miR‐144‐3p ameliorates the progression of osteoarthritis by targeting IL‐1β: Potential therapeutic implications

Abstract The pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β) plays a critical role in osteoarthritis (OA) disease pathogenesis. MicroRNA (miRNA) activity is related to inflammation in OA and some miRNAs specifically regulate IL‐mediated degradation of cartilage type II collagen. Previous studies have indicated that miR‐144‐3p is a useful target in the regulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in different diseases. However, the role of miR‐144‐3p in OA is unclear. In this study, we observed a negative correlation between miR‐144‐3p and IL‐1β expression in OA. miR‐144‐3p mimic transfection of OA synovial fibroblasts downregulated levels of IL‐1β expression, while blocking the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF‐κB signaling pathways relating to IL‐1β production, and effectively increased miR‐144‐3p expression in OASFs. Findings from an anterior cruciate ligament transection rat model revealed that administration of miR‐144‐3p mimic effectively ameliorated OA progression and reduced the numbers of IL‐1β‐positive cells in synovial tissue. This study suggests that miR‐144‐3p is a useful therapeutic target in OA disease.