The Effect of Curcumin Treatment on Healing in a Rat Distal Femoral Osteochondral Defect Model

BackgroundArticular cartilage injuries often heal with fibrocartilage rather than native hyaline cartilage, resulting in inferior biomechanical properties and increased osteoarthritis risk. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may support cartilage repair; however, clinical use is limited by poor bioavailability. Micellar formulations enhance systemic absorption.PurposeTo evaluate the effects of orally administered micellar curcumin on structural and molecular markers of osteochondral repair in a rat distal femoral defect model.MethodsThirty-two female Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups (n = 8 per group). Standardized 2-mm osteochondral defects were created in the distal femur. Animals received 250 mg/kg/day micellar curcumin or distilled water for 30 or 90 days. Macroscopic repair was assessed using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scoring system. Histological evaluation followed ICRS guidelines and was performed in a blinded manner by 2 independent observers (intraclass correlation coefficient ICC = 0.89). Immunohistochemical analyses included SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), collagen type I (COL I), collagen type II (COL II), aggrecan, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13).ResultsCurcumin-treated groups demonstrated significantly higher macroscopic and histological scores than controls, particularly at 90 days. Increased expression of hyaline cartilage markers (SOX9, collagen II, aggrecan) and reduced collagen I expression were observed in treated groups. MMP-13 expression did not differ significantly between groups.ConclusionOral micellar curcumin enhanced structural and molecular parameters of osteochondral repair in this preclinical model. Further translational and clinical studies are required before therapeutic application.