Aims. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling joint disorder and mechanical loading is an important pathogenesis. This study aims to investigate the benefits of less mechanical loading created by intermittent tail suspension for knee OA. Methods. A post-traumatic OA model was established in 20 rats (12 weeks old, male). Ten rats were treated with less mechanical loading through intermittent tail suspension, while another ten rats were treated with normal mechanical loading. Cartilage damage was determined by gross appearance, Safranin O/Fast Green staining, and immunohistochemistry examinations. Subchondral bone changes were analyzed by micro-CT and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and serum inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Our radiographs showed that joint space was significantly enlarged in rats with less mechanical loading. Moreover, cartilage destruction was attenuated in the less mechanical loading group with lower histological damage scores, and lower expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-5, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, and MMP-13. In addition, subchondral bone abnormal changes were ameliorated in OA rats with less mechanical loading, as reduced bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), and number of osteophytes and osteoclasts in the subchondral bone were observed. Finally, the level of serum inflammatory cytokines was significantly downregulated in the less mechanical loading group compared with the normal mechanical loading group, as well as the expression of NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in the cartilage. Conclusion. Less mechanical loading alleviates cartilage destruction, subchondral bone changes, and secondary inflammation in OA joints. This study provides fundamental insights into the benefit of non-weight loading rest for patients with OA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(10):731–741

Aims. The aim of our study is to investigate the effect induced by alternated mechanical loading on Notch-1 in mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) of growing rabbits. Methods. A total of 64 ten-day-old rabbits were randomly divided into two groups according to dietary hardness: normal diet group (pellet) and soft diet group (powder). In each group, the rabbits were further divided into four subgroups by feeding time: two weeks, four weeks, six weeks, and eight weeks. Animals would be injected 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) every day for one week before sacrificing. Histomorphometric analysis of MCC thickness was performed through haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunochemical analysis was done to test BrdU and Notch-1. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to measure expression of Notch-1, Jagged-1, and Delta-like 1 (Dll-1). Results. The thickness of MCC in the soft diet group was thinner than the one in normal diet group. Notch-1 was restricted in fibrous layer, proliferative layer, and hypertrophic layer. The expression of Notch-1 increased from two weeks to six weeks and then fell down. Notch-1 in normal diet group was higher than that in soft diet group in anterior part of MCC. The statistical differences of Notch-1 were shown at two, four, and six weeks (p < 0.05). The result of western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed the expression of Dll-1 and Jagged-1 rose from two to four weeks and started to decrease at four weeks. BrdU distributed in all layers of cartilage and subchondral bone. The number of BrdU-positive cells, which were less in soft diet group, was decreasing along with the experiment period. The significant difference was found at four, six, and eight weeks in anterior and posterior parts (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The structure and proliferation of MCC in rabbits were sensitive to dietary loading changes. The proper mechanical loading was essential for transduction of Notch signalling pathway and development of mandibular condylar cartilage. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(7):437–444

Aims. Orthopaedic surgery requires grafts with sufficient mechanical strength. For this purpose, decellularized tissue is an available option that lacks the complications of autologous tissue. However, it is not widely used in orthopaedic surgeries. This study investigated clinical trials of the use of decellularized tissue grafts in orthopaedic surgery. Methods. Using the ClinicalTrials.gov (CTG) and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) databases, we comprehensively surveyed clinical trials of decellularized tissue use in orthopaedic surgeries registered before 1 September 2022. We evaluated the clinical results, tissue processing methods, and commercial availability of the identified products using academic literature databases and manufacturers’ websites. Results. We initially identified 4,402 clinical trials, 27 of which were eligible for inclusion and analysis, including nine shoulder surgery trials, eight knee surgery trials, two ankle surgery trials, two hand surgery trials, and six peripheral nerve graft trials. Nine of the trials were completed. We identified only one product that will be commercially available for use in knee surgery with significant mechanical load resistance. Peracetic acid and gamma irradiation were frequently used for sterilization. Conclusion. Despite the demand for decellularized tissue, few decellularized tissue products are currently commercially available, particularly for the knee joint. To be viable in orthopaedic surgery, decellularized tissue must exhibit biocompatibility and mechanical strength, and these requirements are challenging for the clinical application of decellularized tissue. However, the variety of available decellularized products has recently increased. Therefore, decellularized grafts may become a promising option in orthopaedic surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(3):179–188

