Changes of synovial fluid protein concentrations in supra-patellar bursitis patients after the injection of different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid

Use of hyaluronic acid preparations for treatment of osteoarthritis of major ligaments

The authors of the article analyzed the experience of domestic and foreign experts in the effectiveness of the use of HA preparations in the treatment of osteoarthritis of major ligaments. Background and Objective. To analyze the literature sources in order to determine the effectiveness of the use of HA preparations in the treatment of osteoarthritis of major ligaments. Materials and methods. Articles in specialized scientific journals and collections, Internet resource. Results. The analysis of literature sources determined the important role of HA preparations in the supplying and functioning of the articular cartilage. Researchers are inclined to believe that the ideal HA preparation should be as close as possible to the physiological HA of the synovial fluid of the joint. The developed domestic drug Arthro-Patch fully corresponds to these parameters. Conclusions. The use of modern injectable HA preparations is advisable at stages 1–3 of OA. Anti-inflammatory effect of HA preparations makes it possible to reduce the dose and time of administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and, as a consequence, reduce the risk of developing many adverse side effects of NSAIDs. The high level of safety of HA preparations, the absence of serious side effects during their long-term use determine their widespread use in the clinical practice of modern orthopedists.

Clinical use of hyaluronic acid in andrology: A review

Background

Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan widely used in the fields of orthopedics, ophthalmology, and aesthetic medicine due to its significant ability to reduce the synthesis of pro‐inflammatory proteins and its activity against oxidative stress, a feature of many degenerative illnesses.

Objectives

The objective of the present review is to provide a comprehensive narrative review of the most recent literature on the use of hyaluronic acid in andrology in order to facilitate the use of this therapeutic device in the common clinical practice of many physicians. Specific conditions covered in the review are Peyronie's disease, premature ejaculation, and penile enlargement.

Materials and methods

A broad and comprehensive literature search included Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Libraries, with no time restriction up to December 2020 and restricted to English language publications. Unpublished studies were not included. The study was registered as “The role of hyaluronic acid in andrology: A systematic review and meta‐analysis” in PROSPERO with the ID CRD42021223416.

Discussion and conclusion

Hyaluronic acid is a valid choice for the treatment of Peyronie's disease in terms of the resolution of the acute phase of the disease and of contributing to stabilizing the disease as a bridge to potential surgery. Data, furthermore, suggest that hyaluronic acid is frequently associated with an overall clinical improvement, allowing the patient to resume normal sexual activity.

With regard to premature ejaculation, data suggests hyaluronic acid‐based treatments were effective in prolonging intra‐vaginal ejaculation time. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid was found to be safe and well‐tolerated, with main adverse events limited to local discomfort, ecchymosis, papule formation, and glans numbness, all of which were reported to resolve spontaneously.

Last, with regard to penile enlargement, the overall perception of experts is that hyaluronic acid may be an extremely well‐tolerated compound with potential for application in specific areas of male sexual health that are often neglected as compared to more common, and relatively simpler to treat, conditions.

Safety and efficacy of single CHAP Hyaluronan injection versus three injections of linear Hyaluronan in pain relief for knee osteoarthritis: a prospective, 52-week follow-up, randomized, evaluator-blinded study

Background

The hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are widely used in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients. We conducted the study comparing the efficacy and safety of single injection of Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Platform Hyaluronan (CHAP-HA) with 3-injection of linear hyaluronan in knee OA patients.

Methods

This was a randomized two-arms, evaluator-blinded, controlled, single-center study. Participants with knee OA received single CHAP-HA or three-injection of linear-HA. The 140 patients aged 35–85 years with radiographically confirmed knee OA were enrolled. At week 4, 12, 26, 39, and 52, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, timed up and go (TUG) and subject’s adverse events (AE) of these 2 groups were recorded. Primary outcome of the differences of VAS pain score at week 26 between groups was analyzed with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). At week 52, those who met the inclusion criteria could receive a CHAP-HA injection and being followed-up for the adverse events for 4 weeks.

