Abstract

Prior studies have reported that bamboo leaf flavone possess biological and pharmacological activities in mammals. Yet, the effect and possible mechanism of bamboo leaf flavone on interleukin-1 beta-induced chondrocyte damage is still unclear. Methods interleukin-1 beta was used to induce human chondrocytes to establish a cell injury model, followed by exposure to different doses of bamboo leaf flavone. Apoptosis rate was analyzed using flow cytometry. Superoxide dismutase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were assessed using a kit. Interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyzed microRNA-127-5p content. MicroRNA-NC and microRNA127-5p mimics were transfected into chondrocytes, followed by treatment with interleukin-1 beta for 24 h. Cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 protein expression were monitored using Western blot. After bamboo leaf flavone treatment, apoptosis rate, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 protein levels, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and interleukin-6 level were decreased, while microRNA-127-5p expression, superoxide dismutase activity, and interleukin-10 level were increased in dose-dependent ways. Upregulated microRNA-127-5p hindered apoptosis rate, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 protein levels, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, and the level of interleukin-6, and increased superoxide dismutase activity and interleukin-10 level. MicroRNA-127-5p knockdown could antagonize the effects of bamboo leaf flavone on interleukin-1 beta-mediated chondrocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation. Bamboo leaf flavone exposure could inhibit cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation by up-regulating microRNA-127-5p expression, thereby reducing interleukin-1 beta-induced chondrocyte damage.