Aims. Unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty (UKA and TKA) are successful treatments for osteoarthritis, but the solid metal implants disrupt the natural distribution of stress and strain which can lead to bone loss over time. This generates problems if the implant needs to be revised. This study investigates whether titanium lattice UKA and TKA implants can maintain natural load transfer in the proximal tibia. Methods. In a cadaveric model, UKA and TKA procedures were performed on eight fresh-frozen knee specimens, using conventional (solid) and titanium lattice tibial implants. Stress at the bone-implant interfaces were measured and compared to the native knee. Results. Titanium lattice implants were able to restore the mechanical environment of the native tibia for both UKA and TKA designs. Maximum stress at the bone-implant interface ranged from 1.2 MPa to 3.3 MPa compared with 1.3 MPa to 2.7 MPa for the native tibia. The conventional solid UKA and TKA implants reduced the maximum stress in the bone by a factor of 10 and caused > 70% of bone surface area to be underloaded compared to the native tibia. Conclusion. Titanium lattice implants maintained the natural mechanical loading in the proximal tibia after UKA and TKA, but conventional solid implants did not. This is an exciting first step towards implants that maintain bone health, but such implants also have to meet fatigue and micromotion criteria to be clinically viable. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(2):91–101

Objectives. Many in vitro studies have investigated the mechanism by which mechanical signals are transduced into biological signals that regulate bone homeostasis via periodontal ligament fibroblasts during orthodontic treatment, but the results have not been systematically reviewed. This review aims to do this, considering the parameters of various in vitro mechanical loading approaches and their effects on osteogenic and osteoclastogenic properties of periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Methods. Specific keywords were used to search electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science) for English-language literature published between 1995 and 2017. Results. A total of 26 studies from the 555 articles obtained via the database search were ultimately included, and four main types of biomechanical approach were identified. Compressive force is characterized by static and continuous application, whereas tensile force is mainly cyclic. Only nine studies investigated the mechanisms by which periodontal ligament fibroblasts transduce mechanical stimulus. The studies provided evidence from in vitro mechanical loading regimens that periodontal ligament fibroblasts play a unique and dominant role in the regulation of bone remodelling during orthodontic tooth movement. Conclusion. Evidence from the reviewed studies described the characteristics of periodontal ligament fibroblasts exposed to mechanical force. This is expected to benefit subsequent research into periodontal ligament fibroblasts and to provide indirectly evidence-based insights regarding orthodontic treatment. Further studies should be performed to explore the effects of static tension on cytomechanical properties, better techniques for static compressive force loading, and deeper analysis of underlying regulatory systems. Cite this article: M. Li, C. Zhang, Y. Yang. Effects of mechanical forces on osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts: A systematic review of in vitro studies. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:19–31. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.81.BJR-2018-0060.R1

Aims. Vertebrates have adapted to life on Earth and its constant gravitational field, which exerts load on the body and influences the structure and function of tissues. While the effects of microgravity on muscle and bone homeostasis are well described, with sarcopenia and osteoporosis observed in astronauts returning from space, the effects of shorter exposures to increased gravitational fields are less well characterized. We aimed to test how hypergravity affects early cartilage and skeletal development in a zebrafish model. Methods. We exposed zebrafish to 3 g and 6 g hypergravity from three to five days post-fertilization, when key events in jaw cartilage morphogenesis occur. Following this exposure, we performed immunostaining along with a range of histological stains and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine cartilage morphology and structure, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation experiments to investigate the cartilage material properties, and finite element modelling to map the pattern of strain and stress in the skeletal rudiments. Results. We did not observe changes to larval growth, or morphology of cartilage or muscle. However, we observed altered mechanical properties of jaw cartilages, and in these regions we saw changes to chondrocyte morphology and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. These areas also correspond to places where strain and stress distribution are predicted to be most different following hypergravity exposure. Conclusion. Our results suggest that altered mechanical loading, through hypergravity exposure, affects chondrocyte maturation and ECM components, ultimately leading to changes to cartilage structure and function. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(2):137–148

