Osteoarthritis Patients Research Articles

Efficacy of interferential current therapy plus exercise compared to sham interferential current plus exercise for pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomised controlled trial

Objective To compare the efficacy of interferential current (IFC) therapy combined with quadriceps strengthening exercise versus sham IFC plus exercise for pain relief and functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Study Design Double-blind randomised controlled trial. Setting Outpatient rehabilitation clinic. Subjects Knee osteoarthritis patients aged 50–85 years with a pain score ≥4/10. Methods One hundred forty-four participants were randomly allocated into the study and control groups. The study group received 20 min of IFC therapy (carrier frequency: 4000 Hz, beat frequency: 100 Hz) five times per week for three weeks, while the control group received sham IFC following the same protocol, followed by 10 min of exercise in both groups. Outcome measures included Numeric Rating Scale for Pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC) score, gait speed, and EuroQol-Five Dimensions-Five Levels questionnaire assessed at baseline, Week 3, and Week 6. Adverse events and patient satisfaction were evaluated at Week 3. Results At Week 3, the study group demonstrated statistical improvement compared to the control group for Numeric Rating Scale for Pain, WOMAC Total, WOMAC Pain, and WOMAC Stiffness. The mean difference (95% confidence interval) between groups was 0.76 (0.21–1.30), 0.49 (0.03–0.95), 0.63 (0.13–1.13), and 0.62 (0.04–1.20), respectively. However, the mean differences between groups were below the Minimally Clinically Important Difference values for each outcome. Additionally, there were no significant differences between groups at Week 6 for any outcome measure. Conclusion IFC had no effect on pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

Outcomes of total knee replacement versus unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol

IntroductionUnicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) has become popular due to faster recovery and improved range of motion. However, concerns have been made regarding increased risk of early failure. Furthermore, the use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have shown to allow faster return to activities, improved satisfaction, and reduced complication rates.This study aims to compare the 6 month functional outcomes of patients undergoing Total Knee Replacement (TKR) versus UKA under the ERAS protocol. MethodsPatient characteristics and comorbidities, 30-day post-operation readmission and infection rates were analyzed. Patient reported outcomes measures namely the Knee Society Function and Knee Score (KSFS, KSKS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and both the Physical and Mental component of the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were assessed pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively.Univariate analysis was used to compare differences in characteristics and comorbidities between the 2 groups. Finally, a multiple linear regression was performed to compare the post-operative outcomes. ResultsUnivariate analysis showed significantly better preoperative and 6 month post-operative KSKS and SF-36 MCS in UKA patients. Multivariate analysis showed no difference in the 6 month post-operative functional outcome scores between UKA and TKR patients. No UKA patients required revision surgery while 4 TKR patients required revision surgery for infection. ConclusionUKA achieves equivalent functional outcomes at 6 months post-operatively as compared to TKR patients and has lower infection rates. UKA is a reasonable option to offer for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis patients.

Effects of Physiotherapy Interventions (Exercise Therapy and Electrotherapy) on Knee Osteoarthritis in Patients with Different Pain Intensity Categories

Effects of Physiotherapy Interventions (Exercise Therapy and Electrotherapy) on Knee Osteoarthritis in Patients with Different Pain Intensity Categories

A gender and size specific evaluation of Grammont-type inlay versus lateralizing onlay stem designs in achieving lateralization and distalization in reverse shoulder arthroplasty

