Abstract
Several factors are known to be involved in the destruction of the articular cartilage. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) either directly or through the stimulation of catabolic factors. The action of IL-1 on articular cartilage is multifaceted and it most likely plays an important role in the mechanism of cartilage destruction. IL-1 suppresses the synthesis of the cartilage matrix components and promotes the degradation of cartilage matrix macromolecules. Diacerein is an anthraquinone molecule that has been shown to reduce the severity of OA, both in man and in animal models. The present study was designed to evaluate in vitro effects of diacerein on IL-1β expression in LPS or IL-1α stimulated chondrocytes. Intracellular IL-1β production was analysed in articular chondrocytes cultured in monolayer or in alginate 3D-biosystems in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IL-1α, with or without diacerein. The results show that LPS and IL-1α increase intracellular IL-1β and Diacerein inhibited LPS-induced and IL-1α induced IL-1β production by articular chondrocytes. Moreover, the effect of mechanical stimulation was analysed. An inhibitory effect of DAR at therapeutic concentrations on IL-1β production in articular chondrocytes is suggested.