Oroxylin A attenuates IL‑1β‑induced inflammatory reaction via inhibiting the activation of the ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in osteoarthritis chondrocytes

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by degradation of the articular cartilage, synovium inflammation, subchon- dral bone sclerosis and osteophyte formation. OA is the most common degenerative joint disorder among the elderly popula- tion. In particular, currently available therapeutic strategies, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause severe side-effects. Therefore, novel candidate targets for OA therapy are urgently needed. Oroxylin A (OrA) is a natural mono-flavonoid that can be extracted from Scutellariae radix. The present study aimed to investigate the potential effects of OrA on interleukin (IL)-1beta-induced chondrocytes inflamma- tory reactions. The current study performed quantitative PCR, western blotting and cell immunofluorescence to evaluate the effect of Oroxylin A in chondrocyte inflammation. The results demonstrated that OrA significantly attenuated the upregula- tion of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 by IL-1beta at both protein and mRNA levels. IL-1beta-stimulated upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13 expression, in addition to disintegrin and metal- loproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4 and ADAMTS-5 expression, were all inhibited by OrA. Treatment with OrA significantly reversed the degradation of type II collagen and aggrecan by IL-1beta. Mechanistically, OrA suppressed the IL-1beta induced activation of ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In conclusion, these findings suggest that OrA can serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA.Copyright © 2021 Spandidos Publications. All rights reserved.