The mechanism of italicXibining/italic（膝痹宁） Ⅱ in ameliorating knee osteoarthritis through regulation of synovial macrophage polarization via the STAT6/PPAR- signaling pathway

Key Points

• The research aims to explore the protective mechanism of Xibining II in treating knee osteoarthritis through the regulation of synovial macrophage polarization via the STAT6/PPAR-γ signaling pathway.
• 40 SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups.
• Joint pain threshold, swelling rate, mobility, and gait scores were measured.
• Tissue staining and flow cytometry assessed macrophage polarization and morphology.
• ELISA quantified levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α).
• qPCR and western blot analyzed expression of STAT6/PPAR-γ pathway proteins and mRNA.
• Xibining II improved cartilage and synovial tissue morphology compared to the control group.
• Mobility and M2 macrophage levels were significantly increased, along with higher STAT6/PPAR-γ pathway activity.
• Joint swelling, gait scores, and inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly reduced.
• Higher doses of Xibining II showed stronger effects on these outcomes.
• GW9662 diminished the positive effects of Xibining II on knee osteoarthritis symptoms.