Objectives. To elucidate the effects of age on the expression levels of the receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoclasts in the periodontal ligament during orthodontic mechanical loading and post-orthodontic retention. Materials and Methods. The study included 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats, ten in the young group (aged four to five weeks) and ten in the adult group (aged 18 to 20 weeks). In each rat, the upper-left first molar was subjected to a seven-day orthodontic force loading followed by a seven-day retention period. The upper-right first molar served as a control. The amount of orthodontic tooth movement was measured after seven-day force application and seven-day post-orthodontic retention. The expression levels of RANKL and the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclasts were evaluated on day 7 (end of mechanical force loading) and day 14 (after seven days of post-orthodontic retention). Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test, and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. There was no significant difference between the amount of tooth movement in the young group (0.96, standard deviation (. sd. ) 0.30mm) and that in the adult group (0.80mm, . sd. 0.28) (p > 0.05) after the seven-day force application. On the compression side, the expression of RANKL and TRAP-positive osteoclasts in both the young and the adult groups increased after the application of force for seven days, and then decreased at the end of the seven-day retention period. However, by the end of the period, the expression of RANKL on the compression side dropped to the control level in the young group (p > 0.05), while it was still higher than that on the control side in the adult group (p < 0.05). The expression of RANKL on the compression side did not show significant difference between the young and the adult groups after seven-day force application (p > 0.05), but it was significantly higher in the adult group than that in the young group after seven-day post-orthodontic retention (p < 0.05). Similarly, the decreasing trend of TRAP-positive osteoclasts during the retention period in the adult group was less obvious than that in the young group. Conclusions. The bone-resorptive activity in the young rats was more dynamic than that in the adult rats. The expression of RANKL and the number of osteoclasts in adult rats did not drop to the control level during the post-orthodontic retention period while RANKL expression and the number of osteoclasts in young rats had returned to the baseline. Cite this article: X. Li, M. Li, J. Lu, Y. Hu, L. Cui, D. Zhang, Y. Yang. Age-related effects on osteoclastic activities after orthodontic tooth movement. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:492–499. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.510.BJR-2016-0004.R2

Aims

Mechanical stimulation is a key factor in the development and healing of tendon-bone insertion. Treadmill training is an important rehabilitation treatment. This study aims to investigate the benefits of treadmill training initiated on postoperative day 7 for tendon-bone insertion healing.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is mainly caused by ageing, strain, trauma, and congenital joint abnormalities, resulting in articular cartilage degeneration. During the pathogenesis of OA, the changes in subchondral bone (SB) are not only secondary manifestations of OA, but also an active part of the disease, and are closely associated with the severity of OA. In different stages of OA, there were microstructural changes in SB. Osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts in SB are important in the pathogenesis of OA. The signal transduction mechanism in SB is necessary to maintain the balance of a stable phenotype, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, and bone remodelling between articular cartilage and SB. An imbalance in signal transduction can lead to reduced cartilage quality and SB thickening, which leads to the progression of OA. By understanding changes in SB in OA, researchers are exploring drugs that can regulate these changes, which will help to provide new ideas for the treatment of OA.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(9):536–545.

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This study aimed to demonstrate the promoting effect of elastic fixation on fracture, and further explore its mechanism at the gene and protein expression levels.

Aims

Circular RNA (circRNA) is involved in the regulation of articular cartilage degeneration induced by inflammatory factors or oxidative stress. In a previous study, we found that the expression of circStrn3 was significantly reduced in chondrocytes of osteoarthritis (OA) patients and OA mice. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to explore the role and mechanism of circStrn3 in osteoarthritis.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(3):199–201.

