1
|
Singh A, Mantebea H, Badar F, Batool S, Tetmeyer A, Abdelmessih G, Sebastian T, Newton M, Baker K, Salem S, Xia Y. Assessment of post-trauma microstructural alterations in the rabbit knee cartilage and subchondral bone. J Anat 2024. [PMID: 38924533 DOI: 10.1111/joa.14102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is critical for designing better treatments before the degradation becomes irreversible. We utilized multimodal high-resolution imaging to investigate early-stage deterioration in articular cartilage and the subchondral bone plate from a sub-critical impact to the knee joint, which initiates PTOA. The knee joints of 12 adult rabbits were mechanically impacted once on the femoral articular surface to initiate deterioration. At 2- and 14-week post-impact surgery, cartilage-bone blocks were harvested from the impact region in the animals (N = 6 each). These blocks were assessed for deterioration using polarized light microscopy (PLM), microcomputed tomography (μCT), and biochemical analysis. Statistically significant changes were noted in the impact tissues across the calcified zone (CZ) at 14 weeks post-impact: the optical retardation values in the CZ of impact cartilage had a drop of 29.0% at 14 weeks, while the calcium concentration in the CZ of impact cartilage also had a significant drop at 14 weeks. A significant reduction of 6.3% in bone mineral density (BMD) was noted in the subchondral bone plate of the impact samples at 14 weeks. At 2 weeks post-impact, only minor, non-significant changes were measured. Furthermore, the impact knees after 14 weeks had greater structural changes compared with the 2-week impact knees, indicating progressive degradation over time. The findings of this study facilitated a connection between mineralization alterations and the early deterioration of knee cartilage after a mechanical injury. In a broader context, these findings can be beneficial in improving clinical strategies to manage joint injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanveer Singh
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Hannah Mantebea
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Farid Badar
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Syeda Batool
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Austin Tetmeyer
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Talia Sebastian
- Department of Chemistry, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael Newton
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kevin Baker
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
- Bone & Joint Center, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Physiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Sarah Salem
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mantebea H, Singh A, Badar F, Abdelmessih G, Sebastian TM, Baker K, Newton M, Xia Y. Characteristics of distal femoral articular cartilage in 6 weeks posttraumatic osteoarthritis by a subcritical impact. J Orthop Res 2024; 42:717-728. [PMID: 37874329 PMCID: PMC10978303 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Traumatized knee greatly contributes to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in young adults. To intervene effectively before the onset of severe structural disruption, detection of the disease at the early onset is crucial. In this study, we put together the findings for the detection of OA from the femoral knee joint cartilage of the rabbit at 6 weeks posttrauma. Articular cartilage samples are taken from the impacted and nonimpacted joints at 0 week (serving as the control group) and at 6 weeks posttrauma by minimal force. The samples were imaged using microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (µMRI) at 11.7 µm/pixel and polarized light microscopy (PLM) at 1 µm/pixel. In addition, an inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry analysis was performed using the adjacent cartilage samples. The outcomes of this study demonstrate an increase in T2 values in 6 weeks samples compared to the 0 week samples by µMRI technique, indicating a general increase of tissue hydration within cartilage. PLM detects a decrease in the average thickness of the superficial zones in the posttraumatic osteoarthritis samples, significant in the impacted femurs. There was an average increasing trend of maximum retardation in the tide mark in comparison to the reported calcium concentration (mg/L) in impacted samples suggesting a possible rise in mineralization in the 6 weeks samples. Qualitatively, physical observation of the joint after 6 weeks showed signs of reddening in the anterior femur suggesting the disease process is a localized phenomenon. Through microscopic imaging, we are able to detect these changes at 6 weeks posttrauma qualitatively and quantitatively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Mantebea
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309
| | - Amanveer Singh
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309
| | - Farid Badar
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309
| | - Gabrielle Abdelmessih
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309
| | | | - Kevin Baker
- Bone & Joint Center, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202
