Protective Effects of Many Citrus Flavonoids on Cartilage Degradation Process

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of many citrus flavanones, such as neoeriocitrin, naringin and neohesperidin, in cartilage degradation. Degenerative joint disease involved degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and subchondral bone. When bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, bone may be exposed and damaged. The degradation cartilage is mediated by alteration of the balance between anabolic and catabolic processes, changes in proteolytic enzyme activity, mechanical disruption of the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM), or a com- bination of these processes. We examine the capability of neoeriocitrin, naringin and neohesperidin, to inhibit metallo- proteinase (MMP)-13, collagenase involved in degradation of cartilage matrix components. Also, we assay the flavon- oids effect on reducing of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) release, and restore Nitric oxide (NO) levels in explant of hu- man articular cartilage. Our results suggest that neoeriocitrin, naringin and neohesperidin are a potential therapeutic agent to protect cartilage tissue.