anti­inflammatory effects. However, to date, at least to the best of our knowledge, limited studies are available examining the molecular mechanisms through which TQ inhibits melanogenesis. Accordingly, this study aimed to treat B16F10 mouse melanoma cells with TQ to investigate its apparent effects and its molecular regulatory mechanisms. Treatment of the B16F10 cells with 10, 15 and 20 µM of TQ for 48 h resulted in a dose­dependent decrease in the expression of microphthalmia­associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase expression and tyrosinase activity, and these treatments simultaneously led to a decrease in the protein expression and transcription of ß­catenin, a Wnt signaling pathway protein. Pre­treatment of the cells with the proteasome inhibitor, MG132, to confirm the inhibition of melanogenesis through the ß­catenin pathway by TQ treatment resulted in an increase in the expression of ß­catenin that was initially reduced by TQ, and the expression and activity of MITF and tyrosinase also increased. Pre­treatment with LiCl, which is known to inactivate glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) by inducing the phosphorylation of the Ser­9 site, resulted in an increased phospho­GSK3ß expression accompanied by ß­catenin that was initially reduced by TQ, and the recovery of the expression and activity of tyrosinase was also confirmed. The transfection of S37A cDNA into B16F10 cells that overexpress ß­catenin resulted in the recovery of ß­catenin expression that was initially reduced by TQ, and this treatment also recovered the expression and activity of tyrosinase. When zebrafish eggs were treated with 1, 2.5 and 5 µM of TQ at 10 h following fertilization, their melanin content decreased in a dose­dependent manner. On the whole, these findings demonstrated that the inhibition of melanogenesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells by TQ treatment resulted from the inhibition of the ß­catenin pathway and confirmed that TQ treatment inhibited melanogenesis in zebrafish.

Gallotannin attenuates 2­deoxy­D­glucose­induced dedifferentiation and endoplasmic reticulum stress through inhibition of inositol­requiring enzyme 1 downstream p38 kinase pathway in chondrocytes.

Gallotannin (GT) is a class of polyphenols with antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral activities. 2­Deoxy­D­glucose (2DG), a glucose­derived molecule, can inhibit glucose metabolism and induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. GT in primary­cultured chondrocytes enhances expression of type II collagen, an indicator of differentiation, and cyclooxygenase­2 (COX­2), which mediates inflammatory reactions. In contrast, 2DG reduces type II collagen and COX­2 expression while driving ER­stress­induced unglycosylation. In the present study, it was investigated whether GT could attenuate 2DG­induced dedifferentiation and ER­stress. Following treatment with GT and 2DG, chondrocytes were assessed using western blotting, RT­PCR, immunofluorescence, and alcian blue staining. GT restored type II collagen expression that was reduced by 2DG, inhibited ER­stress­induced COX­2 unglycosylation, and induced COX­2 expression. The expression of a glucose­regulated protein, GRP78, which is an indicator of reduced ER­stress, was decreased. To link the GT signaling pathway with pathways that inhibit 2DG­induced dedifferentiation and ER­stress, inhibitors were treated in chondrocytes. The results revealed that, among the different signaling pathways triggered by ER­stress, the p38 kinase pathway was involved in the inositol­requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) downstream signaling pathway. Following inhibition of the IRE1 pathway, type II collagen expression was increased and COX­2 expression was decreased. In addition, after examining the splicing of X­box binding protein 1 (XBP­1) which is dependent on IRE1 activation induced by ER­stress, it was revealed that GT inhibited the increase of XBP­1s after splicing due to 2DG­induced ER stress. GT in chondrocytes inhibited 2DG­induced dedifferentiation and ER­stress­induced COX­2 unglycosylation while regulating differentiation and inflammation via the ER­stress­induced p38 kinase pathway downstream from the IRE1 pathway.

Synthesis and exploration of a novel chlorobenzylated 2-aminothiazole-phenyltriazole hybrid as migratory inhibitor of B16F10 in melanoma cells.

In the study presented here, a novel chlorobenzylated bi-heterocyclic hybrid molecule (7) was synthesized and its structural confirmation was carried out by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and CHN analysis data. This compound 7 was subjected to biological study with B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. The anti-proliferative results showed that 7 showed no significant toxicity at concentrations ranging of 0-44 µM. The treatment of B16F10 cells with 7 at aforementioned concentration range indicated that migration of cells was significantly lower than that of the control cells in a dose dependent manner. The possible migration inhibitory effect of these melanoma cells was further evaluated through gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 secreted from B16F10 cells. It was inferred from our results that 7 was not affecting the expression and activity of these enzymes. Some other zinc-dependent matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were involved in the inhibitory progression. Taken together, compound 7 inhibited migrations of B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. Therefore, it may deserve consideration as a potential agent for the treatment of cancer.

