Bisdemethoxycurcumin, a curcumin, protects chondrocytes, and reduces cartilage inflammation via the NRF2/HO‐1/NLRP3 pathway

Abstract

Abstract Background The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effect of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) on osteoarthritis (OA) and comprehensively evaluate the role of the Nuclear Factor erythroid 2‐Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling pathway in chondrocytes. Method In our study, we treated chondrocytes with BDMC in an in vitro chondrocyte assay and measured its influence on extracellular matrix (ECM) expression, downstream heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and NOD‐like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) levels. Results Our study indicates that BDMC significantly activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway in chondrocytes in vitro. Furthermore, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3, interleukin 1β, recombinant a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)4 and (ADAMTS)5 was significantly suppressed by BDMC. Conclusion This study confirms the potential for BDMC to activate the Nrf2/HO‐1/NLRP3 signalling pathway and alleviate OA symptoms. Therefore, BDMC is a promising therapeutic agent for OA that offers new insights and treatment methods.

Keywords

• bisdemethoxycurcumin
• cartilage
• Nrf2
• osteoarthritis
• pyroptosis