S-propargyl-cysteine attenuates temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis by regulating macrophage polarization via Inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling

作者：Wenyi Cai, Antong Wu, Zhongxiao Lin, Wei Cao, Janak L. Pathak, Richard T. Jaspers, Rui Li, Xin Li, Kun Zheng, Yufu Lin, Na Zhou, Xin Zhang, Yi Zhun Zhu, Qingbin Zhang · 发表于：Molecular Medicine · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1186/s10020-025-01186-6 · 被引用次数：23 · 研究领域：Osteoarthritis Treatment and Mechanisms、Temporomandibular Joint Disorders、Sulfur Compounds in Biology

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) is a disease characterized by cartilage degradation and synovial inflammation, with limited effective treatment currently. Synovial macrophage polarization is pivotal in TMJ-OA progression, making it a promising therapeutic aspect. This study investigated the effects of S-propargyl-cysteine (SPRC), an endogenous H2S donor, on macrophage polarization and its therapeutic potential in alleviating TMJ-OA. METHODS: A MIA-induced TMJ-OA rat model and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were employed to evaluate the effects of SPRC in vivo and in vitro. TMJ bone and cartilage were analyzed via micro-CT and histological methods, while macrophage polarization markers expression were assessed via RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. RNA sequencing was performed on macrophages, and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway was validated using the JAK2-specific inhibitor AG490. The direct effects of SPRC on rat primary condylar chondrocytes were examined by evaluating ECM synthesis and degradation. Co-culture experiments further assessed macrophage-chondrocyte interactions. RESULTS: SPRC significantly alleviated cartilage and bone damage in the TMJ-OA rat model, as demonstrated by improved bone volume and cartilage structure. SPRC reduced pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage infiltration and enhanced anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization. SPRC effectively inhibited the JAK2/STAT3, leading to reduction of inflammatory markers, ...