In collaboration with Asahi Group Holdings, Inc., a research group at Chiba University has revealed that "apple polyphenols" suppress the progression of knee osteoarthritis in tests using cell and disease model mice.

 Osteoarthritis of the knee is a motor disorder that significantly reduces the quality of life, such as swelling and pain in the knee joint and difficulty walking.The main cause is that the "cartilage" that acts as a buffer in the joints is worn down, and the increased burden on the bones exacerbates the symptoms.Although the main treatment is surgical procedure, recent studies have found that mitochondrial dysfunction in chondrocytes of the knee joint is associated with the onset and exacerbation of knee osteoarthritis. The establishment of a treatment method through the treatment is promising.

 On the other hand, it has been reported that polyphenols extracted from apples have a strong antioxidant effect and have various effects such as antitumor, antiobesity and antifatigue.The mechanism of action via mitochondria is considered to be one of the causes for exerting these physiological functions.

 Therefore, in this study, we examined the effects of apple polyphenols on chondrocytes on mitochondria and their effects on knee osteoarthritis.As a result, it was suggested that apple polyphenol promotes the renewal of mitochondria in chondrocytes and promotes the production of proteoglycan, which is a component of cartilage.In addition, in a test using a mouse model of knee osteoarthritis, it was confirmed that apple polyphenol suppresses the worsening of the symptom.

 Based on this result, it is expected that apple polyphenols will contribute to the medical treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.

Paper information:[Scientific Reports] Apple procyanidins promote mitochondrial biogenesis and proteoglycan biosynthesis in chondrocytes

Chiba University

Fostering human resources who will open up the next generation.To a future-oriented university that shines in the world

Chiba University has 10 faculties, 7 graduate schools / faculties, and a large number of affiliated facilities, and has specialized knowledge and skills, high problem-solving ability, high intelligence, ethical standards, and rich humanity, and has an interdisciplinary perspective. We aim to develop human resources who can play an active role internationally.Actively promote the enhancement of liberal arts education and the internationalization of educational activities, which are the basis of this […]

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