Ruthenium Oxide Nanozyme for Tendinopathy Treatment via Countering Ferroptosis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedics
• Nanomedicine

Background:

• Tendinopathy (TP) prevalence is rising, causing significant functional impairment.
• Oxidative stress and ferroptosis, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS), are key contributors to TP pathogenesis and impaired tendon healing.
• Developing effective therapeutic strategies to combat oxidative damage and ferroptosis in TP is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate ruthenium oxide (RuO2) hollow nanospheres as a nanozyme for treating type I collagenase-induced tendinopathy (TP).
• To evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of RuO2 nanozymes on tenocytes and tendon tissue in a TP model.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using tenocytes to assess inflammatory biomarkers (mRNA) and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation (Western blot, immunofluorescence).
• In vivo studies utilizing a type I collagenase-induced TP rat model to evaluate the therapeutic effects of RuO2 nanozyme treatment.
• Analysis of tendon fiber arrangement, pain levels, type I collagen expression, and matrix degradation in the TP model.

Main Results:

• RuO2 treatment decreased inflammatory biomarker mRNA levels in tenocytes.
• In vitro and in vivo experiments showed reduced ECM degradation and improved tendon structure after RuO2 administration.
• The RuO2 nanozyme therapy alleviated pain, enhanced type I collagen expression, and improved tendon fiber arrangement in the TP model.

Conclusions:

• Ruthenium oxide (RuO2) hollow nanospheres exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, acting as an effective nanozyme.
• RuO2 nanozymes protect tenocytes by scavenging ROS and mitigating ferroptosis, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for tendinopathy.
• These findings highlight the potential of RuO2 nanozymes for clinical application in treating tendinopathy and promoting tendon repair.