Simvastatin induces differentiation in rabbit articular chondrocytes via Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

Simvastatin is widely used as a specific inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase to reduce the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, its regulatory mechanism in chondrocyte differentiation is unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects and signalling pathway of simvastatin on chondrocyte differentiation. We found that simvastatin induced chondrocyte differentiation, as confirmed by increased type II collagen expression and induced sulphated proteoglycan synthesis. Western blotting results showed that expression of type II collagen increased 6-fold in a dose-dependent manner compared with that in the control. Further, nuclear/cytosol fraction analysis revealed that simvastatin reduced the expression and translocation of ß-catenin into the nucleus from the cytoplasm by approximately 50% compared with that in the control. A luciferase assay using a T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor reporter construct was performed to test the transcriptional activity of ß-catenin. Simvastatin-induced differentiation was dependent on inactivation of ß-catenin, as simvastatin inhibited accumulation of ß-catenin, which was characterized by translocation of ß-catenin to the nucleus as shown by immunofluorescence staining and the luciferase assay. Prevention of ß-catenin degradation by inhibition of the proteasome with z-Leu-Leu-Leu-CHO blocked the increase in type II collagen expression. Simvastatin treatment reduced chondrocyte dedifferentiation induced by retinoic acid or serial monolayer culturing by 50% compared to that in the non-treated cells. Our findings demonstrate that simvastatin increases differentiation of rabbit articular chondrocytes via the ß-catenin pathway.

Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF-4) plays a crucial role in simvastatin (SVT)-induced differentiation of rabbit articular chondrocytes.

Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowing reagent that is derived synthetically from the fermentation of Aspergillus terreus. Recently, SVT has been shown to possess a protective effect of chondrocytes. Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF-4) is a zinc finger transcription factor that plays crucial roles during the development and maintenance of multiple organs. However, the roles of KLF-4 in chondrocytes have not been well unknown. Here, we investigated whether KLF-4 regulates SVT-caused differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes. A KLF-4 cDNA or KLF-4 siRNA was transfected into SVT-treated chondrocytes. Western blot analysis, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining analyzed expression of type II collagen and SOX-9, marker proteins of differentiation. The results showed overexpression of KLF-4 accelerates SVT-induced type II collagen expression, as determined by western blot analysis and causes sulfated-proteoglycan synthesis, as detected by Alcian blue staining. RT-PCR revealed that ectopic expression of KLF-4 induces SVT-caused SOX-9, a transcription factor of type II collagen, expression. Transfection of KLF-4 siRNA reversed SVT-caused type II collagen and SOX-9 expression and inhibited SVT-induced sulfated proteoglycan production. This study indicates that KLF-4 plays critical role in SVT-caused chondrocytes differentiation.

PEP-1-glutaredoxin-1 induces dedifferentiation of rabbit articular chondrocytes by the endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent ERK-1/2 pathway and the endoplasmic reticulum stress-independent p38 kinase and PI-3 kinase pathways.

Glutaredoxin-1 (GRX-1), belonging to the oxidoreductase family, is a component of the endogenous antioxidant defense system. In this study, we evaluated the effects of PEP-1-GRX-1 in rabbit articular chondrocytes. We found that PEP-1-GRX-1 causes a loss of the differentiated chondrocyte phenotype. PEP-1-GRX-1-treated cells exhibited decreases in type II collagen expression and sulfated-proteoglycan synthesis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. PEP-1-GRX-1 causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress, as evidenced by increases in ER stress marker proteins, i.e., glucose-regulated protein (GRP) 78, GRP 94, and phospho-eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) α. These effects were inhibited by ER stress inhibitors. PEP-1-GRX-1 increased the phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2, and p38. Inhibition of ERK-1/2 by PD98059 prevented PEP-1-GRX-1-induced dedifferentiation and inhibited ER stress. The blockage of PI-3K/Akt or p38 kinase with SB203580 and LY294002 accelerated PEP-1-GRX-1-induced dedifferentiation, but did not have any effect on PEP-GRX-1-induced ER stress. Our results indicate that the ERK-1/2 pathway mediates chondrocyte dedifferentiation by PEP-GRX-1-induced ER stress. The PI-3K and p38 kinase pathways regulate PEP-1-GRX-1-induced chondrocyte dedifferentiation by an ER stress-independent pathway.

Simvastatin prevents articular chondrocyte dedifferentiation induced by nitric oxide by inhibiting the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 13.

