Molecular targets in arthritis and recent trends in nanotherapy

Abstract

Due to its severity and increasing epidemiology, arthritis needs no description. There are various forms of arthritis most of which are disabling, very painful, and common. In spite of breakthroughs in the field of drug discovery, there is no cure for arthritis that can eliminate the disease permanently and ease the pain. The present review focuses on some of the most successful drugs in arthritis therapy and their side effects. Potential new targets in arthritis therapy such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-17A, tumor necrosis factor alpha, osteopontin, and several others have been discussed here, which can lead to refinement of current therapeutic modalities. Mechanisms for different forms of arthritis have been discussed along with the molecules that act as potential biomarkers for arthritis. Due to the difficulty in monitoring the disease progression to detect the advanced manifestations of the diseases, drug-induced cytotoxicity, and problems with drug delivery; nanoparticle therapy has gained the attention of the researchers. The unique properties of nanoparticles make them highly attractive for the design of novel therapeutics or diagnostic agents for arthritis. The review also focuses on the recent trends in nanoformulation development used for arthritis therapy. This review is, therefore, important because it describes the relevance and need for more arthritis research, it brings forth a critical discussion of successful drugs in arthritis and analyses the key molecular targets. The review also identifies several knowledge gaps in the published research so far along with the proposal of new ideas and future directions in arthritis therapy.

Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Aptamer Treatment Attenuates Collagen-Induced Arthritis

“…A study in rats showed that chitosan/hyaluronic acid gel injections delay the progression of osteoarthritis and lessen the pain in surgically induced knee osteoarthritis model in rats. These results support other published results, indicating an ameliorative effect of chitosan on human and rabbit osteoarthritis …”

“…Some of the drugs also made it to clinical trials, including aptamer−lipid NPs. 17,18 So far, carbohydrate NPs, such as those studied in this project, have shown low toxicity and high bioavailability. 19 Hyaluronic acid, a component of our aptamer NP (AN), is being used daily as an intra-articular injection in osteoarthritis with systemic distribution.…”

“…These delivery systems have shown a promising effect in in vivo models of RA. Some of the drugs also made it to clinical trials, including aptamer–lipid NPs. , So far, carbohydrate NPs, such as those studied in this project, have shown low toxicity and high bioavailability …”

“…Hyaluronic acid, a component of our aptamer NP (AN), is being used daily as an intra-articular injection in osteoarthritis with systemic distribution. The efficacy of hyaluronic acid is debatable, but it is very well tolerated . In addition, chitosan is a commonly used dietary supplement.…”

Multiscale bone quality analysis in osteoarthritic knee joints reveal a role of the mechanosensory osteocyte network in osteophytes

“…Current pathophysiological concepts acknowledge OA as a disease of the whole joint. Changes in the subchondral bone are a hallmark in the progression of OA and bone formation is locally imbalanced leading to the growth of osteophytes 9,10 . In OA, osteophyte formation is of clinical significance: Later stage osteophytes are suggested as a source of pain.…”