Antioxidants and fatty acids in the amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders

Different modalities to manage rheumatoid arthritis: an A to Z story

Aim: To investigate different approaches to RA treatment that might lead to greater efficacy and better safety profiles. Methods: The Search strategy was based on medical subject headings, and screening and selection were based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results & discussion: Early therapy is critical for disease control and loss of bodily function. The most promising outcomes came from the development of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Different foods have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that protect against the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some dietary patterns and supplements have been shown to have potential protective benefits against RA. Conclusion: Improvement in the quality of life of RA patients requires a tailored management approach based on the current patient medical data.

Existence of antibiotic pollutant in agricultural soil: Exploring the correlation between microbiome and pea yield

Due to sewage irrigation, manure fertilizer application or other agricultural activities, antibiotics have been introduced into farmland as an emerging contaminant, existing with other agrochemicals. However, the potential influences of antibiotics on the efficiency of agrochemicals and crops health are still unclear. In this work, the effect of antibiotics on fertilization efficiency and pea yield was evaluated, and the mechanism was explored in view of soil microbiome. Nitrogen utilization and pea yield were decreased by antibiotics. In specific, the weight of seeds decreased 9.5 % by 5 mg/kg antibiotics and decreased 25.1 % by 50 mg/kg antibiotics. For N nutrient in pea, antibiotics resulted in 62.5 %-63.7 % decrease in amino acid content and 8.3 %-35.3 % decrease in inorganic-N content. Further research showed that antibiotics interfered with N cycle in soil, inhibiting urea decomposition and denitrification process by reducing function genes ureC, nirK and norB in soil, thus decreasing N availability. Meanwhile, antibiotics destroyed the enzyme function in N assimilation. This work evaluated the environmental risk of antibiotics from fertilization efficiency and N utilization in crop. Antibiotics could not only affect N cycle, limiting the decomposition of N fertilizer, but also affect N utilization in plants, thus affecting the yield and even the quality of leguminous crops.

Valorizing the usage of olive leaves, bioactive compounds, biological activities, and food applications: A comprehensive review

Olive oil production is a significant source of economic profit for Mediterranean nations, accounting for around 98 percent of global output. Olive oil usage has increased dramatically in recent years, owing to its organoleptic characteristics and rising knowledge of its health advantages. The culture of olive trees and the manufacture of industrial and table olive oil produces enormous volumes of solid waste and dark liquid effluents, involving olive leaves, pomace, and olive oil mill wastewaters. These by-products cause an economic issue for manufacturers and pose major environmental concerns. As a result, partial reuse, like other agronomical production wastes, is a goal to be achieved. Because these by-products are high in bioactive chemicals, which, if isolated, might denote components with significant added value for the food, cosmetic, and nutraceutical sectors, indeed, they include significant amounts of beneficial organic acids, carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, and phenolic materials, which are distributed differently between the various wastes depending on the olive oil production method and table olive agronomical techniques. However, the extraction and recovery of bioactive materials from chosen by-products is a significant problem of their reasonable value, and rigorous detection and quantification are required. The primary aims of this review in this context are to outline the vital bioactive chemicals in olive by-products, evaluate the main developments in extraction, purification, and identification, and study their uses in food packaging systems and safety problems.

Silencing SIRT5 induces the senescence of UCB-MSCs exposed to TNF-α by reduction of fatty acid β-oxidation and anti-oxidation

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is an inflammatory cytokine involved in cell survival, apoptosis, and homeostasis. However, the regulatory effect of TNF-α on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) redox regulation remains unknown. The process of delaying the senescence of MSCs and maintaining antioxidation mechanism is important in transplantation therapy to treat inflammatory diseases that result from restricted immunomodulatory effects of senescent MSCs. Thus, we examined the role of TNF-α-mediated signaling and its regulatory mechanisms on the senescence of umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (UCB-MSCs) and identified its therapeutic efficacy in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. We found that TNF-α increased fatty acid synthesis and lipid droplet (LD) formation through NF-κB/SREBP1-mediated FASN, SCD1, and DGAT2 expression, which protects UCB-MSCs from oxidative stress against accumulated toxic lipids. Additionally, DGAT2-mediated LD formation was regulated by TNF-α-activated TNF receptor (TNFR)1 signaling. We also found that storage of unsaturated FAs in LDs is regulated by SIRT5-dependent β-oxidation of FAs, which reduces mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) accumulation. Particularly, mtROS homeostasis was maintained by superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) upregulation through TNFR2-mediated SIRT5/Nrf2 signaling. In a CIA mouse model, UCB-MSCs transfected with SIRT5 siRNA exhibited reduced therapeutic effects compared with UCB-MSCs transfected with NT siRNA. Overall, the results indicated that SIRT5 plays a central role in protecting TNF-α-induced UCB-MSC senescence through FA β-oxidation and SOD2-mediated antioxidation.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Malapterurus electricus Skin Fish Methanolic Extract in Arthritic Rats: Therapeutic and Protective Effects

The protective and therapeutic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potency of Malapterurus electricus (F. Malapteruridae) skin fish methanolic extract (FE) (300 mg/kg.b.wt/day for 7 days, orally) was tested in monosodium urate(MSU)-induced arthritic Wistar albino male rats' joints. Serum uric acid, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-𝜅B, MDA, GSH, catalase, SOD, and glutathione reductase levels were all measured. According to the findings, FE significantly reduced uric acid levels and ankle swelling in both protective and therapeutic groups. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating inflammatory cytokines, primarily through decreased oxidative stress and increased antioxidant status. All the aforementioned lesions were significantly improved in protected and treated rats with FE, according to histopathological findings. iNOS immunostaining revealed that protected and treated arthritic rats with FE had weak positive immune-reactive cells. Phytochemical analysis revealed that FE was high in fatty and amino acids. The most abundant compounds were vaccenic (24.52%), 9-octadecenoic (11.66%), palmitic (34.66%), stearic acids (14.63%), glycine (0.813 mg/100 mg), and alanine (1.645 mg/100 mg). Extensive molecular modelling and dynamics simulation experiments revealed that compound 4 has the potential to target and inhibit COX isoforms with a higher affinity for COX-2. As a result, we contend that FE could be a promising protective and therapeutic option for arthritis, aiding in the prevention and progression of this chronic inflammatory disease.

