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Protective effect of rimexolone on cartilage damage in arthritic mice: A comparative study with triamcinolone hexacetonide

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Abstract

We studied the effect of the local steroid preparation rimexolone on cartilage metabolism in arthritis and normal joints. Prolonged anti-inflammatory action was evident after intraarticular injection of a single dose of 450 μg into mice with monoarticular antigen-induced arthritis. Suppression of inflammation lasted for at least 21 days. A single dose of 25 μg of the anti-inflammatory steroid triamcinolone hexacetonide (THA) induced comparable suppression in the initial stage of the arthritis, but the suppressive action was of shorter duration. Both drugs significantly prevented osteophyte formation, which is a characteristic feature of this type of experimental arthritis. Although chondrocyte proteoglycan (PG) synthesis in patellar cartilage was significantly suppressed upon injection in normal joints, both steroids counteracted the severe suppression of PG synthesis in arthritic joints. These data indicate that although steroids may have significant side effects on chondrocytes, the overall effect on arthritic chondrocytes is beneficial.

An advantage of rimexolone over THA is its prolonged retention, which may explain its sustained anti-inflammatory action, and the lack of systemic effect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, Geert Groote Plein Zuid 8, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    L. A. B. Joosten, M. M. A. Helsen & W. B. van den Berg

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  1. L. A. B. Joosten
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  2. M. M. A. Helsen
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  3. W. B. van den Berg
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Joosten, L.A.B., Helsen, M.M.A. & van den Berg, W.B. Protective effect of rimexolone on cartilage damage in arthritic mice: A comparative study with triamcinolone hexacetonide. Agents and Actions 31, 135–142 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02003233

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02003233

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