miR-144-3p ameliorates the progression of osteoarthritis by targeting IL-1β: Potential therapeutic implications

The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) plays a critical role in osteoarthritis (OA) disease pathogenesis. MicroRNA (miRNA) activity is related to inflammation in OA and some miRNAs specifically regulate IL-mediated degradation of cartilage type II collagen. Previous studies have indicated that miR-144-3p is a useful target in the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in different diseases. However, the role of miR-144-3p in OA is unclear. In this study, we observed a negative correlation between miR-144-3p and IL-1β expression in OA. miR-144-3p mimic transfection of OA synovial fibroblasts downregulated levels of IL-1β expression, while blocking the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB signaling pathways relating to IL-1β production, and effectively increased miR-144-3p expression in OASFs. Findings from an anterior cruciate ligament transection rat model revealed that administration of miR-144-3p mimic effectively ameliorated OA progression and reduced the numbers of IL-1β-positive cells in synovial tissue. This study suggests that miR-144-3p is a useful therapeutic target in OA disease.