Magnetofection-mediated siRNA delivery ameliorates cartilage damage in Kashin-Beck disease via targeting SIRT3 and protecting primary cilia

Rationale: Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic osteochondropathy caused by T-2 toxin, however, the molecular mechanism underlying T-2 toxin-induced chondrocyte damage remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the pathogenic role of T-2 toxin in KBD and develop an EMF-augmented nanotherapy for KBD-related cartilage damage. Methods: treatment efficacy. Results: @SPIONs treatment ameliorated cartilage damage, preserved matrix composition and restored normal chondrocyte phenotype in KBD model rats. Conclusions: @SPIONs therapy can effectively protect T-2 toxin-induced primary cilia damage and cartilage degeneration, thus providing a promising therapeutic modality for KBD.