| | - Michael Newton
- Research Institute, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Batool S, Roth BJ, Xia Y. Depth-Dependent Strain Model (1D) for Anisotropic Fibrils in Articular Cartilage. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:238. [PMID: 38204091 PMCID: PMC10779946 DOI: 10.3390/ma17010238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The mechanical response of articular cartilage (AC) under compression is anisotropic and depth-dependent. AC is osmotically active, and its intrinsic osmotic swelling pressure is balanced by its collagen fibril network. This mechanism requires the collagen fibers to be under a state of tensile pre-strain. A simple mathematical model is used to explain the depth-dependent strain calculations observed in articular cartilage under 1D axial compression (perpendicular to the articular surface). The collagen fibers are under pre-strain, influenced by proteoglycan concentration (fixed charged density, FCD) and collagen stiffness against swelling stress. The stiffness is introduced in our model as an anisotropic modulus that varies with fibril orientation through tissue depth. The collagen fibers are stiffer to stretching parallel to their length than perpendicular to it; when combined with depth-varying FCD, the model successfully predicts how tissue strains decrease with depth during compression. In summary, this model highlights that the mechanical properties of cartilage depend not only on proteoglycan concentration but also on the intrinsic properties of the pre-strained collagen network. These properties are essential for the proper functioning of articular cartilage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bradley J. Roth
- Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (S.B.); (Y.X.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Al-Saffar Y, Moo EK, Pingguan-Murphy B, Matyas J, Korhonen RK, Herzog W. Dependence of crack shape in loaded articular cartilage on the collagenous structure. Connect Tissue Res 2023; 64:294-306. [PMID: 36853960 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2023.2166500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Cartilage cracks disrupt tissue mechanics, alter cell mechanobiology, and often trigger tissue degeneration. Yet, some tissue cracks heal spontaneously. A primary factor determining the fate of tissue cracks is the compression-induced mechanics, specifically whether a crack opens or closes when loaded. Crack deformation is thought to be affected by tissue structure, which can be probed by quantitative polarized light microscopy (PLM). It is unclear how the PLM measures are related to deformed crack morphology. Here, we investigated the relationship between PLM-derived cartilage structure and mechanical behavior of tissue cracks by testing if PLM-derived structural measures correlated with crack morphology in mechanically indented cartilages. METHODS Knee joint cartilages harvested from mature and immature animals were used for their distinct collagenous fibrous structure and composition. The cartilages were cut through thickness, indented over the cracked region, and processed histologically. Sample-specific birefringence was quantified as two-dimensional (2D) maps of azimuth and retardance, two measures related to local orientation and degree of alignment of the collagen fibers, respectively. The shape of mechanically indented tissue cracks, measured as depth-dependent crack opening, were compared with azimuth, retardance, or "PLM index," a new parameter derived by combining azimuth and retardance. RESULTS Of the three parameters, only the PLM index consistently correlated with the crack shape in immature and mature tissues. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we identified the relative roles of azimuth and retardance on the deformation of tissue cracks, with azimuth playing the dominant role. The applicability of the PLM index should be tested in future studies using naturally-occurring tissue cracks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Al-Saffar
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eng Kuan Moo
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - John Matyas
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rami K Korhonen
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Walter Herzog
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mantebea H, Batool S, Singh A, Hammami M, Badar F, Xia Y. Structural differences between immature and mature articular cartilage of rabbits by microscopic MRI and polarized light microscopy. J Anat 2022; 240:1141-1151. [PMID: 34981507 PMCID: PMC9119607 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the structural features between immature and mature articular cartilage from the humeral and femoral joints of rabbits. Specimens of articular cartilage (n = 6 for immature tissue, n = 6 for mature tissue) that were still attached to the underlying bone from a humerus (shoulder joint) or femur (knee joint) were imaged using microscopic MRI (µMRI) and polarized light microscopy (PLM). Quantitative µMRI data with a pixel resolution of 11.7-13.2 µm revealed a number of differences between the immature and mature cartilage, including total thickness, and T2 and T1ρ relaxation values. Quantitative PLM data with a pixel resolution of 0.25-1 µm confirmed the µMRI results and revealed additional differences in cellular features between the tissues. The mature cartilage had a clearly defined tidemark, which was absent in the immature tissue. The ability to differentiate specific maturation-related cartilage characteristics could be beneficial to translational studies of degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Mantebea
