Cartilage organoids bridging bench to bedside: A steroid-free strategy for early osteoarthritis repair.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative joint disease, characterized by progressive cartilage loss, chronic inflammation, and functional decline. Current intra-articular therapies, most notably corticosteroids, provide transient pain relief but accelerate cartilage catabolism upon repeated administration. A critical need remains for steroid-free interventions that can simultaneously suppress inflammation and promote cartilage regeneration.

Methods

We developed a translational strategy integrating sinomenine, a natural alkaloid with immunomodulatory properties, into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived cartilage organoids. The anti-inflammatory and pro-chondrogenic effects of sinomenine were evaluated under lipopolysaccharide-induced stre

SUBMITTER: Zhang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12813310 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature