Osteoarthritis complications and the recent therapeutic approaches

MRI monitoring of USPIO-labeled BMSCs combined with alginate scaffold for cartilage defect repair

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) combined with sodium alginate scaffolds in repairing knee cartilage defects in New Zealand rabbits. Additionally, it assessed the potential of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for non-invasive monitoring of the dynamic repair process.

Methods

Rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: Group A (control), Group B (sodium alginate scaffold), Group C (BMSCs-sodium alginate scaffold), and Group D (USPIO-labeled BMSCs-sodium alginate scaffold). A cartilage defect model was created, and the respective materials were implanted into the defect regions. T2 mapping MRI was performed at weeks 1, 2, and 4 post-surgery to evaluate the repair process, followed by histological analysis to confirm the outcomes.

Results

BMSCs significantly promoted cartilage defect repair and accelerated the degradation of sodium alginate scaffolds. Macroscopic and histological evaluations revealed repair tissue formation in Groups C and D by week 1, with most defect regions filled with new cartilage by week 4. T2 mapping analysis showed a gradual decline in T2 values in Group B, a more pronounced decrease in Group C, and consistently lower T2 values in Group D compared to Group C, with a slow upward trend over time.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that BMSCs exhibit significant regenerative potential for cartilage defect repair. USPIO labeling enables non-invasive, dynamic monitoring of the repair process without adverse effects on cell viability or differentiation. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting the application of BMSCs combined with magnetic labeling technology in cartilage regeneration.

Nanomaterials: Recent Advances in Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most prevalent degenerative joint condition that places a substantial financial and medical burden on society. However, due to drawbacks such as inefficiency, adverse effects, and brief duration of action, the clinical efficacy of the current major therapies for knee OA is largely restricted. Therefore, novel medication development is highly required to address these issues. Numerous studies in recent years have established that nanomaterials can be a potential and highly effective way to overcome these challenges. In this review, the anatomical distinctions between healthy and OA knee joints, as well as novel advances in the field of nanomaterials for the treatment of knee OA are summarized. The limits of the present therapeutic strategies for treating knee OA are also highlighted, as well as the potential prospects of nanomaterials in the future.

Added sugars and risk of osteoarthritis in adults: A case-control study based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018

OBJECTIVE

Added sugars have been associated with a variety of adverse health consequences, but their relationship with osteoarthritis is unclear. This study aimed to demonstrate the association between added sugars and osteoarthritis.

METHODS

We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2007 to 2018 to explore the association between added sugars and osteoarthritis.

RESULTS

In our study, 2,746 adults were included. The average age of the chosen participants was 43.77 years, with 52.33% males and 47.67% females. There were 2,152 in the osteoarthritis group and 594 in the non-osteoarthritis group, weighted to represent 11,854,966 participants. In the fully adjusted multivariable model 3, added sugars were found as a risk factor for osteoarthritis (OR = 1.01; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.01), with populations in the fourth quartile having a greater prevalence of osteoarthritis (OR = 1.40; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.81). When added sugars were treated as a continuous variable in subgroup analysis, the results indicated that never consumed alcohol (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04) and no history of diabetes (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04)were more Likely tend to osteoarthritis. When added sugars were treated as a categorical variable in subgroup analysis, the results indicated that compared to the first group, in the fourth quartile population, females (OR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.02), low BMI (OR = 1.88; 95% CI 1.06 to 3.33), never smoking (OR = 1.55; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.30), never consumed alcohol (OR = 3.31; 95% CI 1.42 to 7.74), no history of hypertension (OR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.00 to 2.27), and no history of diabetes (OR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.87) were more likely tend to osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSION

Added sugars are a risk factor for osteoarthritis, especially in females, low BMI, never smoking, never consumed alcohol, no history of hypertension, and no history of diabetes.

lncRNA OIP5-AS1 promotes mitophagy to alleviate osteoarthritis by upregulating PPAR-γ to activate the AMPK/Akt/mTOR pathway

OBJECTIVES

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint degenerative disease. Herein, we investigated long non-coding RNA Opa-interacting protein 5-antisense transcript 1's (OIP5-AS1) in regulating mitophagy during OA.

