Chondrocytes are one of the main cell types involved in rheumatoid inflammation, releasing mediators which add to cartilage destruction, bone damage and consequently disability. Current evidence suggests that serotonin 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists (5-HT(3)RA) show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in vitro and in vivo. Yet, the mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of 5-HT(3)RA have not been elucidated in detail.
Therefore, we examined in detail the effects of 5-HT(3)RA on inflammatory parameters in human primary chondrocytes in vitro by studying prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 8-isoprostane (8-iso-PGF2α) levels by EIA and interleukin-6 (IL-6) synthesis by ELISA. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) protein levels were analyzed by Western blot.
We found a significant reduction of IL-1β induced PGE2, 8-iso-PGF2β and IL-6 chondrocytes by 5-HT(3)RA especially by dolasetron.
This study provides additional support to the potential use of 5-HT(3)RAs as therapeutic agents to reduce joint inflammation.