Network pharmacology-based pharmacological mechanism prediction on Eucommia ulmoides against rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and progressive joint destruction. Eucommia ulmoides (EU) is a kidney-tonifying Chinese medicine that has been applied to treat RA for decides. The present study aims to explore pharmacological mechanisms of EU against RA using network pharmacology approach. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to screen active ingredients of EU, and their relative targets were fished from UniProt database. RA-related targets were screened from GeneCards database and DisGeNET database. The overlapping genes between EU and RA were identified by Venn diagram, and further analyzed for protein-protein interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Fifty active ingredients were identified in EU, and corresponded to 207 targets. Meanwhile, 499 targets were closely associated with RA development. A total of 50 overlapping genes between EU and RA were identified, which were regarded as therapeutically relevant. GO enrichment analysis indicated that EU exerted antiRA effects depending on regulating multiple biological processes including inflammatory response, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and matrix catabolism. Several key pathways such as TNF pathway, IL-17 pathway, T cell receptor pathway, NOD-like receptor pathway and Toll-like receptor pathway, were involved in the above biological processes. Network pharmacology revealed that EU exerts therapeutic effects on RA through multi-ingredients, multi-targets and multi-pathways, which provides basis for its clinical application and promising directions for subsequent research.

Docosahexaenoic acid improves altered mineralization proteins, the decreased quality of hydroxyapatite crystals and suppresses oxidative stress induced by high glucose

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) experience an increased risk of fractures and a variety of bone pathologies, such as osteoporosis. The suggested mechanisms of increased fracture risk in DM2 include chronic hyperglycaemia, which provokes oxidative stress, alters bone matrix, and decreases the quality of hydroxyapatite crystals. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, can increase bone formation, reduce bone loss, and it possesses antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to determine the effect of DHA on altered osteoblast mineralisation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by high glucose concentrations. A human osteoblast cell line was treated with 5.5 mM glucose (NG) or 24 mM glucose (HG), alone or in combination with 10 or 20 µM DHA. The collagen type 1 (Col1) scaffold, the expression of osteocalcin (OCN) and bone sialoprotein type-II (BSP-II), the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) specific activity, the mineral quality, the production of ROS and the mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF2) were analysed. Osteoblasts cultured in HG and treated with either DHA concentration displayed an improved distribution of the Col1 scaffold, increased OCN and BSP-II expression, increased NRF2 mRNA, decreased ALP activity, carbonate substitution and reduced ROS production compared with osteoblasts cultured in HG alone. DHA counteracts the adverse effects of HG on bone mineral matrix quality and reduces oxidative stress, possibly by increasing the expression of NRF2.

Combining stretching and gallic acid to decrease inflammation indices and promote extracellular matrix production in osteoarthritic human articular chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergo cartilage degradation and experience painful joint swelling. OA symptoms are caused by inflammatory molecules and the upregulation of catabolic genes leading to the breakdown of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we investigate the effects of gallic acid (GA) and mechanical stretching on the expression of anabolic and catabolic genes and restoring ECM production by osteoarthritic human articular chondrocytes (hAChs) cultured in monolayers. hAChs were seeded onto conventional plates or silicone chambers with or without 100 μM GA. A 5% cyclic tensile strain (CTS) was applied to the silicone chambers and the deposition of collagen and glycosaminoglycan, and gene expressions of collagen types II (COL2A1), XI (COL11A2), I (COL1A1), and X (COL10A1), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-13) as inflammation markers, were quantified. CTS and GA acted synergistically to promote the deposition of collagen and glycosaminoglycan in the ECM by 14- and 7-fold, respectively. Furthermore, the synergistic stimuli selectively upregulated the expression of cartilage-specific proteins, COL11A2 by 7-fold, and COL2A1 by 47-fold, and, in contrast, downregulated the expression of MMP-1 by 2.5-fold and MMP-13 by 125-fold. GA supplementation with CTS is a promising approach for restoring osteoarthritic hAChs ECM production ability making them suitable for complex tissue engineering applications.

Molecular Interactions between Dietary Lipids and Bone Tissue during Aging

Age-related bone disorders such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis are a major public health problem due to the functional disability for millions of people worldwide. Furthermore, fractures are associated with a higher degree of morbidity and mortality in the long term, which generates greater financial and health costs. As the world population becomes older, the incidence of this type of disease increases and this effect seems notably greater in those countries that present a more westernized lifestyle. Thus, increased efforts are directed toward reducing risks that need to focus not only on the prevention of bone diseases, but also on the treatment of persons already afflicted. Evidence is accumulating that dietary lipids play an important role in bone health which results relevant to develop effective interventions for prevent bone diseases or alterations, especially in the elderly segment of the population. This review focuses on evidence about the effects of dietary lipids on bone health and describes possible mechanisms to explain how lipids act on bone metabolism during aging. Little work, however, has been accomplished in humans, so this is a challenge for future research.

Do polyunsaturated fatty acids protect against bone loss in our aging and osteoporotic population?

