In an asymptomatic population, we investigated the relationships between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and cartilage T2 relaxation time at the knee joint level. Fourteen and 17 participants with high and normal levels of HbA1c were recruited, respectively. A blood sample was used to determine the HbA1c level. T2 relaxation time (T2) of the superficial and deep parts of the femoral cartilage in the anterior, central, and posterior topographical sites was calculated using magnetic resonance (1.5 T) images. Each participant completed a knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score questionnaire (KOOS) and a series of biomechanical analyses while running at their self-selected speed. The group with a high level of HbA1c had a lower score of KOOS symptoms than the other group (P < 0.05). HbA1c was found to be negatively related to the KOOS symptoms score. The group with a high level of HbA1c had low T2 values in all of the investigated topographical sites of the knee femoral cartilage (P < 0.05 in all cases). T2 was negatively correlated with HbA1c levels in all investigated knee femoral cartilage regions. Our data suggest that the subjects with high levels of HbA1c were those with low knee joint symptoms and lower values of T2. These results indicate that HbA1c could be correlated with cartilage deterioration due to its ability to dehydrate collagen fibre, possibly acting as a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis.

• MeSH
• artróza kolenních kloubů krev   patofyziologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• glykovaný hemoglobin * metabolismus   MeSH
• kloubní chrupavka * metabolismus   MeSH
• kolenní kloub * MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Nucleus pulposus cells (NPC) are important for the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). miR-4478 can aggravate IVDD, but whether it can aggravate IVDD by regulating ferroptosis in NPC remains unclear. The optimal level of ferroptosis activator RSL3 for eliciting ferroptosis in NPC was screened by Western blot and CCK-8 assay. The targeting relationship between miR-4478 and its potential target solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) was explored based on dual luciferase assay. On this basis, IVDD models were constructed. After over-expression or knockdown of miR-4478 or SLC7A11, CCK-8 and calcein-AM/PI assays were employed to evaluate cell damage. Flow cytometry, Western blot and Prussian blue staining were employed to evaluate oxidation and ferroptosis levels, and histopathological staining was applied to evaluate the intervertebral disc tissue injury degree. The optimal concentration of RSL3 was 1 μM. Under these conditions, miR-4478 or SLC7A11 can be effectively over-expressed or knocked down after transfection. Knockdown of miR-4478 can improve the survival rate of NPC, the level of Fe2+ ions, improve the pathological damage of intervertebral disc structure, reduce iron deposition in tissues, and significantly reduce expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ferroptosis-related protein. The levels of antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased. When miR-4478 was over-expressed, the above phenomenon was reversed. On this basis, after SLC7A11 was over-expressed, the effect of miR-4478 up-regulation was weakened, and NPC ferroptosis was improved. miR-4478 can target SLC7A11 to promote NPC damage, peroxide accumulation and iron metabolism disorders, leading to ferroptosis, thereby inducing IVDD.

• MeSH
• degenerace meziobratlové ploténky * metabolismus   genetika   patologie   MeSH
• ferroptóza * genetika   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikro RNA * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• nucleus pulposus * metabolismus   patologie   cytologie   MeSH
• potkani Sprague-Dawley MeSH
• transportní systém aminokyselin y+ * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of attentional focus instructions on acute changes in the transverse relaxation time (T2) of the femorotibial cartilage and in cartilage volume during repeated drop-jump landings. Ten healthy females (Mage = 20.4 ± 0.8 years) performed a drop landing task from a 50 cm high box over the course of 3 days (50 repetitions each day) across three attentional focus conditions: external focus (EF: focus on landing as soft as possible), internal focus (IF: focus on bending your knees when you land), and control (CON: no-focus instruction), which was counterbalanced across focus conditions. T2 mapping and the volume of femorotibial cartilage were determined from magnetic resonance imaging scans at 1.5 T for the dominant knee before and after completing the drop landings in each attentional focus condition per day. Results indicated a smaller change in cartilage T2 relaxation time and volumetry in the central load-bearing lateral cartilage under the EF, compared to IF and CON. Moreover, the change in T2 and cartilage volume was greater for lateral tibial cartilage as compared to femoral cartilage and was independent of attentional focus instructions. No significant acute quantitative changes were observed in the medial compartment. The peak vertical ground reaction force was found to be the lowest under the EF, compared to IF and CON. These findings suggest that external focus of attention may reduce cartilage load, potentially aiding in the control or management of cartilage injuries during landing in female athletes.

