Researcher(s)
- Chloe Kappen, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Xin Lucas Lu, Mechnical Engineering, University of Delaware
Abstract
Introduction: Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4’-trihydroxystilbene) is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in common dietary sources such as red grapes, blueberries, and peanuts. It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer properties in various preclinical models. In recent years, resveratrol has attracted increasing interest as a potential therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis (OA). Although several clinical studies have reported its efficacy in alleviating OA symptoms, further investigation is needed to fully evaluate its safety profile, long-term therapeutic effects, and underlying mechanisms of action. In OA pathogenesis, subchondral bone plays a critical role by providing mechanical support to the overlying articular cartilage. Structural and functional changes in the subchondral bone can disrupt joint biomechanics and contribute to cartilage degeneration. This project aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying resveratrol’s chondroprotective effects during OA initiation and progression, with a particular focus on subchondral bone remodeling and its role in the osteochondral unit.
Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) underwent anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) surgery to create an OA model and were treated by 1 mM resveratrol for 8 weeks. The intra-articular injections were performed weekly. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) was used to examine the subchondral bone at the end of the 8-week treatment.
Results: Sham-operated and ACLT rats were treated with either vehicle or 1mM resveratrol (n=6 per group). All samples were scanned using Scanco μCT. The tibial subchondral bone plate and subchondral trabecular bone were selected and automatically segmented for CT analysis. Resveratrol treatment shows a beneficial effect on subchondral bone by slightly reducing the porosity of the bone plate.
Significance: The findings of this study can provide insight into the use of resveratrol as a novel, disease-modifying therapy that go beyond symptom control to preserve joint structure and function.