Osteoarthritis: A problematic disease in past human populations. A dependence between entheseal changes, body size, age, sex, and osteoarthritic changes development

Beyond dirty teeth: Integrating dental calculus studies with osteoarchaeological parameters

The study of ancient human dental calculus (mineralized dental plaque, also known as tartar) is becoming increasingly important in osteoarchaeology, human palaeoecology and environmental archaeology. Microremains of different origin (e.g. starch granules, pollen, phytoliths, feather barbules) as well as biomolecules and chemical compounds retrieved from its mineral matrix may represent an important link between past humans and their physical, biological and social environment, but they are rarely fully linked to the evidence from skeletal remains. This paper critically reviews the lines of evidence retrieved from dental calculus in relation to osteoarchaeological parameters, employing macroscopic, microscopic and biomolecular approaches, assessing synergy potential and limitations. The scope of this paper is also to contribute to the building of a much needed theoretical framework in this emerging subfield.

The emerging role of exosomes in innate immunity, diagnosis and therapy

Exosomes, which are nano-sized transport bio-vehicles, play a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis by exchanging genetic or metabolic information between different cells. Exosomes can also play a vital role in transferring virulent factors between the host and parasite, thereby regulating host gene expression and the immune interphase. The association of inflammation with disease development and the potential of exosomes to enhance or mitigate inflammatory pathways support the notion that exosomes have the potential to alter the course of a disease. Clinical trials exploring the role of exosomes in cancer, osteoporosis, and renal, neurological, and pulmonary disorders are currently underway. Notably, the information available on the signatory efficacy of exosomes in immune-related disorders remains elusive and sporadic. In this review, we discuss immune cell-derived exosomes and their application in immunotherapy, including those against autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Further, we have elucidated our views on the major issues in immune-related pathophysiological processes. Therefore, the information presented in this review highlights the role of exosomes as promising strategies and clinical tools for immune regulation.

Human Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Inhibit IL-1β-Induced Inflammation in Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes

Objective

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (hBMSC)-derived exosomes exhibit protective effects against inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to explore the effects of hBMSC-derived exosomes on osteoarthritis (OA) in vitro and its related mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, we characterised exosomes derived from hBMSCs by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking and Western blot analysis. Cellular uptake of exosomes was observed by fluorescent microscopy. Cell viability of chondrocytes exposed to interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) was determined by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to determine expression levels of genes related to apoptosis, inflammation, cartilage collagen metabolism and mitogen-activated protein kinases.

Results

Fluorescence microscopy revealed that hBMSC-derived exosomes could be taken up by chondrocytes. hBMSC-derived exosomes could significantly enhance cell viability of chondrocytes in response to IL-1β treatment. RT-qPCR showed significant up-regulation of Survivin, Versican, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, MMP-13, MAPK p38, JNK, ERK, Aggrecan and SOX9 expression levels by IL-1β treatment, while their mRNA expression levels decreased after co- culture with exosomes. The anti-inflammatory gene TGF-β was markedly suppressed by IL-1β treatment; however, we observed its expression after co-culture with exosomes. Additionally, the pro-inflammatory genes IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, TNF-α and TNF-β displayed significantly elevated expression levels in the IL-1β group and reduced expression levels after co-culture with exosomes.

Conclusion

hBMSC-derived exosomes may play a protective role in chondrocytes through inhibiting cell apoptosis and the inflammatory response. These results will provide a novel therapeutic strategy for OA.

An evaluation of the relationship between the degree of entheseal changes and the severity of osteodegenerative processes at fibrocartilaginous entheses

An enthesis refers to the interface at which a tendon or a ligament integrates into the periosteum. Its morphology can be influenced by intrinsic factors such as sex, age, and extrinsic factors such as levels of activity, which will in turn impact on bone remodeling and lead to morphological changes. In bioarcheology, entheseal changes have had a long tradition of being used for the reconstruction of past activities. The literature has shown that in some cases of osteoarthritis, entheseal changes are associated with osteoarthritic manifestations. This work aims to evaluate the relationship between the degree of entheseal changes and the severity of osteodegenerative processes. The studied materials consisted of 30 humeri and 30 femora from the osteological collection at St George's University of London. Intensities of both entheseal changes and osteodegenerative processes were macroscopically assessed and scored. The difference in scores of entheseal changes between osteoarthritic groups and nonosteoarthritic groups is statistically significant at a confidence level of 95% (α = .05) for both the humeri and femora. Results show a positive correlation between the degree of entheseal changes and the severity of osteodegenerative processes in the femora, suggesting that enthesis may play a role in osteoarthritis. Findings from this work supports the proposed hypothesis that the degree of entheseal changes and the severity of osteoarthritic manifestation are related. This work contributes to current knowledge that osteoarthritis is a disease involving the whole joint; the enthesis could potentially be a target for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.