The chondroprotective role of pecans (carya illinoinensis) and pistachio (pistacia vera) against experimentally induced animal model of knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA), an adult disorder joint worldwide, is a multifactorial disease. This research was planned to evaluate the anti-arthritis effect on adjuvant arthritis in male Albino rats of Pistachio and Pecan. Forty male albino rats were separated into five equal groups. G1: set a standard control. G2: OA-induced group receiving a commercially prepared, full adjuvant Freund’s (CFA) injection of 0.50 ml (1 mg/ml) intra-articularly, G3:(OA + Pecan treated group): osteoarthritic rats fed basal diets supplemented with 18% Pecans.G4: (OA + Pistachio treated group): osteoarthritic rats fed basal diets supplemented with 10% pistachio. G5: OA + Reference drug diclofenac sodium. The obtained results showed that CFA incused OA manifested by a significant elevation in MDA and MPO levels in paw tissues, NO, IL-1β, TNF-α and PGE2 in synovial fluid, CRP and ALP in serum. On the other hand, a significant reduction in serum GSH and GAG level in synovial fluid were observed in OA induced rats. Current evidence has revealed that treatment with either Pecan or Pistachio displayed antiinflammatory effects by lowering pro-inflammatory factors levels. Also, it reduced OA-mediated oxidative damages, and improved GAGs levels in synovial fluid, thus slow degradation of cartilage, and enhanced joint function. Histopathological findings are similar to biochemical ones. In conclusion, comparing plant treatments showed that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were more evident in Pistachio treated group rather than Pecan treated group.