IntroductionIn reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) new designs enable greater amounts of lateralization to prevent instability and scapular notching and increase range of motion, however, excessive lateralization leads to stress upon the acromion that can result in scapular spine fatigue fractures. Aim of this study was to gender- and size-specifically assess the influence of glenosphere size and different humeral designs on lateralization, distalization, and bony impingement-free range of motion (ROM) in patients undergoing RSA.MethodsComputed tomography scans from 30 osteoarthritic patients (f:15, m:15) and 20 cuff tear arthropathy patients (f:10, m:10) were used to virtually simulate RSA implantation. The efficacy of an inlay Grammont-type system vs. an onlay lateralizing system combined with different glenosphere sizes (36 mm vs. 42 mm) in achieving ROM, lateralization, and distalization was evaluated. Moreover, gender and patient’s constitution were correlated to humeral size by radiologically measuring the best-fit circle of the humeral head.ResultsA different amount of relative lateralization was achieved in both genders using large glenospheres and onlay designs. Latter yielded a higher ROM in all planes for men and women with a 42 mm glenosphere; with the 36 mm glenosphere, an increased ROM was observed only in men. The 155° inlay design led to joint medialization only in men, whereas all designs led to lateralization in women. When adjusting the absolute amount of lateralization to humerus’ size (or patient’s height), regardless of implant type, women received greater relative lateralization using 36 mm glenosphere (inlay: 1%; onlay 12%) than men with 42 mm glenosphere (inlay: -3%; onlay: 8%).ConclusionThe relative lateralization achieved using onlay design is much higher in women than men. Small glenospheres yield greater relative lateralization in women compared to large glenospheres in men. Humeral lateralization using onlay designs should be used cautiously in women, as they lead to great relative lateralization increasing stress onto the acromion.Level of evidenceBasic Science Study, Computer Modeling.

Comparison of muscle tightness between knees in individuals with unilateral osteoarthritis and its relationship with pain and function.

Unilateral osteoarthritis (OA) affects single knees and presents a unique scenario where individuals experience varying degrees of symptoms between their affected and unaffected knees. This study aims to investigate differences in muscle tightness between symptomatic and asymptomatic knees in individuals with unilateral knee OA while exploring the interplay among pain, functionality, and muscle tightness. In this cross-sectional study, thirty knee OA patients underwent assessments for hamstring (Active Knee Extension, Straight Leg Raise), iliotibial band (Ober Test), and quadriceps tightness (Modified Thomas Test). Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional limitations were evaluated via the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). A negative correlation was observed between participants' pain and AKE (p= 0.004, r=-0.515), ASLR (p= 0.27, r=-0.403), Ober (p= 0.010, r=-0.461) values. However, no significant correlation was found with the Modified Thomas value (p= 0.204, r=-0.239). There was also a negative correlation between participants' WOMAC scores and AKE (p= 0.019, r=-0.427), OBER (p= 0.004, r=-0.510), and Modified Thomas (p= 0.022, r=-0.416) values, while ASLR (p= 0.286, r=-0.202) values showed no significant correlation. Comparisons between AKE, Ober, and Modified Thomas values showed higher values in asymptomatic extremities (AKE: p= 0.025, Ober: p= 0.021, Modified Thomas: p= 0.030). This study emphasizes the significance of muscle tightness in the symptomatic extremities of individuals with unilateral knee OA. The results indicate that increased muscle tightness makes pain worse and limits movement. It's crucial for healthcare providers treating OA to focus on improving muscle flexibility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall function.

Progress in Computer-Assisted Navigation for Total Knee Arthroplasty in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis with Extra-Articular Deformity.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well-established treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis. However, in patients with concomitant extra-articular deformities, conventional TKA techniques may lead to unsatisfactory outcomes and higher complication rates. This review summarizes the application of navigated TKA for treating knee osteoarthritis with extra-articular deformities. The principles and potential benefits of computer navigation systems, including improved component alignment, soft tissue balancing, and restoration of mechanical axis, are discussed. Research studies demonstrate that navigated TKA can effectively correct deformities, relieve pain, and improve postoperative joint function and quality of life compared with conventional methods. The advantages of navigated TKA in terms of surgical precision, lower complication rates, and superior functional recovery are highlighted. Despite challenges like the learning curve and costs, navigated TKA is an increasingly indispensable tool for achieving satisfactory outcomes in TKA for knee osteoarthritis patients with extra-articular deformities.

Outcome of Trapeziectomy and Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition for Patients Aged Less Than 56 Years: A Retrospective Study With a Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term consequences of trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis in patients aged less than 56 years. A retrospective study was performed to investigate the outcome of trapeziectomy and LRTI with a follow-up period of greater than 5 years in patients aged less than 56 years at the time of surgery. Patients completed the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and a 10-point visual analog score for pain (VAS). Objective assessments included thumb opposition, palmar and radial abduction angles, and grip, lateral key, and thumb tip pinch strengths. Radiographic assessments of the thumb carpometacarpal joint were performed in three planes, and the trapezial space and trapezial space to metacarpal height ratios were calculated. Between January 2005 and December 2017, 105 patients were treated. Forty-eight patients with 58 thumbs returned for review. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 52.5 years, and 96% of the patients were women. The mean follow-up period from surgery was 11 years. The mean VAS score was 1. A significant association was found between younger age at the time of surgery and increased proximal migration of the metacarpal, between high VAS pain scores and high PRWE and DASH scores, weak grip, lateral key pinch and thumb tip pinch strength, and Kapandji score, and between the follow-up period and increasing VAS pain, PRWE, and DASH scores. Trapeziectomy and LRTI are effective procedures for patients aged less than 56 years. The benefits of surgery should be balanced against the deterioration in the outcome measures of DASH and PRWE and increasing VAS scores with increasing intervals from surgery. Therapeutic IV.

