Intra-Articular Injection of (-)-Epigallocatechin 3-Gallate to Attenuate Articular Cartilage Degeneration by Enhancing Autophagy in a Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis Rat Model

Huang HT, Cheng TL, Ho CJ, Huang HH, Lu CC, Chuang SC, Li JY, Lee TC, Chen ST, Lin YS, Lee CY, Kang L, Lin SY, Chen CH · Antioxidants (Basel)

Less cartilage degeneration (OARSI 3.0 against 5.2 in untreated joints), less GAG loss, fewer TUNEL-positive chondrocytes (32% against 55%) and better weight-bearing and treadmill endurance, attributed to enhanced autophagy through lower mTOR. Like the intraperitoneal mouse work, the route bypasses the gut.

Population

36 rats: 12 with anterior cruciate ligament transection given EGCG, 12 given vehicle, 12 sham-operated

Intervention

40 μL of 10 μM EGCG injected into the joint every 3 days for 5 weeks, starting 2 weeks after surgery

Comparator

Vehicle injection

Limitations

Injected into the joint. It says nothing about drinking tea. Publicly funded in Taiwan.