Results

The trial was conducted from September 2015 to April 2017. A total 140 subjects were available for analysis (71 in the CHAP-HA group and 69 in the linear-HA group). At 26th week, there were significant more improvements in VAS pain scores in CHAP-HA compared with linear-HA. Both CHAP-HA and linear-HA showed significant improvements in the VAS pain score at week 26 compared with the baseline, and the occurrence of adverse events during the study period showed no between-group difference. In subjects with KL = 2, both groups showed significant improvements in VAS pain scores within 26 weeks. In patients with KL = 3, only CHAP-HA group showed significant improvement in VAS pain from 4 to 39 weeks. No unexpected or severe AEs were reported.

Conclusions

A single injection of CHAP-HA may be safe and more effective for 26 weeks in patients with knee OA by comparing to linear-HA; moreover, the pain relief effect of CHAP-HA may remain until 52 weeks. For patients with more severe OA, CHAP-HA was demonstrated to be more preferable to relieve OA pain. Furthermore, repeat treatment of CHAP-HA or using CHAP-HA after a three-injection HA was proved to be safe.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03643588. Date: August 23, 2018 (retrospectively registered).

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I.

Molar mass effect in food and health

It is demanded to supply foods with good quality for all the humans. With the advent of aging society, palatable and healthy foods are required to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden of finance for medical expenditure. Food hydrocolloids can contribute to this demand by versatile functions such as thickening, gelling, stabilising, and emulsifying, controlling texture and flavour release in food processing. Molar mass effects on viscosity and diffusion in liquid foods, and on mechanical and other physical properties of solid and semi-solid foods and films are overviewed. In these functions, the molar mass is one of the key factors, and therefore, the effects of molar mass on various health problems related to noncommunicable diseases or symptoms such as cancer, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, constipation, high blood pressure, knee pain, osteoporosis, cystic fibrosis and dysphagia are described. Understanding these problems only from the viewpoint of molar mass is limited since other structural characteristics, conformation, branching, blockiness in copolymers such as pectin and alginate, degree of substitution as well as the position of the substituents are sometimes the determining factor rather than the molar mass. Nevertheless, comparison of different behaviours and functions in different polymers from the viewpoint of molar mass is expected to be useful to find a common characteristics, which may be helpful to understand the mechanism in other problems.

The application of thermal oscillation method to augment the effectiveness of autologous platelet rich plasma in treating elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis

Elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are often troubled with joint soreness, swelling, weakness, and pain. Knee intra-articular (IA) injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) is one of the options that can be used in treating knee OA. However, there are doubts on the effect of PRP when used in treating elderly patients with moderate to severe degrees of knee OA. In this study, 47 elderly patients with moderate degree of knee OA combined with supra-patellar bursitis were recruited. Musculoskeletal ultrasound was used for accurate needle placement for the aspiration of bursa synovial fluid SF followed by PRP injections. In group 1, 23 patients received conventional liquid-form IA PRP injections. In group 2, 24 patients received IA injections of thermal oscillation prepared PRP injectants. It was discovered that when the liquid-form PRP was heated up to a temperature of 75 °C and simultaneously oscillated under 200 revolutions per minute (rpm) for 15 min, the end product became paste-form like and with a viscosity similar to that of an anti-cough syrup. Under incubation, the highest number of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was obtained on the 8th day. At one month after the completion of PRP injections, group 2 patients revealed significant decreases in SF total protein concentrations, SF volumes, and Lequesne index values. Proteins associated with inflammation, such as apolipoprotein A-I, haptoglobin, immunoglobulin kappa chain, transferrin, and matrix metalloproteinase also decreased significantly. Therefore, the thermal oscillation preparation method can augment the effectiveness of autologous PRP in treating elderly patients with moderate knee OA. It may be recommended that the PRP injectant should be prepared first using the thermal oscillation method to increase its viscosity, enabling prolonged release of growth factors once it is injected into the knee joint.

Can the addition of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block using 5% dextrose water augment the effect of autologous platelet rich plasma in treating elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis?

Background

To investigate whether the addition of injecting 5% dextrose water to the genicular nerves can augment the effect of platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections in treating elderly patients with moderate degree of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Forty-six elderly patients with grade 3 on the Kellgren and Lawrence knee OA grading system were divided into control and genicular nerve block groups. Both groups received 4 milliliters (mL) of PRP injected into the knee joint and 2 mL of PRP to the pes anserinus complex. In the nerve block group, 2 mL of 5% dextrose water was also injected to each genicular nerve. In the control group, normal saline was used to inject the genicular nerves. Proteomic technique of 2-dimensional electrophoresis was used to detect the changes in synovial fluid (SF) protein concentrations. Lequesne Functional Index was used to evaluate knee functional status.