• MeSH
• biomechanika MeSH
• kloubní chrupavka * fyziologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• kolenní kloub fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie * MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• plyometrická cvičení MeSH
• pozornost * fyziologie   MeSH
• tibie fyziologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• zatížení muskuloskeletálního systému * fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

• MeSH
• ambulantní chirurgické výkony metody   MeSH
• artroskopie * metody   MeSH
• autologní transplantace metody   MeSH
• kloubní chrupavka chirurgie   zranění   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nanomedicína metody   MeSH
• poranění kolena chirurgie   MeSH
• poranění rotátorové manžety chirurgie   MeSH
• regenerace MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• novinové články MeSH

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In our study, it was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of microfracture and retrograde subchondral drilling on clinical outcomes in patients who underwent ankle arthroscopy due to osteochondral lesion of medial talus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty eight patients with osteochondral lesion of talus less than 1.5 cm2 treated with ankle arthroscopy were evaluated retrospectively. Microfracture was performed in 16 patients and retrograde subchondral drilling was performed in 12 patients that there was no loss of integrity in the cartilage layer or cartilage layer is partially preserved during ankle arthroscopy. Postoperative evaluations of the patients were done with Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and results of both group were compared statistically. RESULTS: The mean activities of daily living scale was 93.4±3.2 and sportive activity scale was 90.1±5.7 in the retrograde drilling group. In the micro-fracture group, mean activities of daily living scale was 93.8±4.1 and mean sportive activity scale was 88.9±9.5. No significant difference was found as a result of statistical comparisons of both groups results. DISCUSSION: It has been determined that the size and preservation of the integrity of talar osteochondral lesions are important factors on clinical results. Results of arthroscopic debridement, microfracture and drilization are not good in lesions larger than 1.5 cm2 and lesions with impaired integrity. In our study, depending on the general literature, osteochondral lesions in talus were less than 1.5 cm2 in patients who underwent arthroscopic micro fracture and retrograde drilling. CONCLUSIONS: Both microfracture and retrograde subchondral drilling are effective treatment methods with good clinical results for talar osteochondral lesions less than 1,5cm2 . Retrograde subchondral drilling can be an alternative treatment method with the reliability of clinical results in patients with no loss of the integrity of the cartilage layer or cartilage layer is partially preserved. KEY WORDS: talus, osteochondral lesion, microfracture, subchondral drilling.

• MeSH
• artroplastika subchondrální metody   MeSH
• artroskopie * metody   MeSH
• činnosti denního života MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• hlezenní kloub chirurgie   MeSH
• kloubní chrupavka * chirurgie   zranění   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• talus * chirurgie   zranění   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH

The study aims to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of Baicalin (BAI) in alleviating cartilage injury in osteoarthritic (OA) rat models, concentrating on its regulation of the miR-766-3p/AIFM1 axis. An OA rat model was developed with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Interventions comprised of BAI treatment and intra-articular administration of miR-766-3p inhibitor. For evaluation, histopathological staining was conducted to investigate the pathological severity of knee cartilage injury. The levels of oxidative stress (OS) indicators including MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px, were quantified using colorimetric assays. Inflammatory factors (IFs; TNF-?, IL-1?, and IL-6) in knee joint lavage fluids were assessed using ELISA, while RT-PCR was employed to quantify miR-766-3p expression. TUNEL apoptosis staining was utilized to detect chondrocyte apoptosis, and western blotting examined autophagy-related markers (LC3, Beclin, p62), extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis-associated indices (COL2A, ACAN, MMP13), and apoptosis-inducing factor mitochondrion-associated 1 (AIFM1). Histological examination revealed a marked amelioration of cartilage injury in the BAI-treated OA rat models compared to controls. BAI treatment significantly reduced inflammation and OS of knee joint fluid, activated autophagy, and decreased chondrocyte apoptosis and ECM degradation. Interestingly, the inhibitory effects of BAI on these pathological markers were significantly decreased by the miR-766-3p inhibitor. Further assessment revealed that BAI efficiently promoted miR-766-3p expression while inhibiting AIFM1 protein expression. BAI potentially mitigates articular cartilage injury in OA rats, likely through modulation of miR-766-3p/AIFM1 axis. Keywords: Baicalin, microRNA, AIFM1, Osteoarthritisv, Rat.

• MeSH
• apoptóza účinky léků   MeSH
• faktor vyvolávající apoptózu metabolismus   MeSH
• flavonoidy * farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• kloubní chrupavka účinky léků   metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• mikro RNA * metabolismus   genetika   biosyntéza   MeSH
• osteoartróza farmakoterapie   metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• oxidační stres účinky léků   MeSH
• potkani Sprague-Dawley * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

INTRODUCTION: IL-40 is a novel cytokine associated with autoimmune connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Sjögren syndrome. We have previously shown an accumulation of IL-40 in the RA joint and its expression by immune cells and fibroblasts. Therefore, we aimed to assess the role of IL-40 in association with hyaline cartilage and chondrocyte activity. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect IL-40 in paired samples of loaded and unloaded regions of osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage (n=5). Synovial fluid IL-40 was analysed by ELISA in OA (n=31) and control individuals after knee injury (n=34). The impact of IL-40 on chondrocytes was tested in vitro. RESULTS: IL-40 was found in chondrocytes of the superficial zone of the OA cartilage, both in loaded and unloaded explants. Additionally, only biopsies from loaded explants showed significant IL-40 positivity in transitional zone chondrocytes. Levels of IL-40 were significantly elevated in the synovial fluid from OA patients compared to controls (p<0.0009) and correlated with synovial fluid leukocyte counts in OA (r=0.444, p=0.014). Chondrocytes exposed to IL-40 dose dependently increased in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (p<0.0001) and IL-8 (p=0.004). Moreover, a dose dependent up-regulation of matrix degrading metalloproteinases MMP-1 (p=0.004), MMP-3 (p=0.031) and MMP-13 (p=0.0002) upon IL-40 treatment was observed in contrast to untreated chondrocytes. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate the accumulation of IL-40 in OA cartilage and its up-regulation in the synovial fluid of OA patients compared to controls. In addition, extracellular IL-40 appears to play a role in promoting inflammation and cartilage destruction by driving chondrocyte behaviour towards a more aggressive phenotype.

• MeSH
• chondrocyty * metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• ELISA MeSH
• fenotyp MeSH
• imunohistochemie MeSH
• interleukiny * metabolismus   MeSH
• kloubní chrupavka metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• osteoartróza * metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• synoviální tekutina * metabolismus   MeSH
• upregulace MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The chondrocranium provides the key initial support for the fetal brain, jaws and cranial sensory organs in all vertebrates. The patterns of shaping and growth of the chondrocranium set up species-specific development of the entire craniofacial complex. The 3D development of chondrocranium have been studied primarily in animal model organisms, such as mice or zebrafish. In comparison, very little is known about the full 3D human chondrocranium, except from drawings made by anatomists many decades ago. The knowledge of human-specific aspects of chondrocranial development are essential for understanding congenital craniofacial defects and human evolution. Here advanced microCT scanning was used that includes contrast enhancement to generate the first 3D atlas of the human fetal chondrocranium during the middle trimester (13 to 19 weeks). In addition, since cartilage and bone are both visible with the techniques used, the endochondral ossification of cranial base was mapped since this region is so critical for brain and jaw growth. The human 3D models are published as a scientific resource for human development.

• MeSH
• chrupavka diagnostické zobrazování   embryologie   MeSH
• lebka diagnostické zobrazování   embryologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• plod diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• rentgenová mikrotomografie MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• zobrazování trojrozměrné * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• dataset MeSH

