Impact of resistance exercises and nano-curcumin on synovial levels of collagenase and nitric oxide in women with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis is the most common joint damage that leads to cartilage destruction, pain, and disability. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of resistance exercises and Nano curcumin supplementation on synovial levels of collagenase-2 and NO in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods Forty women with primary knee osteoarthritis were divided into four groups including control, exercise, supplementation, and supplementation /exercises. The resistance exercise group performed exercises in 16 weeks (three sessions per week). The supplement group consumed one Nano curcumin capsule (1000 mg) per day for 16 weeks. Exercise and supplementation group also performed resistance exercises along with consuming Nano curcumin. Synovial fluid samplings were done in two stages of pre-test (24 h before training and supplementation) and post-test (48 h after the last session of treatment and supplementation). The obtained synovial fluid was used to measure the synovial level of collagenase -II and nitric oxide. Results Although, there were not any significant correlations between resistance exercise, nanocurcumum supplementation, and synovial levels of collagenase-2 and NO among women with knee osteoarthritis, we observed interesting reduced levels of both markers following the supplementation. Conclusions It can be concluded that the Nano curcumin supplementation can be an effective method to reduce the levels of these inflammatory factors in synovial fluids of cases with knee Osteoarthritis. Longer duration of the protocol may have more promoting results. Trial registration The project was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Trial registration number: IRCT20161208031300N1).