Osteoarthritis is one of the most common degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system and is characterized not only by cartilage degradation but also by chronic low-grade inflammation. Increasing evidence indicates that inflammatory mechanisms play a key role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. In this context, C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered an important biochemical marker for the objective assessment of systemic inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in CRP levels in the blood of rats with experimental osteoarthritis under the influence of Naphthalan oil-based therapies, including Naphthalan oil and White Naphthalan oil. Artra ointment containing chondroitin sulfate was used as a comparative treatment. The results demonstrated that experimental osteoarthritis was associated with a progressive increase in CRP levels, reflecting the activation of inflammatory processes. Treatment with Naphthalan oil, White Naphthalan oil, and Artra ointment led to a reduction in CRP concentrations compared with untreated animals. The most pronounced decrease in CRP levels was observed in the group treated with White Naphthalan oil, whereas Naphthalan oil and Artra ointment also demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects. In conclusion, the findings suggest that Naphthalan oil-based therapies and Artra ointment are effective in reducing systemic inflammation in experimental osteoarthritis. White Naphthalan oil showed the most consistent reduction of CRP levels, highlighting its potential therapeutic value. The results also confirm the importance of CRP as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in osteoarthritis.
A.I. Farajova (Wed,) studied this question.