Baicalein Inhibits MMPs Expression via a MAPK-Dependent Mechanism in Chondrocytes

Baicalein is a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Here, we investigated the anti-osteoarthritic effect of baicalein in vitro and in vivo.

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-induced chondrocytes were treated with different concentrations of baicalein, real-time PCR and ELISA were performed to detect the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression. Western blot was used to evaluate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression. In experimental osteoarthritis (OA), rabbits were treated with baicalein, gross morphological and histological assessment was performed to evaluate the cartilage damage.

Baicalein significantly reduced the expression of MMPs in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, baicalein significantly reduced the phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), but not of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In addition, intra-articular injection of baicalein ameliorated the cartilage damage in a rabbit model of OA induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT).

The results indicate that baicalein may be considered as a potential agent for OA treatment.