1
|
Abusara Z, Moo EK, Haider I, Timmermann C, Miller S, Timmermann S, Herzog W. Functional Assessment of Human Articular Cartilage Using Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) Imaging: A Feasibility Study. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:1009-1020. [PMID: 38240956 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03437-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
Many arthroscopic tools developed for knee joint assessment are contact-based, which is challenging for in vivo application in narrow joint spaces. Second harmonic generation (SHG) laser imaging is a non-invasive and non-contact method, thus presenting an attractive alternative. However, the association between SHG-based measures and cartilage quality has not been established systematically. Here, we investigated the feasibility of using image-based measures derived from SHG microscopy for objective evaluation of cartilage quality as assessed by mechanical testing. Human tibial plateaus harvested from nine patients were used. Cartilage mechanical properties were determined using indentation stiffness (Einst) and streaming potential-based quantitative parameters (QP). The correspondence of the cartilage electromechanical properties (Einst and QP) and the image-based measures derived from SHG imaging, tissue thickness and cell viability were evaluated using correlation and logistic regression analyses. The SHG-related parameters included the newly developed volumetric fraction of organised collagenous network (Φcol) and the coefficient of variation of the SHG intensity (CVSHG). We found that Φcol correlated strongly with Einst and QP (ρ = 0.97 and - 0.89, respectively). CVSHG also correlated, albeit weakly, with QP and Einst, (|ρ| = 0.52-0.58). Einst and Φcol were the most sensitive predictors of cartilage quality whereas CVSHG only showed moderate sensitivity. Cell viability and tissue thickness, often used as measures of cartilage health, predicted the cartilage quality poorly. We present a simple, objective, yet effective image-based approach for assessment of cartilage quality. Φcol correlated strongly with electromechanical properties of cartilage and could fuel the continuous development of SHG-based arthroscopy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziad Abusara
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| | - Eng Kuan Moo
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ifaz Haider
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Claire Timmermann
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sue Miller
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Scott Timmermann
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Walter Herzog
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou Y, Ni J, Wen C, Lai P. Light on osteoarthritic joint: from bench to bed. Theranostics 2022; 12:542-557. [PMID: 34976200 PMCID: PMC8692899 DOI: 10.7150/thno.64340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the rapidly growing disability-associated conditions with population aging worldwide. There is a pressing need for precise diagnosis and timely intervention for OA in the early stage. Current clinical imaging modalities, including pain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and optical coherent tomography, are limited to provide structural changes when the damage has been established or advanced. It prompts further endeavors in search of novel functional and molecular imaging, which potentially enables early diagnosis and intervention of OA. A hybrid imaging modality based on photothermal effects, photoacoustic imaging, has drawn wide attention in recent years and has seen a variety of biomedical applications, due to its great performance in yielding high-contrast and high-resolution images from structure to function, from tissue down to molecular levels, from animals to human subjects. Photoacoustic imaging has witnessed gratifying potentials and preliminary effects in OA diagnosis. Regarding the treatment of OA, photothermal-triggered therapy has exhibited its attractions for enhanced therapeutic outcomes. In this narrative review, we will discuss photoacoustic imaging for the diagnosis and monitoring of OA at different stages. Structural, functional, and molecular parameter changes associated with OA joints captured by photoacoustics will be summarized, forming the diagnosis perspective of the review. Photothermal therapy applications related to OA will also be discussed herein. Lastly, relevant clinical applications and its potential solutions to extend photoacoustic imaging to deeper OA situations have been proposed. Although some aspects may not be covered, this mini review provides a better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of OA with exciting innovations based on tissue photothermal effects. It may also inspire more explorations in the field towards earlier and better theranostics of OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junguo Ni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Chunyi Wen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
- Research Institute of Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HKSAR
| | - Puxiang Lai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
- Photonics Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HKSAR
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ukai T, Sato M, Wasai S, Takahashi T, Omura H, Watanabe M. Comparison of properties determined using electromechanical assessment (Arthro-BST™) with macroscopic and histological properties in symptomatic human articular cartilage of the hip. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:227. [PMID: 34465392 PMCID: PMC8406846 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02611-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cartilage degeneration is assessed using various methods. Although macroscopic evaluation can directly measure cartilage degeneration, it cannot accurately assess cartilage properties. Histological examination is one of the most accurate methods for evaluating cartilage degeneration. However, it is invasive and requires collection of cartilage tissue. In contrast, the Arthro-BST™ probe can assess cartilage properties noninvasively. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Arthro-BST in assessing cartilage degeneration by comparing macroscopic (International Cartilage Repair Society [ICRS] classification) and histological evaluations (modified Mankin score and Osteoarthritis Research Society International [OARSI] histological grade). METHODS Fourteen femoral heads were excised from 13 patients during surgery to treat hip osteoarthritis or femoral fracture. The ICRS score was used for macroscopic evaluation of cartilage degeneration. The Arthro-BST was applied at sites matching the areas of cartilage damage. The sites assessed using the ICRS classification and Arthro-BST were evaluated histologically (modified Mankin score and OARSI histological grade), and these were compared with the Arthro-BST results. RESULTS The ICRS classification identified significant differences between grades 1 and 3 (p < 0.01), between grades 1 and 4 (p < 0.01), between grades 2 and 3 (p < 0.01), and between grades 2 and 4 (p < 0.01). Significant correlations were observed between the Arthro-BST results and the ICRS score, modified Mankin score (structure, cellularity, matrix staining, total score), and OARSI histological grade. CONCLUSIONS In the assessment of hip osteoarthritis, the Arthro-BST results correlated with those of macroscopic and histological evaluations. The Arthro-BST is useful for assessing hip osteoarthritis and may be helpful for noninvasive assessment of cartilage degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taku Ukai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.,Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University Graduate School, Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Masato Sato
