Diverse expression of selected cytokines and proteinases in synovial fluid obtained from osteoarthritic and healthy human knee joints

Abstract

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is defined by signs and symptoms of inflammation within the affected joint. The aim of this study is to determine the mRNA expression levels of selected cytokines and matrix-metalloproteinases of cells found in synovial fluid (SF) obtained from osteoarthritic knee joints compared to healthy controls.MethodsSF was obtained from 40 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty due to evident OA and from 10 healthy controls. Expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP-1 and MMP-3 was assayed among both groups by performing qPCR. Patients were configured concerning age, gender and BMI.ResultsIL-1β, MMP-1 and MMP-3 showed significantly higher expression among the OA group compared to control (P < 0.001). Strong correlation appeared between expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 among OA patients (r = 0.856); no correlation was found between age, gender or BMI and cytokine/proteinase expression. Expression of IL-1β, MMP-1 and MMP-3 within SF was elevated in OA-patients.ConclusionConsequently, cells within SF expressing cytokines and proteinases may play a relevant role in the progression of joint destruction. Considering the fact that SF in an OA joint comprises abnormal amounts of detrimental bioactive proteins, temporary clearance, dilution or suppression/modulation by means of lavage or disease-modifying medication may be promising to constitute interim relief or even postpone disease progression due to decreased inflammatory and/or degrading activity within the articular environment.

Traumatic and Degenerative Meniscus Tears Have Different Gene Expression Signatures

“…The expression of MMP1 and MMP3 has also been shown to be elevated in the synovial fluid of patients with OA 24 . A recent animal study demonstrated elevated expression of MMP1 and MMP3 from the menisci of knees with OA compared to menisci from knee without OA 26 .…”

Relationship between synovial fluid ARGS‐aggrecan fragments, cytokines, MMPs, and TIMPs following acute ACL injury: A cross‐sectional study

“…Another potential limitation associated with our study is that it did not include an evaluation of matched, non‐injured control subjects with normal joints, or measurement of aggrecanases (ADAMTS‐4 and ‐5). We did not expect subjects with normal knees to have variable levels of the analytes that were considered in the current study as prior work has demonstrated that they either do not vary over time or are very low and cannot be detected in subjects with normal knees and no history of prior injury or disease . This study drew from two separate cohorts that have similar characteristics.…”

Cytokine, catabolic enzyme and structural matrix gene expression in synovial fluid following intra‐articular administration of triamcinolone acetonide in exercised horses

“…Blood samples for determination of drug concentration were collected at Time 0 (prior to drug administration) and at 15, 30 and 45 min, and 1, 2, 3,4,5,6,8,12,18,24,36,48,72 and 96 h post administration. Subsequent samples were collected every other day until 49 days post administration.…”