Aims

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease. The osteocyte transcriptome is highly relevant to osteocyte biology. This study aimed to explore the osteocyte transcriptome in subchondral bone affected by OA.

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It has been established that mechanical stimulation benefits tendon-bone (T-B) healing, and macrophage phenotype can be regulated by mechanical cues; moreover, the interaction between macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) plays a fundamental role in tissue repair. This study aimed to investigate the role of macrophage-mediated MSC chondrogenesis in load-induced T-B healing in depth.

Aims

The preventive effects of bisphosphonates on articular cartilage in non-arthritic joints are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral bisphosphonates on the rate of joint space narrowing in the non-arthritic hip.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent degenerative joint disorder characterized by joint pain and physical disability. Aberrant subchondral bone induces pathological changes and is a major source of pain in OA. In the subchondral bone, which is highly innervated, nerves have dual roles in pain sensation and bone homeostasis regulation. The interaction between peripheral nerves and target cells in the subchondral bone, and the interplay between the sensory and sympathetic nervous systems, allow peripheral nerves to regulate subchondral bone homeostasis. Alterations in peripheral innervation and local transmitters are closely related to changes in nociception and subchondral bone homeostasis, and affect the progression of OA. Recent literature has substantially expanded our understanding of the physiological and pathological distribution and function of specific subtypes of neurones in bone. This review summarizes the types and distribution of nerves detected in the tibial subchondral bone, their cellular and molecular interactions with bone cells that regulate subchondral bone homeostasis, and their role in OA pain. A comprehensive understanding and further investigation of the functions of peripheral innervation in the subchondral bone will help to develop novel therapeutic approaches to effectively prevent OA, and alleviate OA pain.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(7):439–452.

Aims

This study aimed, through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiment validation, to identify the key extracellular proteins of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).

Aims

cAMP response element binding protein (CREB1) is involved in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However, available findings about the role of CREB1 in OA are inconsistent. 666-15 is a potent and selective CREB1 inhibitor, but its role in OA is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the precise role of CREB1 in OA, and whether 666-15 exerts an anti-OA effect.

Aims

There is an increasing concern of osteoporotic fractures in the ageing population. Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) was shown to significantly enhance osteoporotic fracture healing through alteration of osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network (LCN). Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) in osteocytes is known to be responsible for maintaining the LCN and mineralization. This study aimed to investigate the role of osteocyte-specific DMP1 during osteoporotic fracture healing augmented by LMHFV.

Objectives. Many studies have investigated the kinematics of the lumbar spine and the morphological features of the lumbar discs. However, the segment-dependent immediate changes of the lumbar intervertebral space height during flexion-extension motion are still unclear. This study examined the changes of intervertebral space height during flexion-extension motion of lumbar specimens. Methods. First, we validated the accuracy and repeatability of a custom-made mechanical loading equipment set-up. Eight lumbar specimens underwent CT scanning in flexion, neural, and extension positions by using the equipment set-up. The changes in the disc height and distance between adjacent two pedicle screw entry points (DASEP) of the posterior approach at different lumbar levels (L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1) were examined on three-dimensional lumbar models, which were reconstructed from the CT images. Results. All the vertebral motion segments (L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1) had greater changes in disc height and DASEP from neutral to flexion than from neutral to extension. The change in anterior disc height gradually increased from upper to lower levels, from neutral to flexion. The changes in anterior and posterior disc heights were similar at the L4/5 level from neutral to extension, but the changes in anterior disc height were significantly greater than those in posterior disc height at the L3/4 and L5/S1 levels, from neutral to extension. Conclusions. The lumbar motion segment showed level-specific changes in disc height and DASEP. The data may be helpful in understanding the physiologic dynamic characteristics of the lumbar spine and in optimising the parameters of lumbar surgical instruments. Cite this article: M. Fu, Q. Ye, C. Jiang, L. Qian, D. Xu, Y. Wang, P. Sun, J. Ouyang. The segment-dependent changes in lumbar intervertebral space height during flexion-extension motion. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:245–252. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJR-2016-0245.R1

