Hyperthyroidism increases the risk of osteoarthritis in individuals aged 60-80 years.

To elucidate the currently unknown relationship between hyperthyroidism and osteoarthritis (OA). During 2007-2012, 7,433 participants (hyperthyroidism patients = 125; OA patients = 675) were included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. We used a weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis to assess the association between hyperthyroidism and OA. We also assessed the causality of that relationship using publicly available genome-wide association study data and three Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis methods. The heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out tests were used for sensitivity analysis. In this cross-sectional study, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, we found that hyperthyroidism significantly (P = 0.018) increased the risk of OA (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-4.17). Age-stratified analysis revealed that hyperthyroidism was associated with a greater risk of OA in the 60-80-year-old age group (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.46-5.59, P = 0.002), with no significant association in the 18-59-year-old age group (all P > 0.05). The results of the inverse-variance weighting (IVW) analysis showed that hyperthyroidism increased the risk of OA (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.04-1.46; P = 0.017). The weighted median estimator (WME) and MR-Egger method also confirmed this causal association (OR = 1.27 and OR = 1.32, respectively). The sensitivity analysis results confirmed the reliability of this conclusion. In addition, IVW-based reverse-MR analysis revealed that OA did not increase the risk of hyperthyroidism (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97-1.08; P = 0.449). Hyperthyroidism is associated with an increased risk of OA, but the underlying pathological mechanism still needs to be clarified in future research.

Potential Roles of Inflammation on Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis of the Ankle.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle (PTOA) is frequently observed following a debilitating consequence of intra-articular ankle fractures. Numerous risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of PTOA, including articular incongruity, joint malalignment, and concomitant soft tissue damage. Despite attempts to restore joint anatomy and manage soft tissues to avoid long-term complications after intra-articular ankle fractures, the incidence of PTOA remains markedly elevated. Inflammatory processes triggered by intra-articular ankle fractures have emerged as potential instigators that expedite the progression of PTOA. Injury to the articular cartilage and subchondral bone may lead to the release of inflammatory mediators, which can contribute to cartilage degradation and bone resorption. This study provides a narrative review on the current knowledge concerning the association between inflammation and the development of PTOA following intra-articular ankle fractures. We also discuss novel therapeutic agents that target inflammatory pathways to impede the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after intra-articular ankle fractures. These medication and interventions were summarized within this review article.

Osteoarthritis as a Systemic Disease Promoted Prostate Cancer In Vivo and In Vitro.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is increasing worldwide, and previous work found that OA increases systemic cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), which has also been implicated in prostate cancer (PCa). As such, we sought to investigate whether OA augments PCa progression. Cellular proliferation and migration of RM1 murine PCa cells treated with interleukin (IL)-1α, COMP, IL-1α + COMP, or conditioned media from cartilage explants treated with IL-1α (representing OA media) and with inhibitors of COMP were assessed. A validated murine model was used for tumor growth and marker expression analysis. Both proliferation and migration were greater in PCa cells treated with OA media compared to controls (p < 0.001), which was not seen with direct application of the stimulants. Migration and proliferation were not negatively affected when OA media was mixed with downstream and COMP inhibitors compared to controls (p > 0.05 for all). Mice with OA developed tumors 100% of the time, whereas mice without OA only 83.4% (p = 0.478). Tumor weight correlated with OA severity (Pearson correlation = 0.813, p = 0.002). Moreover, tumors from mice with OA demonstrated increased Ki-67 expression compared to controls (mean 24.56% vs. 6.91%, p = 0.004) but no difference in CD31, PSMA, or COMP expression (p > 0.05). OA appears to promote prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo.

Establishment of a Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis Model in Mice Induced by Noninvasive Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear.

