The effects of therapeutic ultrasound on cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in human osteoarthritic chondrocyte culture

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of therapeutic ultrasound treatment on human osteoarthritic chondrocyte cells in continuous and pulsed mode on cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Materials and Methods: Human osteoarthritic chondrocyte cells (HC-OA 402OA-05a) were used in the study. After the cells were grown in the suitable growth medium, they were planted in appropriate culture dishes for treatments. The culture dishes were grouped and ultrasound treatment was given in continuous, intermittent and closed mode at an intensity and frequency of 0.1 W/cm2, 1 MHz, for 10 minutes a day for 10 days. After the treatments, viability and proliferation by MTT test, total protein measurement and interleukin levels per protein were determined by ELISA method. Cells were photographed daily with microscopic analysis. Results: After the treatments, there was no significant difference between the continuous and intermittent treatment groups, and there was a significant increase in vitality in the continuous and intermittent ultrasound group, and it is possible to interpret this result in terms of proliferation. Likewise, there was a statistically significant decrease in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 levels in both continuous and pulsed treatment groups compared to the control group, with no significant difference between the continuous and pulsed treatment groups. For IL-17 and IL-32 levels, it was concluded that continuous and intermittent treatment groups decreased these pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to the control, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In our study, it was concluded that therapeutic ultrasound at 0.1 W/cm2, 1 MHz intensity and frequency stimulates cell proliferation and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.