Triptolide attenuates LPS-induced chondrocyte inflammation by inhibiting inflammasome activation via the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signaling pathways

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common form of arthritis characterized by subchondral bone proliferation and articular cartilage degeneration. Recently, the NOD-like Receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has gained attention due to its association with synovial inflammation in OA. Triptolide (TP), known for its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects, has been studied in various diseases. However, the specific impact of TP on OA and its underlying mechanism remains largely unexplored. In this study, chondrocytes were treated with a specific concentration of TP, and subsequent analysis through Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining revealed decreased expression levels of MMP-13, NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, β-catenin, p-p65, and IκB compared to the model group. ELISA results demonstrated significantly lower levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the TP treatment group compared to the model group. In addition, triptolide ameliorates the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by enhancing the expression of collagen-II. In conclusion, our findings suggest that TP exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on chondrocytes in the presence of LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome via the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathway. These results contribute to a better understanding of TP's potential therapeutic benefits in managing OA.