Figure 1 Effect of C60(OH)24 on MMP-3 production in chondrocytes.

Mean concentration of MMP-3 produced by chondrocytes was higher in the IL-1ß-treated group than in the control group. Even in the presence of IL-1ß, Treatment with C60(OH)24 trended to decrease the mean concentration of MMP-3 produced by chondrocytes.

Figure 2 Effect of C60(OH)24 on proteoglycan production in chondrocytes.

There was a tendency that IL-1ß decreased the production of proteoglycan from chondrocytes. In contrast, treatment with 10.0 nM or 100.0 nM C60(OH)24 trended to maintain the proteoglycan production from chondrocyts.

Figure 3 Effect of C60(OH)24 on glucose uptake into chondrocytes.

2-deoxyglucose (2DG) uptake into chondrocytes was inhibited in the presence of IL-1ß. In contrast, even in the presence of IL-1ß, treatment with C60(OH)24 trended to maintain the glucose uptake in chondrocytes.

Figure 4 Representative images of immunohistochemical staining for Apex 2 in chondrocytes.

Treatment with IL-1ß induced the expression of Apex 2 in chondrocytes. Even in the presence of IL-1ß, C60(OH)24 reduced the overexpression of Apex 2 in chondrocytes.