Association of Diabetes Mellitus and Biomarkers of Abnormal Glucose Metabolism With Incident Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis

The impact of diabetes status on pain and physical function following total joint arthroplasty for hip and knee osteoarthritis: variation by sex and body mass index

Few studies have examined diabetes impact on total joint arthroplasty (TJA) outcomes, with variable findings. We investigated the association between diabetes and post-TJA physical function and pain, examining whether diabetes impact differs by sex and BMI. Patient sample completed questionnaires within 3 months prior to hip or knee TJA for osteoarthritis (OA) and 1-year post-surgery. Surgical 'non-response' was defined as < 30% improvement in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and physical function at 1-year. Two adjusted logistic regression models were estimated: (1) excluding, (2) including an interaction between diabetes, sex and BMI. The sample (626 hip, 754 knee) was 54.9% female, had mean BMI of 30.1, 13.0% reported diabetes. In adjusted models excluding an interaction, diabetes was not associated with non-response. However, a significant 3-way interaction (physical function: p = 0.003; pain: p = 0.006) between diabetes, sex, and BMI was found and was associated with non-response: non-response probability increased with increasing BMI in men with diabetes, but decreased with increasing BMI in women in diabetes. Findings suggest uncertainty in diabetes impact may be due to differential impacts by sex and BMI. A simple consideration of diabetes as present vs. absent may not be sufficient, with implications for the large TJA population.

Exploration beyond osteoarthritis: the association and mechanism of its related comorbidities

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent age-related degenerative joint disease and a leading cause of pain and disability in aged people. Its etiology is multifaceted, involving factors such as biomechanics, pro-inflammatory mediators, genetics, and metabolism. Beyond its evident impact on joint functionality and the erosion of patients' quality of life, OA exhibits symbiotic relationships with various systemic diseases, giving rise to various complications. This review reveals OA's extensive impact, encompassing osteoporosis, sarcopenia, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, mental health, and even cancer. Shared inflammatory processes, genetic factors, and lifestyle elements link OA to these systemic conditions. Consequently, recognizing these connections and addressing them offers opportunities to enhance patient care and reduce the burden of associated diseases, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to managing OA and its complications.

Triglyceride-glucose index in the prediction of new-onset arthritis in the general population aged over 45: the first longitudinal evidence from CHARLS

OBJECTIVE

Insulin resistance (IR) imposes a significant burden on inflammatory diseases, and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, which is an easily accessible indicator for detecting IR, holds great application potential in predicting the risk of arthritis. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between the TyG index and the risk of new-onset arthritis in the common population aged over 45 using a prospective cohort study design.

METHOD

This population-based cohort study involved 4418 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (from Wave 1 to Wave 4). Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to investigate the association between the TyG index and new-onset arthritis, and RCS analyses were used to investigate potential non-linear relationships. Moreover, decision trees were utilized to identify high-risk populations for incident arthritis.

RESULT

Throughout a 7-year follow-up interval, it was found that 396 participants (8.96%) developed arthritis. The last TyG index quartile group (Q4) presented the highest risk of arthritis (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.91). No dose-response relationship between the TyG index and new-onset arthritis was identified (Poverall=0.068, Pnon-linear=0.203). In the stratified analysis, we observed BMI ranging from 18.5 to 24 exhibited a heightened susceptibility to the adverse effects of the TyG index on the risk of developing arthritis (P for interaction = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

The TyG index can be used as an independent risk indicator for predicting the start of new-onset arthritis within individuals aged 45 and above within the general population. Improving glucose and lipid metabolism, along with insulin resistance, may play a big part in improving the primary prevention of arthritis.

Metabolic syndrome increases osteoarthritis risk: findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The association between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), its components, and the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) has been a topic of conflicting evidence in different studies. The aim of this present study is to investigate the association between MetS, its components, and the risk of OA using data from the UK Biobank.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted in the UK Biobank to assess the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) related to MetS. MetS was defined according to the criteria set by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Additionally, lifestyle factors, medications, and the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) were included in the model. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The cumulative risk of OA was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. To explore potential nonlinear associations between MetS components and OA risk, a restricted cubic splines (RCS) model was employed. In addition, the polygenic risk score (PRS) of OA was calculated to characterize individual genetic risk.

