Insights Into the Molecular Mechanism of Deer Antler Extract Serving as a Potential Chondroprotective Agent for Articular Cartilage

Abstract

Background Deer antler is considered as a precious traditional Chinese medicinal material, and has been widely used to reinforce kidney’s yang, nourish essence and strengthen bone function. The most prominent bioactive components in deer antler are water-soluble proteins that play potential roles in bone formation and repair. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular control and therapeutic targets of deer antler extract (DAE) on articular cartilage. Methods DAE was prepared as previously described. All rats were randomly divided into Blank group and DAE group (10 rats per group) after 7-day adaptive feeding. The rats in DAE group were orally administrated with DAE at a dose of 0.2 g/kg per day for 3 weeks and the rats in Blank group were fed with drinking water. Total RNA was isolated from the articular cartilage of knee joints. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) experiment combined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) verification assay were carried out to explore the molecular control and therapeutic targets of DAE on articular cartilage. Results We demonstrated that DAE played a potential role in promoting cartilage formation, growth and repair, and inhibiting cartilage degeneration and inflammation. These effects were possibly achieved by accelerating the expression of functional genes involved in chondrocyte commitment, survival, proliferation and differentiation, and suppressing the expression of susceptibility genes involved in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. Conclusions DAE might serve as a chondroprotective agent for treating cartilage degeneration and inflammation by boosting the ability of cartilage growth and repair. Thus, our findings will contribute towards deepening the knowledge about the molecular control and therapeutic targets of DAE on the treatment of osteoarthritis.