A Significant Reduction in the Plasma Levels and Gene Expression of CCL2 in Patients with Osteoarthritis following Intervention with Krocina™

Background: inflammatory chemokines such as CCL2 and CCL5 are involved in the progress of osteoarthritis. Crocin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). This study was performed investigate the effect of Krocina™, on the gene expressions and plasma levels of CCL2 and CCL5 in OA patients. Methods: The study included 35 patients that were randomized in the KrocinaTM and placebo groups. The intervention was Krocina™ 15 mg daily for four months. Clinical and paraclinical parameters were measured. CCL2 and CCL5 genes expression and plasma levels were determined using the SYBR Green Real-Time RT-PCR and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) techniques. Results: The C-reactive protein (CRP) value in the KrocinaTM group and the visual analogue scale (VAS) value in the KrocinaTM and placebo groups decreased significantly after the intervention. The gene expression of CCL2 in the KrocinaTM and placebo groups decreased significantly. On the contrary, the gene expression of CCL5 in the KrocinaTM and placebo groups increased significantly. Moreover, the plasma levels of CCL2 in the KrocinaTM and placebo groups decreased meaningfully. There was no difference regarding the plasma levels of CCL5 within the Krocina™ and placebo groups before and after the intervention in either of the groups. Conclusions: Administration of Krocina™ reduced the clinical signs of inflammation and CRP and VAS value. Also, Krocina™ significantly decreased the plasma levels and gene expression of CCL2 in osteoarthritis patients.