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Formononetin, a Beer Polyphenol with Catabolic Effects on Chondrocytes
María Guillán-Fresco1, Eloi Franco-Trepat1, Ana Alonso-Pérez1
1Musculoskeletal Pathology Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago University Clinical Hospital SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Nutrients
|July 14, 2023
Summary
Formononetin (FNT), found in beer, may increase osteoarthritis risk. While low doses protect cartilage cells, high FNT levels promote damaging catabolic responses, potentially explaining beer
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Rheumatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease linked to beer consumption.
- Formononetin (FNT), a beer isoflavonoid, has estrogenic properties.
- The role of FNT in OA pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate FNT's impact on chondrocyte viability, inflammation, and metabolism.
- To determine the concentration-dependent effects of FNT on cartilage cells.
- To explore potential mechanisms involving estrogen receptors (ERs) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR).
Main Methods:
- Chondrocytes were treated with FNT and/or IL-1β.
- Cell viability assessed using MTT assay.
- Nitrite accumulation measured by Griess reaction.
- Gene expression analyzed via RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- Low FNT concentrations did not harm chondrocyte viability and reduced inflammation markers.
- High FNT concentrations promoted catabolic responses in chondrocytes.
- FNT's effects were independent of estrogen receptors (ERs) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR).
Conclusions:
- FNT overexposure negatively affects chondrocytes by increasing catabolism.
- Factors leading to FNT accumulation may exacerbate OA.
- This provides a potential mechanism linking beer consumption to increased OA risk.