Aims

To verify whether secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) can promote early tendon-to-bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Aims

Periprosthetic hip fractures (PPFs) after total hip arthroplasty are difficult to treat. Therefore, it is important to identify modifiable risk factors such as stem selection to reduce the occurrence of PPFs. This study aimed to clarify differences in fracture torque, surface strain, and fracture type analysis between three different types of cemented stems.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease resulting from progressive joint destruction caused by many factors. Its pathogenesis is complex and has not been elucidated to date. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a series of irreversible and stable macromolecular complexes formed by reducing sugar with protein, lipid, and nucleic acid through a non-enzymatic glycosylation reaction (Maillard reaction). They are an important indicator of the degree of ageing. Currently, it is considered that AGEs accumulation in vivo is a molecular basis of age-induced OA, and AGEs production and accumulation in vivo is one of the important reasons for the induction and acceleration of the pathological changes of OA. In recent years, it has been found that AGEs are involved in a variety of pathological processes of OA, including extracellular matrix degradation, chondrocyte apoptosis, and autophagy. Clearly, AGEs play an important role in regulating the expression of OA-related genes and maintaining the chondrocyte phenotype and the stability of the intra-articular environment. This article reviews the latest research results of AGEs in a variety of pathological processes of OA, to provide a new direction for the study of OA pathogenesis and a new target for prevention and treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(5):292–300.

Aims

A growing number of fractures progress to delayed or nonunion, causing significant morbidity and socioeconomic impact. Localized delivery of stem cells and subcutaneous parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been shown individually to accelerate bony regeneration. This study aimed to combine the therapies with the aim of upregulating fracture healing.

Aims

Accumulated evidence indicates that local cell origins may ingrain differences in the phenotypic activity of human osteoblasts. We hypothesized that these differences may also exist in osteoblasts harvested from the same bone type at periarticular sites, including those adjacent to the fixation sites for total joint implant components.

Aims

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by persistent destruction of articular cartilage. It has been found that microRNAs (miRNAs) are closely related to the occurrence and development of OA. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of miR-486 in the development and progression of OA.

Aims

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is known to have a poor wound healing capacity, whereas other ligaments outside of the knee joint capsule such as the medial collateral ligament (MCL) apparently heal more easily. Plasmin has been identified as a major component in the synovial fluid that varies among patients. The aim of this study was to test whether plasmin, a component of synovial fluid, could be a main factor responsible for the poor wound healing capacity of the ACL.

Osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common motor system disorders, is a degenerative disease involving progressive joint destruction caused by a variety of factors. At present, OA has become the fourth most common cause of disability in the world. However, the pathogenesis of OA is complex and has not yet been clarified. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) refers to a group of RNAs more than 200 nucleotides in length with limited protein-coding potential, which have a wide range of biological functions including regulating transcriptional patterns and protein activity, as well as binding to form endogenous small interference RNAs (siRNAs) and natural microRNA (miRNA) molecular sponges. In recent years, a large number of lncRNAs have been found to be differentially expressed in a variety of pathological processes of OA, including extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, synovial inflammation, chondrocyte apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Obviously, lncRNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression, maintaining the phenotype of cartilage and synovial cells, and the stability of the intra-articular environment. This article reviews the results of the latest research into the role of lncRNAs in a variety of pathological processes of OA, in order to provide a new direction for the study of OA pathogenesis and a new target for prevention and treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(2):122–133.

