The effect of cold atmospheric plasma on inflammatory and joint destructive factors in osteoarthritic fibroblast-like...

Activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are associated with the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), causing inflammation and joint destruction, and play a role in disease progression. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising approach for cancer treatment, and its anti-inflammatory properties have recently been demonstrated in some inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to determine the effects of CAP produced by an argon plasma jet device on osteoarthritic fibroblast-like synoviocytes (OA-FLS).

FLS cells were isolated from synovial tissues of patients with osteoarthritis. OA-FLS cells were cultured and directly exposed to CAP. Cell viability and lipid peroxidation were evaluated using MMT and MDA assays, respectively. Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to assess the inflammatory status and destructive factors in OA-FLS.

The findings showed that CAP exerted cytotoxic effects on OA-FLS. In addition, CAP treatment decreased IL-6 production in OA-FLS cells, while the expression of NF-κB and production of destructive factors, such as receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3), were comparable in the CAP and untreated control groups.

This research concluded that CAP reduces the viability of OA-FLS cells. However, its limited impact on key inflammatory and bone and cartilage destructive factors suggests that CAP alone may not be an effective treatment for joint damage in osteoarthritis. Given the lower inflammatory profile of OA compared to RA, further research is needed to explore combination therapies or alternative approaches to enhance CAP's therapeutic potential. Key Points • Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising approach for alleviating inflammation. • CAP decreased cell viability in osteoarthritic fibroblast-like synoviocytes (OA-FLS). • CAP treatment decreased IL-6 production in OA-FLS cells.