BACKGROUND: Animal models that use open surgical transection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) do not accurately simulate the clinical condition regarding the pivot-shift mechanism and the associated inflammatory response that occurs before reconstruction. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to characterize a reproducible manual, nonsurgical method to mimic an isolated ACL tear in a clinically relevant model and to evaluate the development of progressive posttraumatic osteoarthritis due to ACL injury. It was hypothesized that the ACL could be reproducibly torn with minimal damage to other ligaments and that there would be progressive development of degenerative joint disease after ACL injury. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 37 mice (strain C57BL/6) were used to compare the manual procedure with sham surgery (sham group; n = 10) and with the established surgical ACL transection (ACLT) procedure (surgical group; n = 27). In the sham group, a closed manual procedure was performed on the right knee and sham surgery on the left knee. In the surgical group, the closed manual procedure was performed on the right knee and surgical ACLT on the left knee. Dissection using India ink, histological assessment with safranin O and hematoxylin-eosin staining, radiological evaluation through radiographs and microfocus computed tomography scans, and gait analyses were performed to assess cartilage/ligament status. Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) and synovitis scores, anterior tibial translation, range of motion, bone microstructure, osteophyte volume, and pain were assessed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: The manual procedure successfully resulted in an ACL rupture and associated meniscal injury. The posterior cruciate, lateral collateral, and medial collateral ligaments were intact in all dissected knees. Two weeks after ACL tear, the surgical group showed a significantly higher synovitis score, whereas 8 weeks after ACL tear, the manual group showed a significantly higher volume of osteophytes. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of OARSI score, anterior tibial translation, range of motion, bone microstructure computed tomography values, and stride distance/irregularity. CONCLUSION: This procedure can be used to create an ACL tear model without causing grossly evident injuries to other ligaments and avoiding the risk of cartilage damage from surgical instruments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This procedure offers a more clinically relevant ACL tear model and facilitates simple, inexpensive, and reproducible development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis.

[Influence and risk factors of lateral hinge fracture on early effectiveness of supramalleolar osteotomy].

Objective: To evaluate the influence of lateral hinge fracture (LHF) on the early effectiveness of supramalleolar osteotomy (SMO) and to explore the related risk factors for LHF. Methods: A total of 39 patients (39 feet) with varus-type ankle osteoarthritis treated with SMO between January 2016 and December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 10 males and 29 females, aged from 41 to 71 years (mean, 57.7 years). According to Takakura stage, there were 6 feet in stage Ⅱ, 19 feet in stage Ⅲa, and 14 feet in stage Ⅲb. The LHF was recognized by the immediate postoperative X-ray film. The osteotomy healing time and the changes of pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, tibial anterior surface angle (TAS), tibial lateral surface angle (TLS), and tibiotalar angle (TT) before and after operation were compared between patients with and without LHF. The age, gender, affected side, body mass index, Takakura stage, preoperative VAS score, preoperative AOFAS score, preoperative TAS, preoperative TLS, preoperative TT, SMO correction angle, osteotomy distraction, distance from medial osteotomy to ankle joint line (MD), and distance from lateral osteotomy to ankle joint line (LD) were compared between with and without LHF patients, and further logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors of LHF during SMO. Results: All patients were followed up 12-54 months (mean, 27.1 months). During operation, 13 feet developed LHF (group A) and 26 feet did not develop LHF (group B). X-ray film reexamination showed that 1 patient in group A complicated with tibial articular surface cleft fracture had delayed osteotomy and healed successfully after plaster fixation; the osteotomy of other patients healed, and there was no significant difference in healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, there were significant differences in VAS score, AOFAS score, TAS, TLS, and TT of the two groups when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the changes of above indicators before and after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The differences in SMO correction angle, osteotomy distraction, and LD between with and without LHF patients were significant ( P<0.05), and further logistic regression analysis showed that excessive LD was the risk factor of LHF during SMO ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Too high or too low lateral hinge position during SMO may lead to LHF, but as long as appropriate treatment and rehabilitation measurements are taken, the early effectiveness is similar to that of patients without LHF.

Effects of sex differences on osteoarthritic changes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in rats.

The prevalence of primary osteoarthritis is higher in females than males. However, it remains unclear if there are sex differences in the incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of sex on osteoarthritic changes after ACL reconstruction using an animal model. Rats were divided into the following four groups: male control, male ACL reconstruction, female control, and female ACL reconstruction. ACL reconstruction surgery was performed on the right knees of rats in the ACL reconstruction groups, while rats in the control groups did not undergo knee surgery. At 1, 4, and 12 weeks after surgery, cartilage degeneration in the medial tibial plateau and osteophyte formation in the proximal tibia were histologically assessed. After ACL reconstruction, an increase in the Mankin score, cartilage fissures, and osteophyte formation were detected within 12 weeks in both male and female rats, with similar degrees of these changes between males and females. However, changes in cartilage thickness and chondrocyte density after ACL reconstruction differed between males and females. Cartilage thickening was observed in male rats but not in female rats. The increase in chondrocyte density in the anterior region was detected in both males and females but was more pronounced in female rats. In conclusion, osteoarthritic changes were observed after ACL reconstruction in both male and female rats, but differences in changes in cartilage thickness and chondrocyte density were observed between males and females.

