Melittin Treats Periprosthetic Osteolysis in a Rat Model by Inhibiting the NF-kB Pathway and Regulating the Ratio of RANKL/OPG

Aseptic loosening around the prosthesis is a common cause of failure in total joint arthroplasty. Periprosthetic osteolysis, which is usually caused by polyethylene wear particles, triggers the release of inflammatory factors by macrophages. Key mediators involved in osteoclastogenesis include interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), receptor activator of NF-kB (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), and bone protection hormone (OPG). The purpose of our experiment was to see whether melittin can slow down the release of inflammatory mediators through the NF-kB pathway, regulate the RANKL/OPG ratio, reduce osteoclast formation, and delay the onset of arthritis in rats.
Source: The Journal of Arthroplasty - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research