New quaternary ammonium oxicam derivatives: synthesis and in vitro antiosteoarthritis evaluation

A series of new oxicam derivatives bearing a quaternary ammonium (QA) moiety was synthesized and evaluated in vitro for antiosteoarthritis properties. Propyltrimethyl ammonium 3 and propyldiethylmethyl ammonium 11 stimulated aggrecan expression and mitigated the inhibitory action of IL-1. QA derivative 3 also increased TGF-beta2 and type II receptor expression. These results suggest that such derivatives may not only inhibit the osteoarthritis degradation process but also stimulate its regeneration. QA derivatives 3 and 11 offer potential for developing new therapeutic approaches to osteoarthritis treatment.