Nano-Theraputic Approach for the Osteoarthritis: An Overview.

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease involving chronic pain and inflammation of joints culminating in joint immobility. The increase in the aging population and obesity have contributed to the rise in osteoarthritic patients. The disease is characterized by gradual erosion of articular cartilage with loss of collagen type II and proteoglycans attributed to pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and proteolytic enzymes. Presently, there are no therapies to curb or reverse osteoarthritis progression. The avascular nature of cartilage causing poor drug penetration and retention coupled with rapid synovial clearance compromises the efficacy of conventional intraarticular injections. There is an urgent need to develop novel therapies that can address the disease on multiple fronts and enhance patient quality of life. This review showcases the incredible potential of nanoparticles in the management of osteoarthritis. The commonly used drugs for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of OA have limitations such as low bioavailability, shorthalf-life, poor targeting, and high systemic toxicity. With the application of nanomaterials and intelligent nanomedicines, novel nanotherapeutic strategies have shown more specific targeting, prolonged half-life, refined bioavailability, and reduced systemic toxicity, compared to the existing medications. In this review, we summarized the recent advancements in new nanotherapeutic strategies for OA and provided suggestions for improving the treatment of OA.