Recent studies have shed light on the important role of aging in the pathogenesis of joint degenerative diseases and the anti-aging effect of alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha KG). However, whether alpha KG has any effect on temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that alpha KG administration improves condylar cartilage health of middle-aged/aged mice, and ameliorates pathological changes in a rat model of partial discectomy (PDE) induced TMJOA. In vitro, alpha KG reverses IL-1 beta-induced/H2O2-induced decrease of chondrogenic markers (Col2, Acan and Sox9), and inhibited IL-1 beta-induced/ H2O2-induced elevation of cartilage catabolic markers (ADAMTS5 and MMP13) in condylar chondrocytes. In addition, alpha KG downregulates senescence-associated (SA) hallmarks of aged chondrocytes, including the mRNA/protein level of SA genes (p16 and p53), markers of nuclear disorders (Lamin A/C) and SA-beta-gal activities. Mechanically, alpha KG decreases the expressions of p-IKK and p-NF-kappa B, protecting TMJ from inflammation and senescence-related damage by regulating the NF-kappa B signaling. Collectively, our findings illuminate that alpha KG can ameliorate age-related TMJOA and PDE-induced TMJOA, maintain the homeostasis of cartilage matrix, and exert anti-aging effects in chondrocytes, with a promising therapeutic potential in TMJOA, especially age-related TMJOA.
