Pharmacological activation of the Nrf2 pathway by Taxifolin remodels articular cartilage microenvironment for the therapy of Osteoarthritis

•Our research emphasizes the remodeling of the articular cartilage microenvironment by concurrently examining the effects of Taxifolin on ECM, inflammation, and apoptosis in chondrocytes.•This study offers a novel perspective on regulating the joint microenvironment by activating the Nrf2 pathway, which holds significant clinical implications.•To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the specific therapeutic mechanism of Taxifolin in OA. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widely prevalent degenerative disease marked by extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, inflammation, and apoptosis. Taxifolin (TAX) is a natural antioxidant possessing various pharmacological benefits, such as combating inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and serves as a potential chemopreventive agent by regulating genes through an antioxidant response element (ARE)-dependent mechanism. Currently, no studies have investigated the therapeutic impact and precise mechanism of TAX on OA. The aim of this study is to examine the potential role and mechanism of TAX in reshaping the cartilage microenvironment, thereby offering a stronger theoretical foundation for pharmacologically activating the Nrf2 pathway to manage OA. Study design and methods: The pharmacological effects of TAX were examined in chondrocytes through in vitro studies and in a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) rat model for in vivo analysis. TAX suppresses IL-1β triggered secretion of inflammatory agents, chondrocyte apoptosis, and ECM degradation, contributing to the remodeling of the cartilage microenvironment. In vivo experiment results demonstrated that TAX counteracted cartilage degeneration induced by DMM in rats. Mechanistic investigations revealed that TAX hinders OA development by reducing NF-κB activation and ROS production through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 axis. TAX reshapes the articular cartilage microenvironment by suppressing inflammation, mitigating apoptosis, and decreasing ECM degradation through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway. As a result, pharmacological activation of the Nrf2 pathway by TAX holds potential clinical significance in remodeling the joint microenvironment for OA treatment.