Work

Evaluation of the anti-osteoarthritic effects and mechanisms of Cissus quadrangularis extract containing quercetin and isorhamnetin in a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: extract (CQE), containing bioactive flavonoids quercetin and isorhamnetin, has shown potential anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective properties. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anti-osteoarthritic effects and mechanisms of action of CQE in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model. Design: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were induced with OA through intra-articular injection of MIA and treated with CQE at doses of 30, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day. The effects of CQE on knee joint damage, subchondral bone erosion, cartilage structure, proteoglycan content, and the expression of inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were assessed using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histological staining, immunofluorescence, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: CQE significantly mitigated knee joint damage, reduced subchondral bone erosion, and enhanced bone volume and trabecular structure in MIA-induced OA rats. It also preserved cartilage integrity by maintaining proteoglycan content and the expression of collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1) and aggrecan. Moreover, CQE suppressed the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)], pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], and MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13), indicating strong anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective effects. Conclusions: CQE exhibits significant therapeutic potential in managing OA by targeting multiple aspects of disease progression, including inflammation, cartilage degradation, and bone erosion. Further research is needed to explore long-term efficacy, safety, and the molecular mechanisms of CQE, as well as to validate these findings in human clinical trials.

Source: Food & Nutrition Research

DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v69.12173

Authors: Yean-Jung Choi, Jae In Jung, Jaewoo Bae, Jae Kyoung Lee, Eun Ji Kim

Institutions: Sahmyook University, Hallym University

Language: English

Topic: Osteoarthritis Treatment and Mechanisms

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,103