IMPACT STATEMENT: Dedifferentiation of chondrocytes is the main character of cartilage degradation. Therefore the understanding of chondrocytes dedifferentiation is essential for arthritis therapy. However, the molecular mechanism of cartilage destroy is mostly unknown. In this work we show that simvastatin (SVT) inhibits dedifferentiation by nitric oxide by blocking the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 13. These effects of SVT on dedifferentiation suggest that SVT may be used as a drug for the cure of arthritis.

Cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor-1 causes dedifferentiation of rabbit articular chondrocytes via the ERK-1/2 and p38 kinase pathways.

Cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor-1 (CIAPIN-1, formally named anamorsin) is a well-known regulator of apoptosis in many different cell types. Recently, it has been reported that some anti-apoptotic proteins are involved with the regulation of cell differentiation. However, relatively little is known about the role of CIAPIN-1 on rabbit articular chondrocytes differentiation. In this study, we investigated the effects of CIAPIN-1 in chondrocytes, focusing on extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 and p38 kinase signaling. CIAPIN-1 caused dedifferentiation, as determined by the inhibition of type II collagen expression and sulfated-proteoglycan synthesis. CIAPIN-1 activated ERK-1/2 and inactivated p38 kinase, as determined by the phosphorylation level of each protein. CIAPIN-1-induced ERK phosphorylation was abolished by the MEK inhibitor, PD98059, which also prevented the CIAPIN-1-induced loss of type II collagen expression. Inhibition of p38 kinase with SB203580 enhanced the decrease in type II collagen expression. Our findings collectively suggest that ERK-1/2 and p38 kinase regulate CIAPIN-1-induced dedifferentiation in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

5-Azacytidine regulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, and the migration and invasion of human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells via PI3-kinase and ERK1/2 pathways.

Abnormal methylation of promoter CpG islands is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells, and is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases. 5-azacytidine (5-aza C), a methyltransferase inhibitor, can cause demethylation of promoter regions of diverse genes. Epigenetic processes contribute to the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. However, little is known about the mechanisms and effects of 5-aza C on the invasive and migratory capacities of human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells. In the present study, we found that 5-aza C induces MMP-9 activity, as determined by zymography. HT1080 cell proliferation was determined following 5-aza C administration by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry. 5-aza C treatment inhibited cell proliferation without affecting cell viability. Furthermore, 5-aza C significantly promoted migration and invasion of HT1080 cells. 5-aza C treatment enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide (PI)3-kinase/Akt, and their inhibitors blocked MMP-9 activity induction, and cellular invasion and migration. Together, these findings suggest that promoter methylation may be one of the mechanisms modulating MMP-9 levels in HT1080 cells, and that 5-aza C-induced MMP-9 production is associated with the activation of ERK and PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathways.

Salinomycin causes migration and invasion of human fibrosarcoma cells by inducing MMP-2 expression via PI3-kinase, ERK-1/2 and p38 kinase pathways.

Salinomycin (SAL) is a polyether ionophore antibiotic that has recently been shown to regulate a variety of cellular responses in various human cancer cells. However, the effects of SAL on metastatic capacity of HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells have not been elucidated. We investigated the effect of SAL on migration and invasion, with emphasis on the expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Treatment of SAL promoted the expression and activation of MMP-2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as detected by western blot analysis, gelatin zymography, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. SAL also increased metastatic capacities, as determined by an increase in the migration and invasion of cells using the wound healing assay and the invasion assay, respectively. To confirm the detailed molecular mechanisms of these effects, we measured the activation of phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3-kinase) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)s (ERK-1/2 and p38 kinase), as detected by the phosphorylated proteins through western blot analysis. SAL treatment increased the phosphorylation of Akt and MAPKs. Inhibition of PI3-kinase, ERK-1/2, and p38 kinase with LY294002, PD98059, and SB203580, respectively, in the presence of SAL suppressed the metastatic capacity by reducing MMP-2 expression, as determined by gelatin zymography. Our results indicate that the PI3-kinase and MAPK signaling pathways are involved in migration and invasion of HT1080 through induction of MMP-2 expression and activation. In conclusion, SAL significantly increases the metastatic capacity of HT1080 cells by inducing MMP-2 expression via PI3-kinase and MAPK pathways. Our results suggest that SAL may be a potential agent for the study of cancer metastatic capacities.

