Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degeneration, remodeling of the subchondral bone, and chronic inflammation. Current treatments are unable to address the fundamental mechanisms of the disease. In this study, a CaCO₃-coated ZIF-8 composite molybdenum nanozyme (CaCO₃@ZIF-8@Mo-TA) was constructed. This nanomaterial was characterized using various techniques, and its therapeutic potential was investigated in a rat model of osteoarthritis. The study found that this nanozyme can exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating key signaling pathways, providing a new potential strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Research Background
Osteoarthritis, as a common degenerative joint disease, has core pathological features involving cartilage degeneration, remodeling of the subchondral bone structure, and persistent chronic inflammatory responses. The existing treatment methods mostly focus on symptom relief but fail to intervene in the fundamental mechanisms of disease occurrence and development. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new treatment methods that can target and regulate the pathological processes. Main Content
This study focused on the pathological mechanism of osteoarthritis and designed and prepared CaCO₃@ZIF-8@Mo-TA composite nanoenzymes. Systematic material characterization and in vivo therapeutic efficacy verification were carried out. The structural characteristics of the nanomaterials were clearly identified through various techniques, and their effects and molecular mechanisms in the osteoarthritis model were explored, with a particular emphasis on regulating the bone microenvironment, inhibiting inflammation, and protecting cartilage.
Research Design
Firstly, CaCO₃@ZIF-8@Mo-TA composite nanoenzymes were prepared. The structure and properties of the nanomaterials were characterized using techniques such as transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Subsequently, a rat model of osteoarthritis was constructed, and the nanoenzyme was administered via intra-articular injection to observe its impact on the health status of the joint tissue. Finally, through mechanism exploration, the key signaling pathways and core biological effects by which the nanoenzyme functions were clarified. Result
The results of in vivo experiments show that this composite nanoenzyme can effectively improve joint health, alleviate local inflammatory responses in the joints, and provide protection for the cartilage tissue. Mechanism studies have confirmed that its core function stems from the regulation of key signaling pathways, including the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby exerting dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and achieving intervention in the pathological process of osteoarthritis.
Thought extension
Based on MOF materials, nanoenzymes with unique structural and functional advantages have shown significant potential in the regulation of bone microenvironments. This research provides a new perspective for the treatment of degenerative joint diseases. Further optimization of the structure of nano materials and analysis of their mechanism of action can be further explored to provide more experimental support for basic research on related diseases.
Original source:
Authors: Bing Tan, Yuhao Zheng, Jie Hao, Qiyuan Yang, Xiao Luo, Qin Li, Xiaoyan Zhang, Jianyuan Ouyang, Jisheng Wang, Zhenming Hu. Publication Date: January 1, 2025. DOI: 10.1007/s42114-025-01219-y. Journal: Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials.