Autoimmune and inflammatory responses in Kashin–Beck disease compared with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Association of oxidative stress and Kashin-Beck disease integrated Meta and Bioinformatics analysis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between oxidative stress (OS) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD).

METHODS

Terms associated with "KBD" and "OS" were searched in the six different databases up to October 2021. Stata 14.0 was used to pool the means and standard deviations using random-effect or fixed-effect model. The differentially expressed genes in the articular chondrocytes of KBD were identified, the OS related genes were identified by blasting with the GeneCards. The KEGG pathway and gene ontology enrichment analysis was conducted using STRING.

RESULTS

The pooled SMD and 95% CI showed hair selenium (-4.59; -6.99, -2.19), blood selenium (-1.65; -2.86, -0.44) and glutathione peroxidases (-4.15; -6.97, -1.33) levels were decreased in KBD, whereas the malondialdehyde (1.12; 0.60, 1.64), nitric oxide (2.29; 1.31, 3.27), nitric oxide synthase (1.07; 0.81, 1.33) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (1.69; 0.62, 2.77) were increased compared with external controls. Meanwhile, hair selenium (-2.71; -5.32, -0.10) and glutathione peroxidases (-1.00; -1.78, -0.22) in KBD were decreased, whereas the malondialdehyde (1.42; 1.04, 1.80), nitric oxide (3.08; 1.93, 4.22) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (0.81; 0.00, 1.61) were elevated compared with internal controls. Enrichment analysis revealed apoptosis was significantly correlated with KBD. The significant biological processes revealed OS induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. The cellular component of OS located in the mitochondrial outer membrane.

CONCLUSIONS

The OS levels in KBD were significantly increased because of selenium deficiency, OS mainly occurred in mitochondrial outer membrane, released of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and induced apoptotic signaling pathway.

Comparative analysis of the gut microbiota composition between knee osteoarthritis and Kashin-Beck disease in Northwest China

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) both are two severe osteochondral disorders. In this study, we aimed to compare the gut microbiota structure between OA and KBD patients.

Methods

Fecal samples collected from OA and KBD patients were used to characterize the gut microbiota using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. To identify whether gut microbial changes at the species level are associated with the genes or functions of the gut bacteria between OA and KBD groups, metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples from OA and KBD subjects was performed.

Results

The OA group was characterized by elevated Epsilonbacteraeota and Firmicutes levels. A total of 52 genera were identified to be significantly differentially abundant between the two groups. The genera Raoultella, Citrobacter, Flavonifractor, g__Lachnospiraceae_UCG-004, and Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia were more abundant in the OA group. The KBD group was characterized by higher Prevotella_9, Lactobacillus, Coprococcus_2, Senegalimassilia, and Holdemanella. The metagenomic sequencing showed that the Subdoligranulum_sp._APC924/74, Streptococcus_parasanguinis, and Streptococcus_salivarius were significantly increased in abundance in the OA group compared to those in the KBD group, and the species Prevotella_copri, Prevotella_sp._CAG:386, and Prevotella_stercorea were significantly decreased in abundance in the OA group compared to those in the KBD group by using metagenomic sequencing.

Conclusion

Our study provides a comprehensive landscape of the gut microbiota between OA and KBD patients and provides clues for better understanding the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of OA and KBD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02819-5.

Alterations in the gut microbiota and metabolite profiles of patients with Kashin-Beck disease, an endemic osteoarthritis in China

