Abstract

This study investigates the chondroprotective properties of Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) in interleukin (IL)-1β-induced rabbit chondrocytes. Quantitative real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot were performed to investigate the effects of Sal B on the mRAN and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and collagen II in IL-1β-induced rabbit chondrocytes. Sal B inhibits the mRNA level as well as the protein level of these MMPs. Sal B also increases IL-1β-inhibited mRNA and protein levels of TIMP-1 and collagen II. In addition, Sal B inhibits the IL-1β-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the degradation of inhibitor of κB (IκB)-α. Our data suggest that Sal B exhibit chondroprotective properties in chondrocytes.

Key words: Salvianolic acid B, osteoarthritis, matrix metalloproteinase, chondrocyte, interleukin-1 beta, NF-κB.

Abbreviation

OA, Osteoarthritis; ECM, extracellular matrix; MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases; TIMPs,  tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases; IL-1β, interleukin-1 beta;MTT, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; NF-κB, nuclear factor-kappa B; Sal B, salvianolic acid B; PCR, polymerase chain reaction]