The Role of MicroRNAs in the Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis.

Worldwide, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of joint pain in older people. Many factors contribute to osteoarthritis' development and progression, including secondary osteoarthritis' underlying causes. It is important to note that osteoarthritis affects all four tissues: cartilage, bone, joint capsule, and articular apparatus. An increasingly prominent area of research in osteoarthritis regulation is microRNAs (miRNAs), a small, single-stranded RNA molecule that controls gene expression in eukaryotes. We aimed to assess and summarize current knowledge about the mechanisms of the action of miRNAs and their clinical significance. Osteoarthritis (OA) is affected by the interaction between miRNAs and inflammatory processes, as well as cartilage metabolism. MiRNAs also influence cartilage cell apoptosis, contributing to the degradation of the cartilage in OA. Studies have shown that miRNAs may have both an inhibitory and promoting effect on osteoporosis progression through their influence on molecular mechanisms. By identifying these regulators, targeted treatments for osteoarthritis may be developed. In addition, microRNA may also serve as a biomarker for osteoarthritis. By using these biomarkers, the disease could be detected faster, and early intervention can be instituted to prevent mobility loss and slow deterioration.

A randomized controlled clinical trial of concentrated growth factor combined with sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of concentrated growth factor (CGF) combined with sodium hyaluronate (SH) on temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA). METHODS: Sixty patients with TMJOA who were diagnosed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) between March 2020 and March 2023 at the Stomatological Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were randomly divided into a control group (n = 30) and an experimental group (n = 30). The patients in the experimental group were treated with CGF + SH, and those in the control group were treated with SH only. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score indicating pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area; the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index (Di); and changes in condylar CBCT at the first visit and 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after treatment were recorded. The CBCT data of the patients in the experimental and control groups were collected, and the three-dimensional CBCT image sequences were imported into Mimics Medical 19.0 software in DICOM format for condylar reconstruction. RESULTS: The VAS scores at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after treatment were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the pain in the experimental group was significantly relieved. The Di was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the clinical function of the TMJ improved. After treatment, the CBCT score was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the condylar bone cortex was obviously repaired. Observation of the condylar bone cortex by three-dimensional reconstruction showed the same results as those obtained by CBCT. CONCLUSION: CGF combined with SH is effective in the treatment of TMJOA and can improve muscle pain, TMJ pain, Impaired TMJ function, Impaired range of movement, Pain on movement of the mandible and promote bone repair. THE REGISTRATION NUMBER (TRN): ChiCTR2400082712. THE DATE OF REGISTRATION: April 5, 2024.

Prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed osteoarthrosis and associated factors in the adult general Spanish population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and related factors of diagnosed osteoarthrosis (DO) and undiagnosed osteoarthrosis (UO) in the general Spanish adult population. SETTING: Cross-sectional study with data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017. PARTICIPANTS: N=23,089 adults. Three groups of people were defined: DO, UO, and no osteoarthrosis (NO). MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Sociodemographic information, lifestyle (tobacco, alcohol, physical activity, body mass index) and health factors (intensity of pain, pain drug consumption, mental health, self-perceived health status, pain involvement in daily living) were collected. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed, and a multinomial logistic regression model for the factors associated with each group. RESULTS: The prevalence of DO was 22.4% (95%CI=21.8;22.9) and 0.9% (95%CI=0.8;1) of UO. With respect to NO, risk factors for DO and UO included higher pain levels and pain drug consumption. Better self-perceived health status was inversely related with both. More pain involvement in daily living was associated with increased risk of DO, but reduced risk of UO. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DO and UO was similar to that reported in Europe, but slightly higher than in low/middle-income countries. It was more prevalent in females, older people, people with worse perceived health status and worse mental health. Higher pain levels and pain drug consumption were risk factors for DO and UO. Better self-perceived health status was protective. Pain involvement in daily living was a risk factor for DO, but protective for UO. Different public health strategies should be considered in view of this.

Platelet-rich Plasma as Effectiveness in the Treatment of Osteoarthrosis of the Knee in a Tertiary Care Center.