RESULTS

A total of 45,581 cases of OA were identified among 370,311 participants, with a median follow-up time of 12.48 years. The study found that individuals with MetS had a 15% higher risk of developing OA (HR = 1.15, 95%CI:1.12-1.19). Additionally, central obesity was associated with a 58% increased risk of OA (HR = 1.58, 95%CI:1.5-1.66), while hyperglycemia was linked to a 13% higher risk (HR = 1.13, 95%CI:1.1-1.15). Dyslipidemia, specifically in triglycerides (HR = 1.07, 95%CI:1.05-1.09) and high-density lipoprotein (HR = 1.05, 95%CI:1.02-1.07), was also found to be slightly associated with OA risk. When stratified by PRS, those in the high PRS group had a significantly higher risk of OA compared to those with a low PRS, whereas no interaction was found between MetS and PRS on OA risks. Furthermore, the presence of MetS significantly increased the risk of OA by up to 35% in individuals with elevated CRP levels (HR = 1.35, 95% CI:1.3-1.4).

CONCLUSION

MetS and its components have been found to be associated with an increased risk of OA, particularly in individuals with elevated levels of CRP. These findings highlight the significance of managing MetS as a preventive and intervention measure for OA.

Fundamentals of osteoarthritis: Inflammatory mediators in osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

As more has become known of the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA), evidence that inflammation plays a critical role in its development and progression has accumulated. Here, we aim to review current knowledge of the complex inflammatory network in the OA joint.

DESIGN

This narrative review is presented in three main sections: local inflammation, systemic inflammation, and therapeutic implications. We focused on inflammatory mediators and their link to OA structural changes in the joint.

RESULTS

OA is characterized by chronic and low-grade inflammation mediated mostly by the innate immune system, which results in cartilage degradation, bone remodeling and synovial changes. Synovitis is regarded as an OA characteristic and associated with increased severity of symptoms and joint dysfunction. However, the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone also produce several pro-inflammatory mediators thus establishing a complex interplay between the different tissues of the joint. In addition, systemic low-grade inflammation induced by aging, obesity and metabolic syndrome can contribute to OA development and progression. The main inflammatory mediators associated with OA include cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, adipokines, and neuropeptides.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research is needed to deeper understand the molecular pathways mediating the inflammation in OA to provide new therapeutics that target these pathways, or to repurpose existing drugs.

A systematic review of the sex differences in risk factors for knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

Previous systematic reviews focused on the evidence of common risk factors for knee OA (KOA); however, the effect and strength of association between risk factors and KOA might be different between the two sexes. The aim of the present systematic review was to determine the current evidence on sex differences in the association between risk factors and KOA and their prevalence.

METHODS

We searched the following electronic bibliographic databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Web of Science. A methodological quality assessment was conducted independently by two researchers according to an adapted version of the standardized set of criteria known as the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). The NOS, a star system, was converted to three categories of quality.

RESULTS

In total, 27 studies reported sex-specific risk estimates on several risk factors for KOA. Out of the 22 longitudinal cohort studies (except one nested case-control), 12 were of good quality and 10 were of fair quality. The five cross-sectional studies consisted of one of good, three of fair and one of poor quality. There was an indication of sex differences in risk factors leading to higher risk of KOA: high BMI, alcohol consumption, atherosclerosis and high vitamin E levels in women, and high physical activity, soft drink consumption and abdominal obesity in men. Knee injury, high blood pressure and low step rate seem to affect both women and men.

CONCLUSION

More good quality studies are needed to assess sex differences in risk factors for KOA, especially for symptomatic/clinical OA.