Revue à 18 ans de recul minimum, de 10 patients présentant une luxation périlunaire isolée du carpe

Objective: To evaluate, in long-term, the functional abilities and the occurrence of osteoarthritis in patients treated for a posterior perilunate carpal dislocation without bone lesion associated.Patients and method: This was a monocentric retrospective observational study on patients operated on at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe for a posterior perilunate dislocation without bone lesion associated with a minimum of 18 years of follow-up. Ten patients were included with a mean follow-up of 22.8 years. The evaluation criteria were clinical (PRWE, QuickDASH, pain, grip strength, wrist joint mobility, Watson and Reagan tests, Cooney functional score) and radiographic (Gilula curves, carpal height, carpal ulnar translation, scapholunate and radiolunar angles, scapholunate and triquetro-lunar interlines in statics and dynamics, Herzberg’s classification of complications).Results: The average Cooney score was 67.5/100. Mean PRWE and QuickDASH scores were 33.9 and 24.8 respectively. The mean flexion-extension arc on the injured side was 71.5° (66,7% compared to the healthy side). Mean grip strength was 27kg (72,8% compared to the healthy side). The prevalence of osteoarthritis was 60%, with three A types, two A1 types, one B type and four B1 types according to Herzberg.Conclusion: The factors influencing the long-term prognosis are the initial displacement of the lunate, the quality of the reduction and the presence of chronic carpal instability, particularly scapholunate. The high prevalence of osteoarthritis in our series (60%) is apparently not correlated with the functional capacities of patients over the long term.

PP2Ac Regulates Autophagy via Mediating mTORC1 and ULK1 During Osteoclastogenesis in the Subchondral Bone of Osteoarthritis.

The molecular mechanism underlying abnormal osteoclastogenesis triggering subchondral bone remodeling in osteoarthritis (OA) is still unclear. Here, single-cell and bulk transcriptomics sequencing analyses are performed on GEO datasets to identify key molecules and validate them using knee joint tissues from OA patients and rat OA models. It is found that the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac) is highly expressed during osteoclastogenesis in the early stage of OA and is correlated with autophagy. Knockdown or inhibition of PP2Ac weakened autophagy during osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, the ULK1 expression of the downstream genes is significantly increased when PP2Ac is knocked down. PP2Ac-mediated autophagy is dependent on ULK1 phosphorylation activity during osteoclastogenesis, which is associated with enhanced dephosphorylation of ULK1 Ser637 residue regulating at the post-translational level. Additionally, mTORC1 inhibition facilitated the expression level of PP2Ac during osteoclastogenesis. In animal OA models, decreasing the expression of PP2Ac ameliorated early OA progression. The findings suggest that PP2Ac is also a promising therapeutic target in early OA.

Gut Microbiomics of Sustained Knee Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients.

To examine whether gut microbes were associated with post-surgery sustained knee pain in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients by a gut microbiomics approach. Total knee replacement (TKR) patients due to primary knee OA were recruited. Sustained knee pain status at least one year after TKR was defined by the Western Ontario and McMaster University Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Fasting plasma sample and fecal sample were collected. Metabolomic profiling was performed on fasting plasma. 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on fecal samples to determine microbial composition. Twenty TKR patients due to primary knee OA were included in the study with 10 experiencing sustained post-surgery pain and 10 without such pain. Age, sex, and BMI were matched. Linear discriminant analysis of microbiome data identified 13 bacterial taxa that were highly abundant in the pain group, and 5 that were highly abundant in the non-pain group (all P < 0.05). Plasma metabolomic profiling measured 622 metabolites. The correlation analysis indicated that the 18 taxa were significantly correlated with 231 metabolites (all P < 0.05). sPLS-DA analysis showed that 30 out of the 231 metabolites explained 29% of total variance and can be used to clearly separate sustained knee pain patients from non-pain patients. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that these significant metabolites were enriched in arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, bile acid biosynthesis, and linoleic acid metabolism. The gut microbes may play a significant role in sustained knee pain in knee OA patients after TKR potentially through their activation of inflammatory pathways, lipid metabolism, and central sensitization.

