Synovitis Grade Research Articles

Ultrasound-detected inflammation predicts radiographic progression in hand osteoarthritis after 5 years

ObjectiveTo examine whether ultrasound predicts radiographic hand osteoarthritis (OA) progression after 5 years.MethodsWe included 78 participants (71 women, mean (SD) age 67.8 (5.2) years) from the Oslo Hand OA cohort...

Cadherin-11 involves in synovitis and increases the migratory and invasive capacity of fibroblast-like synoviocytes of osteoarthritis.

To detect the expression of cadherin-11 and its correlation with synovitis in osteoarthritis (OA), to explore the mechanism of over expression of cadherin-11 and its role in migratory or invasive capacity of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Synovitis severity was recorded according to Krenn's scoring system in 25 osteoarthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Cadherin-11 expression in OA synoviums and its correlation with synovitis score and systemic inflammation markers were explored. After induction with Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α),cadherin-11 expression on OA FLS was assessed by qPCR and western blot,the capacity of migration and invasion of OA FLS was tested by transwell assay, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 production was assessed with ELISA as cadherin-11 expression was up regulated after infection with cadherin-11 cDNA-containing lentivirus, also when cadherin-11 expression was knocked down after infection with cadherin 11 shRNA containing lentivirus. Cadherin-11 expression in OA synovium showed significant differences among different grades of synovitis. Cadherin-11 in the lining layer was positively correlated with hyperplasia of the lining layer, density of the resident cells, inflammatory infiltrate, total synovitis score and D-dimer. Cadherin-11 in the sublining layer was positively correlated with the density of the resident cells, inflammatory infiltrate, total synovitis score and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. IL-1β or TNF-α could up-regulate cadherin-11 expression on OA FLS at transcriptional and protein level. Over expression of cadherin-11 increased migratory or invasive capacity of OA FLS, while cadherin-11 knock down reduced migratory or invasive capacity and MMP-2 production in OA FLS. The over expression of cadherin-11 in osteoarthritis is positively correlated with synovitis severity, and can be driven by proinflammatory cytokines on OA FLS; cadherin-11 increases migratory or invasive capacity and MMP-2 production of fibroblast-like synoviocytes of osteoarthritis.

Verification of an ultrasonographic scoring system in discriminating rheumatoid arthritis from osteoarthritic and normal joints in an Egyptian cohorts

Background The use of musculoskeletal ultrasound in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been growing over the last decades mainly to monitor response to treatment and for early detection of erosions. Suggestions to include this technique in the diagnosis of RA have been made, but not yet been implemented (because of the lack of specific sonographic criteria for RA). Objectives To verify the performance of a proposed combined structural and synovial scoring system in differentiating RA from osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy sonographic findings in the small joints of the hand. Patients and methods Twenty RA patients, 20 patients with hand OA, and 10 healthy controls were subjected to musculoskeletal ultrasound of the metacarpophalyngeal and proximal interphalyngeal joints. The novel proposed scoring system was applied characterizing each joint as either RA supported or RA unsupported. Grading of synovitis as mild, moderate, or severe was also performed. In the RA group, disease activity was assessed by Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) and anticyclic citrullinated peptide serum levels were measured. Results When one or more RA-supported joints were detected using this scoring system, it had a sensitivity of 100.0% and a specificity of 83.0%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 90.0%, for the diagnosis of RA. If two or more joints were detected, it had a sensitivity of 95.0% and a specificity of 96.7%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 96.0% for the diagnosis of RA. Conclusion The novel suggested combined structural and synovial scoring system showed high performance in differentiating RA from OA and controls.

Intra-individual assessment of inflammatory severity and cartilage composition of finger joints in rheumatoid arthritis.