Berberine induces dedifferentiation by actin cytoskeleton reorganization via phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt and p38 kinase pathways in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

Osteoarthritis is a nonrheumatologic joint disease characterized by progressive degeneration of the cartilage extracellular matrix. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid used in traditional Chinese medicine, the majority of which is extracted from Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis). Although numerous studies have revealed the anticancer activity of BBR, its effects on normal cells, such as chondrocytes, and the molecular mechanisms underlying its actions remain elusive. Therefore, we examined the effects of BBR on rabbit articular chondrocytes, and the underlying molecular mechanisms, focusing on actin cytoskeletal reorganization. BBR induced dedifferentiation by inhibiting activation of phosphoinositide-3(PI3)-kinase/Akt and p38 kinase. Furthermore, inhibition of p38 kinase and PI3-kinase/Akt with SB203580 and LY294002, respectively, accelerated the BBR-induced dedifferentiation. BBR also caused actin cytoskeletal architecture reorganization and, therefore, we investigated if these effects were involved in the dedifferentiation. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by cytochalasin D reversed the BBR-induced dedifferentiation by activating PI3-kinase/Akt and p38 kinase. In contrast, the induction of actin filament aggregation by jasplakinolide accelerated the BBR-induced dedifferentiation via PI3-kinase/Akt inhibition and p38 kinase activation. Taken together, these data suggest that BBR strongly induces dedifferentiation, and actin cytoskeletal reorganization is a crucial requirement for this effect. Furthermore, the dedifferentiation activity of BBR appears to be mediated via PI3-kinase/Akt and p38 kinase pathways in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

DNA-hypomethylating agent, 5'-azacytidine, induces cyclooxygenase-2 expression via the PI3-kinase/Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 pathways in human HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells.

The cytosine analogue 5'-azacytidine (5'-aza) induces DNA hypomethylation by inhibiting DNA methyltransferase. In clinical trials, 5'-aza is widely used in epigenetic anticancer treatments. Accumulated evidence shows that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in various cancers, indicating that it may play a critical role in carcinogenesis. However, few studies have been performed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the increased COX-2 expression. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that 5'-aza regulates COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. The human fibrosarcoma cell line HT1080, was treated with various concentrations of 5'-aza for different time periods. Protein expressions of COX-2, DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), pAkt, Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and phosphorylated ERK (pERK) were determined using western blot analysis, and COX-2 mRNA expression was determined using RT-PCR. PGE2 production was evaluated using the PGE2 assay kit. The localization and expression of COX-2 were determined using immunofluorescence staining. Treatment with 5'-aza induces protein and mRNA expression of COX-2. We also observed that 5'-aza-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production were inhibited by S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a methyl donor. Treatment with 5'-aza phosphorylates PI3-kinase/Akt and ERK-1/2; inhibition of these pathways by LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3-kinase/Akt, or PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK-1/2, respectively, prevents 5'-aza-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production. Overall, these observations indicate that the hypomethylating agent 5'-aza modulates COX-2 expression via the PI3-kinase/Akt and ERK-1/2 pathways in human HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells.

Salinomycin causes dedifferentiation via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

Salinomycin (SAL), a monocarboxylic polyether antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces albus, modulates various cellular responses, including proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation. However, the effect of SAL on the dedifferentiation of chondrocytes remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the effects and regulatory mechanisms of SAL on the dedifferentiation of rabbit articular chondrocytes. Our results indicate that SAL-induced a loss of type II collagen and decreased sulfated proteoglycan levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as assessed by western blot analysis and alcian blue staining. Consistent with dedifferentiation, we found that type II collagen expression was decreased and type I collagen and SOX-9 expression was increased using RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining also indicated dedifferentiation of chondrocytes. SAL treatment activated the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway. Among the MAP kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was phosphorylated and translocated into the nucleus from the cytosol following SAL treatment. Inhibition of ERK with PD98059 (PD) rescued the SAL-induced decrease in type II collagen, increase in type I collagen, and reduction in sulfated proteoglycan. Our findings suggest that SAL induces dedifferentiation via the ERK pathway in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

The thymoquinone-induced production of reactive oxygen species promotes dedifferentiation through the ERK pathway and inflammation through the p38 and PI3K pathways in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

Dedifferentiation and inflammation are major features of cartilage degeneration during the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Thymoquinone (TQ) is the major compound of black seed oil isolated from Nigella sativa with various beneficial or harmful effects on several diseases; however, its effects on the dedifferentiation and inflammation of chondrocytes have not yet been characterized. In the present study, we investigated whether TQ regulates the dedifferentiation and inflammation of rabbit articular chondrocytes, focusing on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rabbit articular chondrocytes. TQ induced the generation of ROS in a dose-dependent manner, as shown by staining with the fluorescent probe, 2'-7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. We confirmed that TQ induced dedifferentiation by measuring the loss of type II collagen and the reduction in chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan levels. TQ also caused inflammation by inducing the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), prevented the dedifferentiation and inflammation which was generated by the TQ-induced production of ROS. Furthermore, TQ caused a dose-dependent increase in p38, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) expression. NAC abrogated this effect and attenuated the dedifferentiation and inflammation which was generated by the TQ-induced production of ROS. To identify the ROS-regulated pathways, we treated the chondrocytes with the p38 inhibitor, SB203580, the MEK inhibitor, PD98059, and the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002. PD98059 inhibited the TQ-induced dedifferentiation and SB203580 and LY294002 prevented the TQ-induced inflammation. These findings suggest that the TQ-induced production of ROS causes dedifferentiation through the ERK pathway and inflammation through the PI3K and p38 pathways in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