Developing an 8-Week, Tele-Education Weight Control and Exercise Programme, and Evaluating Its Effects on Weight and Pain Reduction in Patients With Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blinded Randomised Clinical Trial.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability among the elderly and is often exacerbated by obesity. Research supports weight loss and exercise therapy as key strategies for managing knee OA-related disability. Concurrently, telemedicine is becoming a popular healthcare approach. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an 8-week tele-education programme's impact on weight control and knee OA outcomes. Participants with knee OA and obesity were included. Baseline data on pain (VAS index), physical activity (GPAQ questionnaire), and quality of life (EQ5D and KOOS questionnaires) were collected. Performance tests, including the 30-second Chair Stand test (30CST) and the Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG), were recorded. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: a control group receiving oral advice on diet and exercise, and an intervention group receiving educational videos on nutrition, lifestyle changes, physical activity, individualised exercises, and psychosocial support. Evaluations were repeated after 8weeks. Data from 25 of 30 participants were analysed. In the intervention group, body composition, waist, and abdominal circumference decreased significantly (p<0.05). The KOOS questionnaire showed significant improvements in pain, activity, and daily tasks (p=0.00). The EQ5D questionnaire and health satisfaction also showed positive results within the intervention group (p=0.00) and between groups (p=0.008). The pain index improved significantly within (p=0.00) and between groups (p=0.02). Functional test results were significant within the intervention group (p=0.00) and between groups (p=0.017 for 30CST and p=0.004 for TUG). An 8-week tele-education programme for weight control and exercise therapy in knee OA patients significantly improved body composition, quality of life, and functional performance. Given the costs of obesity and knee OA on both people and the health system, tele-education can be a cost-effective treatment strategy.

Multi-Omics Integrative Analyses Identified Two Endotypes of Hip Osteoarthritis.

(1) Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a heterogeneous disorder, and subgroup classification of OA remains elusive. The aim of our study was to identify endotypes of hip OA and investigate the altered pathways in the different endotypes. (2) Methods: Metabolomic profiling and genome-wide genotyping were performed on fasting blood. Transcriptomic profiling was performed on RNA extracted from cartilage samples. Machine learning methods were used to identify endotypes of hip OA. Pathway analysis was used to identify the altered pathways between hip endotypes and controls. GWAS was performed on each of the identified metabolites. Transcriptomic data was used to examine the expression levels of identified genes in cartilage. (3) Results: 180 hip OA patients and 120 OA-free controls were classified into three clusters based on metabolomic data. The combination of arginine, ornithine, and the average value of 7 lysophosphatidylcholines had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99) to discriminate hip OA from controls, and the combination of γ-aminobutyric acid, spermine, aconitic acid, and succinic acid had an AUC of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94-0.99) to distinguish two hip OA endotypes. GWAS identified 236 SNPs to be associated with identified metabolites at GWAS significance level. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly different between two endotypes (all p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Hip OA could be classified into two distinct molecular endotypes. The primary differences between the two endotypes involve changes in pro-inflammatory factors and energy metabolism.

Association between folate intake and radiographic progression, pain function scores in subjects with radiographic knee osteoarthritis: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative.

