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Recent Advances in Small Molecule Inhibitors for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Jianjing Lin1, Shicheng Jia1,2, Weifei Zhang3,4
1Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis refers to a degenerative disease with joint pain as the main symptom, and it is caused by various factors, including fibrosis, chapping, ulcers, and loss of articular cartilage. Traditional treatments can only delay the progression of osteoarthritis, and patients may need joint replacement eventually. As a class of organic compound molecules weighing less than 1000 daltons, small molecule inhibitors can target proteins as the main components of most drugs clinically. Small molecule inhibitors for osteoarthritis are under constant research. In this regard, by reviewing relevant manuscripts, small molecule inhibitors targeting MMPs, ADAMTS, IL-1, TNF, WNT, NF-κB, and other proteins were reviewed. We summarized these small molecule inhibitors with different targets and discussed disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs based on them. These small molecule inhibitors have good inhibitory effects on osteoarthritis, and this review will provide a reference for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Insights
Small molecule inhibitors show promise for treating osteoarthritis by targeting key proteins involved in joint degeneration. This review explores these novel compounds as potential disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease causing pain and cartilage loss.
- Current treatments offer limited relief and may necessitate joint replacement.
- Small molecule inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic avenue for OA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review small molecule inhibitors targeting key proteins in osteoarthritis.
- To discuss their potential as disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of small molecule inhibitors for OA.
- Focus on inhibitors targeting MMPs, ADAMTS, IL-1, TNF, WNT, and NF-κB pathways.
Main Results:
- Identified various small molecule inhibitors with demonstrated efficacy against OA targets.
- Summarized inhibitors based on their specific protein targets.
- Highlighted their potential for disease modification.
Conclusions:
- Small molecule inhibitors exhibit significant inhibitory effects on osteoarthritis progression.
- These compounds offer a promising reference for developing novel OA treatments.
