Work

Platelet-rich plasma combined with isometric quadriceps contraction regulates autophagy in chondrocytes via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to promote cartilage repair in knee osteoarthritis

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the molecular mechanism by which the combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and isometric contraction of the quadriceps (ICQ) intervention regulates autophagy in chondrocytes to prevent and treat knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a control group (CG, n = 6) and a model group (n = 24). After one week, the model group was randomly divided into a joint intervention group (JIG), a rapamycin group (RAG), an MHY1485 group (MYG), and a model blank group (MBG), with JIG, RAG, and MYG receiving the same combined intervention. The trend of cartilage lesions in each group was CG < RAG < JIG < MYG < MBG. Compared with MBG and MYG, JIG and RAG showed downregulation of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, MMP-13, and TNF-α mRNA in the cartilage ( p < 0.01); mTOR protein expression: compared with JIG, RAG showed downregulation, and MYG showed upregulation. Compared with RAG, MYG showed upregulation ( p < 0.01); ATG5 protein expression: compared with RAG, MYG showed downregulation ( p < 0.01); Beclin1, LC3-I, and ULK1 protein expression: compared with JIG, RAG showed upregulation, and MYG showed downregulation ( p < 0.01). Compared with RAG, MYG showed downregulation ( p < 0.01); P62 protein expression: compared with RAG, both MBG and RAG showed upregulation, and MYG showed downregulation ( p < 0.05); LC3-II/LC3-I ratio: compared with JIG and RAG, the ratio in MYG was decreased ( p < 0.01). The combined intervention promotes autophagy in chondrocytes by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, downregulating inflammatory factors and MMP-13 in the cartilage, upregulating autophagy markers, inhibiting matrix degradation, and promoting cartilage repair. • Intra-articular PRP injection or quadriceps isometrics can ease arthritis symptoms. • The combination of these two methods has a better therapeutic effect on arthritis. • Combined intervention enhances chondrocyte autophagy, aiding cartilage repair.

Source: Regenerative Therapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.11.013

Authors: Liang Cheng, Shuwan Chang, Yajun Tan, Benxiang He

Institutions: Chengdu Sport University, Sichuan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Sports College

Language: English

Topic: Osteoarthritis Treatment and Mechanisms

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,100