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical ResearchOakland UniversityRochesterMIUSA
| | - Syeda Batool
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical ResearchOakland UniversityRochesterMIUSA
| | - Amanveer Singh
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical ResearchOakland UniversityRochesterMIUSA
| | - Mohammed Hammami
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical ResearchOakland UniversityRochesterMIUSA
| | - Farid Badar
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical ResearchOakland UniversityRochesterMIUSA
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical ResearchOakland UniversityRochesterMIUSA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Batool S, Hammami M, Mantebea H, Badar F, Xia Y. Location-Specific Study of Young Rabbit Femoral Cartilage by Quantitative µMRI and Polarized Light Microscopy. Cartilage 2022; 13:19476035221085143. [PMID: 35306861 PMCID: PMC9137317 DOI: 10.1177/19476035221085143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (µMRI) and polarized light microscopy (PLM) are used to characterize the structural variations at different anatomical locations of femoral cartilage in young rabbits (12-14 weeks old). DESIGN Four intact knees were imaged by µMRI at 86 µm resolution. Three small cartilage-bone specimens were harvested from each of 2 femoral medial condyles and imaged by quantitative µMRI (T2 anisotropy) at 9.75 µm resolution (N = 6). These specimens, as well as the other 2 intact femoral condyles, were used for histology and imaged by quantitative PLM (retardation and angle) at 0.25 µm to 4 µm resolutions. RESULTS Quantitative MRI relaxation data and PLM fibril data revealed collaboratively distinct topographical variations in both cartilage thickness and its collagen organization in the juvenile joint. Cartilage characteristics from the central location have a 3-zone arcade-like fibril structure and a distinct magic angle effect, commonly seen in mature articular cartilage, while cartilage at the anterior location lacks these characteristics. Overall, the lowest retardation values and isotropic T2 values have been found in the distal femur (trochlear ridge), with predominant parallel fibers with respect to the articular surface. Central cartilage is the thickest (~550 µm), approximately twice as thick as the anterior and posterior locations. CONCLUSION Distinctly different characteristics of tissue properties were found in cartilage at different topographical locations on femoral condyle in rabbits. Knowledge of location-specific structural differences in the collagen network over the joint surface can improve the understanding of local mechanobiology and provide insights to tissue engineering and degradation repairs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Batool
- Department of Physics, Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Mouhamad Hammami
- Department of Physics, Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Hannah Mantebea
- Department of Physics, Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Farid Badar
- Department of Physics, Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Physics, Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA,Yang Xia, Department of Physics, Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, 244 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester, MI 48309, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ravanfar M, Yao G. Simultaneous tractography and elastography imaging of the zone-specific structural and mechanical responses in articular cartilage under compressive loading. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 10:3241-3256. [PMID: 31467777 PMCID: PMC6706024 DOI: 10.1364/boe.10.003241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
We quantified the precise zonal cartilage structural and mechanical responses to unconfined compressive loading by using simultaneous PSOCT based optical tractography and elastography imaging. Twelve bovine knee articular cartilage samples from six animals were imaged under bulk compression from 4% to 20%. The results revealed strong evidence that the conventional radial zone could be divided into two sub-zones with distinct mechanical properties. The "upper" part of the radial zone played a critical role in "absorbing" the mechanical compression. The study also showed that the zonal fiber organization greatly affected the cartilage structural and mechanical responses. A strong correlation was observed between the optical birefringence and logarithm of the Young's modulus. These new results provide useful information for improving mechanical modeling of articular cartilage and developing better cartilage-mimetic biomaterials.
