Cisplatin-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory responses in chondrocytes through modulating LOX-1

Cisplatin is a potent and efficacious anticancer medication. In pediatric cancer, the height of the growth plate's proliferating layer is known to be reduced by cisplatin, but researchers have not yet determined the specific mechanism behind this phenomenon. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 is known to be involved in the development of osteoarthritis and atherosclerosis. The equilibrium of cartilage is regulated by LOX-1, but the function of LOX-1 in cisplatin-induced chondrocyte impairment remains unknown. Positive regulation of LOX-1 leads to increased cellular oxidative stress and cell damage. Research has shown that blocking of LOX-1 can reduce the chondrocyte damage and oxidative stress in cells induced by oxidized LDL treatment. However, the role of LOX-1 in cisplatin-mediated chondrocyte damage is still unclear. This study found that cisplatin increased ROS concentration and p38, ERK phosphorylation. Cisplatin activated NF-κB in chondrocytes. In addition, LOX-1 small interfering RNA transfection mitigated cisplatin-induced apoptosis in TC28a2 cells. Phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 were dose-dependently increased by administration of cisplatin. Silencing LOX-1 or MAPK inhibition reduces cisplatin-caused apoptosis. The findings suggest that cisplatin-induced growth plate dysfunction operates through the LOX-1/p38/NF-κB signaling pathway.