Association of Diabetes Mellitus Status and Hyperglycemia With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Emerging evidence indicates that hyperglycemia has an adverse impact on the knee joint which, in turn, may increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA), but evidence from the real-life settings of large-scale cohort studies remains unclear. We sought to evaluate the association of glycemic control and the risk of symptomatic knee OA in a community-based cohort of older adults.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective analysis of 10,730 participants without knee OA. Comprehensive blood biomarker data were obtained. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was defined mainly using a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c ) level of ≥6.5%; poor glycemic control in individuals with DM was defined as an HbA_1c level of ≥7%. We fit Cox regression models, stratified according to DM status. We evaluated the hazards associated with HbA_1c and fasting blood glucose levels using a spline model.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 5 years, knee OA developed in 1,089 participants (108 with DM and 971 without). Knee OA was related to DM (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.02-1.78]), bad glycemic regulation in DM patients (HR 1.41 [95% CI 1.05-2.09]), and long-term DM (≥5 versus <5 years; HR 1.49 [95% CI 1.02-2.17]). High levels of HbA_1c (>7.7% and 61 mmoles/mole) and fasting blood glucose (>186 mg/dl) were significantly associated with higher risk of incident knee OA.

CONCLUSION

DM, bad glycemic management, and long-term DM are potential risk factors of symptomatic knee OA independent of age and body mass index. Targeting blood glucose, in addition to bodyweight, may be an important avenue for prevention of knee OA.

Do Individualized Patient-Specific Situations Predict the Progression Rate and Fate of Knee Osteoarthritis? Prediction of Knee Osteoarthritis

Factors affecting the progression rate and fate of osteoarthritis need to be analyzed when considering patient-specific situation. This study aimed to identify the rate of remarkable progression and fate of primary knee osteoarthritis based on patient-specific situations. Between May 2003 and May 2019, 83,280 patients with knee pain were recruited for this study from the clinical data warehouse. Finally, 2492 knees with pain that were followed up for more than one year were analyzed. For analyzing affecting factors, patient-specific information was categorized and classified as demographic, radiologic, social, comorbidity disorders, and surgical intervention data. The degree of contribution of factors to the progression rate and the fate of osteoarthritis was analyzed. Bone mineral density (BMD), Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade, and physical occupational demands were major contributors to the progression rate of osteoarthritis. Hypertension, initial K-L grade, and physical occupational demands were major contributors to the outcome of osteoarthritis. The progression rate and fate of osteoarthritis were mostly affected by the initial K-L grade and physical occupational demands. Patients who underwent surgical intervention for less than five years had the highest proportion of initial K-L grade 2 (49.0%) and occupations with high physical demand (41.3%). In identifying several contributing factors, the initial K-L grade and physical occupational demands were the most important factors. BMD and hypertension were also major contributors to the progression and fate of osteoarthritis, and the degree of contribution was lower compared to the two major factors.

Causal Effect of Higher Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Levels on Knee Osteoarthritis Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study

INTRODUCTION

The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and risk of osteoarthritis (OA) is inconsistent based on published observational studies. This study aimed to conduct a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal link between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and OA risk.

METHODS

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics were obtained from the publicly available Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) OpenGWAS database. A series of screening processes were performed to select qualified instrumental single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly related to exposure. The inverse-variance-weighted method, weighted-median method, and MR-Egger method were performed to ensure robust and reliable results. The MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test, and the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis were utilized to assess the horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneities, and stability of these genetic variants for OA. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

MR analyses found a robust causal association of genetically determined HbA1c with knee OA (OR = 1.561; 95% CI 1.110-2.197; P = 0.011), but not with hip OA (OR = 1.073; 95% CI 0.674-1.710; P = 0.766) or overall OA (OR = 1.141; 95% CI 0.904-1.441; P = 0.804). Sensitivity analyses showed that there was a strong association between SNPs and HbA1c (F = 21.138), no evidence of heterogeneity (Q = 150.625, P = 0.402), and no potential SNPs affecting the causal link.

CONCLUSION

Our MR study supported a causal effect of genetically increased HbA1c on knee OA risk.

Associations between obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease with progression states of knee osteoarthritis (KOA)

BACKGROUND

Data on common comorbidities targeting at different progression states of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in continuous time are limited.

