In vitro effects of diacerein on NO production by chondrocytes in response to proinflammatory mediators.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease which represents a combination of several disorders leading to cartilage degradation. The production of nitric oxide (NO) by iNOS, which is stimulated by proinflammatory mediators, is involved in cartilage catabolism and should therefore be considered a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Diacerein is a slow-acting drug that may slow down the breakdown of cartilage and relieve pain and swelling. Diacerhein, in contrast to an NSAID, is a potent inhibitor of IL-1beta induced NO production by chondrocytes and cartilage. This effect appeared to result from iNOS transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional events, maybe by the inhibition of the NF-kappaB transcription factor. This paper presents results on the influence of Diacerein on NO production.