Assessing the causal relationship of birth weight and childhood obesity on osteoarthritis: a Mendelian randomization study.

Obesity is associated with osteoarthritis (OA), but few studies have used fetal origin to explore the association. Our study aims to disentangle the causality between birth weight, childhood obesity, and adult OA using Mendelian randomization (MR). We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to birth weight (n = 298,142) and childhood obesity (n = 24,160) from two genome-wide association studies contributed by the Early Growth Genetics Consortium. Summary statistics of OA and its phenotypes (knee, hip, spine, hand, thumb, and finger OA) from the Genetics of Osteoarthritis Consortium (n = 826,690) were used to estimate the effects of SNPs on OA. Multivariable MR (MVMR) was conducted to investigate the independent effects of exposures. It turned out that genetically predicted standard deviation increase in birth weight was not associated with OA. In contrast, there was a marginally positive effect of childhood obesity on total [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00, 1.15 using IVW], knee (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.22 using weighted median), hip (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.24 using IVW), and spine OA (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.22 using IVW), but not hand, thumb, or finger OA. MVMR indicated a potential adulthood body mass index-dependent causal pathway between childhood obesity and OA. In conclusion, no association of birth weight with OA was suggested. Childhood obesity, however, showed a causality with OA in weight-bearing joints, which seems to be a general association of obesity with OA.

Exercise following joint distraction inhibits muscle wasting and delays the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in rabbits by activating PGC-1α in skeletal muscle.

OBJECTIVE: Muscle wasting frequently occurs following joint trauma. Previous research has demonstrated that joint distraction in combination with treadmill exercise (TRE) can mitigate intra-articular inflammation and cartilage damage, consequently delaying the advancement of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). However, the precise mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine whether the mechanism by which TRE following joint distraction delays the progression of PTOA involves the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), as well as its impact on muscle wasting. METHODS: Quadriceps samples were collected from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and normal patients with distal femoral fractures, and the expression of PGC-1α was measured. The hinged external fixator was implanted in the rabbit PTOA model. One week after surgery, a PGC-1α agonist or inhibitor was administered for 4 weeks prior to TRE. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of PGC-1α and Muscle atrophy gene 1 (Atrogin-1). We employed the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique to examine pro-inflammatory factors. Additionally, we utilized quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to analyze genes associated with cartilage regeneration. Synovial inflammation and cartilage damage were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Furthermore, we employed Masson's trichrome staining and Alcian blue staining to analyze cartilage damage. RESULTS: The decreased expression of PGC-1α in skeletal muscle in patients with OA is correlated with the severity of OA. In the rabbit PTOA model, TRE following joint distraction inhibited the expressions of muscle wasting genes, including Atrogin-1 and muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1), as well as inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in skeletal muscle, potentially through the activation of PGC-1α. Concurrently, the production of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the synovial fluid was down-regulated, while the expression of type II collagen (Col2a1), Aggrecan (AGN), SRY-box 9 (SOX9) in the cartilage, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the synovial fluid was up-regulated. Additionally, histological staining results demonstrated that TRE after joint distraction reduced cartilage degeneration, leading to a significant decrease in OARSI scores.TRE following joint distraction could activate PGC-1α, inhibit Atrogin-1 expression in skeletal muscle, and reduce C-telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) in the blood compared to joint distraction alone. CONCLUSION: Following joint distraction, TRE might promote the activation of PGC-1α in skeletal muscle during PTOA progression to exert anti-inflammatory effects in skeletal muscle and joint cavity, thereby inhibiting muscle wasting and promoting cartilage regeneration, making it a potential therapeutic intervention for treating PTOA.