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan. .,Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University Graduate School, Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Shiho Wasai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.,Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University Graduate School, Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takumi Takahashi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.,Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University Graduate School, Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Haruka Omura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.,Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University Graduate School, Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.,Center for Musculoskeletal Innovative Research and Advancement (C-MiRA), Tokai University Graduate School, Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sato M, Yamato M, Mitani G, Takagaki T, Hamahashi K, Nakamura Y, Ishihara M, Matoba R, Kobayashi H, Okano T, Mochida J, Watanabe M. Combined surgery and chondrocyte cell-sheet transplantation improves clinical and structural outcomes in knee osteoarthritis. NPJ Regen Med 2019; 4:4. [PMID: 30820353 PMCID: PMC6384900 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-019-0069-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Current cartilage regenerative therapies are not fully effective in treating osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK). We have developed chondrocyte sheets for autologous transplantation and tested these in in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, and have reported that the transplantation of chondrocyte sheets promoted hyaline cartilage repair in rat, rabbit, and minipig models. However, autologous transplantation of chondrocyte sheets has yet to be reported in humans. Here, we report our combination therapy in which conventional surgical treatment for OAK, is followed by autologous chondrocyte sheet transplantation for cartilage repair. Eight patients with OAK and cartilage defects categorized arthroscopically as Outerbridge grade III or IV receive the therapy. Patients are thoroughly assessed by preoperative and postoperative X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), arthroscopy, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm Knee Score (LKS), and a laser-induced photoacoustic method to assess cartilage viscoelasticity. Arthroscopic biopsies of all patients are performed 12 months after transplantation for histological evaluation. The properties of the chondrocyte sheets are evaluated using gene expression analysis to investigate the ability to predict the clinical and structural outcomes of the therapy. For this small initial longitudinal series, combination therapy is effective, as assessed by MRI, arthroscopy, viscoelasticity, histology, and the clinical outcomes of KOOS and LKS. Gene marker sets identified in autologous chondrocyte sheets may be predictive of the overall KOOS, LKS, and histological scores after therapy. These predictive gene sets may be potential alternative markers for evaluating OAK treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masato Sato
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamato
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Genya Mitani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan
| | - Tomonori Takagaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan
| | - Kosuke Hamahashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Nakamura
- Cell Processing Center, Tokai University Hospital, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan
| | - Miya Ishihara
- Department of Medical Engineering, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-8513 Japan
| | - Ryo Matoba
- DNA Chip Research Inc., 1-15-1 Kaigan, Suzue Baydium 5F Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0022 Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan
| | - Teruo Okano
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Joji Mochida
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Measurement of blood-oxygen saturation using a photoacoustic technique in the rabbit hypoxemia model. J Clin Monit Comput 2018; 33:269-279. [PMID: 29876708 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-018-0166-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The golden standard method to obtain accurate blood oxygen saturation is blood gas analysis that needs invasive procedure of blood sampling. Photoacoustic technique enables us to measure real-time blood oxygen saturation without invasive procedure. The aim of this study is to use the photoacoustic technique, an optical method, for accurately determining oxygen saturation in vivo. We measured induced photoacoustic signals of arterial blood in the rabbit model of stable hypoxemia after irradiation at 750 and 800 nm. Oxygen saturation was calculated from the photoacoustic signals using two calibration curves. Calibration curve 1 is a conventional curve derived from the absorbance coefficient of hemoglobin, whereas calibration curve 2 is derived from the photoacoustic signals obtained from the original blood vessel model. Simultaneously, blood-gas analysis was performed to obtain the reference standard of oxygen saturation. Regression analysis and Bland-Altman analysis were performed to assess the accuracy of oxygen saturation obtained using the two methods. The oxygen saturation calculated using calibration curves 1 and 2 showed strong correlations with the reference standard in regression analysis (R = 0.965, 0.964, respectively). The Bland-Altman analysis revealed better agreement and precision with calibration curve 2, whereas there was significant underestimation of values obtained using calibration curve 1. Photoacoustic measurement of oxygen saturation using calibration curve 2 provided an accurate estimate of oxygen saturation, which was similar to that obtained using a portable blood-gas analyzer.
