Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of FSGTC for Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Study Combining Nested Case
Mingyu He1, Jian Liu1, Wu Gao2
1Department of Rheumatism Immunity, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, People's Republic of China.
Objective:
This research aims to clarify the clinical efficacy and potential mechanisms of Fengshi Gutong capsule (FSGTC) in improving inflammatory response and hypercoagulability in osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and to evaluate the safety of FSGTC.
Methods:
A nested case-control study and association rule analysis were used to evaluate the effects of FSGTC on inflammation, coagulation, and liver and kidney function in OA patients. Screening key pathways for FSGTC treatment of OA through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Subsequently, Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), Safranine O-Fast Green staining (S&O), and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to evaluate the effects of FSGTC on cartilage injury, inflammatory cell infiltration, and protein expression in OA rats induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). ELISA detects the expression of pro-inflammatory and procoagulant factors. Organ index and HE staining of organs to evaluate the safety of FSGTC treatment. Subsequently, further validate the above results in IL-1β - stimulated chondrocytes.
Results:
The clinical data analysis showed that FSGTC can significantly improve inflammation and coagulation indicators in OA patients. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis results showed that PI3K/AKT is a key signaling pathway for FSGTC intervention in OA. Animal experiments have shown that FSGTC can alleviate cartilage damage and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration in OA rats, while having no effect on organs such as liver, heart, spleen, and kidney. The cell experiment results further confirmed that FSGTC increases chondrocyte viability and reduces the expression levels of COX2, PGE2 and PAI-1 by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Conclusion:
FSGTC can alleviate inflammation and hypercoagulability in OA, and this therapeutic effect is attributed to its inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway activation, thereby reducing the release of pro-inflammatory and procoagulant factors in OA patients, and the above drugs do not affect the liver and kidney function of patients.
Insights
Fengshi Gutong capsule (FSGTC) effectively reduces inflammation and hypercoagulability in osteoarthritis (OA) patients by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway. This treatment shows no adverse effects on liver and kidney function, offering a safe therapeutic option for OA management.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Pharmacology
- Osteoarthritis Research
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by inflammation and hypercoagulability.
- Current treatments for OA often have limitations and side effects.
- Fengshi Gutong capsule (FSGTC) is a traditional remedy with potential therapeutic benefits for OA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical efficacy of FSGTC in managing inflammation and hypercoagulability in OA patients.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of FSGTC action in OA.
- To evaluate the safety profile of FSGTC treatment.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study and association rule analysis were employed for clinical data evaluation.
- Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis identified key signaling pathways.
- In vivo studies utilized OA rat models (monosodium iodoacetate induced) with histological and biochemical analyses.
- In vitro studies involved IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes to validate molecular mechanisms.
Main Results:
- FSGTC significantly improved inflammatory and coagulation markers in OA patients.
- KEGG analysis identified PI3K/AKT signaling as a crucial pathway targeted by FSGTC.
- FSGTC administration in rats reduced cartilage damage and inflammatory cell infiltration.
- In vitro, FSGTC inhibited PI3K/AKT activation, decreasing COX2, PGE2, and PAI-1 expression and enhancing chondrocyte viability.
Conclusions:
- FSGTC demonstrates significant efficacy in alleviating inflammation and hypercoagulability in osteoarthritis.
- The therapeutic effects are mediated through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
- FSGTC is a safe treatment option for OA, with no observed adverse effects on vital organs like the liver and kidneys.
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