PPAR γ activation in chondrocytes alleviates glucocorticoid-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, and pyroptosis via autophagic flow enhancement

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive age-related disease characterised by pathological changes in the synovium, articular cartilage, and subchondral bone, significantly reducing the patients' quality of life. This study investigated the role of glucocorticoids, specifically dexamethasone, in OA progression, with a particular focus on their effects on chondrocytes. Although glucocorticoids are commonly used for OA pain relief, our research demonstrated that high concentrations of dexamethasone may accelerate OA progression by enhancing the ability of reactive oxygen species to inhibit chondrocyte autophagy, resulting in cell death and accelerated cartilage degeneration. Despite reports on the acceleration of pathogenesis and cartilage damage in some patients of OA taking corticosteroids, the mechanism behind the same has not been investigated. This necessitates an investigation of the concentration-dependent changes in the cartilage cells upon dexamethasone administration. In addition, the protective effect of PPAR γ on chondrocytes can prevent the decrease in chondrocyte autophagy and delay cartilage degeneration. Therefore, our study suggests that the therapeutic use of glucocorticoids in OA treatment should be more nuanced considering their potential detrimental effects. Future investigations should focus on the mechanisms underlying the glucocorticoid-mediated modulation of cell death processes, which could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for OA treatment.