Activation of adenosine A3 receptor attenuates progression of osteoarthritis through inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD induced signalling

The specific adenosine A3 receptor (A3AR) agonist (CF101) has potential for inflammation and pain in various disease, such as arthritis, cancer and neuropathic pain, while the role of A3AR in post-traumatic OA and the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. CF101 was orally administrated in OA rats induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) surgery, and the rat primary chondrocytes were stimulated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 300 mu M). Histologic grading system was performed for detecting cartilage degeneration and immunohistochemistry for determining pyroptosis. The moleculars associated with cartilage homeostasis and inflammatory cytokines were analysed; moreover, the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome was determined. CF101 treatment significantly attenuated OA cartilage damage, OA-related pain and cartilage pyroptosis. Chondrocytes stimulated by H2O2 evoked ROS release, thereby promoting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and facilitating the cleavage of GSDMD, which ultimately resulted in the mass release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1 beta and IL-18, and production of matrix hydrolase. The pre-treatment with CF101 powerfully inhibited the above process both in vivo and in vitro. Our findings demonstrated that activation of A3AR attenuates OA progression and relieves pain perception through suppression of cartilage degradation and inhibition of ROS/NLRP3/GSDMD signalling, indicating pyroptosis is a potential candidate for OA treatment.