Summary

Micellated Curcumin affected the cartilage regeneration process in the rat osteochondral defect model and caused the formation of healthy cartilage in the hyaline cartilage structure, both histologically, immunohistochemically and morphologically.

Abstract

Purpose

Articular cartilage injuries are common. When articular cartilage is damaged, it is not possible to fully recover its structure, function and biomechanical consumption without proper treatment. The natural healing process of osteochondral defects is typically by the type I collagen in the form of fibrocartilage instead of normal type II collagen of hyaline cartilage. Fibrocartilage has poorer performance in terms of elasticity, durability and wear properties and is therefore prone to the progression of arthritis. The main goal of treating osteochondral defects is to reconstruct its surface with hyaline cartilage and reduce the risk of progressive arthritic changes.
Curcumin is the main polyphenol obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma Longa (Turmeric). Curcumin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have a critical role, especially in cartilage regeneration. In this way, oral Curcumin treatment may contribute to the healing of cartilage tissue in acute cartilage injuries.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate cartilage healing with micellized Curcumin treatment in full-thickness osteochondral defects in the rats distal femur intercondylar regions of the knees.

Materials And Methods

Full-thickness osteochondral defects were created in the all 32 rats distal femoral intercondylar regions. Group 1 and Group 2 were given 250 mg/kg micellized liquid form of Curcumin every day by oral gavage. Group 3 and Group 4 (Control groups) were given 250 mg/kg distilled water every day by oral gavage. Group 1 and Group 3 were sacrificed after 30 days, Group 2 and Group 4 were sacrificed after 90 days and evaluated.

Results

The macroscopic evaluation revealed that the total ICRS macroscopic score increased significantly in the Group 1 and Group 2, and the highest mean total ICRS score was detected, especially in the Group 2 (P = 0.0195).
When the parameters of the ICRS histological grading system are examined according to groups; Group 2 was determint to be signigicantly higher than the control groups on cartilage surface property (P=0.0016), cartilage matrix structure (P=0.0047), chondrocyte distribution (P<0.0001), chondrocyte population viability (P=0.0016), subchondral bone property (P=0.0006), cartilage mineralization (P=0.0002) and tidemark continuity (P=0.006).
In the immunohistochemical evaluations; It was determined that the highest SOX9 immunoreactivity was in the Group 2 (P=0.0013). It was determined that the highest COL II immunoreactivity was in the group receiving Group 2 (P<0.0001). Aggrecan immunoreactivity was found to be significantly increased in Group 1 and Group 2 (P=0.0107).

Conclusion

Micellated Curcumin affected the cartilage regeneration process in the rat osteochondral defect model and caused the formation of healthy cartilage in the hyaline cartilage structure, both histologically, immunohistochemically and morphologically. Micellated Curcumin treatment is a cheap, easy to use treatment method that can be used orally. It can be used in addition to surgery as an auxiliary treatment method. It can be used in patients receiving conservative treatment. In this context, as a result of our study, micellized Curcumin may be a substance that can be used in the treatment of osteochondral injuries and can provide healing with healthy hyaline cartilage in the cartilage.