Intrauterine hyperglycemia induces SIRT3-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction: the fetal origin pathogenesis of precocious osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes and other metabolic and inflammatory comorbidities are highly associated with osteoarthritis (OA). However, whether early-life hyperglycemia exposure affects susceptibility to long-term OA is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the fetal origins of OA and provide insights into early-life safeguarding for individual health. METHOD: This study utilized streptozotocin to induce intrauterine hyperglycemia and performed destabilization of the medial meniscus surgery on the knee joints of the offspring mice to induce accelerated OA. Cartilage degeneration-related markers, as well as the expression levels of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and mitophagy genes in the adult offspring mice, were investigated. In vitro, mitochondrial function and mitophagy of chondrocyte C28/I2 cells stimulated under high glucose conditions were also evaluated. The methylation levels of the sirt3 gene promoter region in the articular cartilage of intrauterine hyperglycemia-exposed offspring mice were further analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, we found that the intrauterine hyperglycemic environment could lead to an increase in individual susceptibility to OA in late adulthood, mainly due to persistently low levels of Sirt3 expression. Downregulation of Sirt3 causes impaired mitophagy in chondrocytes and abnormal mitochondrial respiratory function due to a failure to clear aged and damaged mitochondria in a timely manner. Overexpressing Sirt3 at the cellular level or using Sirt3 agonists like Honokiol in mouse models can partially rescue mitophagy disorders caused by the hyperglycemic environment and thus alleviate the progression of OA. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a significantly increased susceptibility to OA in the gestational diabetes mellitus offspring, which is partly attributed to exposure to adverse factors in utero and ultimately to the onset of disease via epigenetic modulation.

cGAS-STING pathway in pathogenesis and treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are significant health concerns with notable prevalence and economic impact. RA, affecting 0.5% to 1.0% of the global population, leads to chronic joint damage and comorbidities. OA, primarily afflicting the elderly, results in joint degradation and severe pain. Both conditions incur substantial healthcare expenses and productivity losses. The cGAS-STING pathway, consisting of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING), is a crucial component of mammalian immunity. This pathway is responsible for detecting foreign DNA, particularly double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), triggering innate immune defense responses. When cGAS recognizes dsDNA, it catalyzes the synthesis of cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which then binds to and activates STING. Activated STING, in turn, initiates downstream signaling events leading to the production of interferons and other immune mediators. The cGAS-STING pathway is essential for defending against viral infections and maintaining cellular balance. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in various inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, making it a target for potential therapeutic interventions. Understanding the intricate molecular signaling network of cGAS-STING in these arthritis forms offers potential avenues for targeted therapies. Addressing these challenges through improved early detection, comprehensive management, and interventions targeting the cGAS-STING pathway is crucial for alleviating the impact of OA and RA on individuals and healthcare systems. This review offers an up-to-date comprehension of the cGAS-STING pathway's role in the development and therapeutic approaches for these arthritis types.

Tributyltin chloride induces chondrocyte damage through the activation of NLRP3­mediated inflammation and pyroptosis.

Tributyltin chloride (TBTC) is known to have effects and mechanisms in various diseases; however, whether TBTC is detrimental to joints and causes osteoarthritis (OA), as well as its underlying mechanism, has not yet been fully elucidated. The present study explored the effects of TBTC on rat chondrocytes, as well as on mouse OA. The toxicity of TBTC toward rat chondrocytes was detected using a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay and cell viability was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit­8 assay. The results showed that TBTC decreased the viability of rat chondrocytes and increased the LDH leakage rate in a concentration­dependent manner. Moreover, compared with in the control group, TBTC increased the expression levels of interleukin (IL)­1ß, IL­18, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)­1, MMP­13, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase­1, PYD and CARD domain containing, and gasdermin D in chondrocytes. Furthermore, knockdown of NLRP3 reversed the TBTC­induced increases in LDH leakage and NLRP3 inflammasome­associated protein levels. In vivo, TBTC exacerbated cartilage tissue damage in mice from the OA group, as evidenced by the attenuation of safranin O staining. In conclusion, TBTC may aggravate OA in mice by promoting chondrocyte damage and inducing pyroptosis through the activation of NLRP3 and caspase­1 signaling. The present study demonstrated that TBTC can cause significant damage to the articular cartilage; therefore, TBTC contamination should be strictly monitored.

The role of YAP/TAZ on joint and arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two common forms of arthritis with undefined etiology and pathogenesis. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its homolog transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), which act as sensors for cellular mechanical and inflammatory cues, have been identified as crucial players in the regulation of joint homeostasis. Current studies also reveal a significant association between YAP/TAZ and the pathogenesis of OA and RA. The objective of this review is to elucidate the impact of YAP/TAZ on different joint tissues and to provide inspiration for further studying the potential therapeutic implications of YAP/TAZ on arthritis. Databases, such as PubMed, Cochran Library, and Embase, were searched for all available studies during the past two decades, with keywords "YAP," "TAZ," "OA," and "RA."