Collapse
|
6
|
Ukai T, Sato M, Ishihara M, Yokoyama M, Takagaki T, Mitani G, Tani Y, Yamashita T, Imai Y, Mochida J. Usefulness of using laser-induced photoacoustic measurement and 3.0 Tesla MRI to assess knee cartilage damage: a comparison study. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:383. [PMID: 26717992 PMCID: PMC4718041 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0899-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T2 mapping is an MRI method particularly reflective of the collagen arrangement in the cartilage, and diffusion tensor (DT) imaging captures the diffusion of water molecules. Laser-induced photoacoustic measurement (LIPA) makes it possible to assess not only the thickness of the cartilage layer but also its viscoelastic properties. By assessing cartilage damage assessment using LIPA and 3.0 Tesla MRI (T2 mapping and DT imaging), this study investigates the usefulness of the various methods. METHODS The International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification was used to classify 29 bone cartilage pieces excised during surgical procedures. At the same time, LIPA was performed at sites matching the area of cartilage damage. MRI was performed preoperatively to measure the T2 and the apparent diffusion coefficient. In addition, tissue sections for histological assessment using the Mankin score were prepared for each ICRS grade, and the results with the various methods were compared. RESULTS With DT imaging, significant differences were observed in all grades (P < 0.01). With T2 mapping, significant differences were observed in all grades except for grade 1 versus grade 2 (P < 0.01). With LIPA, significant differences were observed in ICRS grade 1 versus grade 3 (P < 0.05), grade 1 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01), grade 2 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01), and grade 3 versus grade 4 (P < 0.05). With the Mankin score, significant differences were observed in ICRS grade 1 versus grade 3 (P < 0.01), grade 1 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01), grade 2 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01), and grade 3 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01). Correlations were observed in all combinations of ICRS grade with DT imaging, T2 mapping, LIPA, and Mankin score. Correlations were observed between the degree of histological degeneration and DT imaging, T2 mapping, and ICRS grade, but LIPA had a weaker correlation than MRI. CONCLUSIONS In the assessment of knee osteoarthritis, there are instances where it is difficult to assess the damaged cartilage site with MRI alone, and we believe that it is desirable to use a combination of LIPA and MRI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taku Ukai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Masato Sato
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Miya Ishihara
- Department of Medical Engineering, National Defence Medical Collage, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan.
| | - Munetaka Yokoyama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Tomonori Takagaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Genya Mitani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Yoshiki Tani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Tomohiro Yamashita
- Department of Radiology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Imai
- Department of Radiology, Specialized Clinical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Joji Mochida
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hirasawa T, Fujita M, Okawa S, Kushibiki T, Ishihara M. Quantification of effective attenuation coefficients using continuous wavelet transform of photoacoustic signals. APPLIED OPTICS 2013; 52:8562-8571. [PMID: 24513902 DOI: 10.1364/ao.52.008562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A method for quantifying the effective attenuation coefficients of optical absorbers by using the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to calculate the time-resolved frequency spectra of photoacoustic signals is proposed. Because the coefficients can be quantified according to the relative intensity of the frequency content of the signals, it is unnecessary to determine the fluences. A computational simulation reveals that the time-resolved frequency spectra exhibit better correlation with the coefficients than do power spectra calculated using a Fourier transformation. The CWT-based method was experimentally verified, and the coefficients were quantified with mean square error of 2.0 cm(-1).