Chondrocyte hypertrophy represents a crucial turning point during endochondral bone development. This process is tightly regulated by various factors, constituting a regulatory network that maintains normal bone development. Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) is the most well-characterized member of the HDAC class IIa family and participates in different signalling networks during development in various tissues by promoting chromatin condensation and transcriptional repression. Studies have reported that HDAC4-null mice display premature ossification of developing bones due to ectopic and early-onset chondrocyte hypertrophy. Overexpression of HDAC4 in proliferating chondrocytes inhibits hypertrophy and ossification of developing bones, which suggests that HDAC4, as a negative regulator, is involved in the network regulating chondrocyte hypertrophy. Overall, HDAC4 plays a key role during bone development and disease. Thus, understanding the role of HDAC4 during chondrocyte hypertrophy and endochondral bone formation and its features regarding the structure, function, and regulation of this process will not only provide new insight into the mechanisms by which HDAC4 is involved in chondrocyte hypertrophy and endochondral bone development, but will also create a platform for developing a therapeutic strategy for related diseases.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(2):82–89.

As our understanding of hip function and disease improves, it is evident that the acetabular fossa has received little attention, despite it comprising over half of the acetabulum’s surface area and showing the first signs of degeneration. The fossa’s function is expected to be more than augmenting static stability with the ligamentum teres and being a templating landmark in arthroplasty. Indeed, the fossa, which is almost mature at 16 weeks of intrauterine development, plays a key role in hip development, enabling its nutrition through vascularization and synovial fluid, as well as the influx of chondrogenic stem/progenitor cells that build articular cartilage. The pulvinar, a fibrofatty tissue in the fossa, has the same developmental origin as the synovium and articular cartilage and is a biologically active area. Its unique anatomy allows for homogeneous distribution of the axial loads into the joint. It is composed of intra-articular adipose tissue (IAAT), which has adipocytes, fibroblasts, leucocytes, and abundant mast cells, which participate in the inflammatory cascade after an insult to the joint. Hence, the fossa and pulvinar should be considered in decision-making and surgical outcomes in hip preservation surgery, not only for their size, shape, and extent, but also for their biological capacity as a source of cytokines, immune cells, and chondrogenic stem cells.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(12):857–869.

Bone is one of the most highly adaptive tissues in the body, possessing the capability to alter its morphology and function in response to stimuli in its surrounding environment. The ability of bone to sense and convert external mechanical stimuli into a biochemical response, which ultimately alters the phenotype and function of the cell, is described as mechanotransduction. This review aims to describe the fundamental physiology and biomechanisms that occur to induce osteogenic adaptation of a cell following application of a physical stimulus. Considerable developments have been made in recent years in our understanding of how cells orchestrate this complex interplay of processes, and have become the focus of research in osteogenesis. We will discuss current areas of preclinical and clinical research exploring the harnessing of mechanotransductive properties of cells and applying them therapeutically, both in the context of fracture healing and de novo bone formation in situations such as nonunion.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;9(1):1–14.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that have emerged as potential predictive, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers, relevant to many pathophysiological conditions including limb immobilization, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, and cachexia. Impaired musculoskeletal homeostasis leads to distinct muscle atrophies. Understanding miRNA involvement in the molecular mechanisms underpinning conditions such as muscle wasting may be critical to developing new strategies to improve patient management. MicroRNAs are powerful post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in muscle and, importantly, are also detectable in the circulation. MicroRNAs are established modulators of muscle satellite stem cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation, however, there have been limited human studies that investigate miRNAs in muscle wasting. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge as to the role of miRNAs in the skeletal muscle differentiation and atrophy, synthesizing the findings of published data.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(11):798–807.

Aims

Metabolic profiling is a top-down method of analysis looking at metabolites, which are the intermediate or end products of various cellular pathways. Our primary objective was to perform a systematic review of the published literature to identify metabolites in human synovial fluid (HSF), which have been categorized by metabolic profiling techniques. A secondary objective was to identify any metabolites that may represent potential biomarkers of orthopaedic disease processes.

Aims

To assess the effect of physical exercise (PE) on the histological and transcriptional characteristics of proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA) in BALB/c mice.

Objectives

The role of mechanical stress and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is important in the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not clearly known.

Aims

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature for evidence of the effect of a high-fat diet (HFD) on the onset or progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in mice.

Objectives

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease resulting in progressive loss of bone mass as measured by bone mineral density (BMD). Physical exercise has a positive effect on increasing or maintaining BMD in postmenopausal women. The contribution of exercise to the regulation of osteogenesis in osteoblasts remains unclear. We therefore investigated the effect of exercise on osteoblasts in ovariectomized mice.