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a severe osteochondral disorder that may be driven by the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. We aimed to improve our understanding of the gut microbiota structure in KBD patients of different grades and the relationship between the gut microbiota and serum metabolites. Fecal and serum samples collected from KBD patients and normal controls (NCs) were used to characterize the gut microbiota using 16S rDNA gene and metabolomic sequencing via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). To identify whether gut microbial changes at the species level are associated with the genes or functions of the gut bacteria in the KBD patients, metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples from grade I KBD, grade II KBD and NC subjects was performed. The KBD group was characterized by elevated levels of Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes. A total of 56 genera were identified to be significantly differentially abundant between the two groups. The genera Alloprevotella, Robinsoniella, Megamonas, and Escherichia_Shigella were more abundant in the KBD group. Consistent with the 16S rDNA analysis at the genus level, most of the differentially abundant species in KBD subjects belonged to the genus Prevotella according to metagenomic sequencing. Serum metabolomic analysis identified some differentially abundant metabolites among the grade I and II KBD and NC groups that were involved in lipid metabolism metabolic networks, such as that for unsaturated fatty acids and glycerophospholipids. Furthermore, we found that these differences in metabolite levels were associated with altered abundances of specific species. Our study provides a comprehensive landscape of the gut microbiota and metabolites in KBD patients and provides substantial evidence of a novel interplay between the gut microbiome and metabolome in KBD pathogenesis.

Expression and localization of the small proteoglycans decorin and biglycan in articular cartilage of Kashin-Beck disease and rats induced by T-2 toxin and selenium deficiency

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic degenerative osteoarthropathy of uncertain etiology. Our study sought to identify a correlation between small proteoglycans decorin and biglycan expression and Kashin-Beck Disease. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the decorin and biglycan levels in cartilage specimens from both child KBD patients, and rats fed with T-2 toxin under a selenium-deficient condition. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to assess mRNA and protein levels of decorin and biglycan in rat cartilages, as well as in C28/I2 chondrocytes stimulated by T-2 toxin and selenium in vitro. The result showed that decorin was reduced in all zones of KBD articular cartilage, while the expression of biglycan was prominently increased in KBD cartilage samples. Increased expression of biglycan and reduced expression of decorin were observed at mRNA and protein levels in the cartilage of rats fed with T-2 toxin and selenium- deficiency plus T-2 toxin diet, when compared with the normal diet group. Moreover, In vitro stimulation of C28/I2 cells with T-2 toxin resulted in an upregulation of biglycan and downregulation of decorin, T-2 toxin induction of biglycan and decorin levels were partly rescued by selenium supplement. This study highlights the focal nature of the degenerative changes that occur in KBD cartilage and may suggest that the altered expression pattern of decorin and biglycan have an important role in the onset and pathogenesis of KBD.

Pathway-based network analyses and candidate genes associated with Kashin-Beck disease

To perform a comprehensive analysis focusing on the biological functions and interactions of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD)-related genes to provide information towards understanding the pathogenesis of KBD.A retrospective, integrated bioinformatics analysis was designed and conducted. First, by reviewing the literature deposited in PubMed, we identified 922 genes genetically associated with KBD. Then, biological function and network analyses were conducted with Cytoscape software. Moreover, KBD specific molecular network analysis was conducted by Cytocluster using the Molecular Complex Detection Algorithm (MCODE).The biological function enrichment analysis suggested that collagen catabolic process, protein activation cascade, cellular response to growth factor stimulus, skeletal system development, and extrinsic apoptosis played important roles in KBD development. The apoptosis pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and the glutathione metabolism pathway were significantly enriched in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway network, suggesting that these pathways may play key roles in KBD occurrence and development. MCODE clusters showed that in top 3 clusters, 54 of KBD-related genes were included in the network and 110 candidate genes were discovered might be potentially related to KBD.The 110 candidate genes discovered in the current study may be related to the development of KBD. The expression changes of apoptosis and oxidative stress-related genes might serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment of KBD.

The CD25+/CD4+ T cell ratio and levels of CII, CIX and CXI antibodies in serum may serve as biomarkers of pristane-induced arthritis in rats and Rheumatoid Arthritis in humans

OBJECTIVE

Collagen antibodies in serum are involved in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to identify the subtype of collagen antibodies and T cell subtype distribution in pristane-induced arthritis (PIA) and to clarify their roles in the initiation and maintenance of arthritis.