Withaferin A-caused production of intracellular reactive oxygen species modulates apoptosis via PI3K/Akt and JNKinase in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

Withaferin A (WFA) is known as a constituent of Ayurvedic medicinal plant, Withania somnifera, and has been used for thousands of years. Although WFA has been used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and has a wide range of biochemical and pharmacologic activities, there are no findings suggesting its properties on chondrocytes or cartilage. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of WFA on apoptosis with focus on generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we showed that WFA significantly increased the generation of intracellular ROS in a dose-dependent manner. We also determined that WFA markedly leads to apoptosis as evidenced by accumulation of p53 by Western blot analysis. N-Acetyl-L-Cystein (NAC), an antioxidant, prevented WFA-caused expression of p53 and inhibited apoptosis of chondrocytes. We also found that WFA causes the activation of PI3K/Akt and JNKinase. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt and JNKinase with LY294002 (LY)/triciribine (TB) or SP600125 (SP) in WFA-treated cells reduced accumulation of p53 and inhibited fragmented DNA. Our findings suggested that apoptosis caused by WFA-induced intracellular ROS generation is regulated through PI3K/Akt and JNKinase in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

Synthesis, crystal structure, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic activities of novel 3,4-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-one derivatives.

A new series of 3,4-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-one 5a-r, bearing various methoxyphenyl, fluorophenyl, tolyl and phenyl groups, was synthesized by the dehydrocyclization of hydrazinecarboxamides 4a-r by refluxing in a 2 N sodium hydroxide solution. Hydrazinecarboxamides 4a-r was synthesized via the condensation of the corresponding aralkanoic acid hydrazides, 3a-g, with fluoro-, tolyl- and methoxyphenylisocyanates. The newly synthesized compounds (5a-r) were characterized by IR, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR analyses. The structure of one compound 5a was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All of the synthesized compounds were screened for their anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition) activity to identify new drugs that might be useful in preventing damage related to diabetes and inflammation. Compounds 5j, 5k and 5m decrease the expression of type II collagen in a dose dependent manner; similarly 5l decrease the COX-2 expression of rabbit articular chondrocytes in a dose dependent manner possessing potent anti-inflammatory potential while some of derivatives including 5c, 5e, 5g and 5h cause inflammation. Meanwhile, excellent α-glucosidase and moderate α-amylase inhibitory profiles against carbohydrate modulating enzymes were demonstrated by compounds 5b, 5f, 5k and 5q compared to the reference standard acarbose, and compounds 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, 5l and 5o exhibited moderate to low enzyme inhibition potential among the series.

Production of reactive oxygen species by withaferin A causes loss of type collagen expression and COX-2 expression through the PI3K/Akt, p38, and JNK pathways in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

Withaferin A (WFA) is a major chemical constituent of Withania somnifera, also known as Indian ginseng. Many recent reports have provided evidence of its anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, and immune modulatory activities. Although the compound appears to have a large number of effects, its defined mechanisms of action have not yet been determined. We investigated the effects of WFA on loss of type collagen expression and inflammation in rabbit articular chondrocytes. WFA increased the production of reactive oxygen species, suggesting the induction of oxidative stress, in a dose-dependent manner. Also, we confirmed that WFA causes loss of type collagen expression and inflammation as determined by a decrease of type II collagen expression and an increase of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression via western blot analysis in a dose- and time- dependent manner. WFA also reduced the synthesis of sulfated proteoglycan via Alcian blue staining and caused the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) via assay kit in dose- and time-dependent manners. Treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, inhibited WFA-induced loss of type II collagen expression and increase in COX-2 expression, accompanied by inhibition of reactive oxygen species production. WFA increased phosphorylation of both Akt and p38. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt, p38, and JNK with LY294002 (LY), SB203580 (SB), or SP600125 (SP) in WFA-treated cells rescued the expression of type II collagen and suppressed the expression of COX-2. These results demonstrate that WFA induces loss of type collagen expression and inflammation via PI3K/Akt, p38, and JNK by generating reactive oxygen species in rabbit articular chondrocytes.