To intra-individually assess the association of inflammation severity and cartilage composition measured by RAMRIS synovitis sub-score and delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the cartilage (dGEMRIC) of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Forty-three patients with RA according to ACR/EULAR classification criteria (age 52.9 ± 14.5 years, range, 18-77 years) were included in this study. All study participants received 3-T MRI scans of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the second and third finger (MCP 2 and 3). The severity of synovitis was scored according to the RAMRIS synovitis sub-score by two readers in consensus. In the cases with identical synovitis sub-scores, two radiologists decided in consensus on the joint with more severe synovitis. Cartilage composition was assessed with dGEMRIC. To test the association of inflammation severity and cartilage damage and in order to eliminate inter-patient confounders, each patient's MCP 2 and 3 were dichotomized into the joint with more severe synovitis versus the joint with less severe synovitis for a paired Wilcoxon test of dGEMRIC value. There was a significant difference of dGEMRIC value (median of difference: 47.12, CI [16.6; 62.76]) between the dichotomized MCPs (p = 0.0001). There was a significant correlation between dGEMRIC value and RAMRIS synovitis grading of the joint with more severe synovitis (r = 0.5; p < 0.05) and the joint with less severe synovitis (r = 0.33; p < 0.05). Our data concur with the concept that synovitis severity is associated with cartilage damage. The local inflammatory status on a joint level correlated significantly with the extent of cartilage degradation in biochemical MRI.

Does ultrasound-scored synovitis depend on the pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous anti-TNF agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the pharmacokinetics of s.c. anti-TNF agents on the grade of US-detected synovitis in RA patients. Fifty RA patients were prospectively recruited from the Biologic Therapy Unit of our hospital. Inclusion criteria were being in treatment with s.c. anti-TNF agents and having had neither changes in therapy nor local corticosteroid injections in the previous 3 months. Patients underwent clinical, laboratory [28-joint DAS (DAS28) and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI)] and US assessment at two time points, i.e. at peak plasma drug concentration and at trough plasma drug concentration. US assessments were performed blindly to the anti-TNF agent, the administration time and the clinical and laboratory data. Twenty-eight joints were investigated for the presence and grade (0-3) of B-mode synovitis and synovial power Doppler signal. Global indices for B-mode synovitis (BSI) and Doppler synovitis (DSI) were calculated for 12 joints and for wrist-hand-ankle-foot joints. B-mode US remission was defined as a BSI <1 and Doppler US remission as a DSI <1. There were no significant differences between the clinical, laboratory and B-mode and Doppler US parameters at peak time and trough time (P = 0.132-0.986). There were no significant differences between the proportion of patients with active disease and those in remission according to DAS28, SDAI, B-mode US and Doppler US at peak time and trough time assessments (P = 0.070-1). Our results suggested that s.c. anti-TNF pharmacokinetics do not significantly influence US-scored synovitis in RA patients.

Arthroscopic assessment of stifle synovitis in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CR) is a degenerative condition in dogs that typically has a non-contact mechanism. Subsequent contralateral rupture often develops in dogs with unilateral CR. Synovitis severity is an important factor that promotes ligament degradation. Consequently, we wished to evaluate the utility of arthroscopy for assessment of stifle synovitis in dogs with CR. Herein, we report results of a prospective study of 27 dogs with unilateral CR and bilateral radiographic osteoarthritis. Arthroscopic images and synovial biopsies from the lateral and medial joint pouches were obtained bilaterally and graded for synovial hypertrophy, vascularity, and synovitis. Synovial tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive (TRAP+) macrophages, CD3+ T lymphocytes, Factor VIII+ blood vessels, and synovial intima thickness were quantified histologically and related to arthroscopic observations. Risk of subsequent contralateral CR was examined using survival analysis. We found that arthroscopic scores were increased in the index stifle, compared with the contralateral stifle (p<0.05). Numbers of CD3+ T lymphocytes (SR = 0.50, p<0.05) and TRAP+ cells in joint pouches (SR = 0.59, p<0.01) were correlated between joint pairs. Arthroscopic grading of vascularity and synovitis was correlated with number density of Factor VIII+ vessels (SR>0.34, p<0.05). Arthroscopic grading of villus hypertrophy correlated with numbers of CD3+ T lymphocytes (SR = 0.34, p<0.05). Synovial intima thickness was correlated with arthroscopic hypertrophy, vascularity, and synovitis (SR>0.31, p<0.05). Strong intra-observer and moderate inter-observer agreement for arthroscopic scoring was found. Dog age and arthroscopic vascularity significantly influenced risk of contralateral CR over time. We conclude that arthroscopic grading of synovitis is a precise tool that correlates with histologic synovitis. Arthroscopy is useful for assessment of stifle synovitis in client-owned dogs, and could be used in longitudinal clinical trials to monitor synovial responses to disease-modifying therapy.

