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Long term usage of dexamethasone accelerating accelerates the initiation of osteoarthritis via enhancing chondrocyte apoptosis and the extracellular matrix calcification and apoptosis of chondrocytes

Authors :
Liang, Chen
Zhenhong, Ni
Junlan, Huang
Ruobin, Zhang
Jinfan, Zhang
Bin, Zhang
Liang, Kuang
Xianding, Sun
Dali, Zhang
Nan, Su
Huabing, Qi
Jing, Yang
Min, Jin
Fengtao, Luo
Hangang, Chen
Siru, Zhou
Xiaolan, Du
Junjie, Ouyang
Zuqiang, Wang
Yangli, Xie
Qiaoyan, Tan
Lin, Chen
Source :
International Journal of Biological Sciences
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Systemic application of glucocorticoids is an essential anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating therapy for severe inflammatory or autoimmunity conditions. However, its long-term effects on articular cartilage of patients' health need to be further investigated. In this study, we studied the effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on the homeostasis of articular cartilage and the progress of destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) in adult mice. Long-term administration of Dex aggravates the proteoglycan loss of articular cartilage and drastically accelerates cartilage degeneration under surgically induced OA conditions. In addition, Dex increases calcium content in calcified cartilage layer of mice and the samples from OA patients with a history of long-term Dex treatment. Moreover, long term usage of Dex results in decrease subchondral bone mass and bone density. Further studies showed that Dex leads to calcification of extracellular matrix of chondrocytes partially through activation of AKT, as well as promotes apoptosis of chondrocytes in calcified cartilage layer. Besides, Dex weakens the stress-response autophagy with the passage of time. Taken together, our data indicate that long-term application of Dex may predispose patients to OA and or even accelerate the OA disease progression development of OA patients.

Details

ISSN :
14492288
Volume :
17
Issue :
15
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International journal of biological sciences
Accession number :
edsair.pmid..........8a5d509c2c8db021a0a8b2faa0187d21