Relationship between weight loss in obese knee osteoarthritis patients and serum biomarkers of cartilage breakdown: secondary analyses of a randomised trial

Unravelling the ties that bind: The intersection of obesity, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory pathways with emphasis on glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists

This narrative review article explores the complex interplay between obesity, osteoarthritis, and their associated inflammatory cascades, offering a deeper understanding of the underlying of mechanisms of inflammation and potential therapeutic interventions targeting both diseases. Through examination of the shared inflammatory pathway of obesity and osteoarthritis, our objective is to directly elucidate the relationship between these two conditions, highlighting the promising role of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists in modulating inflammation and its therapeutic implications for patients with obesity and osteoarthritis.

Prevention of sarcopenia in patients with obesity after bariatric and metabolic surgery: The effect of programmed training on the muscle tissue and anthropometric functions - A randomized controlled trial (SarxOb study protocol)

Obesity is a serious metabolic disease that significantly increases cardiovascular risks and other health complications. Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from obesity that increases the health risks and is associated with cardiac, respiratory and other diseases.  Bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) leads to significant changes in body composition. Our pilot study showed that bariatric patients are at risk of sarcopenia after BMS. This finding resulted in a hypothesis that an exercise plan in the experimental group will lead to postural stabilization and a lower decline in muscle homotopy, further leading to a greater reduction in fat mass and a positive effect of exercise on skeletal muscle volume and strength and endocrine-metabolic function. The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of programmed aerobic and strength training on muscle function, volume, and morphology in patients after BMS. The study is a single-center, randomized clinical trial after sleeve gastrectomy focused on muscle tissue. The experimental group will perform targeted physical activity once a week for 12 months and the training plan will include anaerobic and aerobic components. Magnetic resonance imaging of skeletal muscles will be correlated with the values of densitometry examination and changes in body composition, certain blood parameters of myokines, biomechanical analysis of movement abnormalities, and behavioral and dietary counseling. This study will address the research questions about the effect of programmed training on muscle tissue and muscular functions after BMS.

Association between Musculoskeletal Pain and Bone Turnover Markers in Long-Term Pb-Exposed Workers

BACKGROUND

On chronic exposure, Lead (Pb) deposits in the skeletal system, replaces calcium ions, and alters the normal physiological processes, which in turn, lead to stunting, delayed fracture healing, and high resorption of collagen molecules. The present study aimed to assess the association of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort with bone turnover markers (BTMs) among long-term Pb-exposed workers.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

The study recruited 176 male Pb-exposed workers and 80 control subjects who were matched for age, gender, and socio-economic status. Blood lead levels (BLLs), bone growth markers, such as serum osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and bone resorption markers: serum pyridinoline (Pry), deoxypyridinoline (DPry), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b(TRACP-5b), and hydroxyproline in urine (HyP-U) of participants were investigated. Pain and discomfort in the musculoskeletal system were assessed using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Pb-exposure was significantly associated with musculoskeletal discomfort of the lower back (P<0.001), upper back (P<0.001), and ankle/foot (P=0.011). Among bone formation markers, serum OC was significantly lower in musculoskeletal discomfort of elbows (P=0.033) and ankle/foot (P=0.042). Among bone resorption markers, serum DPry was significantly lower in musculoskeletal discomfort of the neck (P=0.049) and shoulders (P=0.023). HyP-U was significantly higher in musculoskeletal discomfort of shoulders (P=0.035) and lower back (P=0.036).

CONCLUSION

As evidenced by the obtained results, Pb-exposure was associated with musculoskeletal discomfort of the lower back, upper back, and ankle/foot. Lower bone formation (serum OC) marker was noted with musculoskeletal discomfort of elbows and ankle/foot. Furthermore, bone resorption markers were associated with musculoskeletal discomfort of the neck, shoulders, and lower back. The findings of the present study suggested that long-term Pb-exposure and BTMs were associated with musculoskeletal discomfort.

Coll2-1 and Coll2-1NO2 as exemplars of collagen extracellular matrix turnover - biomarkers to facilitate the treatment of osteoarthritis?

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. However, there are no structure or disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs). Introducing personalized healthcare to patients and health-care practitioners is a high priority for the management of arthritic and musculoskeletal diseases. However, there are no biomarker tools that can be used for patient stratification, disease management, and drug development. Biomarkers are capable of diagnosing and prognosing some arthritic and musculoskeletal diseases. Cartilage-based biomarkers have the potential to be used in this context to guide the precision treatment of OA. Areas covered: The aim of this review is to focus on the pre-clinical and clinical utility of the Coll2-1 and Coll2-1NO2 biomarkers as unique cartilage-based biomarkers that can guide the development of new treatments for OA. This expert report will begin with a background to collagens and their important biomechanical roles in the musculoskeletal system, but particularly cartilage, before exploring the data and scientific evidence to support the utility of Coll2-1 and Coll2-1NO2 as unique biomarkers. Expert opinion: This review summarises the authors' expert view on the pre-clinical and clinical utility of the Coll2-1 and Coll2-1NO2 biomarkers and their potential for use as drug development tools.

Osteoarthritis year in review 2018: biomarkers (biochemical markers)

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this narrative review is to summarize important findings from biochemical marker studies relevant to osteoarthritis (OA) in the context of new discoveries and clinical and scientific need.

DESIGN

We conducted a systematic search of electronic medical databases (Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane central) between 01-03-2017 and 31-03-2018. The search was restricted to human studies, English language and full text available publications while reviews were excluded. Only papers describing protein based biomarkers measured in human body fluids (blood, urine and synovial fluid (SF)) were included. Of the 992 papers, 86 were reviewed here, with inclusion primarily based on relevance to OA biochemical markers.

RESULTS

This review highlights a selection of studies based on their quality and perceived importance to the field mainly including those that¹ evaluate prognostic value of biomarkers for OA progression (i.e., biomarkers reflecting change in composition of joint tissues and biomarkers of inflammation)², help in assessment of intervention efficacy, and³ are innovative and uncover new candidate biomarkers, or use new approaches in biomarker discovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Key findings and implications for possible clinical utility of biochemical markers are summarized and discussed. Given the paucity of robust biomarkers within the field, and the heterogeneity of the condition, enormous works are needed for development and validation of novel and clinically applicable biomarkers to reduce the impact of this highly prevalent and debilitating condition.