Collapse
|
8
|
Xia Y, Darling EM, Herzog W. Functional properties of chondrocytes and articular cartilage using optical imaging to scanning probe microscopy. J Orthop Res 2018; 36:620-631. [PMID: 28975657 PMCID: PMC5839958 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mature chondrocytes in adult articular cartilage vary in number, size, and shape, depending on their depth in the tissue, location in the joint, and source species. Chondrocytes are the primary structural, functional, and metabolic unit in articular cartilage, the loss of which will induce fatigue to the extracellular matrix (ECM), eventually leading to failure of the cartilage and impairment of the joint as a whole. This brief review focuses on the functional and biomechanical studies of chondrocytes and articular cartilage, using microscopic imaging from optical microscopies to scanning probe microscopy. Three topics are covered in this review, including the functional studies of chondrons by optical imaging (unpolarized and polarized light and infrared light, two-photon excitation microscopy), the probing of chondrocytes and cartilage directly using microscale measurement techniques, and different imaging approaches that can measure chondrocyte mechanics and chondrocyte biological signaling under in situ and in vivo environments. Technical advancement in chondrocyte research during recent years has enabled new ways to study the biomechanical and functional properties of these cells and cartilage. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:620-631, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xia
- Dept of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Eric M. Darling
- Dept of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, Dept of Orthopaedics, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Walter Herzog
- Faculties of Kinesiology, Engineering and Medicine, University of Calgary, AB T2T 1N4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nebelung S, Sondern B, Jahr H, Tingart M, Knobe M, Thüring J, Kuhl C, Truhn D. Non-invasive T1ρ mapping of the human cartilage response to loading and unloading. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2018; 26:236-244. [PMID: 29175373 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define the physiological response to sequential loading and unloading in histologically intact human articular cartilage using serial T1ρ mapping, as T1ρ is considered to indicate the tissue's macromolecular content. METHOD 18 macroscopically intact cartilage-bone samples were obtained from the central lateral femoral condyles of 18 patients undergoing total knee replacement. Serial T1ρ mapping was performed on a clinical 3.0-T MRI system using a modified prostate coil. Spin-lock multiple gradient-echo sequences prior to, during and after standardized indentation loading (displacement controlled, strain 20%) were used to obtain seven serial T1ρ maps: unloaded (δ0), quasi-statically loaded (indentation1-indentation3) and under subsequent relaxation (relaxation1-relaxation3). After manual segmentation, zonal and regional regions-of-interest were defined. ROI-specific relative changes were calculated and statistically assessed using paired t-tests. Histological (Mankin classification) and biomechanical (unconfined compression) evaluations served as references. RESULTS All samples were histologically and biomechanically grossly intact (Mankin sum: 1.8 ± 1.2; Young's Modulus: 0.7 ± 0.4 MPa). Upon loading, T1ρ consistently increased throughout the entire sample thickness, primarily subpistonally (indentation1 [M ± SD]: 9.5 ± 7.8% [sub-pistonal area, SPA] vs 4.2 ± 5.8% [peri-pistonal area, PPA]; P < 0.001). T1ρ further increased with ongoing loading (indentation3: 14.1 ± 8.1 [SPA] vs 7.7 ± 5.9% [PPA]; P < 0.001). Even upon unloading (i.e., relaxation), T1ρ persistently increased in time. CONCLUSION Serial T1ρ-mapping reveals distinct and complex zonal and regional changes in articular cartilage as a function of loading and unloading. Thereby, longitudinal adaptive processes in hyaline cartilage become evident, which may be used for the tissue's non-invasive functional characterization by T1ρ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Nebelung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
| | - B Sondern
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
| | - H Jahr
- Department of Orthopaedics, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
| | - M Tingart
- Department of Orthopaedics, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
| | - M Knobe
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
| | - J Thüring
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
| | - C Kuhl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
| | - D Truhn
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ferizi U, Rossi I, Lee Y, Lendhey M, Teplensky J, Kennedy OD, Kirsch T, Bencardino J, Raya JG. Diffusion tensor imaging of articular cartilage at 3T correlates with histology and biomechanics in a mechanical injury model. Magn Reson Med 2017; 78:69-78. [PMID: 27455389 PMCID: PMC9175493 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.26336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We establish a mechanical injury model for articular cartilage to assess the sensitivity of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in detecting cartilage damage early in time. Mechanical injury provides a more realistic model of cartilage degradation compared with commonly used enzymatic degradation. METHODS Nine cartilage-on-bone samples were obtained from patients undergoing knee replacement. The 3 Tesla DTI (0.18 × 0.18 × 1 mm3 ) was performed before, 1 week, and 