Results

After 3 monthly PRP injections, concentrations of SF total protein, and proteins associated with inflammation decreased. Protein concentrations associated with chelation increased. In the nerve block group, improvements in pain and in the functional status of the knee joint lasted up to a period of 6 months. At 1 month and 3 months after the injections, Lequesne Functional Index was less than 7 (a value of 7 or higher indicates knee OA).

Conclusion

The concept of combining 5% dextrose water injection to the genicular nerves, and PRP injection into the knee joint and to the pes anserinus complex can be a feasible non-operative conservative treatment option for elderly patients with knee OA.

Suppression of cathepsin K biomarker in synovial fluid as a free-drug-driven process

Cathepsin K (CatK) inhibitors exhibited chondroprotective and pain-reducing effects in animal models, however, improvements were relatively modest at dose levels achieving maximal suppression of CatK biomarkers in urine. In this report, a previously characterized CatK inhibitor (MK-1256) is utilized to explore the potential of reduced target engagement and/or suboptimal exposure (free drug) as limiting factors to the pharmacological potential of CatK inhibitors in the knee joint. Following oral administration of MK-1256 at a dose level achieving maximal inhibition of urinary biomarker (helical peptide) in dogs, full suppression of the biomarker in synovial fluid was observed. Subsequent tissue distribution studies conducted in dogs and rabbits revealed that MK-1256 levels in synovial fluid and cartilage were consistent with the free-drug hypothesis. Reasonable projection (within twofold) of drug levels in these tissues can be made based on plasma drug concentration with adjustments for binding factors. These results indicate that the previously observed efficacies in the animal models were not limited by compound distribution or target engagement in the knee tissues.

Injecting autologous platelet rich plasma solely into the knee joint is not adequate in treating geriatric patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis

Knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA) is commonly seen in geriatric patients. Patients with knee OA are often complicated with joint pain, soreness, and weakness. The injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (aPRP) has been proven to be effective in treating mild knee OA. The effect of injecting aPRP in treating moderate to severe degrees of knee OA remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aPRP in treating patients with at least grade 2 on the Kellgren and Lawrence system for the classification of knee OA using a proteomic approach and clinical evaluation tool of Lequesne index. Musculoskeletal ultrasound was used for accurate needle placement into the knee joint, and to the perimeniscal soft tissue for the injection of aPRP. Three monthly aPRP injections were performed. Group 1 patients received intra-articular (IA) injection only, while group 2 received simultaneous IA and pes anserinus aPRP injections. After two monthly aPRP injections, both groups revealed significant drops in average SF total protein concentrations, and increases in the protein concentrations associated with chelation and anti-aging (eg/transthyretin, matrilin, and complement). However, it is group 2 that revealed significant decreases in the protein concentrations associated with inflammation (eg/immunoglobulin and apolipoprotein), and improved knee functional status. SF appeared to become less susceptible to degeneration after aPRP injections in group 2. As a result, at least 2 monthly injection of IA aPRP in conjunction with accurate injection of aPRP to the perimeniscal soft tissue structure such as the pes anserinus may be a viable option in treating patients with moderate to severe degrees of knee OA.

Changes of cerebrospinal fluid protein concentrations and gait patterns in geriatric normal pressure hydrocephalus patients after ventriculoperitoneal shunting surgery