Folate has an important role in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, including modulation of inflammation, immunity, cartilage regeneration, prevention of osteoporosis, and maintenance of muscle strength, but evidence on the association between folate intake and knee pain, functional scores, and radiographic progression in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) is still limited. Our population-based cohort was extracted from the osteoarthritis initiative (OAI), focusing on individuals with prevalent radiographic knee OA (with a Kellgren-Lawrence score ≥2). Folate consumption was determined using the food frequency questionnaire. Data regarding the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and radiographic readings were collected over 48 months. We analyzed the compiled data using generalized additive mixed models. Our cohort consisted of 1472 OA patients (626 men and 846 women, mean [SD] age 62.35 [8.92]). At the 48-month follow-up, we observed a significant correlation between higher folate intake and a slower progression of knee pain and functional scores, as evidenced by a statistically significant decrease in the WOMAC total score, WOMAC pain subscale score, and WOMAC function/disability subscale score (p < .05). The fully adjusted models estimated a reduction of -0.028 points per 50 μg/1000 kcal of daily folate intake on the WOMAC pain subscale, -0.117 points on the WOMAC function subscale, and -0.160 points on the total WOMAC scale. Furthermore, our nonparametric fit analysis suggested that a higher intake of folate might decelerate the radiographic progression of OA. Stratified analyses indicated that an increase in folate consumption might particularly benefit men, older adults, overweight and obese individuals, and those with a higher dietary fiber intake. Higher folate intake is correlated with improved knee function and reduced pain in patients with knee OA and might deter the radiographic progression of OA. The benefits appear to be more pronounced in men, older adults, overweight and obese individuals, and those with a higher dietary fiber intake.

Identification of susceptibility modules and characteristic genes to osteoarthritis by WGCNA.

The susceptibility modules and characteristic genes of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) were determined by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and the role of immune cells in OA related microenvironment was analyzed. GSE98918 and GSE117999 data sets are from GEO database. R language was used to conduct difference analysis for the new data set after merging. The formation of gene co-expression network, screening of susceptibility modules and screening of core genes are all through WGCNA. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were used for Hub genes. The characteristic genes of the disease were obtained by Lasso regression screening. SSGSEA was used to estimate immune cell abundance in sample and a series of correlation analyses were performed. WGCNA was used to form 6 gene co-expression modules. The yellow-green module is identified as the susceptible module of OA. 202 genes were identified as core genes. Finally, RHOT2, FNBP4 and NARF were identified as the characteristic genes of OA. The results showed that the characteristic genes of OA were positively correlated with plasmacytoid dendritic cells, NKT cells and immature dendritic cells, but negatively correlated with active B cells. MDSC were the most abundant immune cells in cartilage. This study identified the Hippo signaling pathway, mTOR signaling pathway, and three characteristic genes (RHOT2, FNBP4, NARF) as being associated with osteoarthritis (OA). These three genes are downregulated in the cartilage of OA patients and may serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis and targeted therapy. Proper regulation of immune cells may aid in the treatment of OA. Future research should focus on developing tools to detect these genes and exploring their therapeutic applications.

La lesión del hueso subcondral no influye en los resultados clínicos a 12 semanas en los pacientes tratados con plasma rico en plaquetas intraarticular por artrosis de rodilla: estudio retrospectivo

ObjectiveTo determine if subchondral bone damage can influence the clinical results of intraarticular platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) treatment in knee osteoarthritic patients. Material and methodsA retrospective review of patients treated with intraarticular PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis who previously underwent a Magnetic Resonance (MR) of the knee was performed. Visual Analogic Score (VAS) was assesed for pain, whereas WORMS MR score was adapted to assess the damage to the subchondral bone (WORMSsc score). ResultsSixty-one patients were treated with 3 weekly injections of PRP. Mean VAS reduction was 27.67±13.13 points (P<.005). WORMS sc mean score was 32±18.5 points. NO correlation between WORMSsc and VAS was found. A moderate correlation between WORMSsc score and Preoperative VAS was found (r=.43; P<.005). ConclusionThere is no correlation between the damage to the subchondral bone assesed by MR and pain relief at 12 weeks in patients treated with intraarticular platelet-rich plasma in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A greater damage to the subchondral bone could be associated with more pain.

Can a single sensor measure hip range of motion in hip osteoarthritis patients?

Can a single sensor measure hip range of motion in hip osteoarthritis patients?

Nutritional Epigenomics: Bioactive Dietary Compounds in the Epigenetic Regulation of Osteoarthritis.

Nutritional epigenomics is exceptionally important because it describes the complex interactions among food compounds and epigenome modifications. Phytonutrients or bioactive compounds, which are secondary metabolites of plants, can protect against osteoarthritis by suppressing the expression of inflammatory and catabolic mediators, modulating epigenetic changes in DNA methylation, and the histone or chromatin remodelling of key inflammatory genes and noncoding RNAs. The combination of natural epigenetic modulators is crucial because of their additive and synergistic effects, safety and therapeutic efficacy, and lower adverse effects than conventional pharmacology in the treatment of osteoarthritis. In this review, we have summarized the chondroprotective properties of bioactive compounds used for the management, treatment, or prevention of osteoarthritis in both human and animal studies. However, further research is needed into bioactive compounds used as epigenetic modulators in osteoarthritis, in order to determine their potential value for future clinical applications in osteoarthritic patients as well as their relation with the genomic and nutritional environment, in order to personalize food and nutrition together with disease prevention.

Myofascial release; a diagnostic tool for knee-abdomen and knee myofascial pain syndromes in knee osteoarthritic patients. An interventional based prevalence study

Background. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is detected in all grades in imaging of asymptomatic individuals. Knee-abdomen syndrome (KAS) and knee myofascial pain syndrome (KMPS) are newly identified syndromes of knee pain originating from myofascial induced stress upon the knee’s capsule. Objective. To measure the prevalence of KAS and KMPS among knee OA patients and explore the concepts of the new syndromes. Methods. An intervention-based prevalence study was conducted with a representative sample of 61 knee OA patients who underwent one session of Myofascial release (MFR). Pain was evaluated and averaged pre- and post-MFR during standing, active knee flexion, extension, and squats. A pain reduction of 50% is considered diagnostic for KMPS and KAS. Pain reduction maintained for one week indicates KAS. Results. KAS and KMPS were reconstructed as part of the knee myofascial pain spectrum (KMPs). 13% of patients had KMPs with asymptomatic OA and 100% pain reduction post-MFR. 20% had symptomatic OA with no pain reduction. 67% of patients had KMPs with more than 20% pain reduction. Conclusion. KMPs was identified in the majority of knee OA patients. Asymptomatic OA was misdiagnosed as the source of pain in 13% of patients.

머신러닝을 통한 관절염 환자의 삶의 질 영향 분석

This study aimed to analyze the health-related quality of life(HRQoL) of osteoarthritis patients and develop a predictive model using machine learning. Data from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES) were used. Hierarchical regression analysis examined the impact of osteoarthritis on quality of life. Multiple linear regression, lasso regression, random forest and XGBoost were used. Of 8,110 participants, 5,837 were selected, excluding those under 19 with missing EQ-5D data; of these, 602 had osteoarthritis. Their average EQ-5D score was lower than the normal group's. Analysis showed osteoarthritis significantly affects quality of life. Compared to the XGBoost(default), the predictive performance of multiple linear regression, lasso regression, random forest and XGBoost(tuned) models was significantly better, with no significant differences among these. Random forest and XGBoost confirmed osteoarthritis as a key factor. Regression equations to predict quality of life were derived. This study is the first to use machine learning for this purpose and aims to support new clinical assessments and interventions.

A CCL2/MCP-1 antagonist attenuates fibrosis of the infrapatellar fat pad in a rat model of arthritis

BackgroundFibrosis of the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) is a feature of osteoarthritis and contributes substantially to the pain and dysfunction in patients’ joints. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. C-C motif chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) plays a central role in tissue fibrosis. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of CCL2 in the development of IFP fibrosis in a rat model of arthritis, hypothesizing that a CCL2 antagonist could mitigate fibrotic progression.MethodsWe induced arthritis in male Wistar rats using intra-articular injections of carrageenan. Furthermore, to evaluate the effects of a CCL2 antagonist on protein expression and collagen deposition in the IFP of the rats, we transferred an N-terminal-truncated CCL2 gene into a rat model via electroporation-mediated intramuscular injection. Macrophage infiltration and collagen deposition in the IFP were analyzed in vivo. Groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test and Student’s t-test.ResultsWe identified infiltrating macrophages as well as increases in CCL2 and TGF-β levels as collagen deposition progressed. Gene transfer of the CCL2-antagonist before arthritis induction attenuated collagen deposition remarkably.ConclusionsWe provide initial evidence that anti-CCL2 gene therapy can effectively suppress the development of IFP fibrosis in a rat model. Thus, targeting CCL2 holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for managing tissue fibrosis in osteoarthritis patients.