In human primary HC‐a chondrocytes, IL‐1β stimulation decreased circHIPK3 expression by RT-qPCR. Functional experiments in the same chondrocyte system showed circHIPK3 regulated ROS production and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.
CircHIPK3 prevents chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage degradation by sponging miR-30a-3p and promoting PON2.