AIMS

To examine the associations between obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) with the progression of KOA.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Osteoarthritis Initiative for up to 48 months. Progression states of KOA were defined as (1) normal; (2) asymptomatic radiographic KOA (RKOA, Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ 2 in at least one knee); (3) only knee symptoms; (4) symptomatic KOA (SxKOA, a combination of RKOA and knee symptoms in the same knee). A multi-state Markov model was used to investigate the associations while accounting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Participants with obesity had an increased risk of developing RKOA [normal to asymptomatic RKOA, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (1.07, 2.24); only knee symptoms to SxKOA, aHR 2.25, 95% CI (1.60, 3.18)], and an increased risk of developing knee symptoms [normal to only knee symptoms, aHR 1.45, 95% CI (1.15, 1.83); asymptomatic RKOA to SxKOA, aHR 1.33, 95% CI (1.16, 1.52)]. DM was also significantly associated with development of RKOA or knee symptoms [normal to asymptomatic RKOA, aHR 1.92, 95% CI (1.12, 3.30); normal to only knee symptoms, aHR 1.78, 95% CI (1.12, 2.84)]. Knee symptoms were less likely to be relieved among participants with CVD, compared with those without [only knee symptoms to normal, aHR 0.60, 95% CI (0.38, 0.94)].

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity, DM and CVD are associated with an increased risk for SxKOA progression. Common comorbidities should be considered to prevent KOA development.

Synovial inflammation in osteoarthritis progression

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative disease resulting in joint deterioration. Synovial inflammation is present in the OA joint and has been associated with radiographic and pain progression. Several OA risk factors, including ageing, obesity, trauma and mechanical loading, play a role in OA pathogenesis, likely by modifying synovial biology. In addition, other factors, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, damage-associated molecular patterns, cytokines, metabolites and crystals in the synovium, activate synovial cells and mediate synovial inflammation. An understanding of the activated pathways that are involved in OA-related synovial inflammation could form the basis for the stratification of patients and the development of novel therapeutics. This Review focuses on the biology of the OA synovium, how the cells residing in or recruited to the synovium interact with each other, how they become activated, how they contribute to OA progression and their interplay with other joint structures.

Osteoarthritis in year 2021: biochemical markers

OBJECTIVE

To summarize recent scientific advances in protein-derived soluble biomarkers of osteoarthritis.

DESIGN

A systematic search on the PubMed electronic database of clinical studies on protein-derived soluble biochemical markers of osteoarthritis in humans that were published between January 1st 2020 and March 31th 2021. The studies were selected on the basis of objective criteria and summarized in a table. Then they were described in a narrative review.

RESULTS

Out of 1971 publications, 48 fulfilled all selection criteria and 16 were selected by the author for the narrative review. The papers were classified according their clinical significance as defined in the BIPEDS classification. Two papers investigated the "burden of disease", two were dedicated to "investigative biomarkers", four papers question the "prognosis", three the "efficacy of treatment" and five the "diagnosis and phenotyping" value of protein-derived biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently, biomarkers research is focused on their use as tools to identify molecular endotypes and clinical phenotypes and to facilitate patient screening and monitoring in clinical trials. This approach should allow a more targeted management of patients suffering from osteoarthritis.

Role of dietary patterns and factors in determining the risk of knee osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluates the role of diet in determining knee osteoarthritis risk.

METHODS

Literature search was conducted in Ovid, PubMed, Science Direct, and Springer. To estimate knee osteoarthritis risk with high use of vegetarian, prudent, and omnivorous diets, dairy products, vitamin C/E, and carotenoids, the odds ratios (ORs) or relative risks (RRs) reported by included studies were pooled.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (97,157 individuals) were included. High use of vegetarian diet {OR 0.71 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45, 0.97]}, prudent diet [OR 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76, 0.98)/RR 0.89 (95% CI: 0.82, 0.97)], and dairy [OR 0.66 (95% CI: -0.08, 1.39)/RR 0.58 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.75)] were associated with lower risk of knee osteoarthritis but risk was relatively higher with high use of omnivorous diet [OR 1.13 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.30)/RR 1.06 (95% CI: 0.84, 1.29) and 1.05 (0.78, 1.33)]. High intake of vitamin C [OR 0.92 (0.29, 1.56)] or E [OR 0.93 (0.64, 1.21)] did not reduce knee osteoarthritis risk, but high use of carotenoids was associated with the lower risk [OR 0.66 (0.37, 0.96)].

CONCLUSIONS

Knee osteoarthritis risk is low with high use of vegetarian diet, prudent diet, and dairy, but cannt be reduced by high intakes of vitamin C/E.

