The Combination of Glucocorticoids and Hyaluronic Acid Enhances Efficacy in IL-1β/IL-17-Treated Bovine Osteochondral Grafts Compared with Individual Application

Christoph Bauer; Lukas B Moser; Daniela Kern; Vivek Jeyakumar; Stefan Nehrer

doi:10.3390/ijms241814338

The Combination of Glucocorticoids and Hyaluronic Acid Enhances Efficacy in IL-1β/IL-17-Treated Bovine Osteochondral Grafts Compared with Individual Application

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Sep 20;24(18):14338. doi: 10.3390/ijms241814338.

Authors

Christoph Bauer¹, Lukas B Moser², Daniela Kern¹, Vivek Jeyakumar¹, Stefan Nehrer¹

Affiliations

¹ Center for Regenerative Medicine, University for Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria.
² Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria.

Abstract

Patients with knee osteoarthritis often receive glucocorticoid (GC) or hyaluronic acid (HA) injections to alleviate symptoms. This study evaluated the impact of Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (a GC), HA, and a combination of both on bovine osteochondral grafts exposed to IL-1β and IL-17 in an ex vivo culture. Metabolic activity increased with GC treatment. GCs and GCs/HA counteracted cytokine effects, with gene expressions similar to untreated controls, while HA alone did not. However, HA improved the coefficient of friction after two weeks. The highest friction values were observed in GC-containing and cytokine-treated groups. Cytokine treatment reduced tissue proteoglycan content, which HA could mitigate, especially in the GC/HA combination. This combo also effectively controlled proteoglycan release, supported by reduced sGAG release. Cytokine treatment led to surface cell death, while GCs, HA, or their combination showed protective effects against inflammation. The GC/HA combination had the best overall results, suggesting its potential as a superior treatment option for osteoarthritis.

Keywords: IL-17; IL-1β; biotribology; glucocorticoid; hyaluronic acid; osteoarthritis; osteochondral graft.

Grants and funding

This work was funded by Anika Therapeutics Inc. and has been carried out within the University of Continuing Education Krems. Open Access Funding by the University for Continuing Education Krems.