Hybrid composites with magnesium-containing glycosaminoglycans as a chondroconducive matrix for osteoarthritic cartilage repair

The alteration of the extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis plays an important role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). The pathological changes of OA are mainly manifested in the large reduction of components in ECM, like type II collagen and aggrecan, especially hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate and often accompanied by inflammation. Rebuilding ECM and inhibiting inflammation may reverse OA progression. In this work, we developed new magnesium-containing glycosaminoglycans (Mg-GAGs), to create a positive ECM condition for promoting cartilage regeneration and alleviating OA. In vitro results suggested that the intro-duction of Mg-GAGs contributed to promoting chondrocyte proliferation and facilitated upregulating chondro-genic genes and suppressed inflammation-related factors. Moreover, Mg-GAGs exhibited positive effects on suppressing synovial inflammation, reducing chondrocyte apoptosis and preserving the subchondral bone in the ACLT-induced OA rabbit model. This study provides new insight into ECM-based therapeutic strategy and opens a new avenue for the development of novel OA treatment.

Automated summary

The alteration of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis is crucial in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). This study developed magnesium-containing glycosaminoglycans (Mg-GAGs) to improve ECM conditions, promote cartilage regeneration, and alleviate OA. The results showed positive effects of Mg-GAGs on chondrocyte proliferation, upregulating chondrogenic genes, suppressing inflammation, and protecting subchondral bone in an OA rabbit model. This study provides new insights into ECM-based therapies and novel approaches for OA treatment.