Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (12): 3014-3028.doi: 10.12307/2026.712

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Effect and mechanism of dichloromethane extract of fresh Sambucus adnata Wall. in rat osteoarthritis models

Lu Yuchun1, Zhu Zimo1, 2, Li Chaomeng1, Liu Ju1, Jiang Zixian1, Li Xiufang1, Wang Tao3, Wang Wenjing1   

  1. 1School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China; 2Yunnan Key Laboratory of Dai and Yi Medicines, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China; 3Department of Orthopedics, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650051, Yunnan Province, China
  • Received:2025-04-03 Accepted:2025-08-31 Online:2026-04-28 Published:2025-09-29
  • Contact: Wang Wenjing, PhD, Professor, Doctoral supervisor, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China Co-corresponding author: Wang Tao, MS, Associate chief physician, Department of Orthopedics, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650051, Yunnan Province, China
  • About author:Lu Yuchun, MS candidate, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China Zhu Zimo, PhD candidate, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Dai and Yi Medicines, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China Lu Yuchun and Zhu Zimo contributed to this work.
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Regional Program), No. 82160744 (to WWJ); Song Shaojiang Expert Workstation in Yunnan Province, No. 202305AF150030 (to WWJ); A Preclinical Study of Sambucus adnata Wall. in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis, No. 30272110298 (to WWJ); 12th Five-year Key Construction Discipline of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine - "Dai Pharmacy," No. 024SS24011 (to ZZM)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The previous study conducted by the research group demonstrated that the methanol and dichloromethane extract of fresh Sambucus adnata Wall. (fSAW-DCE) exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-angiogenesis properties, and shows significant anti-osteoarthritis activity.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of fSAW-DCE on osteoarthritis.
METHODS: (1) The rat osteoarthritis model was replicated by anterior cruciate ligament transection. Following the operation, fSAW-DCE was administered intragastrically for a duration of 6 weeks. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α in the joint lavage fluid was evaluated. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of the articular cartilage, and the degree of mineralization of the cartilage was quantified. Micro-CT was used for imaging examination of osteophyte proliferation and changes in bone mass of the subchondral bone. (2) Insulin, transferrin, sodium selenite, and vitamin C were used to differentiate the mouse embryonic tumor cell line ATDC5 into chondrocytes. The chondrocyte inflammation model was replicated by interleukin-1β stimulation. Following this, the cells were treated with fSAW-DCE. The content of tumor necrosis-α in the cell supernatant was detected by ELISA kit, and the expression of Aggrecan and type II collagen mRNA was detected by RT-qPCR. (3) Transcriptome sequencing method was used to detect the differential genes after fSAW-DCE intervention in the ATDC5 cell inflammatory model, and to explore its mechanism.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) fSAW-DCE demonstrated the capacity to suppress joint inflammation, decrease the level of tumor necrosis factor-α in the joint fluid (P < 0.05), retard mineralization of the articular cartilage (P < 0.05), mitigate cartilage injury, and maintain subchondral bone volume (P < 0.05). (2) fSAW-DCE could alleviate inflammation in ATDC5 chondrocytes induced by interleukin-1β (P < 0.05) and preserve the mRNA expression of type II collagen in the extracellular matrix of chondrocytes (P < 0.05). (3) Transcriptome sequencing and subsequent verification indicated that the anti-osteoarthritis effects of fSAW-DCE may be associated with inhibiting the tumor necrosis factor/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. 

Key words: Sambucus adnata Wall, dichloromethane extract,  osteoarthritis,  articular cartilage,  inflammation,  nuclear factor-κB,  tumor necrosis factor,  transcriptomics,  type II collagen

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