Multifunctional injectable microspheres for osteoarthritis therapy via spatiotemporally modulating macrophage
Shengnan Qiu1, Yanbin Shi2, Hengchang Zang1
1Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medience, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China.
Abstract:
Local injection of anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis emerged as a promising administration in the clinic, and sustained-release dosage forms have great potential for future therapeutic applications. Controlling the response of patients only in the acute inflammatory phase is currently the focus of therapeutic interventions. To relieve acute pain in patients and to improve the long-term prognosis effect of osteoarthritis treatment, we designed a two-pronged approach in this research: an injectable double-layer microsphere containing a "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug - macrophage polarizing factor" was constructed. The results indicated that microspheres could regulate the intra-articular environment by inhibiting local inflammatory cytokine production, promoting macrophage polarization to the M2-phenotype, and increasing the expression of cartilage repair factors. Polymers chosen could govern the biocompatibility of microspheres and control the release sequence of the two drugs. Injection of microspheres into the degenerative articular cavity of rats leads to suppressed inflammation and well-promoted cartilage regeneration.
