OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between trace elements in synovial fluid and cartilage and severity of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: Patients with KOA who underwent knee arthrocentesis or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were recruited based on inclusion criteria between June 2021 and December 2021. Synovial fluid samples were obtained during knee arthrocentesis and TKA, and participants were divided into the mild group (grading Ⅰ/Ⅱ) and the severe group (grading Ⅲ/Ⅳ) according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading (K-L grading). Cartilage samples with different degrees of wear were collected during the TKA from the same patient and were divided into mild wear (0-1 point) and severe wear (2-4 points) groups based on the Pelletier score. The contents of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in synovial fluid and cartilage were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the differences between groups were compared. RESULTS: A total of 33 synovial fluid samples were collected, including 19 specimens from 14 patients who underwent knee arthrocentesis of mild group, with 5 bilateral sides knee arthrocentesis in them, and 14 specimens from 14 TKA patients of severe group. The patients were significantly younger in the mild group than in the severe group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in gender or body mass index between the two groups ( P>0.05). Nineteen pairs of cartilage samples with mild and severe wear were collected from severe KOA patients (K-L grading Ⅲ and Ⅳ), including 9 males and 10 females, with an average age of 70.4 years (range, 58-80 years). The body mass index ranged from 21.2 to 30.7 kg/m ², with an average of 25.6 kg/m ². The content of Zn in synovial fluid and cartilage from KOA patients was the highest, followed by Cu, and Mn was the lowest. The Cu content in synovial fluid was significantly higher in the severe group than in the mild group ( P<0.05), and in the severe wear group than in the mild wear group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Zn and Mn content between the two groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION The Cu content increases with the severity of cartilage wear in patients with KOA.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/surgery* ; Synovial Fluid ; Trace Elements ; Knee Joint/surgery* ; Cartilage, Articular ; Zinc

Humans ; Synovial Fluid ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Exosomes/genetics* ; Osteoarthritis/genetics* ; Synovial Membrane

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of chemokine receptor CCR10 on monocytes/macrophages in the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to investigate the role of chemokine CCL28 and its receptor CCR10 in the migration of RA monocytes and its mechanism. METHODS: The expression of CCR10 in synovial tissues from 8 RA patients, 4 osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and 4 normal controls was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and cell staining was scored on a 0-5 scales. Flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of CCR10 positive cells in CD14⁺ monocytes from peripheral blood of 26 RA patients and 20 healthy controls, as well as from synovial fluid of 15 RA patients. The chemotactic migration of monocytes from RA patients and healthy controls in response to CCL28 was evaluated using an in vitro Transwell system. Western blotting was conducted to assess phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (Akt) pathways in RA monocytes upon CCL28 treatment. RESULTS: CCR10 was predominantly expressed in RA synovial lining cells and sublining macrophages, endothelial cells, and lymphocytes. CCR10 expression was significantly increased on lining cells and sublining macrophages in RA synovial tissue compared with OA and normal synovial tissue (both P < 0.01). The patients with RA had markedly elevated expression of CCR10 on peripheral blood CD14⁺ monocytes compared with the healthy controls [(15.6±3.0)% vs. (7.7±3.8)%, P < 0.01]. CCR10 expression on synovial fluid monocytes from the RA patients was (32.0±15.0)%, which was significantly higher than that on RA peripheral blood monocytes (P < 0.01). In vitro, CCL28 caused significant migration of CD14⁺ monocytes from peripheral blood of the RA patients and the healthy controls at concentrations ranging from 10-100 μg/L (all P < 0.01). The presence of neutralizing antibody to CCR10 greatly suppressed CCL28-driven chemotaxis of RA monocytes (P < 0.01). Stimulation of RA monocytes with CCL28 induced a remarkable increase in phosphorylation of ERK and Akt (both P < 0.05). ERK inhibitor (U0126) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor (LY294002) strongly reduced the migration of RA monocytes in response to CCL28 (both P < 0.01). CONCLUSION RA patients had increased CCR10 expression on peripheral blood, synovial fluid, and synovial tissue monocytes/macrophages. CCL28 ligation to CCR10 promoted RA monocyte migration through activation of the ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. The CCL28-CCR10 pathway could participate in monocyte recruitment into RA joints, thereby contributing to synovial inflammation and bone destruction.
Humans ; Monocytes/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Synovial Membrane ; Chemokines, CC/metabolism* ; Synovial Fluid ; Osteoarthritis ; Receptors, CCR10/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effects of different waves of electroacupuncture (EA) on knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to explore the mechanism of different waves of EA on promoting cartilage repair. METHODS: Ninety- seven patients with KOA were randomly divided into a dilatational wave group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a continuous wave group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a discontinuous wave group (33 cases, 3 cases dropped off). The same acupoints of Xuehai (SP 10), Liangqiu (ST 34), Dubi (ST 35) and Neixiyan (EX-LE 4) were selected in the three groups. The dilatational wave (frequency of 2 Hz/10 Hz) was used in the dilatational wave group, the continuous wave (frequency of 10 Hz) was used in the continuous wave group, and the discontinuous wave (frequency of 10 Hz) was used in the discontinuous wave group. All the needles were retained for 30 min. All the treatment was given 3 times a week (on Monday, Wednesday and Friday) for 4 weeks. Lysholm knees scoring scale (LKSS) was used to evaluate the knee joint function before and after treatment, and the content of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the joint effusion before and after treatment was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the total score and each score of LKSS were increased after treatment in the three groups (all <0.05). The improvements of total score, pain score, instability score, swelling score of LKSS in the continuous wave group and the dilatational wave group were superior to those in the discontinuous wave group (all <0.05). The content of TGF-β1 in the joint effusion in each group was increased after treatment (<0.05), and the improvement in dilatational wave group was superior to thoes in the continuous wave group and the discontinuous wave group (all <0.05). CONCLUSION The three different waves of EA could all improve the clinical symptoms of KOA, which may promote cartilage repair by increasing TGF-β1 content. The dilatational wave had the best overall effect, which can be used as a clinical optimal treatment.
Acupuncture Points ; Electroacupuncture ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; therapy ; Synovial Fluid ; chemistry ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; analysis ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Miao medicinal acupuncture therapy on transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channel in knee joint synovial tissue of the rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) model and to explore the mechanism of Miao medicinal acupuncture therapy in treatment of KOA. METHODS: Of 34 New Zealand male rabbits, 6 rabbits were selected randomly as the normal group. KOA model was established in the rest rabbits by injecting a mixture of papain and L-cysteine in right knee joints. The 24 successfully modeled rabbits were randomized into a model group, a Miao medicinal acupuncture therapy group, a dermal needle group and a smearing group, 6 rabbits in each one. In the Miao medicinal acupuncture therapy group, Miao medicinal acupuncture therapy was adopted, in which, the roller type of dermal needle was used on the surface of right knee joint [a rectangle shape formed by "Xuehai" (SP 10), "Liangqiu" (ST 34), "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) and "Yinlingquan" (SP 9)], rolling in a " shape, on which, Miao medicinal solution was smeared in advance. In the dermal needle group, the rolling stimulation was exerted on the right the right knee joint surface with the roller type of dermal needle. In the smearing group, Miao medicinal solution was smeared on the right knee joint surface. The intervention was given once every two days, 3 times weekly and the intervention was exerted consecutively for 4 weeks. Successively, on day 1, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 of experiment, paw withdrawal threshold (von Frey threshold) after mechanical stimulation was detected in the rabbits. HE staining was adopted to observe the histomorphological changes of the right knee joint cartilage in the rabbits. ELISA was used to determine the contents of interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the right knee synovial fluid. Western blot method and real-time PCR were used to determine the relative expressions of protein and mRNA of TRPV1 and TRPV4 in knee synovial tissue of the rabbits. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, on day 49 of experiment, von Frey threshold was reduced significantly in the rabbits of the model group ( CONCLUSION Miao medicinal acupuncture therapy plays a role in treatment of KOA probably through inhibiting the expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α of knee synovial fluid and down-regulating the expressions of protein and mRNA of TRPV1 and TRPV4 in knee synovial tissue.
Acupuncture Therapy ; Animals ; Knee Joint ; Male ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/therapy* ; Rabbits ; Synovial Fluid ; Transient Receptor Potential Channels

Calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals can present as acute inflammatory arthritis which is known as an acute CPP crystal arthritis. Although monocytes/macrophages have been shown to play a role in the initiation of crystal-mediated inflammatory responses, differences in their phenotypes between acute CPP crystal arthritis and acute gouty arthritis have not yet been investigated. We examined the immunological characteristics of synovial monocytes/macrophages in patients with acute CPP crystal and acute gouty arthritis. CD14⁺CD3⁻CD19⁻CD56⁻ cell frequencies in synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs) were measured. Expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and markers was determined. The SFMCs were dominated by a population of monocytes/macrophages in acute CPP crystal arthritis similar to that in acute gout. Synovial monocytes/macrophages showed the phenotypes of infiltrated monocytes as shown by expression of CD88, C-C chemokine receptor type 2, myeloid-related protein (MRP)8 and MRP14 but not proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase MER. Comparatively, the CD14⁺ cells from patients with acute CPP crystal arthritis had similar high levels of IL-1β and TNF-α production but significantly lower expression of IL-10 and M2 marker (CD163). The monocytes/macrophages had the capacity to produce IL-8 in response to CPP crystals. Proinflammatory features were more dominant in monocytes/macrophages during acute CPP crystal arthritis than those during acute gouty arthritis.
Arthritis ; Arthritis, Gouty ; Calcium Pyrophosphate ; Calcium ; Cytokines ; Gout ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-8 ; Macrophages ; Monocytes ; Phenotype ; Phosphotransferases ; Proto-Oncogenes ; Synovial Fluid

BACKGROUND: Pain, limitations in opening, asymmetrical jaw movements, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds are the most common findings in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), which causes excruciating pain, inflammation of the surrounding muscles, posterior fibers, and synovial fluid. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of ultrasound heat therapy and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing TMD-related pain. METHODS: This prospective study included 42 patients (age range, 25–45 years), who were divided into two groups of 21 patients each. All patients were prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) twice a day for 5 days for temporary relief of pain prior to the commencement of treatment. Patients were kept on a soft diet and asked to restrict mouth opening during the same period. Fifteen sessions of LLLT (Group A) or ultrasound therapy (Group B) were administered to the affected side. RESULTS: Post-therapy, the mean visual analog scale score for group A and group B was 4.81 (2.01) and 6.19 (1.20), respectively; the difference was statistically significant and favoring the LLLT group. Similarly, the mean mouth opening for group A and group B was 3.99 (0.40) and 3.65 (0.41), respectively; the difference was statistically significant and favoring the LLLT group. CONCLUSION: Our study recommends LLLT for treating TMD-related pain with no underlying bony pathology.
Diet ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Jaw ; Low-Level Light Therapy ; Mouth ; Muscles ; Pathology ; Prospective Studies ; Synovial Fluid ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders ; Temporomandibular Joint ; Ultrasonic Therapy ; Ultrasonography ; Visual Analog Scale

The authors present two cases in which the ruptured popliteal (Baker's) cysts remained undetected and were diagnosed only during an isotope investigation. The aim was to describe a specific imaging sign, the “arch sign”, that is indicative of ruptured Baker's cysts. In both cases, the whole-body imaging was performed 2 hours after injection of 706.7 MBq of Tc-99m-MDP. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging was performed to localize an accumulation of the radiopharmaceutical. An analysis of literature was performed to connect these cases with previously reported data and to detect the pathognomonic radio image sign of ruptured popliteal cysts. The arch-shaped distribution of the radiopharmaceutical below the knee joints was seen already on the whole-body bone scan image in both cases. An anterior view of SPECT MIP images showed the arched accumulation of the Tc-99m-MDP bone tracer along the postero-medial aspect of the right calf secondary to synovial fluid leak from a ruptured Baker's cyst. The similar arthroscintigrams were published since 1971 without recognizing this sign as pathognomonic. Tc-99m-MDP bone scanning is sensitive for a Baker's cyst with synovial effusion, and distribution of a radiopharmaceutical in the medial posterior calf in a shape of an arch, the arch sign, may serve as an indicator of a ruptured popliteal cyst.
Knee Joint ; Popliteal Cyst ; Synovial Fluid ; Tomography, Emission-Computed ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

