Lunasin abrogates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and reduction of type II collagen

Abstract

Impairment of type II collagen caused by MMPs in response to overproduction of IL-1β is an important step in the pathological progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Lunasin, a well-known peptide present in the soybean, has displayed a positive impact on numerous physiological functions. Little information in the effects of lunasin on cartilage degradation has been sought in clinical research before. Here, we report that lunasin suppressed the increase in MMP-3 and MMP-13 caused by IL-1β. In addition, we found that lunasin could prevent the decrease in TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expressions caused by IL-1β. Notably, lunasin suppressed reduction of type II collagen, the basis for articular cartilage. Lunasin also attenuated activation of the JAK2/STAT1/IRF-1 pathway. These effects of lunasin suggest that it might become a promising therapeutic agent for chondro-protective therapy.

Keywords:

• Osteoarthritis
• lunasin
• matrix metalloproteinases
• type II collagen

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.