Introduction: Osteoarthrosis (OA) is a condition that develops slowly but eventually causes considerable morbidity. Many medical specialties have employed platelet-rich plasma (PRP) since it is the best autologous biological blood-derived product, can be exogenously supplied to tissues, and releases high concentrations of platelet-derived growth factors to promote tendon, bone, and wound healing. This prospective research aims to clinically assess the effectiveness of PRP injection therapy for treating knee osteoarthrosis. Materials and Methods: A clinical prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center for a period of a year. Subjects older than 50 years were selected for both genders who had a symptomatic primary knee OA. PRP is administered to and evaluated in 80 patients with knee osteoarthrosis. Using the VAS and WOMAC questionnaire tools, primary data was collected. The observations were compared using the appropriate statistical tools while considering significance at 95%. Results: Eighty-four subjects participated in the study till the end of the study period of 3 months. All study participants filled out questionnaires before injection, eight weeks after injection, and 12 weeks after. The obtained scores for the WOMAC and the VAS were compared, and it was observed that after 12 weeks, the WOMAC scores lowered from 77 to 33 (P < 0.001) and the VAS scores lowered to 6 to 1.5 (P < 0.001) and these alterations were significant. Conclusion: According to the most recent research, PRP therapy is a less expensive and more straightforward therapeutic option for the management of knee pain in patients who have OA, and it has also improved patients' ability to participate in everyday activities.

Investigation of outcome measures and anomalous lower extremity in osteoarthritis patients with Jumpstart nutrition® supplementation.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage and synovial inflammation as well as anomalous lower extremity leading to joint pain, and impairment in lifestyle and epidemic of obesity. This study aimed to use the Jumpstart Nutrition® supplement (JNS) for achieving symmetry of aberrant lower extremity and improving the outcome measures in the management of OA. Methods: This week-twelve registry included 108 patients treated with JNS mainly comprised of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin-K2, coenzyme-Q10, vitamin-C, boswellic acids, and curcumin mixed with soy and whey proteins (experimental group) and 72 were treated with symptomatic slow-acting drugs (control group) for chronic OA confirmed with radiological images. The outcome measures (Visual analogue scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Knee-injury Osteoarthritis Outcomes Scale, and Body mass index), and anomalous lower extremity included bilateral: knee gaps between biceps femoris-short head and surface of the bed, diameters of muscles at the calf, the thigh, 4cm above and below the patella, angles of straight leg raising, knee- flexion and-extension in supine were evaluated with appropriate protocol at week-0 and at week-12 for both the groups. Results: After week-12, risk ratios of studied lower extremity, and mean ±standard deviation of all outcome measures were significantly improved (p<0.0001), and Kellgren-Lawrence scale (KLS) was upgraded to ≥2 in experimental group compared to control. Conclusions: This registry study indicates that JNS can be used to achieve symmetry of studied lower extremity and to improve the outcome measures safely as an effective management of OA patients confirmed with radiological images correlated with KLS.

G protein-coupled receptor 30 activation inhibits ferroptosis and protects chondrocytes against osteoarthritis.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease worldwide, but its cause remains unclear. Oestrogen protects against OA, but its clinical use is limited. G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) is a receptor that binds oestrogen, and GPR30 treatment has benefitted patients with some degenerative diseases. However, its effects on OA prevention and treatment remain unclear. Moreover, several studies have found that activation of estrogen receptors exerting anti-ferroptosis effects, which plays an important role in chondrocyte survival. Therefore, this study explored the general and ferroptosis-related effects and mechanisms of GPR30 in OA. Methods: Genome-wide RNA sequencing, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate GPR30 expression and ferroptosis-related indicators in cartilage tissues from clinical patients. Next, we investigated the effects of G1 (a GPR30 receptor agonist) on the function and pathology of OA in an animal model. We also treated chondrocytes with erastin (ferroptosis agonist) plus G1, G15 (GPR30 receptor antagonist), GPR30 short hairpin RNA, or ferrostatin-1 (ferroptosis inhibitor), then measured cell viability and ferroptosis-related indices and performed proteomics analyses. Finally, western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to assess the effects of G1 on yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) expression. Results: GPR30 expression was lower in the OA cartilage tissues than in the normal tissues, and G1 treatment significantly improved the locomotor ability of mice. Moreover, chondrocyte cell viability significantly decreased after erastin treatment, but G1 treatment concentration-dependently mitigated this effect. Furthermore, G1 treatment decreased phosphorylated YAP1 expression, increased activated YAP1 expression, and increased FTH1 transcription and protein expression, protecting against ferroptosis. Conclusion: GPR30 activation inhibited ferroptosis in chondrocytes by suppressing YAP1 phosphorylation, which regulates FTH1 expression.The Translational Potential of this Article: These results provide a novel potential target for therapeutic OA interventions.

The effects of modified hardinge approach on hip muscle strength in patients with primary hip arthroplasty: a patient evaluation with isokinetic strength test and gait analyses.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous factors affect abductor strength after Total hip arthroplasty (THA), including surgical technique, prosthesis type, postoperative rehabilitation program, and preoperative patient condition. We prospectively investigated the effects of the modified Hardinge approach on hip muscle strength, which was evaluated using the isokinetic test, functional results, and gait function of patients who underwent primary THA. METHODS: The hip muscles strength were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. The primary outcomes of the present study were measurement of isokinetic strength of hip abductor muscle strengths using an isokinetic evaluator and gait analyses preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively in 27 patients. RESULTS: Isokinetic muscle strength test, abductor and other hip circumference groups achieved the preoperative muscle strength at 3 months postoperatively, and the postoperative sixth month values showed a statistically significant improvement compared with the preoperative and third month values. In gait analyze, our temporospatial data showed a slight regression at postoperative 3 months but reached the same values at 6 months postoperatively. Kinematic data showed a significant regression, but the data were not compared with those in the preoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate muscle strength and physiological gait pattern, similar to the preoperative status, can be achieved at 6 months postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Revealing a Natural Model of Pre-Osteoarthritis of the Hip Through Study of Femoroacetabular Impingement.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is considered the mechanical cause of hip osteoarthritis (OA). Surgical intervention involves labrum repair and osteochondroplasty to remove the impingement, alleviating symptoms. Nevertheless, some patients progress to hip OA after surgery, indicating that factors other than mechanical abnormality are contributing to hip OA progression. This review article discusses our laboratory's studies on hip FAI and OA, undertaken to identify key molecular players in the progression of hip OA. Transcriptome analysis identified peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) as a crucial molecule in early hip OA. PPARγ, widely expressed in chondrocytes, has a protective role in preventing OA, but its true mechanism remains unknown. We observed a dysregulation of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) in the progression of hip OA, with high expression of DNMT1 and 3A and downregulation of DNMT3B. Moreover, we established that DNMT3A is the main molecule that is binding to PPARγ promoter CpG area, and hypermethylation of this area occurs during disease progression. This suggests that epigenetic changes are a main mechanism that regulates PPARγ expression. Finally, we developed a novel rabbit model of hip FAI and OA and are currently performing studies to validate our small-animal model to human FAI.

Early patello-femoral condropathy assessment through quantitative analyses via T2 mapping magnetic resonance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Patellar femoral chondropathy (FPC) is a common problem in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) surgery, which, if left untreated, predisposes to arthrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the non-invasive gold standard for morphological evaluation of cartilage, while in recent years advanced MRI techniques (such as T2 mapping) have been developed to detect early cartilage biochemical changes. This study evaluates the different onset of early PFC between B-TP-B and HT through T2 mapping. Secondly, it aims to assess the presence of any concordance between self-reported questionnaires and qualitative MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 19 patients enrolled were divided into two groups based on the type of intervention: B-PT-B and HT. After a median time of 54 months from surgery, patients were subjected to conventional MRI, T2 mapping, and clinical-functional evaluation through three self-reported questionnaires: Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis index (KOOS); Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale; International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC). RESULTS: There is not statistically significant difference in the comparison between the two MRI techniques and the two reconstructive techniques. KOOS and Tegner Lysholm scales showed significant agreement with MRI results on the grading of chondropathy. CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences between B-TP-B and HT techniques in the early development of PFC detectable through non-invasive methods. Due to the large reduction in the frequency of physical activity following ACL-R and the finding of mild PFC (grade I and II) in a substantial proportion of patients, after a relatively short period from ACL-R, all patients should undergo conservative treatment.

Introduction of an easy-to-operate arthroscopic test in detecting and treatment of meniscal instability: "suction drift" test.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the surgical guidance value of "suction drift" in osteoarticular meniscal instability. METHODS: The clinical data of 104 patients with significant knee symptoms following surgery were retrospectively analyzed. "Suction drift" was diagnosed in both groups. Depending on the treatment, patients treated with conventional debridement were assigned to group A, and those treated by meniscus suture until the disappearance of the "suction drift" phenomenon were included in group B. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months after surgery. The postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Lysholm knee score and the occurrence of meniscus-related symptoms were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After puncture, 78 patients (75.0%) had excessive displacement of the meniscus, with 53 (67.9%) of them being followed-up for at least 6 months. Twenty-five patients in group A and twenty-eight in group B were included in the final analysis (The number of patients with "suction drift" in two groups was tested to be comparable, P>0.05). VAS score was significantly decreased and Lysholm knee score was markedly increased in both groups after treatment, with lower VAS score and higher Lysholm knee score in group B compared with group A. In addition, group A had a significantly higher incidence of meniscus-related symptoms (joint space tenderness, joint clicks, and noose sensation) than group B. CONCLUSIONS: "Suction drift" is a quick and easy-to-operate arthroscopic test, which can not only diagnose meniscus instability due to knee osteoarthrosis-induced meniscus degeneration, but also help determine the recovery of meniscus stability after suture, and significantly relieve symptoms.

Study of the Early Effects of Chitosan Nanoparticles with Glutathione in Rats with Osteoarthrosis.

Due to cartilage's limited capacity for regeneration, numerous studies have been conducted to find new drugs that modify osteoarthrosis's progression. Some evidence showed the capability of chitosan nanoparticles with glutathione (Np-GSH) to regulate the oxide-redox status in vitro in human chondrocytes. This work aimed to evaluate the capacity of Np-GSH in vivo, using Wistar rats with induced surgical osteoarthritis. Radiographic, biochemical (GSH and TBARS quantification), histopathological, and immunohistochemical (Col-2 and MMP-13) analyses were performed to evaluate the progress of the osteoarthritic lesions after the administration of a single dose of Np-GSH. According to the results obtained, the GSH contained in the NPs could be vectored to chondrocytes and used by the cell to modulate the oxidative state reduction, decreasing the production of ROS and free radicals induced by agents oxidizing xenobiotics, increasing GSH levels, as well as the activity of GPx, and decreasing lipid peroxidation. These results are significant since the synthesis of GSH develops exclusively in the cell cytoplasm, and its quantity under an oxidation-reduction imbalance may be defective. Therefore, the results allow us to consider these nanostructures as a helpful study tool to reduce the damage associated with oxidative stress in various diseases such as osteoarthritis.

Comparación de sistemas de evaluación diagnóstica de la severidad de la osteoartrosis en imágenes de TAC de las ATM

Objetivo: Comparar y validar sistemas diagnósticos de severidad de Osteoartrosis (OA) de las articulaciones temporomandibulares (ATM) en imágenes de tomografía computada (TAC). Método: Se efectuó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, analítico y ciego. Se evaluaron 99 pacientes (198TAC-ATM), aplicando los criterios de siete diferentes sistemas diagnósticos. Un clínico calibrado (K=0,7) efectuó las evaluaciones. La validez de contenido se efectuó bajo los criterios Ahmad. La consistencia interna se determinó con Alpha de Cronbach. Se correlacionaron los datos con Rho de Spearman. Resultados: La severidad de la erosión condilar presenta alta correlación positiva entre las clasificaciones Alexiou/Arayasantiparb (rho=0,986) y baja entre Cömert/Alexiou (rho=0,421) y Cömert/Arayasantiparb (rho=0,422). La esclerosis condilar presentó fuerte correlación entre las clasificaciones de Cömert/Alexiou, Masilla/Alexiou y Cömert/Masilla (rho=857;rho=0,853;rho=0,998). Los datos presentaron alta consistencia interna (Alfa Cronbach=0,897) y baja validación de contenido (36,2%). Conclusiones: Las mediciones de los 7 sistemas presentan alta fiabilidad. La erosión ósea, esclerosis y osteofitos son medidos en cuatro niveles de severidad y con similar escala en tres sistemas de diagnóstico (Alexiou, Arayasantiparb y Cömert), sugiriendose complementar con determinación del espacio articular y movilidad condilar, como propone RDC/TMD para TTM. La validación de contenido fue baja, solo los sistemas diagnósticos de Cömert y Alexiou superaron el 50%.

Objective: To compare and validate diagnostic systems for the severity of Osteoarthrosis (OA) of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in computed tomography (CT) images. Method: An observational, retrospective, analytical, blinded, retrospective study was performed. Ninety-nine patients (198MSCT-ATM) were evaluated, applying the criteria of seven different diagnostic systems. A calibrated clinician (K=0.7) performed the evaluations. Content validity was performed under the Ahmad criteria. Internal consistency was determined with Cronbach's Alpha. Data were correlated with Spearman's Rho. Results: For condylar erosion severity, there was a high positive correlation between Alexiou/Arayasantiparb (rho=0.986) and a low one between Cömert/Alexiou (rho=0.421) and Cömert/Arayasantiparb (rho=0.422) classifications. For condylar sclerosis, we found a strong correlation between Cömert/Alexiou, Masilla/Alexiou and Cömert/Masilla classifications (rho=857; rho=0.853; rho=0.998). The data presented high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.897) and low content validation (36.2%). Conclusions: The measurements of the 7 systems have a high reliability. Bone erosion, sclerosis and osteophytes are measured at four levels of severity and with a similar scale in three diagnostic systems (Alexiou, Arayasantiparb and Cömert). We suggest to complement it with the determination of joint space and condylar mobility, as proposed by RDC/TMD. Content validity was low, only the Cömert and Alexiou diagnostic systems were higher than 50%.

Postural stability computerized evaluation in total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the balance in patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and knee osteoarthrosis (KOA), measured by postural stability computerized evaluation (PSCE), and to evaluate the effect of post-TKA patients' characteristics in their performance on PSCE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in two sets of patients: (A) patients with KOA and primary TKA surgery scheduled and (B) patients who underwent primary TKA >9 months. Sociodemographic, radiographic, clinical and PSCE parameters (using the Biodex Balance System) were assessed. RESULTS: Post-TKA patients placed more load on the replaced knee than the contralateral osteoarthritic knee (p = 0.027). They had less imbalance on the balance tests performed with the eyes open, on stable (p = 0.032), and unstable platforms (p = 0.022). These patients also showed better postural stability in monopodalic stance, both standing on the TKA (p = 0.010) and contralateral knee (p = 0.017). Age, weight, pain on the operated knee, extension deficit on the operated knee, and Berg Balance Scale scores on post-TKA patients were significantly associated with their performance on PSCE tests. CONCLUSIONS: PSCE can be useful to quantify the balance of post-TKA and KOA patients.

Total knee arthroplasty is the definitive treatment for knee osteoarthrosis and it has several benefits, but its effect on balance is still unknown.Postural stability computerized evaluation is used to evaluate balance on vestibular diseases and it has been recently studied on musculoskeletal conditions.Postural stability computerized evaluation may be useful to evaluate patients' balance before and after total knee arthroplasty.

Chronic Pain and Functional Outcome 3 years After Total Knee Arthroplasty and Perioperative Dexamethasone: A Follow-Up of the Randomized, Clinical DEX-2-TKA Trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative dexamethasone as an adjunct to multimodal analgesia, has an opioid-sparing and pain alleviating effect after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), however, the 3-year effects are unknown. We aimed to investigate the 3-year effect of 1 (DX1) or 2 (DX2) intravenous doses of 24 mg dexamethasone or placebo on pain, physical function, and health-related quality of life after TKA. METHODS: Patients who participated in the Dexamethasone Twice for Pain Treatment after TKA (DEX-2-TKA) were invited to physical tests and questionnaires (self-reported characteristics, Oxford Knee Score, EuroQol-5Dimensions-5Levels (EQ5D5L), and PainDetect). The tests were 40-meter Fast Paced Walk (40FPW) test, Timed Up and Go (TUG), 30 Second Chair Stand test (30CST), Stair Climb Test (SCT), bilateral knee Range of Motion, and knee extension torque. For each test the peak pain intensity was registered on a 0 to 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale. Primary outcome was average peak pain intensity during the 40FPW, TUG, 30CST and SCT. Secondary outcomes were the tests and questionnaires. Out of 252 eligible patients, 133 (52.8%) underwent the tests and 160 (63.5%) answered the questionnaires. Mean follow-up time was 33 months (range, 23 to 40). RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) peak pain intensity was 0 (0 to 65) for the DX2 group, 0 (0 to 51) for DX1 group and 0 (0 to 70) for the placebo group (P = .72). No differences in secondary outcomes were identified. CONCLUSION: One or 2 intravenous doses of 24 mg dexamethasone did not impact chronic pain development or physical function 3 years after TKA.

Imaging study on the relationship between anterior and posterior occlusal planes and temporomandibular osteoarthrosis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the anterior and posterior occlusal plane characteristics of patients with different temporomandibular joint osseous statuses. METHODS: A total of 306 patients with initial cone beam CT (CBCT) and cephalograms were included. They were divided into three groups on the basis of their temporomandibular joint osseous status: bilateral normal (BN) group, indeterminate for osteoarthrosis (I) group, and osteoarthrosis (OA) group. The anterior and posterior occlusal planes (AOP and POP) of the different groups were compared. Then, the regression equation was established after adjusting for confounding factors, and a correlation analysis between the occlusion planes and other parameters was performed. RESULTS: SNA, SNB, FMA, SN-MP, Ar-Go, and S-Go were correlated with the occlusal planes. Relative to the BN and I groups, the FH-OP of the OA group increased by 1.67° on the average, FH-POP increased by 1.42° on the average, and FH-AOP increased by 2.05° on the average. CONCLUSIONS: The occlusal planes were steeper in the patients with temporomandibular osteoarthrosis than in the patients without it, and the mandible rotated downward and backward. The height of the mandibular ramus, the mandibular body length, and the posterior face height were small. In clinical practice, attention should be given to the potential risk of temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis in such patients. In addition, SNB, FMA, SN-MP, Ar-Go, S-Go, and occlusal planes had moderate correlations.

Why Does Rehabilitation Not (Always) Work in Osteoarthritis? Does Rehabilitation Need Molecular Biology?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease among the human population worldwide. OA causes functional impairment, leads to disability and poses serious socioeconomic burden. The rehabilitation offers a function-oriented method to reduce the disability using diverse interventions (kinesiotherapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, education, and pharmacotherapy). OA as a widespread disease among elderly patients is often treated by rehabilitation specialists and physiotherapists, however the results of rehabilitation are sometimes unsatisfactory. The understanding of molecular mechanisms activated by rehabilitation may enable the development of more effective rehabilitation procedures. Molecular biology methods may prove crucial in rehabilitation as the majority of rehabilitation procedures cannot be estimated in double-blinded placebo-controlled trials commonly used in pharmacotherapy. This article attempts to present and estimate the role of molecular biology in the development of modern rehabilitation. The role of clinicians in adequate molecular biology experimental design is also described.

Sternal Abnormalities on Thoracic Radiographs of Dogs and Cats.

Evaluation of the sternum is part of the routine examination of small animal thoracic radiographs. However, descriptions on frequency and type of abnormalities are lacking. This retrospective observational study aimed to describe abnormal radiographic findings of the sternum in a cross-section of client-owned dogs and cats undergoing thoracic radiography between 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2021 for reasons unrelated to diseases of the sternum. The study population consisted of 777 dogs (mean age, 7.3 ± 3.9 years) and 183 cats (mean age, 7.3 ± 5.1 years). Sternal abnormalities were observed in 189/777 (24%) dogs and 53/183 (29%) cats, mostly around the intersternebral cartilages, accounting for 32/80 (40%) dogs and 20/35 (57%) cats. This was followed by an abnormal number of sternal segments (8% dogs, range 3-9 sternebrae; 15% cats, range 7-9 sternebra). Pectus excavatum was observed in 6/777 (0.8%) dogs and 6/183 (3%) cats, and pectus carinatum in 18/777 (2%) dogs and 2/183 (1%) cats. Post-traumatic changes, such as subluxation, were observed in nine dogs (1.1%) and three cats (1.6%). Presumed prostatic carcinoma metastasis and malignant lymphoma were observed in two dogs (0.2%). Incidental radiographic sternal abnormalities are common in cats and dogs but mostly of unknown clinical relevance.