METHODS

RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down verified the relationship between molecules. Cell counting kit-8 detected cell viability. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay evaluated inflammatory cytokines secretion. Flow cytometry measured the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium. Immunofluorescence staining analysed TOMM20 and LC3B levels. JC-1 staining was adopted to measure mitochondrial membrane potential. The changes of mitophagy were analysed by transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment contributed to the decrease of chondrocyte viability, and calcium level and inhibited mitochondrial membrane potential, while elevating the secretion of inflammatory factors, ROS, and TOMM20 expression. OIP5-AS1 overexpression inhibited LPS-induced chondrocyte injury and activated mitophagy. OIP5-AS1 upregulated the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) mRNA level to regulate adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling by interacting with FUS. PPAR-γ overexpression alleviated LPS-induced chondrocyte injury by activating AMPK/Akt/mTOR signalling. PPAR-γ knockdown reversed the promotion of OIP5-AS1 upregulation on mitophagy.

CONCLUSIONS

OIP5-AS1 promotes PPAR-γ expression to activate the AMPK/Akt/mTOR signalling, thereby enhancing mitophagy and alleviating OA progression.

Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid restrains the progression of synovitis in osteoarthritis via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Synovial inflammation plays a key role in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) represent a distinct cell subpopulation within the synovium, and their unique phenotypic alterations are considered significant contributors to inflammation and fibrotic responses. The underlying mechanism by which acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) modulates FLS activation remains unclear. This study aims to assess the beneficial effects of AKBA through both in vitro and in vivo investigations. Network pharmacology evaluation is used to identify potential targets of AKBA in OA. We evaluate the effects of AKBA on FLSs activation in vitro and the regulatory role of AKBA on the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. ML385 (an Nrf2 inhibitor) is used to verify the binding of AKBA to its target in FLSs. We validate the in vivo efficacy of AKBA in alleviating OA using anterior cruciate ligament transection and destabilization of the medial meniscus (ACLT+DMM) in a rat model. Network pharmacological analysis reveals the potential effect of AKBA on OA. AKBA effectively attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced abnormal migration and invasion and the production of inflammatory mediators, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in FLSs, contributing to the restoration of the synovial microenvironment. After treatment with ML385, the effect of AKBA on FLSs is reversed. In vivo studies demonstrate that AKBA mitigates synovial inflammation and fibrotic responses induced by ACLT+DMM in rats via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 axis. AKBA exhibits theoretical potential for alleviating OA progression through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and represents a viable therapeutic candidate for this patient population.

The Predictors of Osteoarthritis Among U.S. Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005 to 2018

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability in the United States (U.S.) population, and its prevalence continues to rise. Traditionally, extreme joint loading was described as the leading cause of OA; however, recent studies suggest OA may arise from more complex mechanisms. This study aimed to identify the association between OA and various health predictors among U.S. adults. Methods National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data of adult participants from 2005 to 2018 was reviewed. OA diagnosis was patient-reported, and other health variables were assessed based on patient-reported, laboratory, and examination data. A multivariable survey logistic regression model was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals (95% CIs). Stratified analysis based on BMI category was additionally performed to assess the modifying effect of obesity on the association between OA and health predictors. Results A total of 42,143 participants were included in this study. OA prevalence was highest in patients ages [Formula: see text] 65 years, females, non-obese individuals, non-Hispanic Whites, and those with at least college education. After controlling for multiple confounding demographic variables and comorbidities, the odds of OA increased with aging, female sex, obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and thyroid disease. Non-Hispanic White patients and those with less than a high school education also had higher odds of OA. After stratified analysis, aging, female sex, and severe depression demonstrated similar associations with OA across each BMI strata. Having at least a college-level education additionally conferred a similar association with OA across each BMI strata. Conclusion The odds of OA increased with aging, female sex, obesity, less than high school education, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and thyroid disease. Further studies are needed to characterize the mechanisms of these associations. Given the myriad of factors that influence OA development and progression, the utilization of multidisciplinary and holistic care of OA patients is recommended to limit the influence of other health predictors and reduce ensuing pain, disability, and other complications that result from OA.

