Orthobiologics have come a long way in the past decade in both human and veterinary medicine. Now, researchers are exploring a novel approach that uses gold microparticles to address osteoarthritis (OA). A multinational research project is currently exploring injectable gold’s efficacy treating human knee OA; the project also includes research on equine applications.
What Is Injectable Gold Therapy?
Injectable gold has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis for decades. In 2014, scientists started exploring gold therapy’s regenerative medicine applications as well. This therapy involves incubating a patient’s whole blood in tubes coated with hydrophilic gold particles, which is then filtered to form anti-inflammatory, immune-regulating cytokines in conditioned serum. The process is called GOLDIC (Arthrogen GmbH, Germany). The gold particles catalyze monocytes to produce autologous cytokines, generating a serum rich in growth factors and cytokines.
Gold Therapy for Horses
In an equine study (Schneider et al.), 37 horses with clinical lameness from a variety of musculoskeletal problems (chondromalacia and soft tissue disorders) received four injections of GOLDIC. Within three months, lameness, joint effusion, and swelling had reduced in all horses. By three and six months, all were asymptomatic. Studies on GOLDIC as a treatment for human knee OA produced similar results.
GOLDIC’s Mechanism of Action
Researchers are still exploring GOLDIC’s mechanism of action, but it seems to center around its role in modulating inflammatory pathways and enhancing regenerative factors. Some researchers have suggested gold serves as a catalyst by:
- Creating serum rich in growth factors and cytokines that downregulate proinflammatory cytokines.
- Increasing plasma and synovial gelsolin levels. Gelsolin is an actin-binding protein that maintains viscoelasticity, phagocytosis, apoptosis, thrombocyte activation, and cellular motility. These functions all “impede progression of inflammation.”
- Enhancing pro-anabolic and anti-catabolic processes.
So far, studies on treating human knee OA have shown sustained functional improvements as long as four years. In contrast, treatments like platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid tend to provide shorter-term relief. GOLDIC has also produced favorable results as a therapy for Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciosis. Researchers are exploring its potential applications in cardiac tissue regeneration, neural regeneration, wound healing, autoimmune syndromes, and organ transplantation. More randomized and controlled research will hopefully continue to shed light on GOLDIC’s potential efficacy and safety.
Reference
Aratikatla A, Viswanathan V, Ghandour S, et al. Gold-Induced Cytokine (GOLDIC) for the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Cureus Nov 2024, 16(11): e73040. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.73040
Related Reading
- Systemic and Intra-Articular Therapies for Lame Horses
- Daily Vet Life: Successful IRAP Outcomes
- Equine Joint Disease Updates
Stay in the know! Sign up for EquiManagement’s FREE weekly newsletters to get the latest equine research, disease alerts, and vet practice updates delivered straight to your inbox.
