Abstract
Inflammation of the synovium and joint capsule is a main driver of pain in an osteoarthritic (OA) joint. Triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) is a classical corticosteroid that reduces synovitis and alleviates pain, albeit transiently. Biomaterial-based local TAA release may prolong the suppression of pain without the need for multiple injections. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) formulations of TAA prolong OA pain relief to a limited extent. A novel polyesteramide (PEA) microsphere platform allows for extended release in the OA joint for over 3 months. To evaluate their effect on pain and inflammation, TAA-loaded microspheres were intra-articularly delivered to the knee joint in a rat model of acute arthritis induced by intra-articular injection of streptococcal cell wall peptidoglycan-polysaccharide (PGPS) and subsequent flare-ups by intravenous PGPS injections. PEA-loaded microspheres were benchmarked with TAA-loaded PLGA microspheres and bolus TAA injection. TAA treatments were injected intra-articularly before the first induced flare-up. TAA-loaded PEA and PLGA microspheres reduced joint swelling and signs of pain-like behavior over the entire study period, as assessed by weight bearing and referred mechanical hypersensitivity, whereas bolus suspension was effective for a shorter time period. TAA-loaded PEA microspheres reduced lameness to a greater extent than TAA-loaded PLGA microspheres. In conclusion, a single intra-articular injection of TAA-loaded PEA microspheres reduced joint swelling and induced longer pain relief compared to bolus injection. Hence relief of inflammation and pain by PEA-based delivery of TAA may prove to be effective and durable.
Highlights
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting people worldwide, with rising prevalence (March et al, 2014)
To evaluate their effect on pain and inflammation, Triamcinolone acetonide (TAA)-loaded microspheres were intra-articularly delivered to the knee joint in a rat model of acute arthritis induced by intraarticular injection of streptococcal cell wall peptidoglycan-polysaccharide (PGPS) and subsequent flare-ups by intravenous PGPS injections
TAA loading of Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-loaded microspheres resulted in 23 wt% TAA and for PEA-loaded microspheres in 28 wt% TAA
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting people worldwide, with rising prevalence (March et al, 2014). This degenerative joint disease is characterized by cartilage breakdown, fibrotic changes to the joint capsule, bony changes, and inflammation of the synovial membrane (Samuels et al, 2008). These phenomena result in pain and reduced mobility, thereby negatively affecting the quality of life in OA patients. An important treatment strategy in OA patients
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have