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) was the first type of dementia ever described that can be treated using ventriculoperitoneal shunting surgery. Three typical clinical symptoms of NPH include gait disturbance, progressive cognitive dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. Although there are articles that have discovered several cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein biomarkers associated with NPH; however, studies examining individual and total protein concentrations from the ventricular CSF before and after shunting surgery are lacking. This study used proteomics to calculate the CSF individual and total protein concentrations before, and one week, one month and three months after the shunting surgery. Parameters of cadence, step length, walking speed, and percentages of single- and double-limb support in a gait cycle were measured. Protein concentrations associated with anti-oxidation, aging, and in the prevention of neurotoxic agent production increased by at least 2-folds after the surgery, indicating that the brain may become less susceptible to neurodegeneration. These proteins were alpha-1B-glycoprotein, apolipoproteins A-1 & A-IV, prostaglandin-H2 D-isomerase, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and serotransferrin. In gait analysis, lower cadence, decreased double-limb support, longer step length, and increased single-limb support were observed after the surgery, indicating a more stable walking balance. These changes lasted for a period of at least 3 months. As a result, shunting surgery may be recommended for geriatric patients with confirmed diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus.

The influence of platelet rich plasma on synovial fluid volumes, protein concentrations, and severity of pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Knee pain is commonly seen in orthopedic and rehabilitation outpatient clinical settings. Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are often complicated with joint soreness, swelling, weakness, and pain. These complaints are often caused by the excessive amount of synovial fluid (SF) accumulated in the bursae around the knee joint. This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in treating patients with minor to moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA) combined with supra-patellar bursitis using a proteomic approach and clinical evaluation tool. In this study, 24 elderly patients with minor to moderate knee OA combined with supra-patellar bursitis were recruited. Musculoskeletal ultrasound was used for accurate needle placement for the aspiration of SF followed by subsequent PRP injections. Three monthly PRP injections were performed to the affected knees for a total of 3months. Approximately after the 2nd PRP injection, significant decreases in SF total protein concentrations, volumes, and Lequesne index values were observed. SF proteins associated with chelation and anti-aging physiological functions such as matrilin, transthyretin, and complement 5 increased at least 2-fold in concentrations. Proteins associated with inflammation, such as apolipoprotein A-I, haptoglobin, immunoglobulin kappa chain, transferrin, and matrix metalloproteinase decreased at least 2-fold in concentrations. Therefore, at least two monthly PRP injections may be beneficial for treating patients with minor to moderate knee OA combined with supra-patellar bursitis.

Intralesional Injection of Hyaluronic Acid in Patients Affected With Peyronie's Disease: Preliminary Results From a Prospective, Multicenter, Pilot Study

Introduction

Hyaluronic acid has been shown to be efficacious in decreasing scar formation, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Aim

To assess the efficacy of intralesional injection of hyaluronic acid in patients affected by Peyronie's disease.

Methods

In this prospective, single-arm, self-controlled, interventional, multicenter pilot study, 65 patients underwent a 10-week cycle of weekly intraplaque injections with hyaluronic acid (0.8% highly purified sodium salt hyaluronic acid 16 mg/2 mL; Sinovial, IBSA, Lodi, Italy). Patients were re-evaluated 2 months after the end of therapy.

Main Outcome Measures

Plaque size (millimeters), penile curvature (degrees), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score for sexual satisfaction, and Patient's Global Impressions of Improvement (PGI-I) score.

Results

Median age was 57 years (range = 23–70). At baseline, mean plaque size was 10 mm (range = 3–30 mm), mean penile curvature was 30° (range = 0°–50°), and mean IIEF-5 score was 20 (range = 0–25), with slight to moderate erectile dysfunction (IIEF score < 21) in 36 of 65 patients (55%). A median VAS score of 6 (range = 2–10) was found. Mean follow-up was 12 months (range = 6–24 months). Statistically significant post-treatment improvements were detected for plaque size (before treatment = 10 mm [3–30 mm], after treatment = 8 mm [1–30 mm], P < .0001), penile curvature (before treatment = 30° [0°–50°], after treatment = 20° [0°–40°], P < .0001), IIEF-5 score (before treatment = 20 [11–25], after treatment = 21 [15–25], P < .0001), and VAS score (before treatment = 6 [2–10], after treatment 8 [2–10], P < .0001). After treatment, the rate of patients with an IIEF score lower than 21 decreased from 55% (36 patients) to 40% (25 patients). Overall improvement on the PGI-I questionnaire was 69%.

Conclusion

Intralesional treatment with hyaluronic acid can improve plaque size, penile curvature, and overall sexual satisfaction and seems preferably indicated in the early (active) phase of the disease. Furthermore, it is easy to perform and well tolerated.