Aims. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease worldwide, which is characterized by articular cartilage lesions. With more understanding of the disease, OA is considered to be a disorder of the whole joint. However, molecular communication within and between tissues during the disease process is still unclear. In this study, we used transcriptome data to reveal crosstalk between different tissues in OA. Methods. We used four groups of transcription profiles acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including articular cartilage, meniscus, synovium, and subchondral bone, to screen differentially expressed genes during OA. Potential crosstalk between tissues was depicted by
Summary. Wear particles from joint replacements may result in loosening and periprosthetic osteolysis. Interference with systemic macrophage trafficking to the implant, modulation of macrophage phenotype from M1 to M2, and inhibition of NFκB may mitigate these adverse effects. Introduction. Joint replacement of the lower extremity is highly successful in alleviating pain, and improving ambulation and function. However, prosthetic byproducts of different materials, in sufficient amounts, may lead to loosening and periprosthetic osteolysis. Debris from polymers (such as polyethylene and PMMA), metals and ceramics are capable of inciting an adverse tissue reaction, which is orchestrated by cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Three experimental approaches have been taken by our group to potentially mitigate the adverse biological sequela of particle disease. These include: 1) interfering with ongoing migration of monocyte/macrophages to the implant site by inhibiting the chemokine system 2) altering the functional activities of local macrophages by converting pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages to an anti-inflammatory pro-tissue healing M2 phenotype and 3) modulating the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and other potentially harmful factors by inhibiting the key transcription factor NFκB. Methods. First, a murine model of systemic trafficking of remotely infused macrophages to locally infused clinically relevant wear particles was established. After preliminary in vitro studies in which a key macrophage chemokine, MCP-1 was identified, blocking of this chemokine
We aimed to develop a gene signature that predicts the occurrence of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) by studying its genetic mechanism. Five datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Unsupervised consensus cluster analysis was used to determine new PMOP subtypes. To determine the central genes and the core modules related to PMOP, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WCGNA) was applied. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis was used to explore the biological processes underlying key genes. Logistic regression univariate analysis was used to screen for statistically significant variables. Two algorithms were used to select important PMOP-related genes. A logistic regression model was used to construct the PMOP-related gene profile. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve, Harrell’s concordance index, a calibration chart, and decision curve analysis were used to characterize PMOP-related genes. Then, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the expression of the PMOP-related genes in the gene signature.Aims
Methods
Therapeutic agents that prevent chondrocyte loss, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and osteoarthritis (OA) progression are required. The expression level of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats and discoidin I-like domains-containing protein 3 (EDIL3) in damaged human cartilage is significantly higher than in undamaged cartilage. However, the effect of EDIL3 on cartilage is still unknown. We used human cartilage plugs (ex vivo) and mice with spontaneous OA (in vivo) to explore whether EDIL3 has a chondroprotective effect by altering OA-related indicators.Aims
Methods
During the last decades, several research groups have used bisphosphonates for local application to counteract secondary bone resorption after bone grafting, to improve implant fixation or to control bone resorption caused by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). We focused on zoledronate (a bisphosphonate) due to its greater antiresorptive potential over other bisphosphonates. Recently, it has become obvious that the carrier is of importance to modulate the concentration and elution profile of the zoledronic acid locally. Incorporating one fifth of the recommended systemic dose of zoledronate with different apatite matrices and types of bone defects has been shown to enhance bone regeneration significantly
In order to screen the altered gene expression profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with osteoporosis, we performed an integrated analysis of the online microarray studies of osteoporosis. We searched the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for microarray studies of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with osteoporosis. Subsequently, we integrated gene expression data sets from multiple microarray studies to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between patients with osteoporosis and normal controls. Gene function analysis was performed to uncover the functions of identified DEGs.Objectives
Methods