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

• Main Authors: Reza Taherian, Mahdi Taherian, Hossein Maghsoudi, Samaneh Haj-alahyari
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences 2017-12-01
• Series: Journal of Cellular and Molecular Anesthesia
• Subjects: Osteoarthritis; Malva neglecta; synoviocyte; monocyte/macrophage; cytokine
• Online Access: http://journals.sbmu.ac.ir/jcma/article/view/18291

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Osteoarthritis (OA) is now considered as an active complex of biomechanical, biochemical and cellular processes, not a mere degenerative disorder. Considering the complications of common treatments of OA, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, establishment of new treatments is crucial. This study aimed to explore the effect of Malva Neglecta extract on the main inflammatory biomarkers in OA.</p><p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>Aqueous extract of Malva Neglecta, ibuprofen and betamethasone were prepared to investigate their effects on inflammatory biomarkers. Synoviocytes were obtained from the healthy radiocarpal joint cartilage of an 8-month-old Holstein cow. Human monocyte/macrophage (THP-1) cells were also obtained to investigate the effect of Malva neglecta extract on inflammatory agents. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce production of inflammatory cytokines in both cells. Real-time PCR was used to investigate the effect of Malva Neglecta extract on expression profile of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, IL-18 and iNOS. Production of NO and PGE2 was also investigated in THP-1 cells.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Malva Neglecta extract reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, IL-18 and COX-2 expression in synoviocytes. Expression of all of these factors was also reduced by the extract in THP-1 cells. Moreover, production of PGE2 and NO in the LPS-induced THP-1 cells was reduced by Malva neglecta extract. Ibuprofen and betamethasone were more effective in reducing inflammatory agents than the extract.</p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>According to Malva’s ability to reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the synoviocytes and THP-1 cells, its potential role as a supplement method to common NSAIDs and corticosteroids was confirmed.