Intra-articular Treatment with Triamcinolone Hexacetonide Associated with Gold Nanoparticles Reduces Cartilage Degeneration in an Animal Model of Osteoarthritis

Introduction: The association between triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) represents a promising treatment due to the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of these compounds. In this study, we evaluated the effects of intra-articular treatment of TH associated with GNPs in a mechanical model of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Fifty Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Sham; OA; OA+TH; OA+GNPs; OA+TH-GNPs. Both applications were performed 30 and 60 days after the model was induced. After 30 days of the last application, the animals were euthanized. Results: Only the combined treatment with TH and GNPs promoted a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. The OA+TH-GNPs group obtained a significant reduction in the production of oxidants and oxidative damage markers while an increase in antioxidants. Histologically, all treated groups showed results of a significant increase in cartilage thickness and chondrocyte count, the OA+TH-GNPs group had similar behavior to the group without osteoarthritis, with significantly smaller amounts of chondrocytes than the OA group. Conclusion: The intra-articular use of TH associated with GNPs may be able to prevent the progression of the pathology and minimize joint degradation.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effects of intra-articular treatment of triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) associated with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in osteoarthritis. The results showed that the combined treatment with TH and GNPs can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, increase anti-inflammatory cytokines, improve oxidative damage in joints, and increase antioxidant levels. Additionally, the combination therapy also increases cartilage thickness and chondrocyte count, preventing the progression of the disease.