Repair Effect of siRNA Double Silencing of the Novel Mechanically Sensitive Ion Channels Piezo1 and TRPV4 on an Osteoarthritis Rat Model.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the repair effect of siRNA-mediated double silencing of the mechanically sensitive ion channels Piezo1 and TRPV4 proteins on a rat model of osteoarthritis.

Methods: Piezo1 and TRPV4 interference plasmids were constructed using siRNA technology. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: the model group, siRNA-Piezo1, siRNA-TRPV4, and double gene silencing groups. Improved Mankin and OARSI scores were calculated based on H&E staining and Safranin O-fast green staining. Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine expression levels of aggrecan and Collagen II proteins. Piezo1, TRPV4, Aggrecan, and Collagen II mRNA expression in knee joint cartilage tissue were assessed using qRT-PCR.

Results: Lentivirus-mediated siRNA plasmids (siRNA-Piezo1, siRNA-TRPV4, and double-gene siRNA silencing plasmids) achieved > 90% transfection efficiency in chondrocytes. RT-PCR results indicated that double-gene siRNA silencing plasmids silenced Piezo1 and TRPV4 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Modified Mankin and OARSI scores revealed that the repair effect in the double gene silencing group was significantly better than that of the siRNA-Piezo1 and siRNA-TRPV4 groups (P < 0.05). Relative expression of aggrecan and collagen II mRNA in the double gene-silenced group was significantly higher than in the siRNA-Piezo1 and siRNA-TRPV4 groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Double silencing Piezo1 and TRPV4 plays a key role in cartilage repair in an osteoarthritic rat model by promoting the expression of Aggrecan and Collagen II.