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Serum Metabolomic Alteration in Rats with Osteoarthritis Treated with Palm Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Alone or in
Sophia Ogechi Ekeuku1, Jen-Kit Tan1, Hiba Murtadha Al-Saadi2
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition with limited disease-modifying treatments currently. Palm tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) has been previously shown to be effective against OA, but its mechanism of action remains elusive. This study aims to compare serum metabolomic alteration in Sprague-Dawley rats with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA which were treated with palm TRF, glucosamine sulphate, or a combination of both. This study was performed on thirty adult male rats, which were divided into normal control (n = 6) and OA groups (n = 24). The OA group received intra-articular injections of MIA and daily oral treatments of refined olive oil (vehicle, n = 6), palm TRF (100 mg/kg, n = 6), glucosamine sulphate (250 mg/kg, n = 6), or a combination of TRF and glucosamine (n = 6) for four weeks. Serum was collected at the study's conclusion for metabolomic analysis. The findings revealed that MIA-induced OA influences amino acid metabolism, leading to changes in metabolites associated with the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan as well as alterations in the metabolism of phenylalanine, tryptophan, arginine and proline. Supplementation with glucosamine sulphate, TRF, or both effectively reversed these metabolic changes induced by OA. The amelioration of metabolic effects induced by OA is linked to the therapeutic effects of TRF and glucosamine. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are direct or indirect in nature.
Insights
Palm tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) and glucosamine sulphate reverse osteoarthritis-induced metabolic changes in rats. These supplements impact amino acid metabolism, suggesting a therapeutic mechanism for osteoarthritis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolomics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with limited treatment options.
- Palm tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) shows promise for OA, but its mechanism is unknown.
- Understanding OA's metabolic alterations is key to developing new therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum metabolomic changes in rats with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA.
- To compare the effects of palm TRF, glucosamine sulphate, and their combination on these metabolic alterations.
- To elucidate the potential mechanism of action for TRF and glucosamine in OA.
Main Methods:
- Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were used, with OA induced by MIA injections.
- OA rats received oral treatments: vehicle, palm TRF (100 mg/kg), glucosamine sulphate (250 mg/kg), or a combination for four weeks.
- Serum metabolomic analysis was performed at the study's end.
Main Results:
- MIA-induced OA altered amino acid metabolism, affecting phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, arginine, and proline pathways.
- Both glucosamine sulphate and palm TRF, individually or combined, reversed these OA-induced metabolic disruptions.
- The therapeutic effects of TRF and glucosamine on OA are associated with the amelioration of these metabolic changes.
Conclusions:
- Palm TRF and glucosamine sulphate effectively counteract OA-related metabolic disturbances in rats.
- These findings provide insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of TRF and glucosamine for osteoarthritis.
- Further research is needed to determine if these effects are direct or indirect.
