Treatment of OA using glucocorticoids and hyaluronic acid

In osteoarthritis (OA), an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic factors occurs and affects the whole joint. The dysregulation leads to the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, not only affecting the chondrocytes in the cartilage but also the cells of the synovial membrane and thus play a central role in the progression of OA. Various non-pharmacological, pharmacological, or intra-articular therapies can be used to treat OA. The most common is the intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid, alone or in combination with other substances, e.g. Corticosteroids. These substances are incorporated into the joint to control inflammation and pain. Within this project our goal is to investigate the treatment of osteoarthritis with glucocorticoids and hyaluronic acid by using different in vitro models. In addition to the 2D culture, a specially developed co-culture inflammation model, as well as an explant model in a tribometer will be used. On the one hand, new insights into the anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of the substances are provided. On the other hand, new findings of inflammatory processes should serve further developing existing therapeutics. Also, by using the tribometer in the explant culture, the tribological properties of the substances, alone or in combination, can be demonstrated. This could promote new developments of viscosupplementation products with improved disease modulating effects.

Cooperation partner

• Anika Therapeutics