Photobiomodulation mitigates chondrocyte catabolism in osteoarthritis by modulating macrophage M1 polarization through the IL-6/JAK/STAT pathway.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage destruction and synovial inflammation, with macrophage-mediated immune dysregulation playing a pivotal role. Photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive light therapy, has shown promise in alleviating OA by modulating macrophage polarization. However, the precise underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

We integrated single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify key cellular players and pathways in OA. The functional effects of PBM were assessed in vitro using ATDC5 chondrogenic cell and macrophage co-cultures, and in vivo using the DMM-induced OA murine model with macrophage depletion and PBM intervention.

SUBMITTER: Wang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12729256 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature