Bitter lemon extract mitigates obesity-exacerbated osteoarthritis by suppressing Mmp-13 and restoring redox balance through Nrf2/Ho-1 upregulation

Abstract

Background

Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease, affects over 500 million people globally, especially the elderly. Due to the increasing aging population and obesity rate, obesity is expected to increase over time, making it a significant public health challenge. This study investigated the protective effects of bitter lemon extract against obesity-exacerbated osteoarthritis.

Methods

Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into six (n = 5). Group 1(control) received 1 ml/100 g water daily. Groups 2–6 were induced in obesity using a high-fat diet. Groups 3–6 were induced with osteoarthritis using 4 mg/kg sodium monoacetate. Group 4 received 40 mg/kg ibuprofen, while groups 5 and 6 received 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg Mormordica charantia (MC), respectively, orally for 18 days.

Results

MC Treatment conferred a marked reversal of the cardinal signs of obesity-linked osteoarthritis, restricted inflammatory markers, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, and adipokines, such as leptin. There is also a possible mechanism for MC cartilage protection by suppressing the collagen-damaging enzyme MMP-13, while reversing the cartilage-building block aggrecan suppression.

Conclusion

Current research suggests that bitter melon extract can serve as an alternative therapy for obesity-related Osteoarthritis. Its multi-target actions on inflammation, oxidative stress, and cartilage degradation may offer advantages over the current treatments that focus on symptom relief.