Anti-osteoarthritic Effect of High Bioavailable Curcumin Formulation by Balancing Cartilage Synthesis and Cartilage Degradation in MIA-induced Osteoarthritis Rats

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide. Currently, available pharmacological treatment is limited to topical and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Several studies have reported the potential of curcumin in the management of osteoarthritis, owing to its anti-osteoarthritic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. However, the poor bioavailability of curcumin limits its safe and effective use in the long-term management of osteoarthritis.Objectives: The present research study was undertaken to understand the anti-osteoarthritis effect of a newly developed, highly bioavailable curcumin formulation, Maxicuma®, at the preclinical level. The anti-osteoarthritic activity was evaluated using the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis model in rats at 10 and 25 mg/kg bw doses.Materials and Methods: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects were studied in the MIA-induced osteoarthritis model and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse macrophages. The extent of efficacy was investigated by examining the expression of catabolic and anabolic genes from the joint capsule, along with histopathology examination of the joint.Results: Maxicuma® administration in osteoarthritic rats reduced the edema of affected knee joints, increased the expression of anabolic gene COL2A1, decreased the expression of catabolic genes MMP-3 and MMP-7, and reduced the glycosaminoglycan contents in the affected knee joints. Chondrocyte scoring through histopathology of the joint tissues has confirmed the anti-osteoarthritic effects of Maxicuma®. Maxicuma® reduced the inflammatory mediators and enhanced the antioxidant defense system in osteoarthritis rats and LPS-induced mouse macrophages.Conclusion: Thus, Maxicuma® showed an anti-osteoarthritic potential by balancing the synthesis and degradation of joint cartilage.

Keywords: Maxicuma®; osteoarthritis; glycosaminoglycans; chondrocyte scoring; cartilage synthesis and degradation