AB0261 Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 as A Biomarker of Histological Synovitis in Rheumatoid Arthritis

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic synovitis which leads to bone destruction. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3 can activate other MMPs, degenerate extracellular components and aggravate inflammation....

THU0187 Does Ultrasound-Scored Synovitis Depend on the Pharmacokinetics of Subcutaneous Anti-TNF Agents in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis?

BackgroundMany observational studies have shown responsiveness of ultrasound (US)-detected synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, most of them using biologic therapies. However, these studies have not taken into consideration in...

THU0250 Predictive Value of Doppler Ultrasound-Detected Synovitis in Relation to Successful Tapering of Biology Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

ObjectivesTo investigate the predictive value of synovitis detected by Doppler ultrasound (DUS) in relation to successful tapering of BT in RA patients in sustained clinical remission.MethodsSeventy-seven RA patients (52 women,...

THU0325 Lack of Relation between Inflammation on Joint Level and Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) exists in a substantial number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (approx. 15%), who have higher disease activity as measured by DAS-28, than RA patients without concomitant FM....

Does Intraarticular Inflammation Predict Biomechanical Cartilage Properties?

Intact cartilage in the lateral compartment is an important requirement for medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Progression of cartilage degeneration in the lateral compartment is a common failure mode of medial UKA. Little is known about factors that influence the mechanical properties of lateral compartment cartilage. The purposes of this study were to answer the following questions: (1) Does the synovial fluid white blood cell count predict the biomechanical properties of macroscopically intact cartilage of the distal lateral femur? (2) Is there a correlation between MRI grading of synovitis and the biomechanical properties of macroscopically intact cartilage? (3) Is there a correlation between the histopathologic assessment of the synovium and the biomechanical properties of macroscopically intact cartilage? The study included 84 patients (100 knees) undergoing primary TKA for varus osteoarthritis between May 2010 and January 2012. All patients underwent preoperative MRI to assess the degree of synovitis. During surgery, the cartilage of the distal lateral femur was assessed macroscopically using the Outerbridge grading scale. In knees with an Outerbridge grade of 0 or 1, osteochondral plugs were harvested from the distal lateral femur for biomechanical and histologic assessment. The synovial fluid was collected to determine the white blood cell count. Synovial tissue was taken for histologic evaluation of the degree of synovitis. The mean aggregate modulus and the mean dynamic modulus were significantly greater in knees with 150 or less white blood cells/mL synovial fluid compared with knees with greater than 150 white blood cells/mL synovial fluid. There was no correlation among MRI synovitis grades, histopathologic synovitis grades, and biomechanical cartilage properties. The study suggests that lateral compartment cartilage in patients with elevated synovial fluid white blood cell counts has a reduced ability to withstand compressive loads. Level III, diagnostic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Synovial inflammation assessed by ultrasonography correlates with MRI-proven osteitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of this study was to explore whether assessment of synovial inflammation by ultrasonography correlates with MRI-proven osteitis in patients with RA. Thirty RA patients who fulfilled 2010 RA classification criteria and were naive to DMARDs, including biologics and glucocorticoids, were consecutively enrolled in this study. Grey scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) images of articular synovitis and bone erosion in both wrist and MCP joints were evaluated by the method proposed by the European League Against Rheumatism. MRI-proven osteitis of the identical sites was also evaluated within 3 days using the RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS). The Cochran-Armitage test and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to investigate the correlation of each US finding with MRI-proven osteitis. MRI-proven osteitis was found in 8.3% of MCP joints and 48.3% of wrist joints. Its prevalence was increased in the joints where the GS or PD grade of articular synovitis was 2 or 3. In addition, MRI-proven osteitis was found preferentially in the joints positive for bone erosion on US. A clear correlation was demonstrated between the GS or PD grade of articular synovitis or the presence of US bone erosion and RAMRIS osteitis score in both MCP joints and wrist joints. Our data indicate that joint injury assessed by US correlates with MRI-proven osteitis in patients with RA.

