Anti-Inflammatory Strategies in Osteoarthritis Management

Osteoarthritis is increasingly recognised as a disease driven by low-grade inflammation super-imposed on mechanical and metabolic factors. Anti-inflammatory strategies in osteoarthritis management encompass pharmacological, biological and biomaterial approaches aimed at interrupting pro-inflammatory cascades, preserving cartilage integrity and alleviating pain. Conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and intra-articular corticosteroids remain mainstays for symptom relief, but concerns over systemic toxicity and limited disease-modifying potential have spurred interest in novel therapies. These include selective cytokine inhibitors targeting interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α, small-molecule modulators of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and nutraceutical compounds such as curcumin or pterostilbene with anti-oxidant and anti-catabolic properties. Localised delivery platforms—hydrogels, liposomes and microparticles—seek to enhance retention of active agents within the joint space, while cell-based approaches using mesenchymal stem cells or their exosomes aim to harness immunomodulatory and regenerative capacities. Together, these strategies reflect a shift towards precision targeting of inflammatory drivers in osteoarthritis, with the goal of not only relieving symptoms but also slowing disease progression and preserving joint function.

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Anti-Inflammatory Strategies in Osteoarthritis Management publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in anti-inflammatory strategies in osteoarthritis management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Chondrocyte: The specialised cell in articular cartilage responsible for maintaining extracellular matrix homeostasis.

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β): A pro-inflammatory cytokine central to cartilage breakdown and synovial inflammation in osteoarthritis.

NF-κB: A transcription factor complex that regulates expression of genes involved in inflammation, immune responses and cell survival.

Hydrogel: A three-dimensional, water-rich polymer network used as a scaffold for sustained delivery of therapeutic agents within joints.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC): A multipotent progenitor cell capable of differentiating into chondrocytes and exerting immunomodulatory effects in the joint environment.

References

1. Oral resveratrol in adults with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized placebo-controlled trial (ARTHROL). PLOS Medicine (2024).
2. Effectiveness of gellan gum scaffolds loaded with Boswellia serrata extract for in-situ modulation of pro-inflammatory pathways affecting cartilage healing. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (2024).
3. Pterostilbene inhibits inflammation and ROS production in chondrocytes by activating Nrf2 pathway. Oncotarget (2017).