Adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 knockdown alleviates osteoarthritis through inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway-mediated inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation

Inflammation promotes the degradation of the extracellular matrix, which contributes to the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (AEBP1) participates in multiple pathological processes related to inflammatory diseases. However, the role of AEBP1 in OA development is unknown. We found a higher AEBP1 expression in articular cartilage of OA patients (n = 20) compared to their normal controls (n = 10). Thus, we inferred that AEBP1 might affect OA progression. Then mice with destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery and chondrocytes with IL-1 beta treatment (10 ng/mL) were used to mimic OA. The increased AEBP1 expression was observed in models of OA. AEBP1 knockdown in chondrocytes reversed IL-1 beta-induced inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation, which was mediated by the inactivation of NF-kappa B signaling pathway and the increased I kappa B alpha activity. Co-immunoprecipitation assay indicated the interaction between AEBP1 and I kappa B alpha. Importantly, I kappa B alpha knockdown depleted the protective role of AEBP1 knockdown in OA. Moreover, AEBP1 knockdown in mice with OA showed similar results to those in chondrocytes. Collectively, our findings suggest that AEBP1 knockdown alleviates the development of OA, providing a novel strategy for OA treatment. Adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 was highly expressed in osteoarthritis (OA) samples and its knockdown protected against inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation in the pathological state of OA by suppressing the activation of NF-kappa B signaling pathway. image