Protocatechuic acid benefits proliferation and phenotypic maintenance of rabbit articular chondrocytes: An in vitro study

Luo,Like; Wei,Qingjun; Liu,Lei; Lin,Xiao; Lin,Cuiwu; Zheng,Li; Zhao,Jinmin

doi:10.3892/etm.2015.2326

Protocatechuic acid benefits proliferation and phenotypic maintenance of rabbit articular chondrocytes: An in vitro study

Authors:
- Like Luo
- Qingjun Wei
- Lei Liu
- Xiao Lin
- Cuiwu Lin
- Li Zheng
- Jinmin Zhao
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Affiliations: Department of Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, P.R. China, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
Published online on: March 2, 2015 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2015.2326
Pages: 1865-1870

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Abstract

Numerous antioxidants exhibit antiarthritic effects due to their inhibitory effect on inflammatory factors. Certain antioxidants, such as protocatechuic acid (PCA) and its analogs, have been reported to be effective in the treatment of arthritis. However, the effect of PCA on chondro‑protection may be alleviated due to the induction of apoptosis, as has been demonstrated in stomatocytes. To clearly determine the effect of PCA on the biological and cellular metabolism of rabbit articular chondrocytes in vitro, examinations of cytotoxicity, proliferation and morphology were performed, in addition to analyses of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis and the expression of cartilage‑specific genes. The results revealed that PCA effectively promoted chondrocyte growth, the synthesis of the extracellular matrix and the mRNA expression of aggrecan, collagen II and Sox9, while downregulating the expression of the collagen I gene, a marker of chondrocyte dedifferentiation. In addition, hypertrophy, which may result in chondrocyte ossification, was not detected in the groups. Among the doses (range, 0.05‑0.3 mmol/l) of PCA that promoted the proliferation of chondrocytes, a concentration of 0.125 mmol/l produced the optimum performance. The results indicated that PCA, particularly at a dose of 0.125 mmol/l, accelerated the proliferation of rabbit articular chondrocytes in vitro and maintained their phenotype. This study may provide a basis for further research concerning the treatment of cartilage defects.

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