Non-contrast diffusion weighted imaging for the assessment of knee synovitis: a comparative study against contrast-enhanced MRI

s / Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 22 (2014) S57–S489 S252 446 NON-CONTRAST DIFFUSION WEIGHTED IMAGING FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF KNEE SYNOVITIS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY AGAINST CONTRAST-ENHANCED MRI E.H. Oei yz, E.J. McWalter y, B. Sveinsson y, M.T. Alley y, B.A. Hargreaves y, G.E. Gold y. y Stanford Univ., Stanford, CA; z Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands Purpose: Over recent years, attention has turned to the importance of synovitis in osteoarthritis (OA). Synovitis, characterized by thickening of the synovial membrane and joint effusion, is believed to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of OA, and is regarded as a potential target for novel treatment strategies. The current reference standard for imaging of synovitis is contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE MRI) which is associated with higher costs, elevated risks, and prolonged scan times compared to non-contrast enhanced MRI exams. A modified version of the novel three-dimensional (3D) double echo steady state (DESS) sequence can be exploited to image synovitis without contrast agents by increasing diffusion weighting and thereby improving contrast between the synovium and the joint fluid. The purpose of this study was to compare DESS with contrast-enhanced MRI for knee synovitis assessment. Methods: Nine individuals with symptomatic inflammatory arthritis of the knee underwent a 3.0T MRI examination. The protocol consisted of routine clinical sequences followed by the modified 3D DESS sequence (sagittal acquisition with axial reformats; matrix 256 256; field of view 16 cm; slice thickness 3 mm; acquisition time 5:00 minutes) acquired with a high diffusion gradient (10 cycles/voxel) and contrastenhanced (CE) T1-weighted imaging (sagittal and axial; matrix 384 256; slice thickness 3 mm; acquisition time 4:30 minutes). DESS and CE MRI images were scored independently and in random order by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist. The presence and severity of synovitis was graded at 11 joint sites and a whole-joint sum score was calculated according to the recently published semiquantitative scoring system by Guermazi et al. Diagnostic performance statistics were calculated on the site and patient levels andwhole-joint synovitis scores of DESS were correlated with those of CE MRI (reference standard). Results: Compared to CE MRI, DESS showed good to excellent diagnostic performance for the detection of synovitis of any severity (sensitivity, specificity, and agreement of 81, 85, and 83%, respectively, on site level; and 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, on patient level) (see Fig. 1 for illustrative example). DESS, however, systematically underestimated synovitis severity compared to CE MRI (74% absolute score agreement analyzed by site). Excellent correlation was found between summed whole-joint synovitis scores of DESS and CE MRI (Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.87 (p 1⁄4 0.002), intra-class correlation coefficient 0.86 (95%CI 0.49–0.97)) (Fig. 2). Conclusions: Our results suggest that diffusion weighted imaging with a modified 3D double echo steady state (DESS) sequence acquired with high diffusion gradient is a promising MRI technique for the reliable diagnosis and (semiquantitative) grading of knee synovitis without the need for contrast agents. DESS may be a useful sequence to include in MRI protocols for the comprehensive assessment of OA with reduced costs, risks, and scan time compared to contrast enhanced sequences. Fig. 1. Severe degree of synovitis visualized in the paraand suprapatellar, intercondylar, and posterior cruciate ligament regions (arrows) on CE MRI (left) and DESS (right). Fig. 2. Correlation plot of summed whole-joint synovitis scores of DESS vs. CE MRI. 447 QUANTITATIVE T1r, T2 AND T2* MAPPING OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE CHANGES IN A RAT MODEL OF OSTEOARTHRITIS USING IN VIVO HIGH-RESOLUTION MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING G. Mohan y, G. Melkus y, K. Subburaj y, S. Magnitsky y, A. Dang z, N.E. Lane x, S. Majumdar y. yDept. of Radiology and BioMed. Imaging, Univ. of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; zDept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Univ. of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; xDept. of Internal Med., Univ. of California at Davis Med. Ctr., Sacramento, Sacramento, CA Purpose:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a key imaging tool in osteoarthritis (OA) research due to its ability to visualize bone as well as soft tissues such as cartilage, ligaments, menisci and synovium. Cartilage matrix degradation is a characteristic feature of OA and compositional MRI can assess early biochemical (proteoglycan and collagen content) and structural changes in the cartilage. Quantitative MRI techniques such as T1r, T2 and T2* were shown to provide accurate

Serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 as a noninvasive biomarker of histological synovitis for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective. To explore the correlation between matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 3 and histological synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Serum MMP-3 of 62 patients with active RA was detected by ELISA. Serial synovial tissue sections from all RA patients, 13 osteoarthritis, and 10 orthopedic arthropathies patients were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemically for MMP-3, CD3, CD20, CD38, CD68, and CD15. Results. The percentage of lining MMP3+ cells was significantly higher in RA patients especially with high grade synovitis and it was significantly correlated with Krenn's synovitis score (r = 0.574, P < 0.001) and sublining inflammatory cells. Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that the association of the percentage of lining MMP3+ cells with activation of synovial stroma, sublining CD68+ macrophages, and CD15+ neutrophils was stronger than other histological indicators. The percentage of lining MMP3+ cells was significantly correlated with serum MMP-3 in RA (r = 0.656, P < 0.001). Serum MMP-3 was higher in RA patients with high grade synovitis than that of low grade synovitis and significantly correlated with synovitis score and activation of synovial stroma subscore (all P < 0.05). Conclusion. Serum MMP-3 may be an alternative noninvasive biomarker of histological synovitis and RA diagnosis.

Ultrasonographic examination of rheumatoid arthritis patients who are free of physical synovitis: power Doppler subclinical synovitis is associated with bone erosion

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of power Doppler (PD) subclinical synovitis in patients with RA who achieve clinical remission free from physical synovitis. Twenty-nine RA patients were consecutively enrolled. All of the patients had achieved clinical remission [simplified disease activity index (SDAI) 3.3] for at least 6 months at the musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) examination. Additionally, none of the patients exhibited tender joints at 68 sites or swollen joints at 66 sites. MSKUS of bilateral wrist and finger joints, including the first to fifth MCP joints, the first IP joint and the second to fifth PIP joints, was performed and the findings obtained by grey scale (GS) and PD were graded on a semi-quantitative scale from 0 to 3. The median disease duration upon the introduction of DMARDs was 3 months and that at MSKUS examination was 21 months. The percentages of patients with PD synovitis in at least one joint were PD grade 1, 58.6%; PD grade 2, 31.0% and PD grade 3, 6.9%. The use of biological agents was low in patients with PD synovitis grade 2 (P < 0.05). The presence of US bone erosion was high by patient (P < 0.05) and by joint (P < 0.0001) with PD synovitis as compared with those without PD synovitis. However, no correlations were found between PD synovitis measures and serum biomarkers, including angiogenesis factors. PD subclinical synovitis correlates with several clinical characteristics, whereas conventional serum biomarkers are not useful for indicating the presence of subclinical PD synovitis.

Correlation between pain and arthroscopic features of synovitis: A logical approach to verify correlations of TMJ pain

Pain is the most irritating symptom that drives temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients to seek treatment. Murakami et al., 1991 could not prove correlation between the pain intensity and the severity of synovitis. In order to examine these ambiguous results we designed this study to include a specified homogenous group of patients suffering pure joint pain as diagnosed by the Research diagnostic criteria (RDC/TMD). Then, using a reliable characteristic pain index scoring system (CPI) we estimated the degree of correlation between CPI and synovitis. MethodsThe charts of sixty patients who had undergone TMJ arthroscopic intervention from 2009 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Only 23 charts were included, 19 females and 4 males, patients' ages ranged from 16 to 58 years and they have suffered a pure joint pain as diagnosed by RDC. The preoperative records of the RDC/TMD axis II and the characteristic pain index (CPI) were compared and correlated to their arthroscopic synovitis grading score. The arthroscopic synovitis was graded and scored using a six items scoring system from 1 to 6. The grading was based on both; the severity of synovitis (mild, moderate and severe) as well as the distribution within the joint either focal or distributed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation coefficient 2-tailed test. ResultsOnly 23 charts that matched the designed criteria together with their video documentation were included. While remaining charts were excluded because of; missing data or damaged video DVD (15 cases) and heterogonous pain source or other systemic diseases (22 cases). A significant correlation between CPI and synovitis was proved. ConclusionCPI is well correlated to the arthroscopic grading of synovitis when patients suffering exclusive joint pain are accurately diagnosed and carefully selected and included in the inclusion criteria.

