Antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of heme oxygenase-1 in osteoarthritic articular cells

Abstract

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is induced in cells by various stimuli as a defense system against oxidative stress. It is known that reactive oxygen species (ROS) participates in the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and several antioxidant systems may protect cartilage components. HO-1 induction or CO release from CORM-2 counteracts oxidative stress and protects against proinflammatory and catabolic effects of interleukin-1β in OA chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and synoviocytes as well as in OA osteochondral explants. Both approaches have been able to downregulate the production of mediators such as reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, matrix metalloproteinases, prostaglandin E 2, cytokines, or chemokines accompanied by inhibition of cartilage degradation and improved aggrecan synthesis. Therefore, HO-1 or CO would be active on cell metabolism alterations, cartilage degradation, and synovitis. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for these effects may lead to novel strategies to prevent or treat joint destruction.