Effects of orthodontic camouflage treatment vs orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment on condylar stability in Class II hyperdivergent patients with severe temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the differences in profile changes and stability of the condyles between orthodontic camouflage treatment assisted by vertical control and that accomplished via orthognathic surgery in Class II hyperdivergent patients with TMJ osteoarthrosis (TMJOA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 27 Class II hyperdivergent TMJOA patients (54 condyles) who received orthodontic camouflage treatment (13 patients) or orthognathic surgery (14 patients) Cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans were taken before treatment (T1) and 1 year after treatment (T2). Cephalometric and TMJ measurement analyses were conducted to evaluate the change in profile and condyles from T1 to T2 using independent samples t-test and paired t-test. Three-dimensional (3D) deviation analysis was also performed to evaluate the stability of condyles from T1 to T2. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant profile improvement from T1 to T2. The changes in Z angle and ANB angle were larger in the surgical group than in the orthodontic group. Condylar width, length, and height remained stable after treatment in the orthodontic group (P > .05), while they reduced by 0.67 ± 0.85 mm, 1.14 ± 1.10 mm, and 1.07 ± 1.34 mm, respectively, in the surgical group (P < .05). Superior, posterior, medial, and lateral joint spaces were significantly reduced in the orthodontic group (P < .05). 3D deviations intuitively showed that condylar bone in the orthodontic group was more stable than that in the surgical group. CONCLUSIONS: For Class II hyperdivergent patients with severe TMJOA, orthodontic camouflage treatment with vertical control can effectively maintain the stability of condyles while significantly improving the profile. Surgical treatment yields a better profile but may increase the risk of condyle resorption.

Results of Transfibular Total Ankle Arthroplasty. A Series of 50 Implants.

Total ankle arthroplasty has become popular in the last few years. The lateral transfibular approach is an alternative to the traditional anterior approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our 50 first and consecutive clinical and radiological outcomes of transfibular total ankle replacements (Trabecular Metal Total AnkleR Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) with a follow-up of at least 3 years. This retrospective study included 50 patients. The main indication was post-traumatic osteoarthritis (n = 41). The mean age was 59 (range = 39-81). All patients were followed for at least 36 months postoperatively. Patients were assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle Hindfoot Score and Visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively and postoperatively. Range of motion and radiological measures were assessed as well. Postoperatively, patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement in the AOFAS score from 32 (range = 14-46) to 80 (range = 60-100) (p < .01) and VAS from 7.8 (range = 6.1-9.7) to 1.3 (range = 0-6) (p < .01). The average total range of motion increased significantly from 19.8° to 29.2° of plantarflexion and 6.8° to 13.5° of dorsiflexion. Alignment measured by alpha, beta, and gamma angles was satisfactorily achieved. No patient demonstrated any radiographic evidence of tibial or talar lucency at the final follow-up. Five patients (10%) experienced delayed wound healing. One patient (2%) developed a postoperative prosthetic infection. One patient (2%) developed fibular pseudoarthrosis and 2 patients (4%) suffered impingement. Two patients (4%) needed surgery for symptomatic fibular hardware. This study found excellent clinical and radiological results of transfibular total ankle replacement. This is a safe and effective option that allows the correction of sagittal and coronal malalignment.

Comparative study of the synovial levels of RANKL and OPG in rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: In chronic arthropathies, there are several mechanisms of joint destruction. In recent years, studies have reported the implication of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the process of activation and differentiation of osteoclasts, a key cell in the development of bone erosion. The RANKL/OPG ratio is increased in the serum of patients with malignant diseases and lytic bone disease, as well as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to measure and compare the concentrations of OPG and RANKL in the synovial fluid (SF) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis (SpA) and osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: This was an observational and cross-sectional study with 83 patients, 33 with RA, 32 with SpA and 18 with OA, followed up regularly in the outpatient clinics of the Rheumatology Department of the Clinics Hospital of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School-USP. All patients were assessed for indications for arthrocentesis by the attending physicians at the time of SF collection and were evaluated for demographic variables and medication use. Disease activity was assessed in individuals with RA and SpA. The quantification of SF OPG and RANKL levels was performed by ELISA, and the correlations of the results with clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters were assessed. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant difference in the RANKL and OPG levels among the groups. Patients with RA showed a positive correlation between the SF cell count and RANKL level (r = 0.59; p < 0.05) and the RANKL/OPG ratio (r = 0.55; p < 0.05). Patients with OA showed a strong correlation between C-reactive protein (CRP) and the RANKL/OPG ratio (r = 0.82; p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the OPG and RANKL levels and markers of inflammatory activity or the disease activity index in patients with RA or SpA. CONCLUSION: Within this patient cohort, the RANKL/OPG ratio was correlated with the SF cell count in patients with RA and with serum CRP in patients with OA, which may suggest a relationship with active inflammation and more destructive joint disease.