Phase contrast microscopy images of primary chondrocytes incubated with 500 µM H₂O₂ and increasing concentrations of B3 or vehicle control.

<p>The majority of H₂O₂ -treated cells were already detached and floating (b, asterisk), whereas control and B3-treated cells had started rounding but mostly remained adherent (c, d, asterisk). Scale bar = 200 µm. Cell viability of chondrocytes treated with H₂O₂ and B3 as determined by the LDH assay (e). B3 prevented H₂O₂-induced chondrocyte apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Values represent the mean and SD; n = 5 samples/group. *<i>p</i><0.05.