Effects of Curcumin Nanoparticles Combined with Dexmedetomidine on Cartilage Damage in Traumatic Arthritis Rats

Abstract

Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is often induced by joint sprains, fractures, and articular surface contusions. In this study, we explored the effect of curcumin nanoparticles combined with dexmedetomidine (DEX) on cartilage injury in PTOA rats. 30 adult male rats were used to construct PTOA model by drilling intercondylar holes in the femur and assigned to blank control group, DEX group and curcumin nanoparticles+DEX group followed by analysis of articular cartilage tissue pathologies, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-3 levels. The Mankin’s total score of DEX group and curcumin nanoparticles+DEX group decreased with lower score in curcumin nanoparticles+DEX group (P <0.05). Compared with blank control group, DEX group and curcumin nanoparticles+DEX group had lower IL-1β level in joint cavity fluid and curcumin nanoparticles+DEX group presented the lowest IL-1β, TNF-α and MMP-3 levels in joint cavity fluid. In addition, the expressions of IL-1β and other proteins in DEX group and curcumin nanoparticles+DEX group were significantly decreased with the latter showing lower expressions (P <0.05). Curcumin nanoparticles combined with DEX can reduce the secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α and inhibit activation and expression of MMP by inhibiting NF-κB pathway, therefore exerting anti-inflammation and analgesia effects. DEX can reduce the body’s sensitivity to adrenaline, reduce the body’s pain response, and inhibit the peripheral release of inflammatory factors. The combination of these two can help protect cartilage and prevent joint degeneration to delay the progression of PTOA.