Age-related bone loss is inevitable in both men and women and there will soon be more people of extreme old age than ever before. Osteoporosis is a common chronic disease and as the proportion of older people, rate of obesity and the length of life increases, a rise in age-related degenerating bone diseases, disability, and prolonged dependency is projected. Fragility fractures are one of the most severe complications associated with both primary and secondary osteoporosis and current treatment strategies target weight-bearing exercise and pharmacological intervention, both with limited long-term success. Obesity and osteoporosis are intimately interrelated, and diet is a variable that plays a significant role in bone regeneration and repair. The Western Diet is characterized by its unhealthy components, specifically excess amounts of saturated fat intake. This review examines the impact of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption on chronic inflammation, osteogenesis, bone architecture, and strength and explores the hypothesis that dietary polyunsaturated fats have a beneficial effect on osteogenesis, reducing bone loss by decreasing chronic inflammation, and activating bone resorption through key cellular and molecular mechanisms in our aging population. We conclude that aging, obesity and a diet high in saturated fatty acids significantly impairs bone regeneration and repair and that consumption of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with significantly increased bone regeneration, improved microarchitecture and structural strength. However, ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids were typically pro-inflammatory and have been associated with an increased fracture risk. This review suggests a potential role for ω-3 fatty acids as a non-pharmacological dietary method of reducing bone loss in our aging population. We also conclude that contemporary amendments to the formal nutritional recommendations made by the Food and Nutrition Board may be necessary such that our aging population is directly considered.

Development of 186/188Re-Chitosan as an Effective Therapeutic Agent for Rheumatoid Arthritis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory chronic disease characterized by inflammation, pain, swelling and disability, and radiosynovectomy is one of the disease treatment lines. In this study, the possibility of providing rhenium-186/rhenium-188 chitosan radiopharmaceuticals, optimization of conditions for their production and bio-distribution are reported.

OBJECTIVE

In order to build perrhenic acid for labeling, natural rhenium was exposed to radiation. Radionuclidic and radiochemical purities of (186/188Re)-NaReO4 were examined by gamma spectroscopy and paper chromatography methods, respectively.

METHODS

Labeling of chitosan with rhenium was done in different acidic situations. The radiochemical purity 186/188Re-chitosan was applied by radio thin layer chromatography (RTLC). Lastly, the bio-distribution of the radiolabeled chitosan was studied in various organs after intra articular injection of the complex to lab rats. Gamma spectrometry confirmed the high rhenium radionuclidic purity. Chromatography results showed that perrhenic acid was produced with purity greater than 97% and rhenium chitosan labeling was done over 98% in pH = 3. Dissection results showed a high bio-distribution of 186/188Re-chitosan after injection into the joint with no leakage to surrounding organs.

CONCLUSION

According to the results, there is a possibility of labeling rhenium with chitosan in very high radiochemical purity. Regarding the high retention of these radiopharmaceuticals in joints with no leakage to surrounding organs, 186/188Re-chitosan can be applied as new radiosynovectomy drugs for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Evaluating the relationship between dietary intake with inflammatory factors, lipid profile and clinical symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common life-threatening and associated with inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between dietary intake, inflammatory factors, lipid profile, medication and clinical outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study were conducted in 72 patients with RA that referred to Rheumatology Clinic, Urmia, Iran. After describing the study and obtaining patient consent, fasting blood samples were collected from all participants in start stage, Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-KB), Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), lipid profile and clinical symptoms were record in participants. Also, Data on dietary intake and physical activity were collected with relevant questionnaires.

RESULTS

There was a positive significant relation between energy intakes and low-density lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) (R = 0.855, P = 0.023), carbohydrate intake with total cholesterol (R = 0.297, P = 0.045), carbohydrate intake and NF-kB (R = 0.292, P = 0.017), fat intakes and Ox-LDL (R = 0.321, P = 0.027), prednisolone and Triglyceride (TG) (R = 0.378, P = 0.016), calcium supplement, folic acid and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) (R = 0.259, R = 0.34, R = 0.355, P = 0.09 respectively). In addition, the correlation between carbohydrate and energy intakes with HDL-C were negative significant (R = -0.355, P = 0.09 and R = -0.259, P = 0.034). SJC, Tender Joint Count (TJC), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and VAS were related to DAS28 and other variables shown no relation with DAS28.

CONCLUSION

There are many factors affecting the clinical symptoms of patients with RA that attention to nutritional and medicinal factors can have a significant role in the clinical symptoms and complications of these patients.

Circulating antioxidant levels in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: To derive a precise estimation on plasma/serum level of SOD, GPx, CAT and GSH levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods: A total of 36 articles from electronic databases were finally included with 1120 SLE patients and 1024 healthy controls considered for antioxidant levels. Results: The levels of CAT and GSH were significantly lower, while SOD and GPx levels were slightly lower in patients with SLE compared with healthy controls. Subgroup analysis indicated that Arabs, ages ≥40 and SLE diseases activity index <6 had a significant association of SOD and CAT levels with SLE patients. Conclusion: The results demonstrated a significant lower CAT and GSH levels and also revealed no significant difference for SOD and GPx levels in SLE patients.

