Oleanolic acid mitigates interleukin-1β-induced chondrocyte dysfunction by regulating miR-148-3p-modulated FGF2...

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• MicroRNA (miR)-mediated post-transcriptional repression contributes to chondrocyte dysfunction.
• Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is implicated in chondrocyte dysfunction.
• Oleanolic acid (OLA) demonstrates protective effects against inflammatory stimuli in chondrocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms of OLA in preventing IL-1β-induced chondrocyte dysfunction.
• To elucidate the role of the miR-148-3p/fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) signaling pathway in this process.

Main Methods:

• miR microarray assays to identify candidate miRs.
• Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting to analyze gene and protein expression.
• Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays for cell growth and Annexin V staining for apoptosis.

Main Results:

• OLA counteracted IL-1β-induced chondrocyte growth inhibition, apoptosis, and oxidative stress markers.
• OLA and miR-148-3p mimics down-regulated IL-1β-elevated FGF2 protein expression.
• FGF2 was identified as a direct target of miR-148-3p, and miR-148-3p mimics replicated OLA's protective effects.

Conclusions:

• OLA exerts a protective effect against IL-1β-induced chondrocyte dysfunction.
• The miR-148-3p/FGF2 signaling pathway is a novel mechanism underlying OLA's action.
• This pathway represents a potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis prevention and treatment.