Antioxidant effects of hyaluronan and its alpha-methyl-prednisolone derivative in chondrocyte and cartilage cultures.
OBJECTIVE
To compare hyaluronan and its alpha-methyl prednisolone derivative (HYC-141) with respect to their potential to directly cause tissue damage and to protect tissues from attack by reactive oxygen species.


METHODS
Cartilage samples and chondrocytes were isolated from 15-day chick embryos and were exposed to enzyme-based and activated inflammatory cell-free radical generating systems in the presence of varying concentrations of alpha-methyl prednisolone, hyaluronan, and HYC-141. Tissue and cell vitality was measured by determining the incorporation of radioactive sulphate into newly synthesized glycosaminoglycans.


RESULTS
Only alpha-methyl prednisolone caused a significant decrease in biosynthetic activity. All the tested substances were capable, to some extent, of protecting tissues and cells from damage by reactive oxygen species; HYC-141 demonstrated the greatest protective effect.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that HYC-141 may possess certain advantages over the individual component molecules in the local treatment of arthropathies.
Cortivo
R
R
Institute of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
Brun
P
P
Cardarelli
L
L
O'Regan
M
M
Radice
M
M
Abatangelo
G
G
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000166:cytology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects; D002642:Chick Embryo; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000378:metabolism; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013249:Sternum / Q000166:cytology; D013462:Sulfur Radioisotopes
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D005609:Free Radicals; D006023:Glycoproteins; D013462:Sulfur Radioisotopes; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D011239:Prednisolone