The current study evaluated Saussurea lappa extract (SLE) as possible therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis treatment in mice model. Male BALB/c nude mice were separated into sham, model and SLE treatment (at 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mg/kg) groups. Osteoarthritis mice model was prepared by injecting 5 mg/kg doses of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) to mice via intra-articular route. The SLE was injected to mice for 20 days from day 2 of MIA injection through intraperitoneal route. The SLE treatment alleviated OA-induced higher secretion of interleukin-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in mice serum. Moreover, elevated levels of P2X7R and MMP-13 in OA mice were also significantly down-regulated on treatment with SLE. In OA mice SLE treatment suppressed expression of SP and PGE2 in cartilage tissues. The expression of activated IκBα and NF-κB p65 was also inhibited markedly by SLE treatment in OA mice. In summary, SLE has protective effect on osteoarthritis in mice by targeting interleukin overproduction and P2X7R expression. Besides, it suppressed MMP expression and deactivated NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, SLE can be developed for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Keywords: cytokines; extract; neuropathic pain; saussurea lappa; therapeutic.