Joint unloading inhibits articular cartilage degeneration in knee joints of a monosodium iodoacetate-induced rat model of osteoarthritis

Abstract

s u m m a r yObjective: The aim of the study was to examine how mechanical unloading affects articular cartilage degeneration in the patellofemoral (PF) and tibiofemoral (TF) joints of a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)induced rat model of osteoarthritis (OA). Design: The study involved 60 male rats. OA was induced by intra-articular injecting MIA into both knee joints. All animals were equally divided into two groups: sedentary (SE) and hindlimb unloading (HU) groups. Histopathological changes in the articular cartilage of the PF and TF joints were evaluated using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score and modified Mankin score at 2 and 4 weeks after MIA injection. Results: In the SE and HU groups, representative histopathological changes in OA were detected in the PF and TF joints. The OARSI and modified Mankin scores for the PF and TF joints tended to increase over time after the injection of 0.2 mg or 1.0 mg of MIA in the SE and HU groups. Both the scores for the HU group were significantly lower than those for the SE group [OARSI score: P < 0.0001 (1.0-mg injection at 4 weeks); modified Mankin score: P ¼ 0.0116 (0.2-mg injection at 4 weeks); P ¼ 0.0004 and < 0.0001 (1.0-mg injection at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively)]. Conclusion: This study revealed new histological evidence that indicates that unloading condition suppresses articular cartilage degeneration and is beneficial in many areas of basal and clinical research involving OA.

Evaluation of Chondroprotective Effects of Intra Articular Piroxicam in Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis Model of Rat

“…After that animals were sacrificed with inhaled chloroform in a desiccator and sample of proximal tibia was obtained by using 5.5"angled bone cutter 14 . After histological slide preparation, these slides were scored using Modified Mankin slide preparation 15 . Obtained data was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 25.…”

Reduction of knee joint load suppresses cartilage degeneration, osteophyte formation, and synovitis in early-stage osteoarthritis using a post-traumatic rat model

“…We reported that reducing the loading on knee joints caused disuse atrophy of articular cartilage, including thinning of articular cartilage and decreased matrix staining [11,12]. Moreover, we analyzed the histological effect of reduced loading on OA progression in a drug-induced rat model [13]. As a result, we revealed that OA progression was histologically suppressed by reducing the loading on knee joints in 2019 [13].…”

“…In the OAHS group, the rats were subjected to tail suspension throughout the experiment [11][12][13]25]. Hindlimb suspension was performed according to Andries Ferreira's modified tail suspension method.…”

“…Moreover, we analyzed the histological effect of reduced loading on OA progression in a drug-induced rat model [13]. As a result, we revealed that OA progression was histologically suppressed by reducing the loading on knee joints in 2019 [13]. Although this finding is very useful, there were three major limitations.…”

LRP receptors in chondrocytes are modulated by simulated microgravity and cyclic hydrostatic pressure

“…This model allows for preliminary studies to be carried out on Earth without taxing the limited resources available for spaceflight experimentation. While hindlimb suspension studies have primarily focused on bone-related research, recently hindlimb suspension was demonstrated to protect against articular cartilage degeneration in a rat osteoarthritis model [33]. Current literature clearly demonstrates that mechanical stimulation modulates cartilage biology, however the mechanisms by which cyclic hydrostatic pressure and simulated microgravity modulate chondrocytes need to be further elucidated.…”