2024, Vol. 12, Issue 4, Part B

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions worldwide, and current treatments carry risks of long-term side effects. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol, shows promise as a safer alternative due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its low bioavailability limits its clinical application. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effects of curcumin nanoparticles on induced osteoarthritis in rats. The research was conducted at the animal house of the Faculty of Science, Kufa University, Iraq, over a specified experimental period. The study employed a randomized controlled trial design with six groups of rats, including a negative control, a positive control (MIA-induced osteoarthritis), and four treatment groups receiving chitosan, curcumin-loaded chitosan (two doses), or ibuprofen. The treatments were administered orally for 21 days, starting 7 days’ post-induction. The nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Zeta potential measurements. The results demonstrated that curcumin nanoparticles, particularly at a higher dose (300 mg/kg), significantly increased glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the positive control group. This indicates enhanced antioxidant capacity and reduced oxidative stress in rats with osteoarthritis. Ibuprofen showed less pronounced effects compared to the higher dose of curcumin nanoparticles. The study concludes that curcumin nanoparticles have the potential to be a therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis by alleviating oxidative stress and enhancing the body's antioxidant defenses. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and clinical applications.