Anin vivo investigation of the effect of anthraquinones on the turnover of aggrecans in spontaneous osteoarthritis in the guinea pig

Abstract

We present details of a method which allows for the determination of chondroitin sulphate turnover in vivo using the guinea pig. Such methods have been utilised to examine the effects of diacetyl rhein, a compound with purported anti-osteoarthritic activity, and several related anthraquinone analogues on the turnover of chondroitin. Since the guinea pig develops spontaneous osteoarthritis, this may give useful information on the potential for such compounds to inhibit the progression of osteoarthritis. The results show that several of the anthraquinones are capable of reducing the turnover of chondroitin 4- but not 6-sulphate. This may indicate potential mechanisms for the breakdown of guinea pig cartilage aggrecans. We propose that these techniques could be useful for the screening of chemical agents with useful activity against osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis: genetic factors, animal models, mechanisms, and therapies

“…Degenerative arthritis has been extensively studied in guinea pigs. The OA observed in this model has been found to have similar histologic, radiologic, and biochemical changes as those observed in human OA, such as breakdown of cartilage aggrecans (73), meniscal ossification (74), chondrocyte ATP depletion (75), and subchondral bone remodeling (76). Moreover, findings indicate that body mass in guinea pigs is an important predisposing factor for the development of spontaneous OA of the knee.…”

Pharmacotherapy for Osteoarthritis: A Review

“…Collagenase production and articular damage have been reduced in animal models. 47,48,49 Nutriceuticals: Two nutritional supplements-glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate-have received significant attention for OA therapy ( Table -III Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate: Although in the 2005 meta-analysis of glucosamine there was a significant advantage of glucosamine over placebo for pain relief and functional improvement, further analyses indicating no significant difference in trials with adequate concealment (blinding) cast doubt on the efficacy of glucosamine sulfate. 50 The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, does not appear to be significantly more efficacious than placebo for pain relief or functional improvement in patients with OA of the knee.…”

Diacerein in the treatment of osteoarthritis in patients with comorbidity

“…Диацереин ингибирует in vitro продукцию ИЛ1 и снижает содержание ММП в хряще человека при ОА. Он также стимулирует синтез простагландинов, гликозаминогликанов и гиалуроновой кислоты [13,14]. Блокируя синтез и активность ИЛ1, диацереин действует на премембранном и постмембранном уровнях клетки.…”