The gut‑bone‑cartilage triad: Microbial regulation of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway in osteoarthritis joint remodeling (Review)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic joint disorder with a notable global health burden, characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, abnormal bone remodeling and synovial inflammation. Traditional treatments mainly focus on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying disease mechanisms. The gut microbiome serves a potential role in OA through the gut‑bone‑cartilage axis. Notably, the gut microbiome and its metabolites can influence bone and cartilage homeostasis, and the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway has been implicated in OA pathogenesis. The present study comprehensively reviews the emerging evidence supporting the gut‑bone‑cartilage axis in OA and the role of microbial regulation of Wnt/β‑catenin signaling in joint remodeling. The current understanding of the influence of the gut microbiome on OA pathogenesis is summarized, discussing the mechanisms underlying the gut‑bone‑cartilage axis and exploring the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis. Future research should focus on developing targeted therapies that modulate the gut microbiome and the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway, as well as exploring the potential of gene editing and carrier technologies for OA treatment.