Antioxidant PDA-PEG nanoparticles alleviate early osteoarthritis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and angiogenesis in subchondral bone

Accumulating evidence suggests that osteoclastogenesis and angiogenesis in subchondral bone are critical destructive factors in the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Herein, methoxypolyethylene glycol amine (mPEG-NH(2)) modified polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA-PEG NPs) were synthesized for treating early OA. The cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability of PDA-PEG NPs were evaluated. The effects of PDA-PEG NPs on osteoclast differentiation and vessel formation were then evaluated. Further, PDA-PEG NPs were administrated to anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-induced OA mice. Results demonstrated that PDA-PEG NPs had low toxicity both in vitro and in vivo. PDA-PEG NPs could inhibit osteoclastogenesis via regulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Moreover, PDA-PEG NPs suppressed osteoclast-related angiogenesis via down-regulating platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). In vivo, PDA-PEG NPs inhibited subchondral bone resorption and angiogenesis, further rescuing cartilage degradation in OA mice. In conclusion, we demonstrated that PDA-PEG NPs deployment could be a potential therapy for OA. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01697-y.