Comparative Effects of Intra-Articular Administration of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Hyaluronic Acid in an Experimental Osteoarthritis Model in Rats

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation or cartilage deterioration in joints, leading to debilitating, movement-associated pain and degenerative changes in joint cartilage, bone, and other surrounding tissues, caused by factors such as joint injury, aging, obesity, and heredity. Various agents are used in OA treatment. In this study, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and vitamin D were used in different combinations. A total of 32 rats were used in the study. After osteoarthritis was experimentally induced in the rats under general anesthesia, they were randomly divided into eight groups. Then, the preparations were administered intra-articularly as a single dose according to the groups. The study was terminated after 21 days. The tissues collected post-study were examined histopathologically. According to the histopathological findings of the study, the preparations provided mild cartilage tissue regeneration when applied individually, moderate regeneration when used in pairs, and significant regeneration and new bone trabecula formation when used in a triple combination. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.