Chondrocyte-Targeted Nanoparticles Loaded with <i>N</i>-Acetylcysteine Protect Articular Cartilage and Attenuate Osteoarthritis by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Glutathione Maintenance.

ABSTRACT: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation. Abnormal mechanical loading exacerbates intracellular ROS accumulation and glutathione (GSH) depletion. While N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has potent antioxidant properties, its therapeutic potential in OA is limited by rapid degradation and poor intraarticular retention. In this study, chondrocyte-targeted, chondroitin sulfate (CS)-modified PLGA nanoparticles (CS-NAC-NPs) is developed for sustained and localized delivery of NAC. These nanoparticles exhibit excellent physical and chemical properties, biocompatibility, and chondrocyte targeting capabilities. In vitro, CS-NAC-NPs attenuated mechanical stress-induced ROS accumulation, preserved mitochondrial integrity, restored GSH levels, and suppres

SUBMITTER: Wang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12798779 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature