Innovative regenerative medicine in the management of knee OA: The role of Autologous Protein Solution

Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, ameliorates inflammation and apoptosis via inhibition of receptor for advanced glycation end products signaling in AGEs induced chondrocytes

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate functions of GLP-1R agonist by liraglutide (LIRA) and revealing the mechanism related to AGEs/RAGE in chondrocytes.

METHODS

To illustrate potential effect of GLP-1R agonist on AGEs induced chondrocytes, chondrocytes were administrated by AGEs with LIRA and GLP-1R inhibitor exendin. Inflammatory factors were assessed using ELISA. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the catabolic activity MMPs and ADAMTS mRNA level, as well as anabolic activity (aggrecan and collagen II). RAGE expression was investigated by Western blotting. TUNEL, caspase3 activity and immunofluorescence were performed to test the apoptotic activity.

RESULTS

Our results showed that treatment with LIRA at > 100 nM attenuated the AGE-induced chondrocyte viability. Western bolt demonstrated that GLP-1R activation by LIRA treatment reduced RAGE protein expression compared with the AGEs groups. ELISA showed that LIRA hindered the AGEs-induced production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α) in primary chondrocytes. AGEs induced catabolism levels (MMP-1, -3, -13 and ADAMTS-4, 5) are also attenuated by LIRA, causing the retention of more extracellular matrix (Aggrecan and Collagen II). TUNEL, caspase3 activity and immunofluorescence results indicated that LIRA inhibited the AGEs-induced production of inflammatory cytokines in primary chondrocytes and attenuated the caspase 3 level, leading to the reduced apoptotic activity. All the protective effects are reversed by exendin (GLP-1R blockers).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates for the first time that LIRA, an agonist for GLP-1R which is commonly used in type 2 diabetes reverses AGEs induced chondrocyte inflammation and apoptosis through suppressing RAGE signaling, contributing to reduced catabolism and retention of more extracellular matrix. The above results indicate the possible effect of GLP-1R agonist on treating OA.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Boric Acid in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: Biochemical and Histopathological Evaluation in Rat Model

This study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory properties of boric acid (BA) in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in rats, evaluating its biochemical and histopathological therapeutic effects. A KOA rat model was induced by injecting monosodium iodoacetate into the knee joint. Random assignment was performed for the experimental groups as follows: group-1(control), group-2(KOA control), group-3 (BA:4 mg/kg, orally), group-4(BA:10 mg/kg, orally), group-5(BA:4 mg/kg, intra-articularly), and group-6(BA:10 mg/kg, intra-articularly). The rats received 100 µL of BA intra-articularly on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 or 1 mL orally once a day (5 days/week) for 4 weeks. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) were measured. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on knee joint samples using specific antibodies for IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13, and nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS-2). Group-2 exhibited higher serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels and MMP-13 activity than group-1 (P < 0.05). However, IL-1β and TNF-α levels and MMP-13 activity were lower in all treatment groups than in group-2, with statistically significant reductions observed in groups-4, 5, and 6. Histopathologically, group-2 displayed joint space narrowing, cartilage degeneration, and deep fissures. Groups-5 and 6 demonstrated significant joint space enlargement, articular cartilage tissue regeneration, and immunostaining patterns similar to those in group-1. Immunohistochemically, group-2 showed significant increases in IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13, and NOS-2 expression. However, all treatment groups exhibited reductions in these expression levels compared to group-2, with statistically significant decreases observed in groups-5 and 6 (P < 0.01). BA shows potential efficacy in reducing inflammation in experimental KOA model in rats. It may be a promising therapeutic agent for KOA, warranting further clinical studies for validation.

Hsa_circ_0007482 Promotes Proliferation and Differentiation of Chondrocytes in Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a complex degenerative joint disease and a major cause of joint dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the function of hsa_circ_0007482 on inflammation, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in KOA.

DESIGN

Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the expression of circ_0007482, inflammatory factors, and differentiation-related molecules in KOA chondrocytes and interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. The correlation between the circ_0007482 expression and inflammatory factors was analyzed by the Pearson method. KOA cell model was established using IL-1β for 24 hours. The proliferation activity of chondrocytes was evaluated by CCK-8 assay, and cell apoptosis rate was assessed by flow cytometry. The downstream miRNA of circ_0007482 was validated using dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

The circ_0007482 expression was elevated in both KOA cartilage tissues and IL-1β-treated chondrocytes and positively correlated with inflammatory factors expression. In comparison to the control group, IL-1β treatment diminished chondrocyte proliferation abilities and increased cell apoptosis and inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA expression. Inhibition of circ_0007482 partially improved IL-1β-induced inflammatory reaction. Circ_0007482 could negatively regulate the expression of miR-558.

CONCLUSIONS

Interfering of circ_0007482 might partially promote cell proliferation and differentiation, while inhibit cell apoptosis to improve joint injury by regulating miR-558 in IL-1β-treated chondrocyte cell model.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Boric Acid in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: Biochemical and Histopathological Evaluation in Rat Models.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3091978/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Objective: This study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory properties of boric acid(BA) in treatingknee osteoarthritis(KOA) in rats, evaluating its biochemical and histopathological therapeutic effects. Methods: The KOA rat model was induced by injecting monosodium iodoacetate into the knee joint. Random assignment was performed for the experimental groups as follows: group-1(control), group-2(KOA control), group-3(BA:4 mg/kg,orally), group-4(BA:10 mg/kg,orally), group-5 (BA:4 mg/kg,intra-articularly), and group-6(BA:10 mg/kg,intra-articularly). The rats received 100 µL of BA intra-articularly on days 1,7,14, and 21 or 1 mL orally once a day (5 days/week) for 4 weeks. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase-13(MMP-13) were measured. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on knee joint samples using specific antibodies for IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP13, and nitric oxide synthase-2(NOS-2). Results. Group-2 exhibited higher serum levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-13 than group-1(P<0.05). However, these levels were lower in all treatment groups compared to group-2, with statistically significant reductions observed in groups-4,5, and 6. Histopathologically, group-2 displayed joint space narrowing, cartilage degeneration, and deep fissures. Groups-5 and 6 demonstrated significant joint space enlargement, articular cartilage tissue regeneration, and immunostaining patterns similar to those in group-1. Immunohistochemically, group-2 showed significant increases in IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13, and NOS-2 expression. However, all treatment groups exhibited reductions in these expression levelscompared to group-2, with statistically significant decreases observed in groups-5 and 6(P<0.01). Conclusions. BA shows potential efficacy in reducing inflammation in experimental KOA models in rats. It may be a promising therapeutic agent for KOA, warranting further clinical studies for validation.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of positive long-term effects after intra-articular administration of orthobiologic therapeutics in horses with naturally occurring osteoarthritis

Equine veterinarians face challenges in treating horses with osteoarthritic joint pain in routine veterinary practice. All common treatment options aim to reduce the clinical consequences of osteoarthritis (OA) characterized by persistent synovitis and progressive degradation of articular cartilage. A range of joint-associated cell types and extracellular matrices are involved in the not yet entirely understood chronic inflammatory process. Regeneration of articular tissues to re-establish joint hemostasis is the future perspective when fundamental healing of OA is the long-term goal. The use of intra-articular applied biologic therapeutics derived from blood or mesenchymal stroma cell (MSC) sources is nowadays a well-accepted treatment option. Although this group of therapeutics is not totally consistent due to the lack of clear definitions and compositions, they all share a potential regenerative effect on articular tissues as described in in vivo and in vitro studies. However, the current stage of science in regenerative medicine needs to be supported by clinical reports as in fact, in vitro studies as well as studies using induced OA models still represent a fragment of the complex pathomechanism of naturally occurring OA. This systemic review aims to determine the long-term effect of orthobiologic therapeutics in horses suffering naturally occurring OA. Thereby, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is conducted to describe the efficiency and safety of intra-articular applied orthobiologics in terms of lameness reduction in the long-term. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria for the systemic review. Four of those studies have further been evaluated by the meta-analysis comparing the long-term effect in lameness reduction. Each study was examined for risk of bias. For data evaluation, a random-effects model was used, describing the overall outcome in a forest plot. The I² statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Results indicate, that orthobiologic therapies represent an effective long-term and safe OA treatment option. Due to the inhomogeneity of included studies, no statements are provided addressing specific orthobiologic therapies, affected joints, OA stage and horse's intended use. Future clinical trials should follow standardized study designs to provide comparable data.

Autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue associated with arthroscopy in moderate–severe knee osteoarthritis: outcome at two year follow-up

Background

Adipose tissue has recently gained growing interest in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single injection of autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue (aMFAT) associated with arthroscopy (cartilage debridement/meniscal regularization or selective meniscectomy/micro-drilling) for symptomatic knee OA.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center study included 49 patients (50 knees) affected by knee OA (radiographic Kellgren-Lawrence III-IV) treated with a single injection of autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue and knee arthroscopy. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were the primary outcome measures and were collected at one and 2 years post-operatively. Patients were divided into clusters based on age, complexity of arthroscopic procedures and chondral lesion grade.

Results

Four patients underwent knee replacement (8%). No major adverse events were reported. Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for KOOS and IKDC was reached by 84 and 74% of all cases at 1 year and by 80 and 76% at 2 years, respectively. High grade chondral lesions negatively affected the outcome at 2 years follow-up (p < 0.05 for IKDC, KOOS overall and 3 out of 5 subscales).

Conclusion

The injection of micro-fragmented adipose tissue associated with arthroscopy demonstrated to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of knee OA, with a substantial improvement in IKDC and KOOS scores and without major complications.

Spinal CCK1 Receptors Contribute to Somatic Pain Hypersensitivity Induced by Malocclusion via a Reciprocal Neuron-Glial Signaling Cascade

Recent studies have shown that the incidence of chronic primary pain including temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) often exhibit comorbidities. We recently reported that central sensitization and descending facilitation system contributed to the development of somatic pain hypersensitivity induced by orofacial inflammation combined with stress. The purpose of this study was to explore whether TMD caused by unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) can induce somatic pain hypersensitivity, and whether the cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor-mediated descending facilitation system promotes hypersensitivity through neuron-glia cell signaling cascade. UAC evoked thermal and mechanical pain hypersensitivity of the hind paws from day 5 to 70 that peaked at week 4 post UAC. The expression levels of CCK1 receptors, interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-18 receptors (IL-18R) were significantly up-regulated in the L4 to L5 spinal dorsal horn at 4 weeks post UAC. Intrathecal injection of CCK1 and IL-18 receptor antagonists blocked somatic pain hypersensitivity. IL-18 mainly co-localized with microglia, while IL-18R mainly co-localized with astrocytes and to a lesser extent with neurons. These findings indicate that the signaling transduction between neurons and glia at the spinal cord level contributes to the descending pain facilitation through CCK1 receptors during the development of the comorbidity of TMD and FMS. PERSPECTIVE: CCK1 receptor-dependent descending facilitation may mediate central mechanisms underlying the development of widespread somatic pain via a reciprocal neuron-glial signaling cascade, providing novel therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of TMD and FMS comorbidities.

Interleukin-35 Regulates Angiogenesis Through P38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway in Interleukin-1β-Stimulated SW1353 Cells and Cartilage Bioinformatics Analysis

We aimed to investigate the effects of interleukin (IL)-35 on proangiogenic factors in IL-1β-pretreated chondrocyte-like SW1353 cells and screen-related genes that participated in osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage with IL-35, proangiogenic factors, and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Different concentrations of IL-35 incubated with IL-1β stimulated SW1353 cells with or without SB203580 (inhibitor of P38 MAPK). Proangiogenic molecule expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database of OA cartilage. Protein-protein interaction of genes was visualized by Search Tool for the Retrieval Interacting Genes and Cytoscape. Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery was used to screen biological processes and pathways. IL-35 inhibited mRNA expression of proangiogenic factors in IL-1β-stimulated SW1353 cells through the P38 MAPK signaling pathway. IL-35 inhibited angiopoietin-2 secretion. We found that 8 related genes, 18 biological processes, and 6 pathways may associate with IL-35, P38 MAPK signaling pathway, and cartilage angiogenesis. IL-35 regulated the expression of proangiogenic factors through P38 MAPK signaling pathway in IL-1β-stimulated SW1353 cells. IL-35 and P38 MAPK pathway may participate in neovascularization of cartilage. Our findings may provide molecular mechanisms and possible genes target treatment for OA.

Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis: The Role for Orthobiologic Therapies: Platelet-Rich Plasma and Cell Therapies

The glenohumeral (GH) joint ranks third on the list of the large joints that are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis, after the knee and the hip. General nonsurgical modalities, including changes in daily activities, physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, and corticosteroid injections, constitute the mainstay of treatment. Most of these options, however, have shown moderate and short-term effectiveness. Arthroplasty techniques have proven to be successful for elderly patients. Nevertheless, replacement options are not optimal for younger patients because their functional demands are higher and prostheses have a finite life span. This has led to the search for new nonoperative treatment options to target this subgroup of patients. It has been suggested that orthobiologic therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and cell therapies, present great promise and opportunity for the treatment of GH osteoarthritis. Despite the promising results that have been shown by cell therapies and PRP for treating degenerative joint conditions, additional studies are needed to provide more definitive conclusions.

Meta-analysis of transcriptome datasets: An alternative method to study IL-6 regulation in coronavirus disease 2019

In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, interleukin (IL)-6 is one of the leading factors causing death through cytokine release syndrome. Hence, identification of IL-6 downstream from clinical patients’ transcriptome is very valid for analyses of its mechanism. However, clinical study is conditional and time consuming to collect optional size of samples, as patients have the clinical heterogeneity. A possible solution is to deeply mine the relative existing data. Several transcriptome-based studies on other diseases or treatments have revealed different genes to be regulated by IL-6. Through our meta-analysis of these transcriptome datasets, 352 genes were suggested to be regulated by IL-6 in different biological conditions, some of which were related to virus infection and cardiovascular disease. Among them, 232 genes were not identified by current transcriptome studies from clinical research. ICAM1 and PFKFB3 were the most significantly upregulated genes in our meta-analysis and could be employed as biomarkers in patients with severe COVID-19. In general, a meta-analysis of transcriptome datasets could be an alternative way to analyze the immune response and complications of patients suffering from severe COVID-19 and other emergency diseases.

Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: an expert opinion and proposal for a novel classification and coding system

INTRODUCTION

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is able to modulate the joint environment by reducing the inflammatory distress and promoting tissue anabolism. Therefore, it has gained increasing popularity among clinicians in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), and it is currently proposed beside consolidated options such as viscosupplementation.

AREAS COVERED

A systematic review of all available meta-analyses evaluating intra-articular PRP injections in patients affected by knee OA was performed, to understand how this biologic treatment approach compares to the traditional injective therapies available in clinical practice. Moreover, a novel coding system and 'minimum reporting requirements' are proposed to improve future research in this field and promote a better understanding of the mechanisms of action and indications.

EXPERT OPINION

The main limitation in the current literature is the extreme variability of PRP products used, with often paucity or even lack of data on the biologic features of PRP, which should not be considered as a simple substance, but rather a 'procedure' requiring accurate reporting of the characteristics of the product but also all preparation and application modalities. This approach will aid in matching the optimal PRP product to specific patient factors, leading to improved outcomes and the elucidation of the cost-effectiveness of this treatment.

A landscape of circulating long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profile and the predictive value of candidate lncRNAs for disease risk of knee osteoarthritis

Background

This study aimed to investigate the plasma long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profile in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients and the value of candidate lncRNAs for predicting KOA risk.

Methods

Plasma was obtained for RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) in eight KOA patients and eight healthy controls (Ctrls). Ten candidate lncRNAs were then selected from the differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs according to the rank of absolute value of Log₂ (fold change). Afterward, RT‐qPCR was used to examine 10 candidate lncRNAs expressions in plasma of 100 KOA patients and 100 Ctrls.

Results

In eight KOA patients and eight Ctrls, principal component analysis and heatmap plots disclosed that lncRNA and mRNA expression profile could distinguish KOA patients from Ctrls. Then Volcano plot identified 418 upregulated lncRNAs, 347 downregulated lncRNAs, 521 upregulated mRNAs, and 333 downregulated mRNAs in KOA patients compared to Ctrls. Next, enrichment analyses revealed that DE lncRNAs were mainly enriched in biological processes, molecular functions, and signaling pathways related to inflammation and bone formation. In 100 KOA patients and 100 Ctrls, eight candidate lncRNAs were dysregulated in KOA patients compared to Ctrls, including lncRNA ABCF2P2, lncRNA RP13‐16H11.7, lncRNA CTC‐340A15.2, lncRNA RP4‐735C1.6, lncRNA RP11‐293G6‐B.8, lncRNA RP11‐1246C19.1, lncRNA RP11‐303E16.6, and lncRNA RP5‐882C2.2. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that these eight candidate lncRNAs presented with values for predicting KOA risk. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression elucidated that six candidate lncRNAs could independently predict KOA risk.

Conclusion

We disclosed a landscape of circulating lncRNA expression profile in KOA patients, and discovered several specific lncRNAs which could assist in KOA management.

Autologous cell-free serum preparations in the management of knee osteoarthritis: what is the current clinical evidence?

Background

There is paucity in the current literature regarding clinical outcomes of autologous cell-free serum preparations. The objective of this paper is to collate the clinical evidence and review the results of intraarticular injections of autologous cell-free serum preparations in the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A comprehensive English literature search was undertaken using the healthcare database website (https://hdas.nice.org.uk/). The PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Embase and the Cochrane library databases were searched to identify all studies of autologous protein solution/autologous conditioned serum (ACS/APS) in the management of knee OA. We evaluated the reported clinical outcomes with respect to pain, function, morbidity, adverse effects and complications.

Results

Fifteen relevant articles were identified in the current literature. Outcomes following injection of ACS/APS have been reported in patients with age range (34–87 years) and unilateral or bilateral knee OA. Seven studies reported improvement in visual analog scale (VAS) whereas the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis instrument (WOMAC) score improved in nine studies. Considerable variation was noted in the injection technique and duration of post-procedure assessment with only one study reporting long-term follow-up beyond 24 months. Joint swelling and injection-site pain were reported to be the most common complications; only one study reported a case of septic arthritis. However, no evidence is available to clearly identify factors that may predict the outcomes following this procedure.

Conclusion

Current data from the clinical studies would suggest that the intraarticular administration of autologous cell-free serum preparations, such as ACS/APS, in patients with knee OA may improve pain and function, with limited morbidity. High-quality clinical trials with stratified patient cohorts, longer follow-up duration and robust reporting of outcome measures are essential to improve the understanding of the indications and clinical effectiveness of these novel products.

Macrophages in osteoarthritis: pathophysiology and therapeutics

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of disability in worldwide population, which is characterized by cartilage breakdown, synovial fibrosis, osteophyte formation and pain. Synovial inflammation is usually found in both early and late stages in most of the OA patients. Macrophages, the major component of the mononuclear phagocyte system, play a critical role in OA pathogenesis through the induction of inflammatory mediators, growth factors and proteinases. So, drugs that can target macrophages and macrophage-associated inflammatory pathways at an appropriate stage may help to inhibit or slow down the progression of OA. However, despite an emerging role of synovial macrophages in OA pathogenesis, little is known about the biology of synovial tissue macrophages, and attempts to target macrophages therapeutically have had limited success. But the use of selective targets of macrophages may minimize the side effects and support the promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of OA. More pre-clinical animal models and clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the role of selective targets of macrophages in the prevention and treatment of OA. This review article discusses the association of macrophages in OA development and possible OA therapeutics by targeting macrophages.