| Objective To explore the effects of rhynchophylline on the oxidative stress and inflammatory injuries in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. Methods The rat chondrocytes were divided into control group, IL-1β (10 ng/mL) group, and IL-1β+rhynchophylline (5, 25, 50 μmol/L) groups. The effect of rhynchophylline on cell viability was detected with MTT. The protein levels of Bcl2, Bax, MMP3, MMP13, collagen II, Nrf2, and HO-1 were detected with Western Blotting. The levels of inflammatory cytokines PGE2, COX-1, TNF-α, and ROS were detected with ELISA. The level of MDA was used to detected with a kit. Results Compared to that in the control group, cell viability was repressed in IL-1β group (P<0.05). Compared to that in IL-1β group, cell viability increased in rhynchophylline (25 μmol/L and 50 μmol/L) groups (P<0.05). Compared to those in the control group, Bcl2 protein expression decreased and Bax protein expression elevated in IL-1β group (P<0.05). Compared to those in IL-1β group, Bcl2 protein expression increased in rhynchophylline (25 μmol/L and 50 μmol/L) groups and Bax protein expression was inhibited in rhynchophylline (50 μmol/L) group (P<0.05). Compared to those in the control group, MMP13 and MMP3 protein levels were up-regulated and collagen II protein expression was down-regulated in IL-1β group (P<0.05). Compared to those in IL-1β group, MMP13 and MMP3 protein expression reduced in rhynchophylline (5 μmol/L, 25 μmol/L and 50 μmol/L) groups and collagen II protein expression was enhanced in rhynchophylline (25 μmol/L and 50 μmol/L) groups (P<0.05). Compared to those in the control group, the levels of PGE2, COX1, TNF-α, ROS, and MDA were promoted in IL-1β group (P<0.05). Compared to those in IL-1β group, the levels of PGE2, COX-1, TNF-α, ROS, and MDA were diminished in rhynchophylline (25 μmol/L and 50 μmol/L) groups (P<0.05). Compared to those in the control group, Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression were reduced in IL-1β group (P<0.05). Compared to those in IL-1β group, Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression increased in rhynchophylline (25 μmol/L and 50 μmol/L) groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Rhynchophylline inhibits IL-1β-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in chondrocytes by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. |