Pelubiprofen and Shinbaro: a therapeutic approach for osteoarthritis in a murine medial meniscus destabilization model.

INTRODUCTION

Current osteoarthritis treatments can cause serious long-term side effects, and Shinbaro capsules have limited efficacy when used alone. We aimed to determine whether combining pelubiprofen and Shinbaro capsules could offer a more effective and safer treatment strategy for osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Primary chondrocytes treated with interleukin-1β were assessed under different conditions: Shinbaro capsules (200 μg/mL), pelubiprofen (25/50 µM), and Shinbaro capsules + pelubiprofen (200 μg/mL and 25 μM, respectively). Male C57BL/6 mice underwent medial meniscus destabilization surgery to induce osteoarthritis and were treated five times a week for 8 weeks with either a vehicle control (saline), Shinbaro capsules alone (100 mg/kg), pelubiprofen alone (1.5/4.5 mg/kg), or Shinbaro capsules + pelubiprofen (100 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg, respectively).

RESULTS

Shinbaro capsules + pelubiprofen significantly improved cell viability, inhibited nitric oxide production and lactate dehydrogenase activity, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production more effectively than the individual treatments. Alcian blue staining showed a notable increase in expression intensity with Shinbaro capsules + pelubiprofen. In treated mice, combination treatment significantly reduced the hyaline cartilage/calcified cartilage ratio and synovitis scores, improved the Osteoarthritis Research Society International scores and subchondral bone plate thickness, and enhanced collagen regeneration. Key markers of healthy cartilage and growth plate activity were significantly upregulated, whereas markers involved in cartilage matrix degradation were markedly reduced with Shinbaro capsules + pelubiprofen. Behavioral tests showed significant improvements in pain sensitivity and joint function with combination treatment.

DISCUSSION: Shinbaro capsules + pelubiprofen effectively preserve chondrocytes, reduce inflammation, and alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms through synergistic mechanisms, making it a promising therapeutic strategy for osteoarthritis management.