Effects of Artesunate on the Expressions of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, Osteopontin and C-Telopeptides of Type II Collagen in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to explore the effects of artesunate on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), Osteopontin (OPN), and C-telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) in serum, synovial fluid (SF), and cartilage tissues of rats with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: OA models were established. Normal model, artesunate, and Viatril-S groups (20 rats respectively) were set. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, IHC staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were conducted to calculate IGF-1, OPN, and CTX-II levels in serum, SF, and cartilage tissues of rats. The pathological changes in cartilage tissues were evaluated with Mankin score and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. Results: Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased IGF-1 level; decreased OPN, CTX-II levels in the serum and SF; and contrary results were seen in the cartilage tissues. A gradual ascending IGF-1 level and descending OPN and CTX-II levels existed in the serum and SF in the artesunate and Viatril-S groups after 2 weeks. The model group showed the most obvious pathological changes and highest Mankin score compared with the other groups. Higher IGF-1 level and lower OPN, CTX-II levels were exhibited in the cartilage tissue in the artesunate and Viatril-S groups but not in the model group. Conclusion: Artesunate and Viatril-S inhibit OA development by elevating IGF-1 level and reducing OPN and CTX-II levels.

Bioactive hydrogels for bone regeneration

“…With a deeper understanding of the mechanism of bone healing, scientists envisage delivering exogenetic bioactive factors into the defect to accelerate bone repair [ 83 ]. BMP [ 84 ], insulin-like growth factors (IGF) [ 85 ], vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [ 86 ], stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) [ 87 ] and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) [ 88 ]are currently the most widely explored in the area of bone regeneration. The variance in structure determines their different physiological functions and specific role in directing new bone growth [ 82 ].…”

Recent advance in treatment of osteoarthritis by bioactive components from herbal medicine

“…Synovitis affects both symptoms and progression of OA [95]. Curcumin [96,97], icariin [95], psoralen [22], berberine [17], quercetin [98], geniposide [31], sinomenine [99], and artesunate [57,100] produce anti-inflammatory activity in synoviocytes/synovia by regulating the levels of various inflammatory factors, such as MMPs, ILs, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, etc. Synovial proliferation is induced by inflammation in OA [101].…”

“…Geniposide [31] and sinomenine [102] can decrease the levels of MMPs and cartilage oligomeric matrix proteins in synovial fluid, which may help to alleviate the process of cartilage degradation in OA. Insulin-like growth factor-1 accelerates the differentiation of chondrocytes, stimulates the synthesis of cartilage matrix, and inhibits the matrix decomposition, the up-regulation of which by artesunate may facilitate cartilage protection in OA [100].…”

The Application Prospect Autologous Bone Marrow Extract Buffy Coat in Cartilage Tissue Engineering: A Mini-Review

“…IGF-1 induces a plethora of anabolic effects and decreases catabolic responses. With collagen type II matrix, cartilage defects filled with IGF-1 can be repaired more efficiently [11]. FGF-2 treatment of bone marrow-derived MSC monolayer cul-Journal of Biosciences and Medicines tures results in enhancing proteoglycan synthesis and cell proliferation [12].…”