METHODS

Arthritis was induced in Dark Agouti (DA) rats by injection of pristane. The severity was evaluated by macroscopic and microscopic score systems. The alteration of CD25+/CD4+ T cell ratio in rats was detected by flow cytometry. Collagen type II (CII), CIX, or CXI antibody in serum was determined by ELISA. The levels of Nitric oxide (NO) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were measured by kits.

RESULTS

The serum levels of CII, CIX, CXI antibodies were significantly increased in RA patients while slightly increased in PIA rats. The ratio of CD25+/CD4+ T cells was significantly higher in RA rats than that in the control group. The serum levels of NO and TRAP in PIA rats and RA patients were higher than that in the control groups, which suggested that the activity of osteoclast was increased in RA.

CONCLUSION

The ratio of CD25+/CD4+ T cells plays a pivotal role in the development of PIA. The serum levels of NO and TRAP are inflammatory and osteoclast activity indicators. The serum levels of CII, CIX and CXI antibodies may serve as the clinical diagnostic indicators. These findings are important to our understanding of the pathogenesis of RA, and may provide biomarkers of RA diagnosis and therapeutic targets for the treatment of RA.

The potential biochemical markers of Kashin-Beck disease: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore the cytokines in serum, synovial fluid as potential biomarkers of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) and to further understand the role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of KBD.

METHODS

A systematic electronic database search was performed from inception up to 15 March 2015. Meta-analysis was performed for cytokines more than one repetition in studies with available data. The effect size was summarized as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by a random effect model.

RESULTS

A total of 18 articles were included. The pooled standardized mean differences showed the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (2.72, 95% CI: 1.8 5-3.59), interleukin-1 beta (1.21, 95% CI: 0.6 1-1.80), and nitric oxide (2.60, 95% CI: 1.5 2-3.68) were significantly higher in adult KBD patients compared with that in healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

There was explicit evidence showing that the tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta and nitric oxide were closely related to the presence of KBD, and these cytokines played a vital role in the pathogenesis of KBD.

Integrative analysis of genome-wide association studies and gene expression profiles identified candidate genes for osteoporosis in Kashin-Beck disease patients

SUMMARY

The molecular mechanism of osteoporosis (OP) in Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) patients was unclear. Our results suggest that KBD and OP shared some common causal genes, functionally involved in skeletal growth and development and chronic inflammation. Our results provide novel clues for clarifying the molecular mechanism of OP in KBD patients.

INTRODUCTION

KBD is a chronic skeletal disorder with osteopenia and OP. The pathogenesis of OP in KBD patients remains elusive.

METHODS

A total of 1717 subjects participated in this study. KBD was diagnosed according to the clinical diagnosis criteria of China (GB16395-1996). The bone mineral density (BMD) and bone areas of the ulna and radius, hip, and lumbar (L1-L4) were measured with a Hologic 4500 W dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner. Genotyping was conducted using Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0. Gene expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of KBD and OP patients were compared using Affymetrix HG-U133 plus 2.0 arrays and Agilent Human 1A arrays, respectively. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted by PLINK. SCEA and DAVID were applied for pleiotropy and functional enrichment analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

SCEA analysis observed significant pleiotropic effects between KBD and the ulna and radius BMD (P value = 5.99 × 10(-3)). GWAS meta-analysis identified six candidate genes with pleiotropic effects, including PDGFD, SOX5, DPYD, CTR9, SPP1, and COL4A1. GO analysis identified 16 significant GO shared by KBD and the ulna and radius BMD, involved in cell morphogenesis and apoptosis. Pathway enrichment analysis detected two common pathways for KBD and the ulna and radius BMD, including calcium signaling pathway and vascular smooth muscle contraction pathway. Gene expression analysis detected three up-regulated inflammation-related genes for KBD and OP, including IL1B, IL8, and CCL1.

CONCLUSION

This study reported several candidate genes involved in the development of OP in KBD patients.

