Hyaluronic acid inhibits interleukin-1-induced superoxide anion in bovine chondrocytes

Objective: To examine the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the induction of superoxide anion by IL-1 in chondrocytes. Materials and Methods: Bovine articular chondrocytes were treated with different concentrations of IL-1. A chemiluminescent probe (L-012) was added to the medium and chemiluminescence detection was used to measure superoxide anion. Results: IL-1 caused induction of superoxide anions in a dose-dependent manner. HA (10-100 mu g/ml) countered superoxide induction caused by 20 ng/ml of IL-1. Conclusion: HA can afford protection against cartilage degradation, probably acting as a free-radical scavenger.