Association between dietary intake of some antioxidant micronutrients with some inflammatory and antioxidant markers in active Rheumatoid Arthritis patients

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. Antioxidants intake and body antioxidants status are important in patients with RA. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary intake of some antioxidant micronutrients with some inflammatory and antioxidant markers in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and comparison with Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, eighty-seven patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were included. Dietary antioxidants intake was measured using 24-hour recall questionnaire and food record (3 days). Blood levels of inflammatory and antioxidant markers were determined by laboratory tests. The association between intake of antioxidants with inflammatory and antioxidant markers, and also with RDA were determined using Paired-Samples t-test and Pearson correlation by SPSS software. Results: The findings showed that intakes of vitamin E, zinc, and magnesium in patients were significantly lower and intakes of copper and selenium were significantly higher than RDA (P < 0.05). Significant negative correlations were observed between vitamin A intake with PGE2 [R = -0.31], vitamin C intake with IL-1β [R = -0.25], zinc intake with PGE2 [R = -0.30], IL-2 [R = -0.23], and the activity of glutathione reductase enzyme [R = -0.21], magnesium intake with PGE2 [R = -0.24], IL-1β [R = -0.23] and IL-2 [R = -0.25], and selenium intake with PGE2 [R = -0.21] (P < 0.05). Also, significant positive correlations were observed between intakes of vitamin E and copper with catalase enzyme activity [R = 0.22 and R = 0.21 respectively] (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Some of the antioxidant micronutrients play important roles in the reduction of inflammatory conditions and improve the function of antioxidant enzymes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Terpenes as possible drugs for the mitigation of arthritic symptoms - A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Arthritis is a syndrome associated with exacerbated inflammation, joint destruction and chronic pain and disability. Chronic treatment of arthritis is associated with several side effects and high abandonment. Therefore, there has been an ongoing search for alternative treatments to overcome these problems.

PURPOSE

Natural products, which are already widely used for their biological, cosmetic and pharmacotechnic properties, are a possible source for new drugs. Terpenes, a large class of organic compounds produced mainly by plants and trees, are a promising natural product and have already been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain, particularly of an inflammatory origin.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This review identifies the main terpenes with anti-arthritic activity reported in the last 10 years. A survey was conducted between December 2017 and June 2018 in the PUBMED, SCOPUS and Science Direct databases using combinations of the descriptors terpenes, arthritis and inflammation.

RESULTS

The results showed that terpenes have promising biological effects in relation to the treatment of arthritis, with the 24 terpenes identified in our survey being effective in the modulation of inflammatory mediators important to the physiopathology of arthritis, such as IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, NFκB, and COX-2, among others. It is important to note that most of the studies used animal models, which limits, at least in part, the direct translation to humans of the experimental evidence produced by the studies.

CONCLUSION

Together, our finds suggest that terpenes can modulate the immuno-regulatory and destructive tissue events that underlie the clinical presentation and the progression of arthritis and are worthy of further clinical investigation.

Drug-Herb Interactions in the Elderly Patient with IBD: a Growing Concern

OPINION STATEMENT

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is becoming more prevalent with the elderly being the fastest growing group. Parallel to this, there is an increasing interest in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Nearly half of patients with IBD have used CAM at one time. The elderly patients, however, are burdened by comorbid conditions, polypharmacy, and altered functional status. With increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine in our elderly patients with IBD, it is vital for the provider to provide counsel on drug-herb potential interactions. CAM includes herbal products, diet, dietary supplements, acupuncture, and prayer. In this paper, we will review common CAM, specifically herbs, that are used in patients with IBD including the herb background, suggested use, evidence in IBD, and most importantly, potential interactions with IBD medications used in elderly patients. Most important evidence-based adverse events and drug-herb interactions are summarized. The herbs discussed include Triticum aestivum (wheat grass), Andrographis paniculata (chiretta), Boswellia serrata, tormentil, bilberry, curcumin (turmeric), Plantago ovata (blond psyllium), Oenothera biennis (evening primrose oil), germinated barley foodstuff, an herbal preparation of myrrh, chamomile and coffee extract, chios mastic gum, wormwood (absinthe, thujone), Cannabis sativa (marijuana, THC), tripterygium wilfordii (thunder god vine), Ulmus rubra (slippery elm bark), trigonella foenugraecum (fenugreek), Dioscorea mexicana (wild yam), Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw), ginger, cinnamon, licorice, and peppermint.

SLE autoantibodies are well recognized by peroxynitrite-modified-HSA: Its implications in the pathogenesis of SLE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder where the role of inflammatory processes in the etiopathogenesis is well documented. Despite extensive research, the trigger for initiation of the disease has not been identified. Peroxynitrite, a strong nitrating/oxidizing agent has been reported in SLE and other autoimmune diseases. In this study, human serum albumin (HSA) was exposed to peroxynitrite for 30min at 37°C. The structure of HSA was grossly perturbed when examined by various physico-chemical techniques. Peroxynitrite mediated nitration of HSA was confirmed by LCMS/MS. Furthermore, increase in hydrodynamic radius of peroxynitrite-modified-HSA suggests the attachment of nitro group(s). Aggregation in peroxynitrite-modified-HSA was evident in a TEM scan. Nitration, oxidation, cross linking, aggregation etc conferred immunogenicity on peroxynitrite-modified-HSA. High titre antibodies were elicited in rabbits immunized with peroxynitrite-modified-HSA. Induced antibodies were highly specific for peroxynitrite-modified-HSA but showed considerable binding with other nitrated molecules. Direct binding/inhibition ELISA carried out with autoantibodies in SLE sera showed preferential binding with peroxynitrite-modified-HSA. Anti-nDNA positive IgG from SLE sera showed preference for peroxynitrite-modified-HSA when subjected to immunoassay (direct binding and inhibition) and mobility shift assay. Our results reinforce the role of augmented inflammation in SLE progression.

Nutrition Review: Diet, Nutrition, and Osteoarthritis

Despite abundant lay claims regarding diet, nutrients, and osteoarthritis (OA), scientific study on these relationships is in its early stages. The strongest risk factor for OA, particularly of the knee, is overweight and obesity. Initial weight loss studies for the treatment of OA have shown promising results, but longer-term trials are needed. Potential roles of specific nutrients in OA prevention and treatment are under study, but to date, results are somewhat less clear. The ratio of dietary omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids has been proposed to be related to OA because they are precursors of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines, respectively. However, human data are lacking to substantiate this relationship. Low serum levels of some vitamins, such as C and D, have been associated with OA in epidemiological research, but much more work must be conducted to understand the roles of these and other vitamins in OA prevention and treatment. Biological plausibility exists for the protective properties of antioxidants against OA, so continued research to assist in making specific dietary recommendations with respect to these is needed for OA patients. As the study of diet, nutrients, and OA evolves, it is prudent for practitioners to stay abreast of the research so that they can address patients' questions and recommend diets with adequate omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while avoiding megadoses.

