Analysis of dynamic changes in apoptosis markers (CD95, p53) in rat chondrocytes in gonarthrosis combined with obesity and correction with dexamethasone in vitro
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is a pressing concern due to its widespread prevalence. Annually, the disease results in disability, reducing quality of life and necessitating joint replacement. Excess weight plays a significant role in the development of the disease. AIM: To study the levels of CD95 and p53 as markers of apoptosis in rat chondrocytes in the context of experimentally simulated arthrosis and obesity, and to evaluate their correction with dexamethasone in vitro. METHODS: The study was conducted on 180 white male Wistar laboratory rats, divided into five groups of 36 animals each. Group 1 was the control group; groups 2–5 were experimental groups in which arthrosis was simulated by damaging the articular cartilage and obesity was induced in cell cultures. After decapitation under general anesthesia, cartilage tissue samples were collected. Chondrocytes were cultured in vitro, where the effects of obesity were simulated, with correction by dexamethasone solution at doses of 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL in groups 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Cell cultures of groups 1 and 2 remained intact. Expression levels of CD95 and p53 were assessed on days 3, 5, and 10. RESULTS: An increase in the levels of apoptosis markers CD95 and p53 was observed in group 2 throughout the entire experimental period, with a maximum on day 10. With the addition of 1 ng/mL dexamethasone to the cell culture, CD95 levels decreased by 34.1% on day 3 and by 38.3% on day 5, and increased by 186.5% on day 10. p53 protein expression decreased by 33.1% on day 3, by 29.5% on day 5, and by 23.9% on day 10. Dexamethasone at a dose of 10 ng/mL reduced CD95 levels by 27.6% on day 3 and by 29.6% on day 5, but on day 10, an increase of 178.2% was observed. p53 levels increased by 107.2% on day 3 and by 112% on day 5, and decreased by 57% on day 10. Dexamethasone at a dose of 100 ng/mL reduced CD95 expression by 66.8% on day 3 and by 53.1% on day 5, and an increase of 129% was observed on day 10. p53 levels decreased by 75.1% on day 3, by 52.9% on day 5, and by 4.3% on day 10. CONCLUSION: Obesity in the presence of gonarthrosis activates chondrocyte apoptosis and promotes increases in CD95 and p53. Dexamethasone at a dose of 1 ng/mL reduces apoptosis markers on day 3, with a further decrease in effectiveness; at a dose of 10 ng/mL, it has a positive effect lasting up to 5 days for CD95, while p53 expression increases for 5 days and decreases by day 10. Dexamethasone at a dose of 100 ng/mL reduces CD95 and p53 expression throughout the entire experimental period.
DOI: 10.17816/brmma708335
Institution: Luhansk State Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7225563124