Collapse
|
8
|
Sato M, Ishihara M, Kikuchi M, Mochida J. A diagnostic system for articular cartilage using non-destructive pulsed laser irradiation. Lasers Surg Med 2012; 43:421-32. [PMID: 21674547 DOI: 10.1002/lsm.21065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Osteoarthritis involves dysfunction caused by cartilage degeneration, but objective evaluation methodologies based on the original function of the articular cartilage remain unavailable. Evaluations for osteoarthritis are mostly based simply on patient symptoms or the degree of joint space narrowing on X-ray images. Accurate measurement and quantitative evaluation of the mechanical characteristics of the cartilage is important, and the tissue properties of the original articular cartilage must be clarified to understand the pathological condition in detail and to correctly judge the efficacy of treatment. We have developed new methods to measure some essential properties of cartilage: a photoacoustic measurement method; and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A nanosecond-pulsed laser, which is completely non-destructive, is focused onto the target cartilage and induces a photoacoustic wave that will propagate with attenuation and is affected by the viscoelasticity of the surrounding cartilage. We also investigated whether pulsed laser irradiation and the measurement of excited autofluorescence allow real-time, non-invasive evaluation of tissue characteristics. RESULTS The decay time, during which the amplitude of the photoacoustic wave is reduced by a factor of 1/e, represents the key numerical value used to characterize and evaluate the viscoelasticity and rheological behavior of the cartilage. Our findings show that time-resolved laser-induced autofluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS) is useful for evaluating tissue-engineered cartilage. CONCLUSIONS Photoacoustic measurement and TR-LIFS, predicated on the interactions between optics and living organs, is a suitable methodology for diagnosis during arthroscopy, allowing quantitative and multidirectional evaluation of the original function of the cartilage based on a variety of parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masato Sato
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lee JI, Sato M, Ushida K, Mochida J. Measurement of diffusion in articular cartilage using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. BMC Biotechnol 2011; 11:19. [PMID: 21366913 PMCID: PMC3061899 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-11-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) provides information about translational diffusion of fluorescent molecules in tiny detection volumes at the single-molecule level. In normal states, cartilage tissue lacks vascularity, so chondrocyte metabolism depends on diffusion for molecular exchanges. The abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) of cartilage is maintained by a limited number of chondrocytes. ECM plays an important role in the regulation of chondrocyte functions. In this study, FCS was used to measure diffusion behaviors of albumin, the major protein of the intra-articular space, using normal and degenerated cartilage. Preliminary investigation of fluorescence dyes including Alexa 488, Rhodamine 6G and Rhodamine 123 was conducted to evaluate their properties in cartilage. RESULTS The results indicate that the diffusion behaviors of fluorescently labeled albumin can be observed using FCS in both normal and chemically degenerated cartilage. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrates the capability of FCS for direct measurement of diffusion in cartilaginous ECM. When the diffusion characteristics of fluorescent probes in ECM are clarified using FCS evaluation, FCS will be applicable as a method for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis, which is accompanied by increased abnormalities of ECM and also as tool for evaluating bio-engineered artificial cartilage for autologous chondrocyte implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Ik Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kutsuna T, Sato M, Ishihara M, Furukawa KS, Nagai T, Kikuchi M, Ushida T, Mochida J. Noninvasive evaluation of tissue-engineered cartilage with time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2010; 16:365-73. [PMID: 19589126 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2009.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine requires noninvasive evaluation. Our objective is to investigate the application of time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS) using a nano-second-pulsed laser for evaluation of tissue-engineered cartilage (TEC). To prepare scaffold-free TEC, articular chondrocytes from 4-week-old Japanese white rabbits were harvested, and were inoculated at a high density in a mold. Cells were cultured for 5 weeks by rotating culture (RC) or static culture (SC). The RC group and SC group at each week (n = 5), as well as normal articular cartilage and purified collagen type II (as controls), were analyzed by TR-LIFS. The peak wavelength was compared with those of type II collagen immunostaining and type II collagen quantification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and tensile testing. The fluorescence peak wavelength of the TEC analyzed by this method shifted significantly in the RC group at 3 weeks, and in the SC group at 5 weeks (p < 0.01). These results correlated with changes in type II collagen (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and changes in Young's modulus on tensile testing. The results were also supported by immunohistologic findings (type II collagen staining). Our findings show that TR-LIFS is useful for evaluating TEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiharu Kutsuna
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Recent technological advancements related to articular cartilage regeneration. Med Biol Eng Comput 2008; 46:735-43. [PMID: 18546028 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-008-0360-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2007] [Accepted: 04/10/2008] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Some treatments for full thickness defects of the articular cartilage, such as the transplantation of cultured chondrocytes have already been performed. However, in order to overcome osteoarthritis, we must further study the partial thickness defects of articular cartilage. It is much more difficult to repair a partial thickness defect because few repair cells can address such injured sites. We herein show that bioengineered and layered chondrocyte sheets using temperature-responsive culture dishes may be a potentially useful treatment for the repair of partial thickness defects. We also show that a chondrocyte-plate using a rotational culture system without the use of a scaffold may also be useful as a core cartilage of an articular cartilageous defect. We evaluated the properties of these sheets and plates using histological findings, scanning electrical microscopy, and photoacoustic measurement methods, which we developed to evaluate the biomechanical properties of tissue-engineered cartilage. In conclusion, the layered chondrocyte sheets and chondrocyte-plates were able to maintain the cartilageous phenotype, thus suggesting that they could be a new and potentially effective therapeutic product when attached to the sites of cartilage defects.
Collapse
|
12
|
Laser literature watch. Photomed Laser Surg 2006; 24:537-71. [PMID: 16942439 DOI: 10.1089/pho.2006.24.537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|