Objectives

Screw plugs have been reported to increase the fatigue strength of stainless steel locking plates. The objective of this study was to examine and compare this effect between stainless steel and titanium locking plates.

Objectives

Metabolic syndrome and low-grade systemic inflammation are associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA), but the relationships between these factors and OA in other synovial joints are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine if a high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) diet results in OA-like joint damage in the shoulders, knees, and hips of rats after induction of obesity, and to identify potential joint-specific risks for OA-like changes.

Objectives

The incidence of acute Achilles tendon rupture appears to be increasing. The aim of this study was to summarize various therapies for acute Achilles tendon rupture and discuss their relative merits.

Objectives

We studied subchondral intraosseous pressure (IOP) in an animal model during loading, and with vascular occlusion. We explored bone compartmentalization by saline injection.

Objectives

Given the function of adiponectin (ADIPOQ) on the inflammatory condition of obesity and osteoarthritis (OA), we hypothesized that the ADIPOQ gene might be a candidate gene for a marker of susceptibility to OA.

Objectives

In total hip arthroplasty (THA), the cementless, tapered-wedge stem design contributes to achieving initial stability and providing optimal load transfer in the proximal femur. However, loading conditions on the femur following THA are also influenced by femoral structure. Therefore, we determined the effects of tapered-wedge stems on the load distribution of the femur using subject-specific finite element models of femurs with various canal shapes.

Objectives

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most commonly implicated organism in septic arthritis, a condition that may be highly destructive to articular cartilage. Previous studies investigating laboratory and clinical strains of S. aureus have demonstrated that potent toxins induced significant chondrocyte death, although the precise toxin or toxins that were involved was unknown. In this study, we used isogenic S. aureus mutants to assess the influence of alpha (Hla)-, beta (Hlb)-, and gamma (Hlg)-haemolysins, toxins considered important for the destruction of host tissue, on in situ bovine chondrocyte viability.

Objectives

The present study describes a novel technique for revitalising allogenic intrasynovial tendons by combining cell-based therapy and mechanical stimulation in an ex vivo canine model.

Objectives

After an injury, the biological reattachment of tendon to bone is a challenge because healing takes place between a soft (tendon) and a hard (bone) tissue. Even after healing, the transition zone in the enthesis is not completely regenerated, making it susceptible to re-injury. In this study, we aimed to regenerate Achilles tendon entheses (ATEs) in wounded rats using a combination of kartogenin (KGN) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Objectives

In this study, we compared the pain behaviour and osteoarthritis (OA) progression between anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) and osteochondral injury in surgically-induced OA rat models.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to create a novel ex vivo organ culture model for evaluating the effects of static and dynamic load on cartilage.

Objectives

Bisphosphonates (BP) are the first-line treatment for preventing fragility fractures. However, concern regarding their efficacy is growing because bisphosphonate is associated with over-suppression of remodelling and accumulation of microcracks. While dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning may show a gain in bone density, the impact of this class of drug on mechanical properties remains unclear. We therefore sought to quantify the mechanical strength of bone treated with BP (oral alendronate), and correlate data with the microarchitecture and density of microcracks in comparison with untreated controls.

In vivo animal experimentation has been one of the cornerstones of biological and biomedical research, particularly in the field of clinical medicine and pharmaceuticals. The conventional in vivo model system is invariably associated with high production costs and strict ethical considerations. These limitations led to the evolution of an ex vivo model system which partially or completely surmounted some of the constraints faced in an in vivo model system. The ex vivo rodent bone culture system has been used to elucidate the understanding of skeletal physiology and pathophysiology for more than 90 years. This review attempts to provide a brief summary of the historical evolution of the rodent bone culture system with emphasis on the strengths and limitations of the model. It encompasses the frequency of use of rats and mice for ex vivo bone studies, nutritional requirements in ex vivo bone growth and emerging developments and technologies. This compilation of information could assist researchers in the field of regenerative medicine and bone tissue engineering towards a better understanding of skeletal growth and development for application in general clinical medicine.