Role of selenoprotein S (SEPS1) -105G>A polymorphisms and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in Kashin-Beck disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between SEPS1 polymorphism and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway in Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) and further explore the pathogenesis of KBD.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to detect SEPS1 -105G>A polymorphism in 232 cases and 331 controls. The protein expressions of PI3K/Akt signaling molecules in whole blood and chondrocytes were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

The frequencies of SEPS1 -105G>A genotype AA (21.1% vs 3.0%) and minor allele A (34.1% vs 16.0%) in KBD are significantly higher than those in controls (OR: 8.020, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 6.341-10.290, P < 0.0001; OR: 2.470, 95% CI 2.001-4.463, P < 0.0001, respectively). SEPS1 AA genotype was an independent risk factor for KBD (adjusted OR: 9.345, 95% CI 4.254-20.529; P < 0.0001). The expression of Gβγ, PI3Kp110, pAkt and pGSK3β in KBD group were higher than that in control group (all P < 0.05). Gβγ, pAkt and pGSK3β protein expression of AA and GA increased than GG (all P < 0.05). Cell apoptosis was increasing and molecule expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were up-regulated in the tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-injured group, the cell apoptosis and expression levels of PI3K/Akt in Na2SeO3 group were decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The SEPS1 -105G>A is associated with an increased risk of KBD and influences the expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in KBD patients. Apoptosis induced by tBHP in chondrocyte might be mediated via up-regulation of PI3K/Akt, Na2SeO3 has an effect of anti-apoptosis by down-regulating of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Recent advances in the research of an endemic osteochondropathy in China: Kashin-Beck disease

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic chronic osteochondral disease, which has a high prevalence and morbidity in the Eastern Siberia of Russia, and in the broad diagonal, northern-east to southern-west belt in China and North Korea. In 1990's, it was estimated that in China 1-3 million people had some degree of symptoms of the disease, although even higher estimates have been presented. In China, the extensive prevalence peaked in the late 1950's, but since then, in contrast to the global trend of the osteoarthritis (OA), the number of cases has been dramatically falling. Up to 2013, there are 0.64 millions patients with the KBD and 1.16 millions at risk in 377 counties of 13 provinces or autonomous regions. This is obviously thanks to the preventive efforts carried out, which include providing millions of people with dietary supplements and clean water, as well as relocation of whole villages in China. However, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms behind the cartilage damage, the genetic and the environmental risk factors, and the rationale of the preventive effects. During the last decade, new data on a cellular and molecular level has begun to accumulate, which hopefully will uncover the grounds of the disease.

Changes in the metabolism of chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans in articular cartilage from patients with Kashin-Beck disease

OBJECTIVES

To identify changes in the expression patterns of enzymes involved in chondroitin sulfate (CS) glycosaminoglycan (GAG) metabolism in articular cartilage proteoglycan (PG) isolated from adolescent patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD).

METHODS

Samples of articular cartilage were divided into two groups: Control samples (from five normal children), and KBD samples (from five KBD children) aged 3-12 years old. The morphology and pathology of hand joint cartilage were examined by histochemical staining. The localization and expression patterns of enzymes involved in CS GAG metabolism (i.e., PAPS synthetase 2 (PAPSS2), PAPS transporter 1 (PAPST1), Carbohydrate (N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfate 6-O) sulfotransferases 15 (CHST15), Arylsulfatase B (ARSB) and N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase (GALNS)) were performed using immuno-histochemical analyses. Positive immunostaining in articular cartilage was semi-quantified.

RESULTS

Reduced aggrecan staining was observed in KBD samples compared with the control samples. The percentages of positive staining for the anabolic enzymes PAPSS2, PAPST1 and CHST15 in the upper and middle zones of KBD samples were significantly lower than that found in the Controls. In contrast, the percentages of positive staining in KBD samples for the catabolic enzymes ARSB and GALNS were significantly higher than the control samples. However, the staining for all of these GAG metabolism enzymes were hardly observed in the deep zones of KBD cartilage, suggesting that significant cell death and necrosis had occurred in this region.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that alterations of enzymes involved in articular cartilage CS GAG metabolism on PGs in the articular cartilage play an important role in the onset and pathogenesis of KBD in adolescent children.