Schisandrin B Alleviates LPS Induced Mitochondrial Damage in C28I2 Cells

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease characterized by damage to the joint cartilage that occurs throughout the entire joint tissue. This damage primarily manifests as pain in the affected area. In clinical practice, medication is commonly used to relieve pain, but the treatment's effectiveness is poor and recurrent attacks are likely. Schisandrin B is the most abundant biphenylcyclohexene lignan found in the traditional Chinese medicine Schisandra chinensis, and it possesses various pharmacological effects. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of Schisandrin B on mitochondrial damage in osteoarthritis (C28I2 cells) under an inflammatory environment induced by LPS. Cell proliferation and activity, scratch tests, and LDH release tests are utilized to assess cell growth and migration ability. The immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression levels of proliferation and apoptosis proteins. The Western Blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of mitochondrial fusion and division proteins. The JC-1 assay was used to detect changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. The mitochondrial fluorescence probe assay was used to detect mitochondrial activity. Through research, it was found that Schisandrin B promotes the proliferation, growth, and migration of C28I2 cells, reduces apoptosis of C28I2 cells, balances mitochondrial fusion and division, stabilizes mitochondrial membrane potential, and promotes mitochondrial activity in an LPS induced inflammatory environment.

Circ_0020014 mediates CTSB expression and participates in IL-1β-prompted chondrocyte injury via interacting with miR-24-3p

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that circRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) by affecting various fundamental cellular characteristics of chondrocytes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of hsa_circ_0020014 (circ_0020014) in chondrocytes of OA.

METHODS

The inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) was used to stimulate human chondrocytes. Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and flow cytometry assays. Several protein levels were determined by western blotting (WB). Levels of inflammatory cytokines and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Relative expression of circ_0020014 was estimated by real-time polymerase quantitative chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Bioinformatics prediction combined with dual-luciferase reporter, RIP and RNA pull-down assays were done to probe into the regulatory mechanism of circ_0020014.

RESULTS

Circ_0020014 was overexpressed in OA patient-derived articular cartilages and IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. Silencing of circ_0020014 lighted IL-1β-prompted chondrocyte proliferation repression, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Mechanically, circ_0020014 functioned as a miR-24-3p molecular sponge to regulate cathepsin B (CTSB) expression. Furthermore, miR-24-3p inhibition alleviated circ_0020014 knockdown-mediation repression of IL-1β-urged chondrocyte injury. In addition, CTSB overexpression whittled miR-24-3p upregulation-mediated suppression of IL-1β-urged chondrocyte injury.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that the circ_0020014/miR-24-3p/CTSB axis was associated with IL-1β-prompted chondrocyte injury, supporting the involvement of circ_0020014 in the OA pathogenesis.

The developing role of extracellular vesicles in autoimmune diseases: special attention to mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles

Autoimmune diseases are complex, chronic inflammatory conditions initiated by the loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigens. Nowadays, there is no effective and useful therapy for autoimmune diseases, and the existing medications have some limitations due to their nonspecific targets and side effects. During the last few decades, it has been established that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory functions. It is proposed that MSCs can exert an important therapeutic effect on autoimmune disorders. In parallel with these findings, several investigations have shown that MSCs alleviate autoimmune diseases. Intriguingly, the results of studies have demonstrated that the effective roles of MSCs in autoimmune diseases do not depend on direct intercellular communication but on their ability to release a wide spectrum of paracrine mediators such as growth factors, cytokines and extracellular vehicles (EVs). EVs that range from 50 to 5,000 nm were produced by almost any cell type, and these nanoparticles participate in homeostasis and intercellular communication via the transfer of a broad range of biomolecules such as modulatory proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), lipids, cytokines, and metabolites. EVs derived from MSCs display the exact properties of MSCs and can be safer and more beneficial than their parent cells. In this review, we will discuss the features of MSCs and their EVs, EVs biogenesis, and their cargos, and then we will highlight the existing discoveries on the impacts of EVs from MSCs on autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis rheumatic, inflammatory bowel disease, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune liver diseases, Sjögren syndrome, and osteoarthritis, suggesting a potential alternative for autoimmune conditions therapy.

miR-181a-5p targets DDX3X to inhibit the progression of osteoarthritis via NF-ΚB signaling pathway