PURPOSE: Sodium chloride (NaCl) has been proposed as a driving factor in autoimmune diseases through the induction of pathogenic CD4+ T helper cells that produce interleukin-17 (Th17 cells). This study investigated the effects of NaCl on inflammatory arthritis in mice and humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were fed a normal or high-salt diet ad libitum, and clinical and histologic features of arthritis were evaluated. The proportion of Th17 cells in the spleens of CIA mice fed a normal or high-salt diet was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the expression of IL-17 in joints and intestines was determined by immunohistochemical staining. We also analyzed the effect of NaCl on Th17 differentiation from peripheral blood monocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) and evaluated the contents of sodium and IL-17 in the synovial fluid of RA and OA patients. RESULTS: NaCl increased murine and human Th17 cell differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. Clinical and histological arthritis was more severe in the high-salt-fed CIA mice, compared to control CIA mice. The proportion of Th17 cells among splenocytes was higher in CIA mice fed a high-salt diet. Expression of synovial and intestinal IL-17 was also higher in high-salt-fed CIA mice. Comparison of synovial fluid between RA patients and OA patients revealed that Na+ and IL-17 were more abundant in RA synovial fluid. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that NaCl can aggravate arthritis by affecting Th17 differentiation. Accordingly, limiting salt intake may be helpful for treating inflammatory arthritis, such as RA.
Animals ; Arthritis* ; Arthritis, Experimental ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Autoimmune Diseases ; Diet ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Interleukin-17 ; Intestines ; Joints ; Mice ; Monocytes ; Osteoarthritis ; Sodium Chloride* ; Sodium* ; Spleen ; Synovial Fluid ; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer ; Th17 Cells

The intra-articular use of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the treatment of synovitis and osteoarthritis is still controversial. As a consequence, corticosteroids remain the most frequently employed therapeutic agents, despite their potential systemic and local deleterious effects. This study examined the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chondroprotective activities of low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA and HMW-HA) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced synovitis in horses compared to triamcinolone acetonide (TA). LPS was injected in the metacarpophalangeal joints, which were treated intra-articularly with either TA (as control) or LMW-HA or HMW-HA. Joint clinical evaluation and synovial fluid (SF) analysis were performed at 0, 8, 24, and 48 h. The white blood cell counts (WBC), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, chondroitin sulfate (CS) and HA concentrations, oxidative burst, and HA molecular weights were measured. TA reduced the lameness, swelling, and PGE2 release but increased the SF CS concentrations enormously at 24h and 48h, and decreased the SF HA modal molecular weight. These results indicate the breakdown of articular cartilage aggrecan and SF HA. In contrast, LMW-HA and HMW-HA were less effective in reducing the inflammation symptoms, but preserved the joints because only a modest increase in CS occurred at 24 h, decreasing at 48 h, and the SF HA was maintained. The HA-treatment also had anti-inflammatory actions, and LMW-HA was the most effective in reducing the release of cytokine. In summary, the HA treatment inhibited efficiently the digestion of cartilage proteoglycans and SF HA breakdown.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Aggrecans ; Cartilage ; Cartilage, Articular ; Chondroitin Sulfates ; Digestion ; Dinoprostone ; Horses ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukins ; Joints ; Leukocyte Count ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint ; Molecular Weight ; Necrosis ; Osteoarthritis ; Proteoglycans ; Respiratory Burst ; Synovial Fluid ; Synovitis ; Triamcinolone ; Triamcinolone Acetonide