The protective effect of osteoprotegerin on articular cartilage in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis: a histomorphometric study

Objective To observe the morphologic protection effect of intra-articular injection of osteoprotegerin (OPG)on articular cartilage in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis (OA).Methods Sixty male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups:OPG group (n=20),sham-operated group (n=20) and PBS group (n=20).In OPG group and PBS group,each rabbit underwent anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) in left knee joint,then 0.1 ml OPG solution or PBS were injected into the left knee for 8 weeks (5 times a week) in OPG group and PBS group,respectively.In sham-operated group,the anterior cruciate ligament was just exposed without transection,and then the incision was closed.All rabbits were sacrificed 12 weeks after operation,and the left knee joints were obtained.The Pelletier score and Mankin score were used to evaluate the macroscopic and microscopic cartilage morphology.Results The score of femoral condyle cartilage and tibial plateau cartilage was 1.80±0.89 and 1.80±0.77 in OPG group,respectively,and 3.10±0.97 and 3.20±0.77 in PBS group.However,there was no statistical difference in Pelletier score between the sham-operated group and the OPG group.Consistent with the macroscopic data,the OPG group has a significantly lower Mankin score involving cartilage structure (2.65±0.88),chondrocyte (1.35±0.71),Safranin O staining (1.83±0.83),tidemark integrity (0.30±0.47) and total score (6.13±1.97) compared with the PBS group (4.52±1.09,1.85±0.63,2.80±0.75,0.65±0.49,and 9.83±1.98,respectively).The OPG group has a significantly higher total Mankin score compared with the sham-operated group (4.80±1.25),however,there were no statistical differences in four subitem scores between the two groups.Moreover,the cartilage thickness in OPG group was 371.84±38.94 μm,255.09±74.82 μm in PBS group,and 404.68±15.97 μm in the sham-operated group,and the differences were statistically significant between three groups.Conclusion OPG has a protective effect on articular cartilage and can slow the progression of OA by reducing the grade of synovitis,decreasing the volume of osteophytes,and suppressing the loss of cartilage thickness. Key words: Osteoarthritis; Osteoprotegerin; Cartilage, articular

Pain, motor and gait assessment of murine osteoarthritis in a cruciate ligament transection model

The major complaint of Osteoarthritis (OA) patients is pain. However, due to the nature of clinical studies and the limitation of animal studies, few studies have linked function impairment and behavioral changes in OA animal models to cartilage loss and histopathology. Our objective was to study surrogate markers of functional impairment in relation to cartilage loss and pathological changes in a post-traumatic mouse model of OA. We performed a battery of functional analyses in a mouse model of OA generated by cruciate ligament transection (CLT). The changes in functional analyses were linked to histological changes graded by OARSI standards, histological grading of synovitis, and volumetric changes of the articular cartilage and osteophytes quantified by phase contrast micro-computed tomography (μCT). OA generated by CLT led to decreased time on rotarod, delayed response on hotplate analysis, and altered gait starting from 4 weeks after surgery. Activity in open field analysis did not change at 4, 8, or 12 weeks after CLT. The magnitude of behavioral changes was directly correlated with higher OARSI histological scores of OA, synovitis in the knee joints, cartilage volume loss, and osteophyte formation. Our findings link functional analyses to histological grading, synovitis, comprehensive three-dimensional assessment of cartilage volume and osteophyte formation. This serves as a reference for a mouse model in predicting outcomes of OA treatment.

FRI0158 The correlation of acr recommended clinical disease activity measures with grading of histological synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundSynovitis is the key pathological change in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 2012 updated ACR recommended RA disease activity measures for use in clinical practice included Disease Activity Score with 28-joint counts...

SAT0385 Is interleukine-6 a better surrogate biomarker of persistent joint inflammation than C-reactive protein in early arthritis? Results from the espoir cohort

BackgroundInterleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of the most important cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). IL-6, mainly produced in the inflammed joint, is involved in several features of structural damage. Although some...