SALAZOSULFAPYRIDINE SUPPRESSES CHONDROCYTE MEDIATED DEGRADATION INDUCED BY INTERLEUKIN-1-BETA

Objective, To investigate the effects of salazosulfapyridine (SASP) an d methotrexate (MTX) on interleukin (IL)-1 beta treated rabbit chondro cytes. Methods. Normal rabbit chondrocytes were cultured to confluency , IL-IR was added to serum-free culture medium in the presence or abse nce of SASP or MTX. After 2 days' incubation the effects were evaluate d from the responses of metalloproteinases, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), a nd prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Results, SASP and MTX suppressed GAG a nd collagenase release into the culture medium from IL-1 beta stimulat ed rabbit chondrocytes in a dose dependent manner, Only SASP suppresse d stromelysin and PGE, release. Conclusion. SASP may have a protective effect on cartilage degradation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis .