Publication:

Evaluation of the chondroprotective effect of doxycycline in monosodium-iodoacetate induced osteoarthritis in Wistar rats

ABSTRACT

Background Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive disease with drugs providing symptomatic relief but limited by side effects. Doxycycline has demonstrated protection against cartilage degradation and promoted chondrocyte proliferation in histopathological studies. However, biomarkers indicative of chondroprotection have not been thoroughly assessed. This study aimed to reconfirm the protective effects of doxycycline in osteoarthritic rats using behavioral tests, histopathology, and evaluation of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) and Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) levels.

Methods After IAEC approval, 30 rats were divided into four groups [n=8 disease control (DC), positive control (PC), test group(TG) n=6 in sham control (SC)]. Behavioral tests were conducted at baseline, and on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days. Histopathology and biomarker analysis were performed on the 28th day. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05, using ANOVA for parametric data and Kruskal-Wallis tests for non-parametric data.

Results For locomotor activity, number of squares crossed was significantly higher in TG and there was a significant decrease in the immobility time in TG when compared DC group. Number of falls on Rota-rod test was significantly lower in TG group. Hot plate test indicated higher latency time to paw licking in the TG, and grip strength significantly improved. Histopathological examination showed a 10-20% reduction in osteoarthritis severity in TG compared to 30-50% in DC. Furthermore, MMP-13 and COMP levels were significantly decreased in the TG compared to DC.

Conclusions Doxycycline has shown antiarthritic effect by virtue of its chondroprotective action.