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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
08:09
Osteoarthritis Pain Model Induced by Intra-Articular Injection of Mono-Iodoacetate in Rats
Published on: May 20, 2020
Short-Chain Fatty Acids as Potential Mediators of NSAIDs' Effects on Arthritis Pain Relief
Xuesong Wang1,2, Hao Meng2,3, Baoshan Yuan2
1Department of Clinical Nutrition, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China, jiangnan.edu.cn.
Pain Research & Management
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alleviate arthritis pain by altering the gut microbiome and increasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Antibiotics reduced NSAID pain relief, suggesting a microbiome-dependent mechanism for these drugs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Pharmacology
- Arthritis treatment
Background:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are primary treatments for osteoarthritis (OA).
- NSAIDs are known to modulate the gut microbiome.
- This study investigates the role of NSAID-induced microbiome changes in arthritis improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore if pharmacologically modified gut microbiome contributes to arthritis symptom improvement.
- To determine the role of gut microbiota in the analgesic effects of NSAIDs and tramadol.
- To assess the impact of NSAIDs on joint inflammation and cartilage in an osteoarthritis rat model.
Main Methods:
- Osteoarthritis was induced in rats via ACLT surgery, followed by administration of saline, celecoxib (CE), diclofenac (DF), or tramadol (TM).
- Pain, inflammation, cartilage status, gut microbiome composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were analyzed.
- The effect of antibiotics on drug-induced analgesia was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Celecoxib, diclofenac, and tramadol significantly reduced joint pain.
- Antibiotics diminished the analgesic effects of celecoxib and diclofenac but not tramadol.
- NSAIDs and tramadol increased fecal SCFA levels, and NSAIDs showed a minor reduction in joint inflammation.
Conclusions:
- NSAID-induced alterations in gut microbiota and increased SCFA production likely contribute to their pain-relieving effects in arthritis.
- The gut microbiome plays a significant role in mediating the analgesic effects of NSAIDs.
- NSAIDs may offer a modest benefit in reducing localized joint inflammation.
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