2 weeks after (zero, mild, and severe) injury, with a clinical radial spin-echo DTI (RAISED) sequence used in our hospital. We performed stress-relaxation tests and used a quasilinear-viscoelastic (QLV) model to characterize cartilage mechanical properties. Serial histology sections were dyed with Safranin-O and given an OARSI grade. We then correlated the changes in DTI parameters with the changes in QLV-parameters and OARSI grades. RESULTS After severe injury the mean diffusivity increased after 1 and 2 weeks, whereas the fractional anisotropy decreased after 2 weeks (P < 0.05). The QLV-parameters and OARSI grades of the severe injury group differed from the baseline with statistical significance. The changes in mean diffusivity across all the samples correlated with the changes in the OARSI grade (r = 0.72) and QLV-parameters (r = -0.75). CONCLUSION DTI is sensitive in tracking early changes after mechanical injury, and its changes correlate with changes in biomechanics and histology. Magn Reson Med 78:69-78, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uran Ferizi
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ignacio Rossi
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Centro de Diagnostico Dr. Enrique Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Youjin Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matin Lendhey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason Teplensky
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Oran D Kennedy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thorsten Kirsch
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jenny Bencardino
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, USA
| | - José G Raya
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xia Y, Momot KI, Chen Z, Chen CT, Kahn D, Badar F. Introduction to Cartilage. BIOPHYSICS AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF CARTILAGE BY NMR AND MRI 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/9781782623663-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cartilage is a supporting connective tissue that, together with the bone, forms the framework supporting the body as a whole. There are many distinct types of cartilage, which exhibit numerous similarities as well as differences. Among them, articular cartilage is the best known and the most studied type. Articular cartilage is the thin layer of connective tissue that covers the articulating ends of bones in synovial (diarthrodial) joints. It provides a smooth surface for joint movement and acts as a load-bearing medium that protects the bone and distributes stress. The intense interest in articular cartilage is motivated by the critical role its degradation plays in arthritis and related joint diseases, which are the number one cause of disability in humans. This chapter discusses the physical, chemical and cellular properties of cartilage that give the tissue its extraordinary load-bearing characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xia
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University Rochester MI 48309 USA
| | - Konstantin I. Momot
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane Qld 4001 Australia
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University Rochester MI 48309 USA
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine Shanghai 200025 China
| | - Christopher T. Chen
- Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research / Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas TX 75390 USA
| | - David Kahn
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University Rochester MI 48309 USA
| | - Farid Badar
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University Rochester MI 48309 USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lee JH, Badar F, Kahn D, Matyas J, Qu X, Xia Y. Loading-induced changes on topographical distributions of the zonal properties of osteoarthritic tibial cartilage--A study by magnetic resonance imaging at microscopic resolution. J Biomech 2015; 48:3625-33. [PMID: 26351010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The topographical distributions of the zonal properties of articular cartilage over the medial tibia from an experimental osteoarthritis (OA) model were evaluated as a function of external loading by microscopic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (µMRI). T2 relaxation times and cartilage thicknesses were measured at 17.6 µm resolution from 118 specimens, which came from thirteen dogs (six 8-week and seven 12-week after surgery), with and without mechanical loading. In addition, bulk mechanical modulus was measured topographically from each tibia surface. The total thickness decreased significantly under the external loading, in which the relative thickness of the superficial zone (SZ) and the transitional zone (TZ) increased whereas the radial zones (RZs) decreased. In the bulk data, T2(55°) decreased significantly (p<0.001) at all OA-time-points, but T2(0°) decreased without significance (p>0.05) at 8-week. Complex relationships were found in the zonal tissue properties as a function of external loading with the progress of OA. T2 in the superficial zone changed more profoundly than the same properties in the radial zone as a function of external loading at all OA time-points. This study confirms that OA affects the load-induced changes in the molecular distribution and structure of cartilage, which are both depth-dependent and topographically distributed. Such detailed knowledge of mechanobiological changes in specific tibial cartilage zones and locations with OA progress could improve the early detection of the subtle softening of cartilage that accompanies pre-clinical stages of OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Farid Badar
