Useful animal models for the research of osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of suffering for millions of people. Investigating the disease directly on humans may be challenging. The aim of the present study is to investigate the advantages and limitations of the animal models currently used in OA research. The animal models are divided into induced and spontaneous. Induced models are further subdivided into surgical and chemical models, according to the procedure used to induce OA. Surgical induction of OA is the most commonly used procedure, which alters the exerted strain on the joint and/or alter load bearing leading to instability of the joint and induction of OA. Chemical models are generated by intra-articular injection of modifying factors or by systemically administering noxious agents, such as quinolones. Spontaneous models include naturally occurring and genetic models. Naturally occurring OA is described in certain species, while genetic models are developed by gene manipulation. Overall, there is no single animal model that is ideal for studying degenerative OA. However, in the present review, an attempt is made to clarify the most appropriate use of each model.

The Monoiodoacetate Model of Osteoarthritis Pain in the Mouse

“…There are several animal models of OA available with different characteristics 6 . Surgical methods, such as anterior cruciate ligament transection, can be utilized.…”

Effects of Ultrasound versus Low Level Laser Therapy in Levofloxacin-Induced Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis

“…This occurs through their action on the epiphyseal growth plate of their bones. It can also cause loss of proteoglycans and chondrocytes through systemic administration [3]. This mechanism serves the use of this antibiotic in causing lesions in animals, though it does not cause osteophyte formation [4].…”

Animal Models of Osteoarthritis

“…79 The advantage to these is that the effects of a single gene in OA pathogenesis can be investigated. 75,81 However, as naturally occurring OA is almost certainly polygenic in nature (ie, relying on the effects of many genes), these models likely oversimplify the disease process; thus, results of therapeutic interventions may not always translate, either to other animal models or to humans. 79 It is also of note that different models of disease can have opposite effects in the same genetically modified strain, 81 so care must be taken in study design and interpretation of results.…”

“…However, these models take more time to develop and tend to be more variable in their outcomes, resulting in more costly studies in terms of the length of time that animals must be housed and the potentially larger number of animals required to achieve an appropriately powered study design. 75,136,145 Genetically modified strains of mice as models of OA have become tremendously popular over the past few years, with 135 distinct strains reported in a 2013 review. 79 The advantage to these is that the effects of a single gene in OA pathogenesis can be investigated.…”

“…75,81,136 Each model relies on a combination of joint instability, altered joint mechanics (ie, changes in load bearing or joint congruence), and inflammation to induce OA lesions. 75,136 It is of note that the majority of these procedures are performed in the stiflethe equivalent of the human knee-with the exception of osteochondral chip models in the horse, which are performed in either the carpus (see review 96 ) or the metacarpophalangeal joint. 20 Surgical models have the advantage of repeatability as well as rapid onset and progression, 75 but the rapid course of disease makes them less ideal models of spontaneous OA.…”