Selective COX-2 inhibition prevents proinflammatory cytokine-induced cartilage damage

Mastbergen SC, Lafeber FP, Bijlsma JW · Rheumatology (Oxford)

Celecoxib reversed cytokine-induced proteoglycan loss up to complete normalization and had no direct adverse effect on healthy cartilage — suggesting COX-2-selective agents may be cartilage-neutral or protective in vitro.

Population

Healthy human articular cartilage explants exposed to IL-1beta/TNF-alpha

Intervention

Celecoxib (selective COX-2 inhibitor)

Comparator

Cytokine-damaged cartilage without celecoxib

Limitations

In-vitro model of cytokine damage; does not establish clinical chondroprotection; later clinical trials of COX-2 inhibitors have not shown clear structural benefit.