Molecular biomarker approaches to prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Up to 50% of individuals develop post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) within 10 years following knee-joint injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament rupture or acute meniscal tear. Lower-extremity PTOA prevalence is estimated to account for ≥12% of all symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA), or approximately 5.6 million cases in the USA. With knowledge of the inciting event, it might be possible to 'catch PTOA in the act' with sensitive imaging and soluble biomarkers and thereby prevent OA sequelae by early intervention. Existing biomarker data in the joint-injury literature can provide insights into the pathogenesis and early risk trajectory related to PTOA and can help to elucidate a research agenda for preventing or slowing the onset of PTOA. Non-traumatic OA and PTOA have many clinical, radiological and genetic similarities, and efforts to understand early risk trajectories in PTOA might therefore contribute to the identification and classification of early non-traumatic OA, which is the most prevalent form of OA.

Hypobaric hypoxia aggravates osteoarthritis via the alteration of the oxygen environment and bone remodeling in the subchondral zone.

A high prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) has been observed among individuals living at high altitudes, and hypobaric hypoxia (HH) can cause bone mass and strength deterioration. However, the effect of HH on OA remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the impact of HH on OA and its potential mechanisms. A rat knee OA model was established by surgery, and the rats were bred in an HH chamber simulating a high-altitude environment. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT), histological analysis, and RNA sequencing were performed to evaluate the effects of HH on OA in vivo. A hypoxic co-culture model of osteoclasts and osteoblasts was also established to determine their effects on chondrogenesis in vitro. Cartilage degeneration significantly worsened in the HH-OA group compared to that in the normoxia-OA (N-OA) group, 4 weeks after surgery. Micro-CT analysis revealed more deteriorated bone mass in the HH-OA group than in the N-OA group. Decreased hypoxia levels in the cartilage and enhanced hypoxia levels in the subchondral bone were observed in the HH-OA group. Furthermore, chondrocytes cultured in a conditioned medium from the hypoxic co-culture model showed decreased anabolism and extracellular matrix compared to those in the normoxic model. RNA sequencing analysis of the subchondral bone indicated that the glycolytic signaling pathway was highly activated in the HH-OA group. HH-related OA progression was associated with alterations in the oxygen environment and bone remodeling in the subchondral zone, which provided new insights into the pathogenesis of OA.

[Latest Findings on the Role of RUNX1 in Bone Development and Disorders]. / RUNX1åœ¨éª¨å‘è‚²åŠéª¨ç›¸å ³ç–¾ç— ä¸­çš„ä½œç”¨ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX1) is a transcription factor closely involved in hematopoiesis. RUNX1 gene mutation plays an essential pathogenic role in the initiation and development of hematological tumors, especially in acute myeloid leukemia. Recent studies have shown that RUNX1 is also involved in the regulation of bone development and the pathological progression of bone-related diseases. RUNX1 promotes the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes and osteoblasts and modulates the maturation and extracellular matrix formation of chondrocytes. The expression of RUNX1 in mesenchymal stem cells, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts is of great significance for maintaining normal bone development and the mass and quality of bones. RUNX1 also inhibits the differentiation and bone resorptive activities of osteoclasts, which may be influenced by sexual dimorphism. In addition, RUNX1 deficiency contributes to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, delayed fracture healing, and osteoporosis, which was revealed by the RUNX1 conditional knockout modeling in mice. However, the roles of RUNX1 in regulating the hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes, the sexual dimorphism of activities of osteoclasts, as well as bone loss in diabetes mellitus, senescence, infection, chronic inflammation, etc, are still not fully understood. This review provides a systematic summary of the research progress concerning RUNX1 in the field of bone biology, offering new ideas for using RUNX1 as a potential target for bone related diseases, especially osteoarthritis, delayed fracture healing, and osteoporosis.

