NLRP3 inflammasome activation in response to metals.

Implant surgery is followed by a series of inflammatory reactions that directly affect its postoperative results. The inflammasome plays a vital role in the inflammatory response by inducing pyroptosis and producing interleukin-1ß, which plays a critical role in inflammation and tissue damage. Therefore, it is essential to study the activation of the inflammasome in the bone healing process after implant surgery. As metals are the primary implant materials, metal-induced local inflammatory reactions have received significant attention, and there has been more and more research on the activation of the NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor protein-3) inflammasome caused by these metals. In this review, we consolidate the basic knowledge on the NLRP3 inflammasome structures, the present knowledge on the mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and the studies of metal-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Bergapten exerts a chondroprotective effect in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis by combining intestinal flora alteration and reactive oxygen species reduction.

Bergapten, a furanocoumarin naturally occurring in bergamot essential oil, has been demonstrated to have the potential to alleviate osteoarthritis-related symptoms via its anti-inflammatory activity. Although its systemic bioavailability is limited, its precise mechanisms of action and effects on temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) and its relationship with the intestinal flora remain unclear. Here, we explored the anti-TMJOA effect of BGT combined with the interleukin-1ß-induced inflammatory response of chondrocytes in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced TMJOA rat model. It was confirmed that BGT effectively reduced proinflammatory mediators and increased type II collagen, bone volume, and trabecular number of condyles in TMJOA rats. Importantly, the oral administration of BGT altered the intestinal flora of rats by increasing the relative abundances of nine prebiotic species and decreasing the relative abundance of one potential species. In addition, BGT considerably reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by suppressing glutathione, oxidized glutathione, and superoxide dismutase in the serum and malondialdehyde in urine. These results suggest that BGT exerts a chondroprotective effect, most likely by improving the intestinal flora and reducing ROS production associated with TMJOA in rats. This finding indicates a novel beneficial effect of BGT on the prevention and treatment of TMJOA.

Hydrogels for Treatment of Different Degrees of Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that severely restricts human activities and degrades the quality of life. Every year, millions of people worldwide are diagnosed with osteoarthritis, placing a heavy burden on society. Hydrogels, a polymeric material with good biocompatibility and biodegradability, are a novel approach for the treatment of osteoarthritis. In recent years, this approach has been widely studied with the development of materials science and tissue engineering technology. We reviewed the research progress of hydrogels in the treatment of osteoarthritis in the past 3 years. We summarized the required hydrogel properties and current applications according to the development and treatment of osteoarthritis. Furthermore, we listed the challenges of hydrogels for different types of osteoarthritis and presented prospects for future development.