Effects of Meloxicam Compared to Acetylsalicylic Acid in Human Articular Chondrocytes

Abstract

Meloxicam is a new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) derived from enolic acid, which has displayed potent anti-inflammatory properties in animal studies combined with low gastrointestinal toxicity. Other NSAIDs have been shown, in vitro, to have a variety of effects on cartilage repair processes in diseased articular cartilage. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of meloxicam on some of these processes using in vitro models. Acetylsalicylic acid, a NSAID whose characteristics have been previously elucidated in the models, was used as an active comparator. The effects of meloxicam were different from those of acetylsalicylic acid on chondrocyte clusters. At pharmacologically active concentrations, meloxicam was a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin-E₂ production. However, all chondroformative processes were unaffected by meloxicam as indicated by a lack of effect on DNA synthesis and on type-II collagen and proteoglycan levels in chondrocyte culture medium and clusters, while acetylsalicylic acid decreased proteoglycan production and cell proliferation. Consequently, these in vitro findings suggest that meloxicam does not adversely affect the reparative processes active within the cartilage matrix of a diseased joint. This study represents a sound basis for future studies to establish the effects of meloxicam on osteoarthritis disease progression.

NSAIDS inhibit in vitro MSC chondrogenesis but not osteogenesis: implications for mechanism of bone formation inhibition in man

“…In an in vitro model studying the effects of meloxicam on growing chondrocytes, Bassleer et al . found no effect upon DNA, collagen II and proteoglycans synthesis [52]. Other drugs like sodium naproxen shared similar effects in contrast to aspirin which was found to impair the formation of chondrocytes [53, 54].…”

Nutritional Protocol for Osteoarthrosis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

“…Conventional treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While their use is widespread, there is some evidence that long-term use may inhibit the synthesis of the cartilage matrix and accelerate the deterioration of cartilage [2][3][4][5]. However, there is some evidence that is contradictory.…”

Topical NSAID Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain

“…Some preclinical data suggests that high NSAID concentrations may inhibit chondrocyte proliferation and adversely affect repair processes in joint cartilage [73,74]. Although this effect may be of theoretical concern, its clinical relevance with topical NSAIDs has not been demonstrated.…”