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - David Kahn
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - John Matyas
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1
| | - Xianggui Qu
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Leigh DR, Kim MS, Kovacevic D, Baker AR, Tan CD, Calabro A, Derwin KA. Human fascia lata ECM scaffold augmented with immobilized hyaluronan: inflammatory response and remodeling in the canine body wall and shoulder implantation sites. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION 2014; 26:1-15. [PMID: 25400204 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2014.975394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We postulate that immobilization of tyramine-substituted hyaluronan (THA) into an extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold may be a strategy to promote an anti-inflammatory response to the ECM. Further, we posit that the implantation site could influence the inflammatory response and remodeling of an ECM scaffold. Eight beagles underwent implantation of fascia ECM grafts, treated with either immobilized low molecular weight (57 kDa) THA or water only, in both the shoulder injury and body wall sites. Dogs were euthanized at 12 weeks and fascia grafts harvested en bloc for histology. Grafts implanted at the body wall had significantly higher inflammatory cell infiltrate and vascularity, and significantly lower retardance (collagen density), than grafts at the shoulder, suggestive of a more intense, persistent, and perhaps degradative inflammatory and remodeling response at the body wall than shoulder injury site in the canine model. However, the presence of immobilized low MW THA had no effect on the inflammation response or remodeling of fascia ECM compared to water-treated controls. Importantly, these results suggest that the inflammatory response and remodeling of biomaterial implants depends on the location of implantation and therefore our animal models need to be carefully chosen. Further, the potential anti-inflammatory advantages of hyaluronan (HA) in wound healing do not appear to be realized when presenting it to the host as non-degradable hydrogel even if its capacity for binding HA binding protein is maintained. Further study treating ECM with uncross-linked (free) HA or immobilized low MW THA as a means to deliver free HA or other biomolecules to a surgical repair site is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane R Leigh
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Orthopaedic Research Center , Cleveland Clinic , Cleveland , OH , USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lee JH, Xia Y. Quantitative zonal differentiation of articular cartilage by microscopic magnetic resonance imaging, polarized light microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared imaging. Microsc Res Tech 2013; 76:625-32. [PMID: 23533143 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to synchronize the zonal differentiation of the full-thickness articular cartilage by three micro-imaging techniques, namely microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (µMRI), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and Fourier-transform infrared imaging (FTIRI). Eighteen cartilage-bone blocks from three canine humeral joints were imaged by: (a) µMRI T2 relaxation at 0° and 55° orientations in a 7 T magnetic field, (b) PLM optical retardation and azimuthal angle, and (c) FTIRI amide I and amide II anisotropies at 0° and 90° polarizations relative to the articular surface. In addition, µMRI T1 relaxation was imaged before and after the tissue being immersed in gadolinium (contrast agent) solution, to calculate the proteoglycan concentration. A set of previously established criteria in cartilage imaging was revised. The new criteria could simultaneously correlate the thicknesses of the three consecutive subtissue zones in articular cartilage among these imaging techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan 48309, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
This review briefly summarises some of the definitive studies of articular cartilage by microscopic MRI (µMRI) that were conducted with the highest spatial resolutions. The article has four major sections. The first section introduces the cartilage tissue, MRI and µMRI, and the concept of image contrast in MRI. The second section describes the characteristic profiles of three relaxation times (T1, T2 and T1ρ) and self-diffusion in healthy articular cartilage. The third section discusses several factors that can influence the visualisation of articular cartilage and the detection of cartilage lesion by MRI and µMRI. These factors include image resolution, image analysis strategies, visualisation of the total tissue, topographical variations of the tissue properties, surface fibril ambiguity, deformation of the articular cartilage, and cartilage lesion. The final section justifies the values of multidisciplinary imaging that correlates MRI with other technical modalities, such as optical imaging. Rather than an exhaustive review to capture all activities in the literature, the studies cited in this review are merely illustrative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Xia
