Doxorubicin suppresses chondrocyte differentiation by stimulating ROS production

Cheng Wu1, Jiayi Luo1, Yuanxin Liu2

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province 550004, PR China; Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province 550004, PR China.

Abstract

Insights

Doxorubicin (DOX) worsens osteoarthritis (OA) by increasing oxidative stress and inhibiting chondrocyte differentiation. Antioxidants can reverse these harmful effects, offering a new treatment strategy for DOX-induced OA.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Science
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapy drug with known side effects.
  • Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions worldwide.
  • The specific mechanisms by which DOX impacts OA remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role and mechanism of Doxorubicin (DOX) in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA).
  • To explore the effects of DOX on chondrocyte differentiation and oxidative stress in an OA mouse model.
  • To evaluate potential therapeutic interventions for DOX-induced OA.

Main Methods:

  • An osteoarthritis (OA) mouse model was induced using destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM).
  • Doxorubicin (DOX) was administered intraperitoneally, and its effects on chondrocyte differentiation markers (Col-2, SOX-9), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed.
  • In vitro studies using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) evaluated DOX's impact on cell viability, chondrogenesis, and ROS production, with ROS scavengers (NAC, MitoQ) used for mechanistic insights.

Main Results:

  • Doxorubicin (DOX) exposure significantly exacerbated OA progression in the DMM model.
  • DOX treatment inhibited chondrocyte differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
  • DOX amplified DMM-induced elevations in plasma IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, while reducing key chondrogenic markers (Col2A1, Col10A1, aggrecan).
  • The administration of ROS scavengers (NAC, MitoQ) effectively mitigated DOX-induced toxicity, including ROS overproduction and impaired chondrocyte differentiation.

Conclusions:

  • Doxorubicin (DOX) suppresses chondrocyte differentiation in osteoarthritis (OA) primarily by stimulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
  • This study provides a novel theoretical basis for developing clinical strategies to treat OA associated with Doxorubicin (DOX) therapy.
  • Targeting ROS may offer a promising therapeutic avenue for managing Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced joint damage.

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