Protective Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Chondrocytes Under Moderate Acute Dynamic Compression

ObjectiveTo determine the influence of Spirulina supplementation on the response of bovine chondrocytes to mechanical compression with respect to extracellular matrix dynamics (proteoglycan and collagen) and inflammation [nitric oxide (NO)].MethodsBovine chondrocytes were embedded in agarose constructs and cultured for 14 days in basal media or media supplemented with Spirulina (30 or 90 µg/mL). Constructs were exposed to 10% dynamic compression. DNA content, NO levels, proteoglycan content and release, and collagen synthesis were measured to assess extracellular matrix (ECM) responses.ResultsDNA content did not differ among groups. Spirulina supplementation increased NO levels in constructs and media, with the highest effect observed at 90 µg/mL. Proteoglycan content decreased in Spirulina-treated constructs and declined further after compression, while proteoglycan release increased across all groups. Collagen synthesis and content were elevated by Spirulina, particularly at 90 µg/mL, and further increased following dynamic compression.ConclusionsSpirulina supplementation, particularly at higher concentrations, enhances ECM turnover and increases NO production in chondrocytes under mechanical loading, indicating potential modulation of matrix dynamics that may be beneficial. However, these results are derived from an in vitro model and may not fully represent in vivo physiological conditions.