Pathological progression of osteoarthritis: a perspective on subchondral bone.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative bone disease associated with aging. The rising global aging population has led to a surge in OA cases, thereby imposing a significant socioeconomic burden. Researchers have been keenly investigating the mechanisms underlying OA. Previous studies have suggested that the disease starts with synovial inflammation and hyperplasia, advancing toward cartilage degradation. Ultimately, subchondral-bone collapse, sclerosis, and osteophyte formation occur. This progression is deemed as "top to bottom." However, recent research is challenging this perspective by indicating that initial changes occur in subchondral bone, precipitating cartilage breakdown. In this review, we elucidate the epidemiology of OA and present an in-depth overview of the subchondral bone's physiological state, functions, and the varied pathological shifts during OA progression. We also introduce the role of multifunctional signal pathways (including osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK), and chemokine (CXC motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12)/CXC motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)) in the pathology of subchondral bone and their role in the "bottom-up" progression of OA. Using vivid pattern maps and clinical images, this review highlights the crucial role of subchondral bone in driving OA progression, illuminating its interplay with the condition.

Ankle Cartilage: Chondral and Osteochondral Lesions: A Further Dive into the Incidence, Terminology, and the Cartilage Cascade.

The current concepts thoroughly highlight the ankle cartilage cascade focusing on the different stages and the different etiologic factors that can introduce a patient into the cascade. Moreover, the authors will provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the types of lesions that may present as symptomatic, asymptomatic, and dangerous for progression into osteoarthritis, and the authors supply the reader with considerations and directions for future clinical implications and scientific endeavors.

Cigarette smoke extract exacerbates progression of osteoarthritic-like changes in cartilage explant cultures.

Established risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA) include obesity, joint injury, age, race, and genetics. However, the relationship between cigarette smoking and OA has yet to be established. In the present study, we have employed the use of cigarette smoke extract (CSE), the water-soluble vapor phase of cigarette smoke, with porcine cartilage explants to investigate the effects of cigarette smoking on cartilage catabolism at the tissue level. Articular cartilage explants were first exposed to 2.5%, 5%, and 10% CSE to assess its effects on cartilage homeostasis. Following, the effects of CSE on OA-like inflammation was observed by culturing explants with a combined treatment of IL-1ß and TNF-α and 10% CSE (CSE + OA). Cartilage explants were assessed for changes in viability, biochemical composition, extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity, and equilibrium mechanical properties (aggregate modulus and hydraulic permeability). CSE alone leads to both a time- and dose-dependent decrease in chondrocyte viability but does not significantly affect sGAG content, percent sGAG loss, or the ECM integrity of cartilage explants. When IL-1ß and TNF-α were combined with 10% CSE, this led to a synergistic effect with more significant losses in viability, significantly more sGAG loss, and significantly higher production of ROS than OA-like inflammation only. Cartilage explant equilibrium mechanical properties were unaffected. Within the timeframe of this study, CSE alone does not cause OA but when combined with OA-like inflammation leads to worsened articular cartilage degeneration as measured by chondrocyte viability, sGAG loss, proteoglycan staining, and ROS production.

Coronal vertical fracture of vertebral body following minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion: risk factor analysis in consecutive case series.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the incidence and risk factors of coronal vertical vertebral body fracture (CV-VBF) during lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for degenerative lumbar disease. METHODS: Clinical data, including age, sex, body mass index, and bone mineral density, were reviewed. Radiological assessments, such as facet joint arthrosis, intervertebral disc motion, index disc height, and cage profiles, were conducted. Posterior instrumentation was performed using either a single or staged procedure after LLIF. Demographic and surgical data were compared between patients with and without VBF. RESULTS: Out of 273 patients (552 levels), 7 (2.6%) experienced CV-VBF. Among the 552 levels, VBF occured in 7 levels (1.3%). All VBF cases developed intraoperatively during LLIF, with no instances caused by cage subsidence during the follow-up period. Sagittal motion in segments adjacent to VBF was smaller than in others (4.6° ± 2.6° versus 6.5° ± 3.9°, P = 0.031). The average grade of facet arthrosis was 2.5 ± 0.7, indicating severe facet arthrosis. All fractures developed due to oblique placement of a trial or cage into the index disc space, leading to a nutcracker effect. These factors were not related to bone quality. CONCLUSIONS: CV-VBF after LLIF occurred in 2.6% of patients, accounting for 1.3% of all LLIF levels. A potential risk factor for VBF involves the nutcracker-impinging effect due to the oblique placement of a cage. Thorough preoperative evaluations and surgical procedures are needed to avoid VBF when considering LLIF in patients with less mobile spine.