ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To examine the expression pattern of inflammatory cytokines/receptors in the subacromial bursa of patients with rotator cuff disease using a cDNA(Complement DNA) Array technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty two human subacromial bursal specimens were obtained intraoperatively from patients during shoulder surgery (18 bursitis, 4 normal bursa). The RNA was isolated from the bursal tissues and the presence of gene expression was analyzed using a cDNA Array technique. The statistical differences between bursitis and the normal bursa specimens were determined using a Mann Whitney U test and Student's t-test. RESULTS: cDNA Array analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of several cytokine genes and their receptors in patients with subacromial bursitis compared with the controls (p<0.05). These cytokines included the interleukins (IL-1, 6, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17) and their receptors, lymphotoxin, small inducible cytokines, chemokine receptor (CCR 4, 6, 7) and stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a significant increase in many inflammatory cytokines in the subacromial bursa of patients with rotator cuff disease. This suggests that there is an active inflammatory reaction at the subacromial bursa in rotator cuff disease.