Harnessing nanotechnology with mushroom-derived bioactives: Targeting inflammatory pathways and miRNAs in osteoarthritis

Mushrooms and their bioactive compounds have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory potential, yet their role in mitigating osteoarthritis (OA) remains underexplored. OA is a degenerative joint disease commonly affecting diarthrodial joints, leading to disability, particularly among the elderly. It is characterized by the excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDLs) in chondrocytes. This review examines existing literature on the immunomodulatory effects of edible and medicinal mushrooms, proposing their potential in reducing OA risk. Findings indicate that mushrooms can suppress inflammation by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and proinflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukins (IL-1β, IL-b), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Given that these mediators are elevated in OA, mushroom-derived compounds may alleviate OA severity by modulating their expression. However, there remains a gap in research regarding the role of microRNA and nanotechnology in OA treatment, highlighting the need for further studies. This review provides comprehensive evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory properties of mushrooms, emphasizing their potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for OA management. Future research should focus on the integration of microRNA and nanotechnology to enhance OA treatment efficacy.