- Oakland University, 276 Hannah Hall, Department of Physics, Rochester, Michigan 48309, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mittelstaedt D, Xia Y, Shmelyov A, Casciani N, Bidthanapally A. Quantitative determination of morphological and territorial structures of articular cartilage from both perpendicular and parallel sections by polarized light microscopy. Connect Tissue Res 2011; 52:512-22. [PMID: 21787136 PMCID: PMC3674864 DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2011.595521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In order to investigate the three-dimensional structure of the collagen fibrils in articular cartilage, full-thickness canine humeral cartilage was microtomed into perpendicular sections that included both the articular surface and the subchondral bone and approximately 100 successive parallel sections that were each 6 microm thick and from a different cartilage depth. Each section was imaged using polarized light microscopy with a 5x objective (2.0 microm pixel size), generating two quantitative images (angle and retardation). Selected sections were also imaged using a 40x objective (0.25 microm pixel size). At an increased depth from the articular surface, the angle and retardation results in the perpendicular sections showed the well-known 90 degrees change in fibril orientation between the surface and the deep cartilage. In contrast, the retardation results of the parallel sections decreased from the articular surface and remained approximately 0 through most of the radial zones, while the angle results of the parallel sections only changed about 30 degrees. The territorial matrix morphology surrounding 61 chondrocyte clusters was quantified by its length, aspect ratio, and orientation. The cellular clusters in the surface cartilage were ellipsoidal in both parallel and perpendicular sections. In the radial zone, the cellular clusters were oriented in vertical columns in the perpendicular sections and as circular groupings in the parallel sections. This orthogonal imaging technique could provide a better understanding of the three-dimensional territorial and interterritorial fibrils in articular cartilage, the disturbance of which could signify the onset of degenerative cartilage diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mittelstaedt
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Alex Shmelyov
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Nick Casciani
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Aruna Bidthanapally
- Department of Physics and Center for Biomedical Research, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yin J, Xia Y. Chemical visualization of individual chondrocytes in articular cartilage by attenuated-total-reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Microimaging. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2011; 2:937-945. [PMID: 21483615 PMCID: PMC3072132 DOI: 10.1364/boe.2.000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Fourier transform infrared imaging (FTIRI) and the attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared microimaging (ATR-FTIRM) were used to study the chemical and structural distributions of cellular components surrounding individual chondrocytes in canine humeral cartilage, at 6.25µm pixel resolution in FTIRI and 1.56µm pixel resolution in ATR-FTIRM. The chemical and structural distributions of the cellular components in chondrocytes and tissue can be successfully imaged in high resolution ATR-FTIRM. One can also study the territorial matrix of fine collagen fibrils surrounding the individual chondrocytes by the polarization experiments using the absorption ratio of amide I to amide II bands.
Collapse
|
18
|
Lötjönen P, Julkunen P, Töyräs J, Lammi MJ, Jurvelin JS, Nieminen HJ. Strain-dependent modulation of ultrasound speed in articular cartilage under dynamic compression. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2009; 35:1177-1184. [PMID: 19427104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2009.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 03/04/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical properties of articular cartilage may be determined by means of mechano-acoustic indentation, a clinically feasible technique for cartilage diagnostics. Unfortunately, ultrasound speed varies in articular cartilage during mechanical compression. This can cause significant errors to the measured mechanical parameters. In this study, the strain-dependent variation in ultrasound speed was investigated during dynamic compression. In addition, we estimated errors that were induced by the variation in ultrasound speed on the mechano-acoustically measured elastic properties of the tissue. Further, we validated a computational method to correct these errors. Bovine patellar cartilage samples (n = 7) were tested under unconfined compression. Strain-dependence of ultrasound speed was determined under different compressive strains using an identical strain-rate. In addition, the modulation of ultrasound speed was simulated using the transient compositional and structural changes derived from fibril-reinforced poroviscoelastic (FRPVE) model. Experimentally, instantaneous compressive strain modulated the ultrasound speed (p < 0.05) significantly. The decrease of ultrasound speed was found to change nonlinearly as a function of strain. Immediately after the ramp loading ultrasound speed was found to be changed -0.94%, -1.49%, -1.84%, -1.87%, -1.89% and -2.15% at the strains of 2.4%, 4.9%, 7.3%, 9.7%, 12.1% and 14.4%, respectively. The numerical simulation revealed that the compression-related decrease in ultrasound speed induces significant errors in the mechano-acoustically determined strain (39.7%) and dynamic modulus (72.1%) at small strains, e.g., at 2.4%. However, at higher strains, e.g., at 14.4%, the errors were smaller, i.e., 12.6% for strain and 14.5% for modulus. After the proposed computational correction, errors related to ultrasound speed were decreased. By using the correction, with e.g., 2.4% strain, errors in strain and modulus were decreased from 39.7% to 7.2% and from 72.1% to 35.3%, respectively. The FRPVE model, addressing the changes in fibril orientation and void ratio during compression, showed discrepancy of less than 1% between the predicted and measured ultrasound speed during the ramp compression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauno Lötjönen