Evaluating oxidative stress, serological- and haematological status of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, after supplementing their diet with fish or corn oil

Background

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of disease, and the antioxidant physiological effect of omega-3 from fish oil may lead to improvement of canine spontaneous osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

In this prospective randomized, controlled, double-blinded study, we assessed haematological and biochemical parameters in dogs with OA following supplementation with either a concentrated omega-3 deep sea fish oil product or corn oil. Blood samples from 77 client-owned dogs diagnosed as having OA were taken before (baseline) and 16 weeks after having orally ingested 0.2 ml/Kg bodyweight/day of deep sea fish oil or corn oil. Circulating malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI), free carnitine (Free-Car), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), and serum fatty acids, haemograms and serum biochemistry were evaluated. Differences within and between groups from baseline to end, were analysed using repeated samples T-test or Wilcoxon rank test and independent samples T-test or a Mann-Whitney test.

Results

Supplementation with fish oil resulted in a significant reduction from day 0 to day 112 in MDA (from 3.41 ± 1.34 to 2.43 ± 0.92 μmol/L; P < 0.001) and an elevation in Free-Car (from 18.18 ± 9.78 to 21.19 ± 9.58 μmol/L; P = 0.004) concentrations, whereas dogs receiving corn oil presented a reduction in MDA (from 3.41 ± 1.34 to 2.41 ± 1.01 μmol/L; P = 0.001) and NTBI (from −1.25 ± 2.17 to −2.31 ± 1.64 μmol/L; P = 0.002). Both groups showed increased (albeit not significantly) GSH and 8-OH-dG blood values. Dogs supplemented with fish oil had a significant reduction in the proportions of monocytes (from 3.84 ± 2.50 to 1.77 ± 1.92 %; P = 0.030) and basophils (from 1.47 ± 1.22 to 0.62 ± 0.62 %; P = 0.012), whereas a significant reduction in platelets counts (from 316.13 ± 93.83 to 288.41 ± 101.68 × 10⁹/L; P = 0.029), and an elevation in glucose (from 5.18 ± 0.37 to 5.32 ± 0.47 mmol/L; P = 0.041) and cholesterol (from 7.13 ± 1.62 to 7.73 ± 2.03 mmol/L; P = 0.011) measurements were observed in dogs receiving corn oil.

Conclusions

In canine OA, supplementation with deep sea fish oil improved diverse markers of oxidative status in the dogs studied. As corn oil also contributed to the reduction in certain oxidative markers, albeit to a lesser degree, there was no clear difference between the two oil groups. No clinical, haematological or biochemical evidence of side effects emerged related to supplementation of either oil. Although a shift in blood fatty acid values was apparent due to the type of nutraceutical product given to the dogs, corn oil seems not to be a good placebo.

A New Age for Quercus spp. Fruits: Review on Nutritional and Phytochemical Composition and Related Biological Activities of Acorns

The current global food system must adapt to the expected growth of world population (about 9 billion individuals by 2050). This adaptation will probably include an increased consumption of edible wild foods, due to their richness in micronutrients and bioactive compounds, besides providing a cost-effective and sustainable way of improving caloric food security. A striking example of such natural matrices is the Quercus genus, which has the additional advantage of being widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In a traditional sense, Quercus fruits (acorns) were mainly used in animal feeding, despite their potentially important role on the rural economy. But this preconception is changing. In fact, their nutritional value, high contents in phytochemical compounds, biological activity (such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and cardioprotective properties) and use in the treatment of specific diseases (such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, or Alzheimer's disease) have raised the interest in integrating acorns into the human diet. Accordingly, this comprehensive overview was designed to provide an evidence-based review of the literature, with the objective to achieve useful conclusions regarding the nutritional properties, methodologies of extraction, identification, and characterization of a wide variety of bioactive compounds and scientifically validated bioactivities in Quercus species worldwide. The industrial by-products from acorn oil extraction or flour production are also included. Data regarding the analytical techniques, individual compounds, and their bioactivities, are organized in tables. The reported data are discussed and directions for further investigations are suggested, highlighting the use of acorns in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in patients with rheumatoid arthritis as potential biomarkers for disease activity and the role of antioxidants

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) have distinct contribution to the destructive, proliferative synovitis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and play a prominent role in cell-signaling events. However, few studies had clarified the role of individual ROS and RNS in the etiopathogenesis of RA. To date, most of the studies were concerned with the measurement of the total oxidative and nitrative stress levels in RA. The aim of this study was to monitor the levels of individual ROS and RNS to emphasize the role that each plays in the pathogenesis of RA and their usefulness as possible biomarkers for the disease activity. In addition, the effect of an antioxidant (ascorbic acid), added to the treatment regimen, on the levels of ROS, RNS and disease activity has been evaluated. Forty-two Saudi RA patients and 40 healthy controls of both genders were included in this study. Serum levels of six different ROS and three different RNS were measured using specific fluorescent probes. The ROS included the hydroxyl radical ((•)OH), the superoxide anion (O2(•-)), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the singlet oxygen ((1)O2), the hypochlorite radical (OHCl(•)), and the peroxyl radical (ROO(•)). The RNS included nitric oxide (NO(•)), nitrogen dioxide (ONO-) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). The main clinical and biochemical markers for disease activity were assessed and correlated with ROS and RNS levels. The clinical markers included the 28 swollen joint count (SJC-28), the 28-tender joint count (TJC-28), morning stiffness and symmetric arthritis, in addition to the disease activity score assessing 28 joints with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). The biochemical markers included undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-3), ESR, C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticyclic citrullinated polypeptide (Anti-CCP). Ascorbic acid (1mg/day) was added as an antioxidant to the regular treatment regimen of RA patients for two months, and the levels of ROS and RNS, as well as disease activity were re-evaluated. The results have shown significant higher serum levels of individual ROS and RNS in RA patients compared with healthy subjects. Moreover, this study might be the first to report strong positive correlations between most of the reactive species and the clinical and biochemical markers of RA. Interestingly, the addition of ascorbic acid had significantly reduced the levels of all ROS and RNS in RA patients. In conclusion, the role of oxidative and nitrative stress in the pathogenesis of RA has been confirmed by this study. Serum levels of ROS and RNS may effectively serve as biomarkers for monitoring disease progression. Finally, the addition of an antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid, in the management of RA may be of a great value.

