Reduced TNF-α, IL-1β and COX-2 Expressions and Decreased Production Rate of PGE2 and NO in Articular Chondrocytes of Monocyte/Macrophage using the Aqueous Extract Alhagi Maurorum L.

Introduction: Nowadays, osteoarthritis is not considered as a degenerative disease. Regarding the side effects, such as peptic ulcers, liver toxicity, and renal complications due to the use of corticosteroids and non-steroid drugs, it is recommended to utilize medicinal plants as an alternative treatment. Alhagi Maurorum. L is commonly used in traditional medicine as a treatment for rheumatic diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2 gene expressions and decreased production rate of PGE2 and NO in chondrocytes of monocyte/macrophages by the aqueous extract of Alhagi maurorum.L.   Materials & Methods: The aqueous extract of Alhagi maurorum. L was prepared from genetic reserves. For the preparation of the cells, the joint and the subcutaneous fluid of the anatomical metacarpal of the 8-month-old fully healthy Holstein calf were sent in a sterile bag to the laboratory immediately after the slaughter. The THP-1 cells were prepared in a flask containing 6x106 and 60 ml of enriched culture media from Pasteur Institute. Each cell type was cultured in appropriate conditions and the viability was evaluated by trypan blue. After proliferation, they were treated with lipopolysaccharide to increase the level of cytokines. After re-culture of the cells at 37 ° C in a CO2-incubator with a moisture content of 90%, they were stored for the next steps. After the RNA priming and cDNA preparation, RT-PCR and PCR were performed and then the real-time- polymerase chain reaction method was used to determine the expression of the desired genes.   Findings: According to the results, the COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α gene expressions reduced by 36.59%, 50%, and 51.86%, respectively, using the aqueous extract of Alhagi maurorum. L. In addition, there was a reduction in the production rate of No and PGE-2 by 48% and 52%, respectively.   Discussion & Conclusions: The aqueous extracts of Alhagi maurorum. L reduced CoX-2 and iNOS gene expression in LPS-stimulated synoviocyte cells. In addition, there was a decrease in the production of NO and PGE2 in THP-1 cells.