Effect of Alpinia galanga extract on cartilage degradation and on gene expression in human chondrocyte and synovial fibroblast metabolism

• Published in: Central European journal of biology 2006-09, Vol.1 (3), p.430-450
• Main Authors: Pothacharoen, Peraphan, Choocheep, Kanyamas, Pitak, Tanyaluck, Pompimon, Wilart, Premanode, Bhusana, Hardingham, Timothy, Kongtawelert, Prachya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alpinia galanga; cartilage degradation; chondrocyte; gene expression; synovial fibroblast
• ISSN: 2391-5412; 1895-104X; 2391-5412; 1644-3635
• DOI: 10.2478/s11535-006-0030-6

We investigated the effects of A. galanga extract on metabolism and gene expression involved in the interleukin-1β (IL-1β) response of human chondrocyte and synovial fibroblast. A. galanga extract inhibited IL-1β enhanced matrix breakdown of the cartilage explants in a dose-dependent manner. It suppressed uronic acid loss from the tissue and decreased the release of sulfated GAG and hyaluronan into the medium. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in the culture medium of chondrosarcomas and synovial fibroblasts were significantly reduced in the presence of A. galanga extract, which also suppressed the production of MMP-1,-3 and-13. The A. galanga extract also significantly increased type II collagen, SOX9 and aggrecan gene expression, suggesting an ability to enhance anabolic activity. At a high dose of A. galanga extract there was a down-regulation of aggrecan gene expression. Comparison with Diacerein® showed its general anti-inflammatory potential to be similar. The A. galanga extract was shown to inhibit IL-1β-stimulated cartilage matrix degradation in both systems. Additionally, the extract showed the potential to up-regulate certain chondrocyte anabolic genes. It may, therefore, offer some cartilage protective and anti-inflammatory properties as a therapeutic agent in arthritis.