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-chronic inflammatory arthritic effect of selenium nanoparticles

The toxicity of selenium (Se) as an antioxidant supplement in the treatment of arthritis is debatable. In this study, Dextrin stabilized Se nanoparticles (SeNP) of size 64 nm ± 0.158 were used to explore its effects as a potent antioxidant with reduced toxicity in both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro toxicity of SeNP was determined using cytotoxicity assay. In vitro interactions of SeNP with DNA and protein was established. Subacute toxicity of SeNP was studied. Wistar rats with complete freunds adjuvant induced arthritis were used. Various concentrations of SeNP per kg body weight were fed orally daily upto to 21 days. Arthritic profile based on paw swelling, histopathological changes in joints, blood indices, and antioxidant enzymes level in organs such as liver, kidney, and spleen were investigated. Dextrin-SeNP when interacted with NIH-3T3 cells showed 15% cytotoxicity at 100 µg/mL whereas, bulk Se showed 95% at the same concentration. SeNP at 250 µg/mL showed protective effect on DNA. Interaction of SeNP with BSA showed increase in quenching of BSA fluorescence. SeNP did not show any subacute toxicity at concentration as high as 5 mg/kg b.w. in Wistar rats. SeNP at a concentration of 250 µg/kg b.w. acted as potent anti-inflammatory agent and significantly reduced (p < 0.05) arthritis induced parameters. The enzymatic antioxidant levels in liver, kidney, and spleen were restored significantly (p < 0.05) at 500 µg/kg b.w. while CRP was regained to normal at concentration of 100 µg/kg b.w. concluding SeNP at 500 µg/kg b.w. can be a potential antiarthritic drug supplement. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 993-1003, 2016.

Polyphenolics isolated from virgin coconut oil inhibits adjuvant induced arthritis in rats through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action

We evaluated the protective efficacy of the polyphenolic fraction from virgin coconut oil (PV) against adjuvant induced arthritic rats. Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant. The activities of inflammatory, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation were estimated. PV showed high percentage of edema inhibition at a dose of 80mg/kg on 21st day of adjuvant arthritis and is non toxic. The expression of inflammatory genes such as COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6 and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were decreased by treatment with PV. Antioxidant enzymes were increased and on treatment with PV. The increased level of total WBC count and C-reactive protein in the arthritic animals was reduced in PV treated rats. Synovial cytology showed that inflammatory cells and reactive mesothelial cells were suppressed by PV. Histopathology of paw tissue showed less edema formation and cellular infiltration on supplementation with PV. Thus the results demonstrated the potential beneficiary effect of PV on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats and the mechanism behind this action is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Swertiamarin attenuates inflammation mediators via modulating NF-κB/I κB and JAK2/STAT3 transcription factors in adjuvant induced arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease that leads to pannus formation followed by severe joint destruction, characterized by synovial hyperplasia, inflammation and angiogenesis. Swertiamarin is a secoiridoid glycoside that is used as an anti-inflammatory compound, mainly found in Enicostema axillare (Lam) A. Raynal, a medicinal plant used in Indian system of traditional medicine. In the present study, the effect of swertiamarin was evlauated in experimental adjuvant arthritis animal model by the estimation of biochemical (paw thickness, lysosomal enzymes, and urinary degradative products) parameters, proinflammatory cytokines and enzymes along with histopathological and radiographic observations. The proteins of phosphorylated NF-κB/IκB and JAK2/STAT3 transcription factors were also quantified from experimental animals as well as LPS induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. In in silico analysis, swertiamarin was docked with proinflammatory enzymes to confirm its potential. The administration of swertiamarin (2, 5, 10mg/kg bw) significantly (P⩽0.05) inhibited the levels of paw thickness, lysosomal enzymes and increased the body weight of experimental animals in a dose dependent manner. In molecular analysis, the treatment decreased the release of proinflammatory cytokines (IL1, TNF, IL-6) and proangiogenic enzymes (MMPs, iNOS, PGE2, PPARγ and COX-2); and also significantly (P⩽0.05) increased the levels of antiinflammatory proteins (IL-10, IL-4) when compared to the disease groups. The swertiamarin treatment significantly (P⩽0.05) inhibited the release of NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 signaling proteins levels on both experimental animals and LPS induced cells. Histopathological and radiological analysis evidenced the curative effect of swertiamarin on bone destruction. The docking studies of swertiamarin on proinflammatory enzymes supported the results from the in vivo experiments. Thus the swertiamarin inhibited the development of arthritis by modulating NF-κB/IκB and JAK2/STAT3 signaling. These findings suggested that swertiamarin acted as an anti-rheumatic agent.

