Assessing the Potential of a Clinical-Stage FABP5 Inhibitor for Osteoarthritis Treatment

Authors: Gary XavierValdez, Martin Kaczocha, David Kamatsu

SUNY Campus: Farmingdale State College

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 18

Timeslot: Session B 10:15-11:15 AM

Abstract: Purpose: This study is being performed to explore the relationship between Osteoarthritis, Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5), and the Endocannabinoid System. This study particularly investigates the role of FABP5 in osteoarthritis. This study aims to find the most effective drug compound that can effectively reduce pain by inhibiting FABP5. Methods: While utilizing the arthritis model, 54 rats were put under isoflurane anesthesia, and a surgical model Destabilization of the medial meniscus(DMM) was performed on the left leg where a skin incision is made in the lower leg of the anesthetized rat and the medial meniscotibial ligament was cut for the rats to develop arthritis. After the surgery, the rats will partake in weekly x-ray studies for 8 weeks. They would also undergo behavioral studies for 8 weeks where dynamic, static, and grip strength data was collected biweekly. When the final 2 weeks of the 8 weeks approached the behavioral data was collected weekly. Upon the completion of the eight-week period, the rats will undergo 1 week of acute dosing and 4 weeks of chronic dosing to evaluate its potential in alleviating their pain symptoms. Behavioral studies will be continued as the rats are administered the required dosing. Results: The DMM procedure induced osteoarthritis in rats left legs, confirmed by X-ray imaging. While the chosen treatment showed different effects on rat behavior based on dosage, conclusions are in progress due to ongoing administration. The treatment was safe with no adverse effects observed so far.