The articular cartilage preservative effects of genistein in an experimental model of knees osteoarthritis. - GreenMedInfo Summary
The articular cartilage preservative effects of genistein in an experimental model of knees osteoarthritis.
Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2021 May 14. Epub 2021 May 14. PMID: 33989507
Xiangjun Cheng
The study aimed to investigate the preservative effects of genistein on articular cartilage in an experimental model of knee osteoarthritis in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were assigned to three equal groups: the sham group (SG), osteoarthritis control group (OAG), and genistein-treated osteoarthritis group (GTG). Intra-articular injections of monosodium iodoacetate were used for osteoarthritis induction. After two weeks of rest for the induction of the inflammatory process, genistein (30 mg/kg/day) vs. saline gavage was administered for eight weeks. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 8 and 13, Sox5/Sox6, Indian hedgehog (IHH), and Col2 were evaluated in medial femoral condyle sections by immunohistochemical staining. The number of chondrocytes and cartilage thicknesses were also measured and compared among the groups. No significant change in cartilage thickness was observed in GTG compared with OAG (p=0.188). Chondrocyte count was significantly higher in the articular cartilage of GTG compared with OAG (p=0.006). Induction of OA significantly increased the expression of MMP-8, MMP-13, and IHH, but decreased Col2, Sox5, and Sox6 expression (p<0.001); these were partially prevented in the GTG. Our findings support the effectiveness of genistein treatment in the prevention of articular cartilage damage in the experimental model of knee osteoarthritis. The proposed mechanism of action is through the suppression of the MMP, IHH, Col2 pathways, besides the induction of Sox5 and Sox6 expression. Novelty: -Genistein prevent articular cartilage damage in the experimental model of knee osteoarthritis. -The osteoprotective effect is trough modulation of expression of MMP, Sox, IHH, and Col2 proteins.