Reduced locomotor activity correlates with increased severity of arthritis in a mouse model of antibody-induced arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial hyperplasia and progressive cartilage and bone destruction that leads to a substantial loss of general functions and/or a decline in physical activities such as walking speed in humans. The K/BxN serum transfer arthritis in mice shares many immunological and pathological features with human RA. Very few studies are available in mice that investigate the changes in physical activity in relation to arthritis development. In this study we investigate the effect of arthritis on the locomotor activity of mice during K/BxN sera transfer arthritis.

METHODS

Arthritis was induced in Balb/c mice by injecting intraperitoneally with 200ul of K/BxN sera; Balb/c mice injected with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) served as control. Progress of arthritis was estimated by daily measurements of joint thickness. Each mouse's locomotor activity (travel distance and travel time) was assessed every day for duration of 20 minute period using the SmartCage™ platform. Data were analyzed using the SmartCage™ analysis software (CageScore™).

RESULTS

Arthritic Balb/c mice showed a reduction in distance covered and travel speed when compared to arthritis-free, control Balb/c mice. Maximum decline in locomotor activity was observed during the peak period of the disease and correlated to the increase in joint thickness in the arthritic mice.

CONCLUSION

This report demonstrates that measuring locomotor activity of mice during progression of K/BxN sera-induced arthritis using the SmartCage™ platform offers a quantitative method to assess physical activity in mice during arthritis.

Imaging of ultra-weak photon emission in a rheumatoid arthritis mouse model

Ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) of a living system received scientific attention because of its potential for monitoring increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, a highly sensitive cryogenic charge-coupled device (CCD) camera was used to monitor in a RA mouse model the photon emission both without and with luminol. For that purpose, arthritis was induced in mice utilizing a repeated co-administration of type II collagen with lipopolysaccharide. Quantitative imaging of ultra-weak photon emission of the front and back paws of the animals was initiated 70 days after the first injection. All of the animals were measured once without luminol and once again immediately after luminol injection. Data illustrated a higher UPE intensity after initiating arthritis by CII-injection of the animals. The increase in UPE intensity was measured with and without using luminol indicating that this imaging technology may be useful for the future study of human RA.

Bi(o)communications among peripheral blood fractions: a focus on NK and NKT cell biology in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with unknown pathophysiology involving many interwoven signalling cascades. ROS, NK and NKT cells might be crucial in the disease severity of RA of which the role of NK and NKT cells are controversial in literature. However, the role of oxidative stress, its impact on NK and NKT cell immunobiology and disease activity (DAS28) is largely unknown. Therefore, we studied the role of oxidative stress and NK cell subsets in the pathogenesis of RA. The state of oxidative stress in various peripheral blood fractions, percentage NK and NKT cell expression, their altered apoptotic signaling pathways involving mitochondrial membrane potential, FAS associated death domain (FADD) mediated pathways and DNA damage were analyzed. Results indicated a state of profound oxidative stress in the peripheral blood of RA patients where percentage of NK and NKT cell subsets diminished while ROS levels increased. The depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, FAS, FASL and active caspase-3 positive NK and NKT cell subsets were considerably elevated in patients. The DNA damage, assessed as percentage of DNA in comet tail, was significantly elevated. Findings of the present work indicate increased apoptosis of peripheral NK and NKT cells in the diseased condition. PBMC and RBC are the major sites of enhanced oxidative stress. The state of oxidative stress and altered immunobiology of NK and NKT cells strongly correlated with Disease activity score. The present study strongly supports the protective role of NK cell subsets in the pathogenesis of RA.

An Integrative Platform of TCM Network Pharmacology and Its Application on a Herbal Formula, Qing-Luo-Yin

The scientific understanding of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been hindered by the lack of methods that can explore the complex nature and combinatorial rules of herbal formulae. On the assumption that herbal ingredients mainly target a molecular network to adjust the imbalance of human body, here we present a-self-developed TCM network pharmacology platform for discovering herbal formulae in a systematic manner. This platform integrates a set of network-based methods that we established previously to catch the network regulation mechanism and to identify active ingredients as well as synergistic combinations for a given herbal formula. We then provided a case study on an antirheumatoid arthritis (RA) formula, Qing-Luo-Yin (QLY), to demonstrate the usability of the platform. We revealed the target network of QLY against RA-related key processes including angiogenesis, inflammatory response, and immune response, based on which we not only predicted active and synergistic ingredients from QLY but also interpreted the combinatorial rule of this formula. These findings are either verified by the literature evidence or have the potential to guide further experiments. Therefore, such a network pharmacology strategy and platform is expected to make the systematical study of herbal formulae achievable and to make the TCM drug discovery predictable.

Metabolomic study of collagen-induced arthritis in rats and the interventional effects of huang-lian-jie-du-tang, a traditional chinese medicine

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with anti-inflammatory activity. The present study used a metabolomic approach based on LC-Q-TOF-MS to profile rheumatoid-arthritis- (RA-) related metabolic changes and to investigate the interventional mechanisms of HLJDT in collagen-induced arthritis rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) a model group, (2) a normal control group, (3) a dexamethasone group, (4) a HLJDT group, and (5) a group that received 13 components of HLJDT. Plasma samples were collected 8, 15, and 22 days after the rats were injected with bovine type II collagen. By combining variable importance in the projection values with partial least squares discriminant analysis, 18 potential biomarkers were identified in the plasma samples. The biomarkers were primarily involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, purine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and bile acid biosynthesis. Using the potential biomarkers as a screening index, the results suggest that HLJDT can potentially reverse the process of RA by partially regulating fatty acid oxidation and arachidonic acid metabolism. This study demonstrates that a metabolomic strategy is useful for identifying potential RA biomarkers and investigating the underlying mechanisms of a TCM in RA treatment.

