Aims

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a critical determinant of tissue mechanobiology, yet remains poorly characterized in joint tissues beyond cartilage in osteoarthritis (OA). This review aimed to define the composition and architecture of non-cartilage soft joint tissue structural ECM in human OA, and to compare the changes observed in humans with those seen in animal models of the disease.

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the global and local impact of fat on bone in obesity by using the diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse model. Methods. In this study, we generated a diet-induced mouse model of obesity to conduct lipidomic and 3D imaging assessments of bone marrow fat, and evaluated the correlated bone adaptation indices and bone mechanical properties. Results. Our results indicated that bone mass was reduced and bone mechanical properties were impaired in DIO mice. Lipidomic sequencing and bioinformatic analysis identified 373 differential lipids, 176 of which were upregulated and 197 downregulated. Functional enrichment analysis revealed a significant downregulation of the pathways: fat digestion and absorption (ko04975) and lipolysis regulation in adipocytes (ko04923) in DIO mice, leading to local fat accumulation. The use of 3D imaging confirmed the increase in fat accumulation within the bone marrow cavity of obese mice. Conclusion. Our study sheds light on the intricate interplay between fat and bone, and provides a non-toxic and non-invasive method for measuring marrow adipose tissue. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(9):580–589

Aims

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. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in osteocytes is impaired by oxidative stress, which is associated with age-related bone loss. Ageing is accompanied by the accumulation of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs). However, it is still unknown whether AOPP accumulation is involved in the impairment of osteocytes’ GJIC. This study aims to investigate the effect of AOPP accumulation on osteocytes’ GJIC in aged male mice and its mechanism. Methods. Changes in AOPP levels, expression of connexin43 (Cx43), osteocyte network, and bone mass were detected in 18-month-old and three-month-old male mice. Cx43 expression, GJIC function, mitochondria membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activation were detected in murine osteocyte-like cells (MLOY4 cells) treated with AOPPs. The Cx43 expression, osteocyte network, bone mass, and mechanical properties were detected in three-month-old mice treated with AOPPs for 12 weeks. Results. The AOPP levels were increased in aged mice and correlated with degeneration of osteocyte network, loss of bone mass, and decreased Cx43 expression. AOPP intervention induced NADPH oxidase activation and mitochondrial dysfunction, triggered ROS generation, reduced Cx43 expression, and ultimately impaired osteocytes’ GJIC, which were ameliorated by NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin, mitochondria-targeted superoxide dismutase mimetic (mito-TEMPO), and ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine. Chronic AOPP loading accelerated the degradation of osteocyte networks and decreased Cx43 expression, resulting in deterioration of bone mass and mechanical properties in vivo. Conclusion. Our study suggests that AOPP accumulation contributes to age-related impairment of GJIC in osteocytes of male mice, which may be part of the pathogenic mechanism responsible for bone loss during ageing. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(7):413–425

Aims

To investigate whether idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is related to impaired osteoblast activities.

Objectives

As one of the heat-stable enterotoxins, Staphylococcal enterotoxin C2 (SEC2) is synthesized by Staphylococcus aureus, which has been proved to inhibit the growth of tumour cells, and is used as an antitumour agent in cancer immunotherapy. Although SEC2 has been reported to promote osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the in vivo function of SCE2 in animal model remains elusive. The aim of this study was to further elucidate the in vivo effect of SCE2 on fracture healing.

Objectives

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are a post-translational modification of collagen that form spontaneously in the skeletal matrix due to the presence of reducing sugars, such as glucose. The accumulation of AGEs leads to collagen cross-linking, which adversely affects bone quality and has been shown to play a major role in fracture risk. Thus, intervening in the formation and accumulation of AGEs may be a viable means of protecting bone quality.