Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Artocarpin-Loaded Chitosan Microparticles on Inflammatory Chondrocytes

Artocarpin is a promising bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory potential; however, its limited aqueous solubility may restrict its direct biological application. Therefore, artocarpin-loaded chitosan microparticles (CSPs/AE) were prepared as a biocompatible carrier to improve artocarpin delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the cytocompatibility, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory effects of CSPs/AE in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated chondrocytes. CSPs/AE maintained high cell viability (>80% at 0.125 and 0.5 mg/mL) and showed significantly lower cytotoxicity than free artocarpin. Morphological and DAPI analyses confirmed preserved cellular and nuclear integrity without marked apoptosis. CSPs/AE at 0.25 mg/mL reduced LPS-induced intracellular ROS accumulation by approximately 79% relative to the LPS group. Western blot results demonstrated inhibition of LPS-induced NF-κB phosphorylation, with CSPs/AE at 0.5 mg/mL reducing p-NF-κB expression to approximately 0.66-fold of that observed in the LPS group. CSPs/AE also partially restored aggrecan and collagen II expression without promoting a fibrocartilage, as indicated by unchanged collagen I. These findings indicate that CSPs/AE attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling while preserving cartilage matrix components, highlighting their potential for cartilage-protective applications.