Cite this article: A. A. Abubakar, M. M. Noordin, T. I. Azmi, U. Kaka, M. Y. Loqman. The use of rats and mice as animal models in ex vivo bone growth and development studies. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:610–618. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.512.BJR-2016-0102.R2.

Construction of a functional skeleton is accomplished through co-ordination of the developmental processes of chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and synovial joint formation. Infants whose movement in utero is reduced or restricted and who subsequently suffer from joint dysplasia (including joint contractures) and thin hypo-mineralised bones, demonstrate that embryonic movement is crucial for appropriate skeletogenesis. This has been confirmed in mouse, chick, and zebrafish animal models, where reduced or eliminated movement consistently yields similar malformations and which provide the possibility of experimentation to uncover the precise disturbances and the mechanisms by which movement impacts molecular regulation. Molecular genetic studies have shown the important roles played by cell communication signalling pathways, namely Wnt, Hedgehog, and transforming growth factor-beta/bone morphogenetic protein. These pathways regulate cell behaviours such as proliferation and differentiation to control maturation of the skeletal elements, and are affected when movement is altered. Cell contacts to the extra-cellular matrix as well as the cytoskeleton offer a means of mechanotransduction which could integrate mechanical cues with genetic regulation. Indeed, expression of cytoskeletal genes has been shown to be affected by immobilisation. In addition to furthering our understanding of a fundamental aspect of cell control and differentiation during development, research in this area is applicable to the engineering of stable skeletal tissues from stem cells, which relies on an understanding of developmental mechanisms including genetic and physical criteria. A deeper understanding of how movement affects skeletogenesis therefore has broader implications for regenerative therapeutics for injury or disease, as well as for optimisation of physical therapy regimes for individuals affected by skeletal abnormalities.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:105–116

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine whether asymmetric loading influences macrophage elastase (MMP12) expression in different parts of a rat tail intervertebral disc and growth plate and if MMP12 expression is correlated with the severity of the deformity.

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This study aimed to evaluate the histological and mechanical features of tendon healing in a rabbit model with second-harmonic-generation (SHG) imaging and tensile testing.

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Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported significant association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs8044769 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) with osteoarthritis (OA) risk in European populations. However, these findings have not been confirmed in Chinese populations.

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During open orthopaedic surgery, joints may be exposed to air, potentially leading to cartilage drying and chondrocyte death, however, the long-term effects of joint drying in vivo are poorly understood. We used an animal model to investigate the subsequent effects of joint drying on cartilage and chondrocytes.

Objectives

Ligaments which heal spontaneously have a healing process that is similar to skin wound healing. Menopause impairs skin wound healing and may likewise impair ligament healing. Our purpose in this study was to investigate the effect of surgical menopause on ligament healing in a rabbit medial collateral ligament model.

Mesenchymal stem-cell based therapies have been proposed as novel treatments for intervertebral disc degeneration, a prevalent and disabling condition associated with back pain. The development of these treatment strategies, however, has been hindered by the incomplete understanding of the human nucleus pulposus phenotype and by an inaccurate interpretation and translation of animal to human research. This review summarises recent work characterising the nucleus pulposus phenotype in different animal models and in humans and integrates their findings with the anatomical and physiological differences between these species. Understanding this phenotype is paramount to guarantee that implanted cells restore the native functions of the intervertebral disc.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:169–78.

Tendinopathy is a debilitating musculoskeletal condition which can cause significant pain and lead to complete rupture of the tendon, which often requires surgical repair. Due in part to the large spectrum of tendon pathologies, these disorders continue to be a clinical challenge. Animal models are often used in this field of research as they offer an attractive framework to examine the cascade of processes that occur throughout both tendon pathology and repair. This review discusses the structural, mechanical, and biological changes that occur throughout tendon pathology in animal models, as well as strategies for the improvement of tendon healing.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:193–202.