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common age-related joint disease, characterized by chronic inflammation, progressive articular cartilage destruction and subchondral osteosclerosis. More and more evidence showed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in various diseases, but the specific mechanism of miRNAs in OA is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression level and role of miR-181a-5p in OA and its related mechanism. Here we identified the key gene DEAD-box RNA helicase 3X (DDX3X) in the OA dataset by bioinformatics analysis. At the same time, miRNAs targeting DDX3X were screened, and miR-181a-5p was selected as the next research object. Then we used different concentrations of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-induced in vitro model of arthritis, and found that IL-1β can stimulate cells to release nitric oxide. The expression levels of miR-181a-5p and DDX3X in mouse chondrocyte cell line ATDC5 induced by IL-1β at a concentration of 10ug/mL were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). IL-1β induced a decrease in the expression of miR-181a-5p and an increase in the expression of DDX3X in ATDC5 cells. mimic miR-181a-5p or inhibitor miR-181a-5p were transfected into ATDC5 cells, and the levels of inflammatory mediators in the cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the results showed that miR-181a-5p could reduce the release of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and inducible nitric oxide nitric oxide synthase in a cellular model of arthritis. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that the miR-181a-5p binding site was in the DDX3X gene 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR), and DDX3X was negatively regulated by miR-181a-5p. Rescue assays confirmed that miR-181a-5p reduced the expression of DDX3X by targeting the 3'-UTR region of DDX3X, thereby reducing the release of inflammatory factors. Finally, in this paper, western blot was used to detect the mechanism of miR-181a-5p regulating OA. The results showed that interfering with the expression of miR-181a-5p could up-regulate the expression of DDX3X protein, increase the expression of nuclear factor- kappaB (NF-κB) related proteins, and reduce the inflammatory response of OA, thereby increasing the secretion of the matrix proteinases MMP-3 and MMP-13. Taken together, the results of the study suggested that miR-181a-5p may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of human OA.

Efficacy, residual effectiveness and safety of diacerein in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of disability in the elderly. Prevention and treatment of OA have become an urgent global demand. The pharmacologic role of diacerein in the treatment of osteoarthritis is controversial. We systematically reviewed the efficacy, safety, and residual effectiveness of diacerein.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the symptomatic efficacy, residual effect and safety of diacerein in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, using a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

On December 1, 2021, we searched PubMed Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, Wan Fang Medical Database, and National Knowledge Infrastructure. This study followed the inclusion criteria of the principle P(Population), I(Intervention), C(Comparison), O(Outcome), S (Study design) principle. All studies were randomized controlled trials of knee osteoarthritis. Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. To explore sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, regression analysis and publication bias analysis were performed. Drug side effects with complete data were extracted from the included articles and then a combined analysis of these data was performed.

RESULTS

Eight studies were eligible and were included in our analysis (N = 1277 participants). All studies were randomized controlled trials of knee osteoarthritis. There was no significant difference in reduction of joint pain and improvement of function between diacerein and the control group. However, subgroup analysis suggested, compared with the placebo group, diacerein treatment yielded an improved mean reduction in visual analogue scale score of-0.44% (95% confidence interval [CI]-0.79 to 0.09), an improved the western Ontario and McMaster universities (physical function) score of -0.44% (95% CI-0.72 to -0.12). Follow-up analysis after discontinuation showed that diacerein treatment had a significant residual effect (95% CI-0.81 to- 0.24). Data on drug side effects described in the included articles were extracted for statistical analysis. There was an increased risk of diarrhea with diacerein (Risk Ratio [RR] = 1.95 [1.03 to 2.47]) and withdrawal event from therapy (RR = 0.93 [0.75 to 1.15]).

CONCLUSION

Diacerein might be considered an effective drug for the treatment of patients with KOA, showing short-term residual effectiveness. Although it is associated with an increased risk of diarrhea, the adverse event is mostly tolerable.

Omaveloxolone inhibits IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis through the Nrf2/ARE and NF-κB signalling pathways in vitro and attenuates osteoarthritis in vivo

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease. Effective drugs that can halt or decelerate osteoarthritis progression are still lacking. Omaveloxolone is a semisynthetic oleanane triterpenoid exerting antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aims to determine whether omaveloxolone has a therapeutic effect on OA. Chondrocytes were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β to establish an OA cell model in vitro. Indicators of cell viability, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation were investigated. Proteins related to the Nuclear factor erythroid derived-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signalling pathways were assessed using Western blotting. A destabilized medial meniscus surgery-induced OA rat model was used in vivo. Gait analysis, microcomputed tomography analysis, and histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine the therapeutic effect of omaveloxolone on attenuating osteoarthritis in vivo. The results showed that omaveloxolone exerts antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and anti-ECM degradation effects via activation of the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway and inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway in chondrocytes in vitro and attenuates OA progression in vivo, suggesting that omaveloxolone may be a potential therapeutic agent for OA.