Metabolic osteoarthritis - relation of diabetes and cardiovascular disease with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

There is an interest in identifying a metabolic OA phenotype. We therefore assessed the relation of diabetes and cardiovascular disease to prevalent and incident radiographic (ROA) and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (SxOA).

DESIGN

In two large cohort studies of individuals with or at risk for knee OA, the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) and Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), participants self-reported diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline. We assessed the relation of baseline diabetes and CVD (exposures) to ROA and SxOA cross-sectionally and after 60 (MOST) or 48 (OAI) months of follow-up using logistic regression with GEE to account for 2 knees within an individual, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

In MOST, 6,020 knees of 3,021 participants (60.1% female, mean ± SD age 62.5 ± 8.1, mean BMI 30.7 ± 6.0, 83.3% Caucasian) were included in the analyses. In OAI, 8,645 knees of 4,339 participants (58.2% female, mean ± SD age 61.1 ± 9.2, mean BMI 28.6 ± 4.8, 80.3% Caucasian) were included. We found no significant associations between prevalent diabetes or CVD and prevalent or incident ROA or SxOA. Effect estimates for prevalent ROA and SxOA ranged from 0.80 (95% CI 0.63-1.03) to 1.17 (0.91-1.51). Effect estimates for incident ROA ranged from 0.80 (0.58-1.11) to 0.88 (0.60-1.29) in MOST and from 0.75 (0.50-1.14) to 1.19 (0.81-1.74) in OAI, and for incident SxOA from 0.93 (0.65-1.31) to 1.22 (0.89-1.67) in MOST and from 0.82 (0.59-1.16) to 1.19 (0.85-1.66) in OAI).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes and CVD were not associated with prevalent or incident knee OA.

Osteoarthritis year in review 2020: epidemiology & therapy

This personal choice of research themes and highlights from within the past year (1 May 2019 to 14 April 2020) spans descriptive, analytical-observational, and intervention studies. Descriptive estimates of the burden of osteoarthritis continue to underscore its position as a leading cause of disability worldwide, but whose burden is often felt greatest among disadvantaged and marginalised communities. Many of the major drivers of that burden are known but epidemiological studies continue the important work of elaborating on their timing, dose, specificity, and reversibility and placing them within an appropriate multi-level framework. A similar process of elaboration is seen also in studies (re-)estimating the relative benefits and risks of existing interventions, in some cases helping to identify low-value care, unwarranted variation, and initiating processes of deprescribing and decommissioning. Such research need not engender therapeutic nihilism. Our review closes by highlighting some emerging evidence on the efficacy and safety of novel therapeutic interventions and with a selective roll-call of methodological and meta-research in OA illustrating the continued commitment to improving research quality.

Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Classifying Individuals Who Will Develop Accelerated Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis

We assessed whether adding magnetic resonance (MR)-based features to a base model of clinically accessible participant characteristics (i.e., serological, radiographic, demographic, symptoms, and physical function) improved classification of adults who developed accelerated radiographic knee osteoarthritis (AKOA) or not over the subsequent 4 years. We conducted a case-control study using radiographs from baseline and the first four annual visits of the osteoarthritis initiative to define groups. Eligible individuals had no radiographic KOA in either knee at baseline (Kellgren-Lawrence [KL] grade <2). We classified two groups matched on sex (i) AKOA: at least one knee developed advanced-stage KOA (KL = 3 or 4) within 48 months and (ii) did not develop AKOA within 48 months. The MR-based features were assessments of bone, effusion/synovitis, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and menisci. All characteristics and MR-based features were from the baseline visit. Classification and regression tree analyses were performed to determine classification rules and identify statistically important variables. The CART models with and without MR features each explained approximately 40% of the variability. Adding MR-based features to the model yielded modest improvements in specificity (0.90 vs. 0.82) but lower sensitivity (0.62 vs. 0.70) than the base model. There was consistent evidence that serum glucose, effusion-synovitis volume, and cruciate ligament degeneration are statistically important variables in classifying individuals who will develop AKOA. We found common MR-based measures failed to dramatically improve classification. These findings also show a complex interplay among participant characteristics and a need to identify novel characteristics to improve classification. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2420-2428, 2019.