Semaglutide alleviates osteoarthritis independent of weight loss via GLP-1R-mediated activation of autophagy through AKT/mTOR inhibition
Abstract
Objective: The development of osteoarthritis (OA) is closely associated with systemic metabolic disorders, yet there remains a lack of disease-modifying therapeutic strategies that simultaneously target metabolic abnormalities and inflammatory responses. This study aims to systematically evaluate the therapeutic potential of semaglutide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist used for diabetes management, in OA and to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms.
Methods: We utilized a zebrafish cartilage injury repair model to screen and assess the impact of several hypoglycemic drugs on cartilage regeneration. OA was induced in C57BL/6 mice by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. Using systemic Glp-1r knockout mice, we systematically evaluated the effects of semaglutide on joint structure, function, and pain-related behaviors in vivo. RNA sequencing was performed to explore the regulator effects of semaglutide on extracellular matrix metabolism, associated signaling pathways, and autophagy in IL-1β-stimulated primary mouse chondrocytes. To verify the functional loss, the GLP-1R antagonist Exendin (9-39) and the autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1 were employed.
Results: Drug screening using a zebrafish cartilage injury model demonstrated that semaglutide exerted the most significant pro-regenerative effects, markedly promoting cartilage repair. In wild-type (WT) mice with DMM-induced OA, semaglutide treatment significantly improved…
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