THE EFFECT OF PIROXICAM ON THE METABOLISM OF ISOLATED HUMAN CHONDROCYTES

The effect of piroxicam on the metabolism of healthy and osteoarthrotic (OA) chondrocytes was studied in vitro. The chondrocytes were obtained from five healthy, five moderately OA, and four severely OA hips or knees. The chondrocytes were cultured in a high-density, short-term in vitro model. In this culture, the healthy chondrocytes as well as the OA chondrocytes retain their metabolic properties. Piroxicam was used in concentrations ranging from 0 to 10-mu-g/ml, which is comparable to the concentrations reached in vivo after oral administration. In cultures of healthy chondrocytes, piroxicam inhibited proliferation and synthesis of proteoglycans. The metabolism of moderately damaged chondrocytes was not influenced by piroxicam. In severely damaged chondrocytes, the proliferation was significantly inhibited by piroxicam. In order to avoid the possible negative side effects of piroxicam on the metabolism of healthy and severely OA chondrocytes, piroxicam treatment of an OA joint with synovitis should be restricted to the period of the effusion.