Schisandra extract ameliorates arthritis pathogenesis by suppressing the NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Products
• Osteoarthritis Research

Background:

• Schisandra chinensis is a medicinal plant with extracts and components used for osteoarthritis (OA).
• Schisandrol A, a component of S. chinensis, has demonstrated OA inhibitory effects.
• The superior efficacy of S. chinensis extract compared to its components like schisandrol A requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the OA inhibitory effects of Schisandra extract.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the enhanced efficacy of Schisandra extract compared to schisandrol A.
• To evaluate Schisandra extract as a potential therapeutic for osteoarthritis.

Main Methods:

• An experimental OA mouse model was established using destabilized medial meniscus surgery.
• Animals were orally administered Schisandra extract, and cartilage destruction was assessed via histological analysis.
• In vitro studies examined the regulation of IL-1β-induced MMP3, COX-2, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways by the extract.

Main Results:

• Schisandra extract administration inhibited cartilage destruction in the OA mouse model.
• In vitro, the extract attenuated OA cartilage destruction by regulating IL-1β-induced MMP3 and COX-2.
• The extract inhibited IL-1β-induced degradation of IκB (NF-κB pathway) and phosphorylation of p38 and JNK (MAPK pathway).
• RNA-sequencing revealed that Schisandra extract downregulated MAPK and NF-κB pathway genes more effectively than schisandrol A.

Conclusions:

• Schisandra extract demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for osteoarthritis.
• The extract's superior efficacy is attributed to its broader regulation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways compared to schisandrol A.
• Schisandra extract may be a more effective agent than schisandrol A in preventing OA progression.