- Department of Physics, University of Kuopio, Kuopio FI-70211, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Silvast TS, Jurvelin JS, Lammi MJ, Töyräs J. pQCT study on diffusion and equilibrium distribution of iodinated anionic contrast agent in human articular cartilage--associations to matrix composition and integrity. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2009; 17:26-32. [PMID: 18602844 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2008.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2007] [Accepted: 05/19/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE X-ray imaging of articular cartilage using anionic contrast agents has been introduced for quantification of tissue glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration. In this in vitro study we investigated diffusion and equilibrium distribution of an anionic contrast agent in human articular cartilage and related the results to tissue composition and integrity. METHODS Osteochondral cylinders (d=4.0mm, n=24) were prepared from femoral medial condyles (FMCs, cartilage thickness 2.13+/-0.54 mm, mean+/-standard deviation [SD]), and tibial medial plateaus ([TMPs]1.99+/-0.38 mm) of human cadaver knees. Samples were immersed for 24h at room temperature in 21 mM concentration of anionic contrast agent Hexabrix. The X-ray absorption maps and profiles were measured before immersion, and after every 2h of immersion using clinical peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). RESULTS An increase in X-ray attenuation along cartilage depth, indicating a characteristic density profile increasing from superficial to deep tissue, could be seen in pQCT images acquired without contrast agent. The complete diffusion of the contrast agent into cartilage took more than 12h. However, the uronic acid concentration correlated with the contrast agent concentration in femoral cartilage (r=-0.76, n=12, P=0.004) as early as after 2h of immersion, and the linear correlation was virtually unchanged during the remaining 22 h. Similarly, the histological tissue integrity (Mankin score) correlated positively with the contrast agent concentration in tibial cartilage (r=+0.75, P=0.005) after 2h of immersion. The X-ray absorption profiles before immersion, i.e., without the contrast agent, and after 24h of immersion were significantly correlated (r=-0.76+/-0.34, mean+/-SD). CONCLUSIONS Although the complete contrast agent diffusion into human articular cartilage in vitro took more than 12h, significant apparent correlations were revealed between the spatial proteoglycan (PG) and contrast agent distributions already after 2h of immersion. At the stage of incomplete penetration, however, the spatial contrast agent concentration distribution cannot directly reflect the true PG distribution as the Donnan equilibrium has not been reached. However, in degenerated cartilage the diffusion rate increases. Obviously, this can lead to the reported correlation between the bulk PG content and the bulk contrast agent concentration already at the early stages of diffusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T S Silvast
- Department of Physics, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Molecular and morphological adaptations in compressed articular cartilage by polarized light microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared imaging. J Struct Biol 2008; 164:88-95. [PMID: 18634884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2008.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2008] [Revised: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 06/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Fifteen articular cartilage-bone specimens from one canine humeral joint were compressed in the strain range of 0-50%. The deformation of the extracellular matrices in cartilage was preserved and the same tissue sections were studied using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and Fourier-transform infrared imaging (FTIRI). The PLM results show that the most significant changes in the apparent zone thickness due to 'reorganization' of the collagen fibrils based on the birefringence occur between 0% and 20% strain values, where the increase in the superficial zone and decrease in the radial zone thicknesses are approximately linear with the applied strain. The FTIRI anisotropy results show that the two amide components with bond direction perpendicular to the external compression retain anisotropy (amide II in the superficial zone and amide I in the radial zone). In contrast, the measured anisotropy from the two amide components with bond direction parallel to the external compression changes their anisotropy significantly (amide I in the superficial zone and amide II in the radial zone). Statistical analysis shows that there is an excellent correlation (r=0.98) between the relative depth of the minimum retardance in PLM and the relative depth of the amide II anisotropic cross-over. The changes in amide anisotropies in different histological zones are explained by the strain-dependent tipping angle of the amide bonds. These depth-dependent adaptations to static loading in cartilage's morphological structure and chemical distribution could be useful in the future studies of the early diseased cartilage.
Collapse
|