Modulation of cytokine-induced prostaglandin E₂ production in cultures of articular chondrocytes obtained from carpal joints of camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Objective-To determine whether camel articular chondrocytes can be maintained in tissue culture without phenotype loss and whether the response to cytokine stimulation car be modulated Sample Population-Cartilage from 4 carpal joints of healthy adult dromedary camel: (Camelus dromedarius) Procedures-Chondrocytes were evaluated for type II collagen and aggrecan production They were incubated with control media or with 2 test mixtures (alone and then in combination) that have anti-inflammatory activity (avocado-soybean unsaponifiables glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate lie ASU + GLU + CS] and pentosan polysulfate and N-acetyl glucosamine be PPS + NG]) Cells were then stimulated with interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha to determine prostaglandin (PG) E-2 production and nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B activation Results-Chondrocytes proliferated in media used for propagating equine chondrocytes they produced type II collagen and aggrecan Cytokine stimulation induced PGE(2) production and translocation of NF-kappa B Incubation with each test mixture significantly inhibited PGE production The combination of ASU + GLU + CS and PPS + NG significantly potentiated PGE(2) inhibition and disrupted NF-kappa B translocation compared with effects for either mixture alone Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Chondrocytes proliferated without loss of the cartilage phenotype Responses to cytokines were significantly inhibited by the mixtures of ASU + GLU + CS and PPS + NG which indicated that this response can be modulated This culture technique can be used to study the functional properties of camel chondrocytes and identify agents that may potentially be used to treat and manage joint inflammation (Am I Vet Res 2011 72 51-58)