The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Malva neglecta on Expression of Inflammatory Biomarkers Involved in Pain in Synoviocytes and THP-1 Cells as a Model of Monocyte/Macrophage and Human Cartilage Cells in Osteoarthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis is now considered as an active complex ofbiomechanical, biochemical and cellular processes, not a mere degenerativedisorder. Considering the complications of common treatments ofosteoarthritis, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) andcorticosteroids, establishment of new treatments is crucial. This study aimedto explore the effect of Malva neglecta extract on the main inflammatorybiomarkers in osteoarthritis.Materials and Methods: Aqueous extract of Malva neglecta, ibuprofen andbetamethasone were prepared to investigate their effects on inflammatorybiomarkers. Synoviocytes were obtained from the healthy radiocarpal jointcartilage of an 8-month-old Holstein cow. Human monocyte/macrophage(THP-1) cells were also obtained to investigate the effect of Malva neglectaextract on inflammatory agents. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used toinduce production of inflammatory cytokines in both cells. Real-time PCRwas used to investigate the effect of Malva neglecta extract on expressionprofile of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, IL-18 and iNOS. Production of NO andPGE2 was also investigated in THP-1 cells.Results: Malva neglecta extract reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, IL-18 andCOX-2 expression in synoviocytes. Expression of all of these factors wasalso reduced by the extract in THP-1 cells. Moreover, production of PGE2and NO in the LPS-induced THP-1 cells was reduced by Malva neglectaextract. Ibuprofen and betamethasone were more effective in reducinginflammatory agents than the extract.Conclusion: According to Malva’s ability to reduce the pro-inflammatorycytokines in the synoviocytes and THP-1 cells, its potential role as asupplement method to common NSAIDs and corticosteroids was confirmed.

کلیدواژه ها:

Osteoarthritis ، Malva neglecta ، synoviocyte ، monocyte/macrophage ، cytokine