Oxidative stress and calcium-phosphorus levels in Rheumatoid arthritis

Generation of reactive oxygen species is an important factor in the development and maintenance of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in humans. This study was undertaken to investigate interplay among oxidants, antioxidants and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid arthritis. Serum levels of lipid peroxides, nitric oxide, vitamin E and ratio of calcium/phosphorus in RA patients were determined and compared with normal healthy controls. Significant increases in lipid peroxides (p<0.001) and nitric oxide (p<0.001) levels were found in patients presenting with RA as compared to controls. Whereas significant decrease in vitamin E (P<0.001) and calcium/phosphorus ratio (p<0.001) were found in Rheumatoid arthritis patients as compared to controls. Positive correlation was found between lipid peroxides and nitric oxide as well as between vitamin E and calcium. While lipid peroxides and nitric oxide were correlated negatively with vitamin E. whereas negative correlation was observed between MDA and Calcium/Phosphorus ratio in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Our findings suggest that there is a close association between bone loss and oxidative threat in patients presenting with Rheumatoid arthritis.

Nutraceuticals of anti-inflammatory activity as complementary therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by elevated oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. The severe side effects of drug used during such disease necessitate the search for new and safe approaches. Food is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory bioactive constituents including phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, toccopherols, and carotenoids. We have a series of publications dealing with the anti-inflammatory activity of different food extracts (as nutraceuticals) in experimental animals (acute and chronic inflammation model) and in clinical study (RA patients). Fish oil, primrose oil, extracts of black cumin, fenugreek, liquorice, coriander, tomato, carrot, sweet potato, broccoli, green tea, rosemary, hazelnut, walnut, wheat germ, and date in addition to the probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum were the nutraceuticals studied. During these studies, changes in inflammatory biomarkers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), seromucoids, fibrinogen, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde), antioxidant status (total antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, vitamin E, retinol, β-carotene), the level of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) and colonic microflora in response to the administration of nutraceuticals have been assessed. Results of these studies showed that the majority of nutraceuticals studied possess beneficial effect toward chronic inflammatory diseases, which might be due to the presence of one or more of the above-mentioned phytochemicals. Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutraceuticals may serve as complementary medicine for the management of RA.

Further evidence for the anti-inflammatory activity of oleocanthal: inhibition of MIP-1α and IL-6 in J774 macrophages and in ATDC5 chondrocytes

AIMS

Given the relevance of degenerative joint diseases in our society, the development of a novel pharmacologic intervention is a critically important public health goal. Recently, oleocanthal, a polyphenolic natural compound from extra virgin olive oil, has emerged as a potential therapeutic weapon for the treatment of inflammatory degenerative diseases. The goal of this study was to further evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of oleocanthal in murine macrophages J774 and murine chondrocytes ATDC5 with a particular focus on the inhibition of gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors such as MIP-1α and IL-6.

MAIN METHODS

ATDC5 murine chondrogenic cells and murine macrophages J774 were used. J774 macrophages were tested with different doses of oleocanthal and cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. Western blot analysis was carried on in J774 cells using anti NOS2 antibody. Nitrite accumulation was determined in culture supernatant using the Griess reaction. MIP-1α and IL-6 mRNA levels were determined using SYBR Green-based quantitative RT-PCR. MIP-1α and IL-6 protein levels were evaluated using specific ELISA assay. Several cytokines, involved in the inflammatory response, were also tested by BioPlex assay.

KEY FINDINGS

First, oleocanthal inhibits LPS-induced NO production in J774 macrophages, without affecting cell viability. Moreover, it inhibits MIP-1α and IL-6 mRNA expression, as well as protein synthesis, in both ATDC5 chondrocytes and J774 macrophages. Oleocanthal also inhibits IL-1β, TNF-α and GM-CSF protein synthesis from LPS-stimulated macrophages.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data confirm a clear potent role of oleocanthal as anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent for future treatment of arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.

In situ fatty acid profile of femoral cancellous subchondral bone in osteoarthritic and fragility fracture females: implications for bone remodelling

We report here differences in the fatty acid profile of cancellous bone matrix, including n-3, n-6, mono- and poly-unsaturated, as well as saturated fats, between femoral heads from female OA (n=8, aged 68-88years), fractured neck of femur (#NOF) (n=19, 67-88years) and autopsy controls (CTRL) (n=4, 85-97years). Femoral heads were collected from individuals undergoing orthopaedic surgery for OA or #NOF; the fatty acid profile of sub-samples from the superior principal compressive and superior principal tensile regions were determined by gas chromatography. A total of 42 individual fatty acids were detected at varying concentrations with significant differences between subchondral bone from OA subjects, subchondral bone from #NOF subjects and subchondral bone from CTRL subjects, as well as between the superior principal compressive and superior principal tensile regions (for saturated fats only). Subchondral bone from OA subjects had higher total n-6 (OA=10.89±3.17, #NOF=11.11±1.83, CTRL=8.32±2.05, p=0.008) and total n-3 (OA=1.34±0.38, #NOF=1.19±0.18, CTRL=1.15±0.48, p=0.011) percentages than subchondral bone from #NOF subjects and subchondral bone from CTRL subjects, and there was no difference in the n-6:n-3 ratio, nor within the percentage of n-9 fatty acids. Arachidonic acid (OA=0.42±0.16, #NOF=0.26±0.06, CTRL=0.28±0.06, p=0.01), and γ-linolenic acid (OA=0.11±0.03, #NOF=0.05±0.02, CTRL=0.04±0.02, p<0.001) were higher in subchondral bone from OA subjects than subchondral bone from #NOF subjects and subchondral bone from CTRL subjects. In conclusion, there is a wide diversity of fatty acids in cancellous bone matrix from the femoral heads of OA and #NOF, suggesting they may have regulatory effects on inflammatory processes, and their metabolites. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Osteoarthritis".