CAT/SOD-Enriched Achyranthes bidentata nanovesicles mitigate TMJOA via ROS scavenging and JNK/FOXO1 pathway...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanomedicine
• Osteoarthritis Research

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is an inflammatory condition with limited therapeutic interventions.
• Oxidative stress significantly contributes to TMJOA pathogenesis, suggesting antioxidant strategies as potential treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of exosome-like nanovesicles derived from Achyranthes bidentata (ABNVs) for TMJOA.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of ABNV action in mitigating TMJOA progression.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of ABNVs, assessing size, surface charge, and antioxidant enzyme content (catalase, superoxide dismutase).
• Evaluation of ABNV efficacy in a rat TMJOA model, analyzing cartilage and bone integrity, synovial inflammation, and macrophage polarization.
• In vitro studies on chondrocytes and macrophages to assess ABNV effects on inflammation, chondrogenesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging via JNK/FOXO1 pathway modulation.

Main Results:

• ABNVs demonstrated significant reduction in cartilage degradation, bone damage, and synovial inflammation in the TMJOA rat model.
• ABNVs suppressed M1 macrophage polarization and chondrocyte inflammation while not impairing chondrogenic differentiation.
• Mechanistically, ABNVs scavenged ROS via catalase/superoxide dismutase, modulated the JNK/FOXO1 pathway, and inhibited M1 macrophage activation.

Conclusions:

• ABNVs possess therapeutic potential for TMJOA by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation.
• ABNVs offer a novel strategy for TMJOA treatment through ROS scavenging and modulation of macrophage-mediated inflammation.
• The findings highlight ABNVs as a promising biomaterial for managing TMJOA by addressing key pathological pathways.