Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production in chondrocytes by avocado soybean unsaponifiables and epigallocatechin gallate

L. F. Heinecke, M. W. Grzanna, A. Y. Au, C. A. Mochal, A. Rashmir-Raven, C. G. Frondoza

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the combination of avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in cytokine-activated equine chondrocytes. Methods: Production of type II collagen and aggrecan was verified by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Chondrocytes were incubated with: (1) control media alone, (2) ASU (4 μg/ml; 8.3 μg/ml), (3) EGCG (4, 40, 400 ng/ml), or (4) the combination of ASU and EGCG for 24 h. Cells were next incubated with control medium alone or with IL-1β (10 ng/ml) and TNF-α (1 ng/ml). COX-2 gene expression by real-time PCR analysis and NF-κB nuclear translocation by immunohistochemistry were performed after 1 h of incubation. PGE2 production was determined by immunoassay after 24 h of incubation. Results: Equine chondrocytes responded to cytokine activation by up-regulated gene expression of COX-2 and increased PGE2 production. Activation was associated with NF-κB translocation. Individually, ASU and EGCG marginally inhibited COX-2 expression and PGE2 production in activated chondrocytes. In contrast, the combination of ASU and EGCG reduced COX-2 expression close to non-activated control levels and significantly inhibited PGE2 production. These reductions were statistically greater than those of ASU or EGCG alone. The inhibition of COX-2 expression and PGE2 production was associated with inhibition of NF-κB translocation. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that the anti-inflammatory activity of ASU and EGCG is potentiated when used in combination. This combination may offer an attractive supplement or alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the management of osteoarthritis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)220-227
Number of pages8
JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage
Volume18
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2010
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rheumatology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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