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Our study aims to compare the results of preoperative radiography and intraoperative visual assessment of the cartilage with histological assessment of joint surfaces of the medial and lateral compartments resected in patients during the total knee replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cohort included 20 patients (9 men and 11 women) with the mean age of 66.6 (±7.0) years who met the inclusion criteria of the study. Degenerative changes of the knee joint seen on a preoperative weight-bearing anteroposterior X-ray were evaluated according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system separately for the medial and lateral compartment. Based on the visual appearance, the condition of articular surfaces was assessed using the International Cartilage Repair Society Score (ICRS Grade). The histological assessment of degenerative changes was conducted by a pathologist with the use of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International Osteoarthritis Cartilage Histopathology Assessment System based on six grades of articular cartilage degeneration. RESULTS: The mean degree of degenerative changes based on the radiological classification was assessed as 3.5 (±0.6) for the medial compartment and 2.1 (±0.4) for the lateral compartment. The visually assessed chondropathy according to the ICRS Grade was 3.7 (±0.6) for the medial femoral condyle and 1.8 (±1.0) for the lateral femoral condyle. The histological score obtained using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International Osteoarthritis Cartilage Histopathology Assessment was 4.9 (±1.1) for the medial femoral condyle and 2.4 (±0.7) for the lateral femoral condyle. In respect of the medial compartment, there was no statistically significant parametric correlation between the intraoperative visual assessment of the cartilage degeneration and the preoperative radiological grade r = 0.45. The histological assessment showed a statistically significant concordance both with the degree of chondropathy r = 0.76 and the radiological grade r = 0.64. In the lateral compartment, the parametric test showed a statistically significant concordance only between the radiological grade and the histological score r = 0.72. The correlation between the visual assessment of chondropathy and the radiological grade r = 0.27 as well as the histological score r = 0.24 was very low. DISCUSSION: In our cohort assessing the early degenerative changes of the lateral compartment as well as the more advanced degenerative changes of the medial compartment, the correlation between the intraoperative assessment of cartilage degeneration as a diagnostic method to examine the lateral compartment and the preoperative radiological grade was not confirmed. Our results failed to confirm a better reporting value of the visual cartilage degeneration assessment of the lateral compartment as against the preoperative X-ray. The space width without narrowing on an X-ray has no reporting value for this compartment in case of varus deformity. CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly indicate that the assessment of macroscopic appearance of the cartilage degeneration during arthroscopy does not necessarily guarantee good long-term clinical outcomes after high tibial osteotomy. The respective degrees of cartilage degeneration identified during the intraoperative visual assessment and the radiological grading of osteoarthritic changes did not correlate in either compartment. In the lateral compartment, the initial radiological and histological findings preceded the visually detectable cartilage changes. KEY WORDS: knee, cartilage, osteoarthritis, radiology, histology, arthroscopy, osteotomy.

• MeSH
• artróza kolenních kloubů * chirurgie   diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• kloubní chrupavka * patologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• kolenní kloub diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   chirurgie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• radiografie * metody   MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• totální endoprotéza kolene * metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Caspase-11 is the murine homologue of human caspases-4 and -5 and is involved in mediating the inflammatory response. However, its functions are often confused and misinterpreted with the more important and better described caspase-1. Therefore, this study focused exclusively on the specific roles of caspase-11, both in cartilage formation and in the inflammatory environment. The presence of caspase-11 during mouse limb development and in chondrogenic cell cultures was investigated by immunofluorescence detection. Subsequently, the function of caspase-11 was downregulated and the affected molecules investigated. The expression analysis applied for osteo/chondrogenesis associated factors and inflammatory cytokines. Simultaneously, morphological appearance of the micromass cultures was evaluated. The results revealed that caspase-11 is physiologically present during cartilage development, but its inhibition under physiological conditions has no significant effect on chondrogenic differentiation. However, in an inflammatory environment, inhibition and downregulation of caspase-11 leads to reduced differentiation of cartilage nodules. Additionally, reduced expression of several genes including Col2a1 and Sp7 and conversely increased expression of Mmp9 were observed. In the cytokine expression panel, a significant decrease was found in molecules that, along with the inflammatory function, may also be involved in cartilage differentiation. The findings bring new information about caspase-11 in chondrogenesis and show that its downregulation under inflammatory conditions reduces cartilage formation.

• MeSH
• buněčná diferenciace * MeSH
• chondrocyty metabolismus   cytologie   MeSH
• chondrogeneze * MeSH
• chrupavka metabolismus   MeSH
• cytokiny metabolismus   MeSH
• iniciační kaspasy * metabolismus   MeSH
• kaspasy metabolismus   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zánět * patologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH