二甲双胍抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路保护骨关节炎模型大鼠关节软骨

背景:研究表明,二甲双胍具有抗炎、抗肿瘤、抗衰老与血管保护作用,可抑制骨关节炎的进展,但其具体的作用机制仍不明确。目的:探讨二甲双胍对骨关节炎模型大鼠软骨保护的作用机制。方法:取40只雄性SD大鼠,采用随机数字表法分4组(n=10):空白组不进行任何手术,假手术组暴露关节腔,模型组、二甲双胍组采用改良Hulth法建立骨关节炎模型;造模后1 d,二甲双胍组大鼠灌胃给予二甲双胍200 mg/(kg·d),模型组、空白组、假手术组灌胃给予生理盐水,连续给药4周。给药结束后,苏木精-伊红、甲苯胺蓝和番红O-固绿染色观察大鼠膝关节软骨病理形态,免疫组化染色与Western blotting检测大鼠软骨组织中SOX9、Ⅱ型胶原、ADAMTS5、Beclin1、P62、p-PI3K、PI3K、p-AKT、AKT、p-mTOR、mTOR的蛋白表达。结果与结论:①苏木精-伊红、甲苯胺蓝和番红O-固绿染色结果显示,空白组、假手术组大鼠膝关节软骨表面光滑,组织形态正常;模型组大鼠膝关节软骨表面不规则,软骨组织出现缺损,软骨细胞数量减少,软骨基质中蛋白多糖含量减少;相较于模型组,二甲双胍组大鼠膝关节软骨结构损伤有明显改善,软骨表面趋于平整,软骨细胞数量与软骨基质中蛋白多糖含量增加;②免疫组化染色与Western blotting检测结果显示,与空白组、假手术组比较,模型组大鼠软骨组织中SOX9、Ⅱ型胶原、Beclin1蛋白表达降低(P<0.05),ADAMTS5、P62及p-PI3K、p-AKT、p-mTOR蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,二甲双胍组大鼠软骨组织中SOX9、Ⅱ型胶原、Beclin1蛋白表达升高(P<0.05),ADAMTS5、P62及p-PI3K、p-AKT、p-mTOR蛋白表达降低(P<0.05);③结果表明,二甲双胍可通过抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路的活化提高骨关节炎模型大鼠软骨细胞自噬活性、减少软骨基质降解,进而发挥关节软骨保护作用。

个性化Gyroid结构髁突假体设计及对关节盘的有限元分析

背景:人工髁突假体置换作为治疗颞下颌关节疾病的手术方式之一,不仅要恢复形态和功能,还要保证长期稳定的应用。目的:设计个性化Gyroid结构髁突假体并进行有限元分析。方法:通过软件设计不同壁厚(250,350,450,550,650,750μm)的Gyroid结构试件,分别进行有限元模拟压缩实验,检测试件的弹性模量,筛选出与下颌骨松质骨弹性模量相匹配且孔径满足成骨条件的Gyroid结构壁厚区间,对此区间进行细分并利用3D打印技术制作Gyroid结构试件,进行万能试验机力学压缩实验,通过弹性模量与抗压强度筛选符合下颌骨力学性能、孔径更易成骨且强度较小的Gyroid结构壁厚,进行后续实验。设计下颌骨个性化Gyroid结构髁突假体三维模型,分别模拟模型在自然咬合状态下对刃颌位、牙尖交错位的有限元分析。结果与结论:①有限元分析结果显示,随着壁厚的增加,Gyroid结构试件的弹性模量升高,其中壁厚350,450,550,650,750μm Gyroid结构试件的弹性模量与下颌骨松质骨弹性模量相匹配,由于后续实验需细分组别且550,650,750μm壁厚组孔径(800-1000μm)在成骨范围内,故筛选出壁厚550,600,650,700,750μm Gyroid结构试件进行万能试验机力学压缩实验;②力学压缩实验结果显示,随着壁厚的增加,Gyroid结构试件的弹性模量与抗压强度升高,其中壁厚550,600,650μm Gyroid结构试件的弹性模量在下颌骨松质骨弹性模量范围内,最终选取壁厚650μm、孔径900μm进行下颌骨个性化Gyroid结构髁突假体三维模型构建;③下颌骨个性化Gyroid结构髁突假体三维模型有限元分析结果显示,对刃颌位关节盘应力主要集中在前中带下表面,牙尖交错位关节盘应力主要集中在下表面外侧,左右侧关节盘在对刃颌位、牙尖交错位的最大位移和等效应力相近,最大位移分别为0.031,0.030,0.028,0.018 mm,最大等效应力分别为2.87,2.30,2.73,1.71 MPa;④结果表明,壁厚650μm Gyroid结构符合下颌骨力学性能,降低了钛合金强度、减轻了个性化Gyroid结构髁突假体对关节盘的损伤。

有限元分析技术在膝关节生物力学应用中的特点与优势

背景:有限元分析是一种先进的计算机工程技术,利用数学近似的方法对真实人体进行模拟,可以真实反映膝关节结构内部的生物力学特征,为理解膝关节疾病发病机制、优化手术方案以及开发新型植入材料提供了有效的工具。目的:对膝关节有限元模型的建立及其在膝关节疾病研究中的应用进行综述,并展望了未来的发展趋势。方法:第一作者于2024年4月以“Finite Element Analysis,FEA,knee joint,Finite Element Model,Knee Biomechanics,Knee Osteoarthritis,Knee Prosthesis,Knee Ligaments,Meniscus”为英文检索词在PubMed和EI数据库进行检索,以“有限元分析,有限元模型,膝关节,生物力学,骨关节炎,计算模型,膝关节假体,膝关节韧带,半月板”为中文检索词在中国知网和万方数据库进行检索,最终纳入75篇文献进行分析。结果与结论:①有限元分析法利用医学影像数据获得三维人体模型,将复杂的人体关节结构简化为有限且相互连接的单元,通过对模型施加外部载荷,直观地显示膝关节内部的应力分布。②研究者通过有限元分析深入研究膝关节在不同工况下的内部应力和应变分布,可发现膝关节内部载荷分配平衡改变时,关节软骨的过度载荷及部分区域的负荷下降,这种长期异常应力会引起软骨变形和磨损,最终缺失,对于理解生物力学因素如何引起膝关节退行性变至关重要。③有研究通过有限元分析评估膝骨关节炎患者采用太极拳、步态调整等物理治疗方法的效果,结果显示这些治疗方法减少了软骨的过度负荷,为临床治疗提供了科学理论依据。④临床医生通过有限元分析在手术前进行三维重建、数据测量和模拟手术,能够优化手术治疗策略;此外,还可以通过模拟不同假体的力学特征,改进假体的形状、材料和固定方式,减少患者的并发症,提高患者的治疗效果。⑤人工智能与有限元分析相结合使得有限元模型的构建更为精确和易于操作,极大提高了临床医生医疗实践的效率和患者的治疗效果。⑥有限元分析仅是数字化的模拟,与真实物理状态仍存在一定差异。

AAV-mediated expression of p65shRNA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 synergistically enhances chondrocyte regeneration

BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene manipulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis may not produce satisfactory results.Previous studies have shown that nuclear factorκB could promote the inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes,and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)could promote cartilage regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To test whether combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 will yield the synergistic effect on chondrocytes regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.METHODS:Viral particles containing AAV-p65-shRNA and AAV-BMP4 were prepared.Their efficacy in inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and promoting chondrogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo by transfecting AAV-p65-shRNA or AAV-BMP4 into cells.The experiments were divided into five groups:PBS group;osteoarthritis group;AAV-BMP4 group;AAV-p65shRNA group;and BMP4-p65shRNA 1:1 group.Samples were collected at 4,12,and 24 weeks postoperatively.Tissue staining,including safranin O and Alcian blue,was applied after collecting articular tissue.Then,the optimal ratio between the two types of transfected viral particles was further investigated to improve the chondrogenic potential of mixed cells in vivo.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 together showed a synergistic effect on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.Mixed cells transfected with AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 at a 1:1 ratio produced the most extracellular matrix synthesis(P<0.05).In vivo results also revealed that the combination of the two viruses had the highest regenerative potential for osteoarthritic cartilage(P<0.05).In the present study,we also discovered that the combined therapy had the maximum effect when the two viruses were administered in equal proportions.Decreasing either p65shRNA or BMP4 transfected cells resulted in less collagen II synthesis.This implies that inhibiting inflammation by p65shRNA and promoting regeneration by BMP4 are equally important for osteoarthritis treatment.These findings provide a new strategy for the treatment of early osteoarthritis by simultaneously inhibiting cartilage inflammation and promoting cartilage repair.

MicroRNA-214调控骨关节炎软骨和软骨下骨代谢的机制

背景:microRNA-214(miR-214)在骨质疏松中的作用国内外已有相关报道,而miR-214与骨关节炎关节软骨及软骨下骨退变之间的相互关系尚不清楚。目的:探讨miR-214与小鼠膝骨关节炎软骨及软骨下骨退变之间存在的关系。方法:取30只C57BL/6J小鼠随机分组:①实验一:分为假手术组和内侧半月板失稳组(n=3),分别进行苏木精-伊红染色和荧光定量PCR检测miR-214基因的表达变化;②实验二:分为假手术组、内侧半月板失稳组、内侧半月板失稳+空载腺病毒组(空载组)、内侧半月板失稳+miR-214拮抗剂过表达腺病毒组(拮抗剂组)(n=6),术后4周各组分别取软骨组织,进行苏木精-伊红、番红O固绿、甲苯胺蓝染色分析;荧光定量PCR、Western blot检测关节软骨中相关因子的表达情况。结果与结论:①实验一中,苏木精-伊红染色结果显示,与假手术组相比,内侧半月板失稳组可见软骨退变;荧光定量PCR检测结果显示,所有样本均有miR-214表达,而内侧半月板失稳组软骨样本中miR-214的表达水平明显高于假手术组(P<0.05);②实验二中,苏木精-伊红染色、番红O固绿染色、甲苯胺蓝染色结果显示,拮抗剂组软骨退变程度低于内侧半月板失稳组;腺病毒验证PCR检测结果显示,空载组软骨中miR-214表达水平高于拮抗剂组(P<0.05);③实验二中,X射线片显示,内侧半月板失稳组和空载组呈典型骨关节炎影像学变化,拮抗剂组关节退行性病变程度相对较轻;Mirco-CT检测结果显示,拮抗剂组在注入miR-214拮抗剂后,骨小梁结构模型指数变小,各项数据整体好于内侧半月板失稳组及空载组;④实验二Western blot检测结果显示,内侧半月板失稳组、空载组软骨标本中软骨相关因子Ⅱ型胶原α1、性别决定区Y框转录因子9、Runt相关转录因子2、骨桥蛋白的相对表达水平低于假手术组及拮抗剂组(P<0.05);而金属基质蛋白酶13的相对表达水平在内侧半月板失稳组、空载组高于假手术组及拮抗剂组(P<0.05);⑤实验二荧光定量PCR检测结果显示,与假手术组比较,肿瘤坏死因子α和白细胞介素6 mRNA的相对表达量在内侧半月板失稳组、空载组中表达相对较高,拮抗剂组中表达相对较低(P<0.05);内侧半月板失稳组、空载组高于拮抗剂组(P<0.05);⑥结果表明,骨关节炎小鼠模型的关节软骨中miR-214表达水平明显升高,提示miR-214表达水平的升高与骨关节炎有密切联系;而在骨关节炎小鼠模型膝关节腔内注入miR-214拮抗剂,可以延缓关节软骨退化、促进软骨下骨重塑,改善骨关节炎进展。

Altered Gene Expression in Articular Chondrocytes of Smad3^(ex8/ex8) Mice, Revealed by Gene Profiling Using Microarrays

It has been previously reported that small mother against decapentaplegic 3 （Smad3） gene knockout （Smad3^ex8/ex8） mice displays phenotypes similar to human osteoarthritis, as characterized by abnormal hypertrophic differentiation of articular chondrocytes. To further clarify the crucial target genes that mediate transformation growth factor-β （TGF-β）/Smad3 signals on articular chondrocytes differentiation and investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of osteoarthritis, microarrays were used to perform comparative transcriptional profiling in the articular cartilage between Smad3^ex8/ex8and wild-type mice on day five after birth. The gene profding results showed that the activity of bone morphogenetic protein （BMP） and TGF-β/cell division cycle 42 （Cdc42） signaling pathways were enhanced in Smad3^ex8/ex8 chondrocytes. Moreover, there was altered gene expression in growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 （Igfl） axis and fibroblast growth factor （Fgf） signaling pathway. Notably, protein synthesis related genes and electron transport chain related genes were upregulated in Smad3^ex8/ex8 chondrocytes, implying that accelerated protein synthesis and enhanced cellular respiration might contribute to hypertrophic differentiation of articular chondrocytes and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

Mesenchymal stem cells as a potent cell source for articular cartilage regeneration

Since articular cartilage possesses only a weak capac-ity for repair, its regeneration potential is considered one of the most important challenges for orthopedic surgeons. The treatment options, such as marrow stimulation techniques, fail to induce a repair tissue with the same functional and mechanical properties of native hyaline cartilage. Osteochondral transplantation is considered an effective treatment option but is as-sociated with some disadvantages, including donor-site morbidity, tissue supply limitation, unsuitable mechani-cal properties and thickness of the obtained tissue. Although autologous chondrocyte implantation results in reasonable repair, it requires a two-step surgical pro-cedure. Moreover, chondrocytes expanded in culture gradually undergo dedifferentiation, so lose morpho-logical features and specialized functions. In the search for alternative cells, scientists have found mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) to be an appropriate cellular mate-rial for articular cartilage repair. These cells were origi-nally isolated from bone marrow samples and further investigations have revealed the presence of the cells in many other tissues. Furthermore, chondrogenic dif-ferentiation is an inherent property of MSCs noticedat the time of the cell discovery. MSCs are known to exhibit homing potential to the damaged site at which they differentiate into the tissue cells or secrete a wide spectrum of bioactive factors with regenerative proper-ties. Moreover, these cells possess a considerable im-munomodulatory potential that make them the general donor for therapeutic applications. All of these topics will be discussed in this review.

Benefits of Ilizarov automated bone distraction for nerves and articular cartilage in experimental leg lengthening

AIM To determine peculiarities of tissue responses to manual and automated Ilizarov bone distraction in nerves and articular cartilage.METHODS Twenty-nine dogs were divided in two experimental groups: Group M-leg lengthening with manual distraction(1 mm/d in 4 steps), Group A-automated distraction(1 mm/d in 60 steps) and intact group. Animals were euthanized at the end of distraction, at 30 th day of fixation in apparatus and 30 d after the fixator removal. M-responses in gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles were recorded, numerical histology of peronealand tibialis nerves and knee cartilage semi-thin sections, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray electron probe microanalysis were performed.RESULTS Better restoration of M-response amplitudes in leg muscles was noted in A-group. Fibrosis of epineurium with adipocytes loss in peroneal nerve, subperineurial edema and fibrosis of endoneurium in some fascicles of both nerves were noted only in M-group, shares of nerve fibers with atrophic and degenerative changes were bigger in M-group than in A-group. At the end of experiment morphometric parameters of nerve fibers in peroneal nerve were comparable with intact nerve only in A-group. Quantitative parameters of articular cartilage(thickness, volumetric densities of chondrocytes, percentages of isogenic clusters and empty cellular lacunas, contents of sulfur and calcium) were badly changed in M-group and less changed in A-group.CONCLUSION Automated Ilizarov distraction is more safe method of orthopedic leg lengthening than manual distraction in points of nervous fibers survival and articular cartilage arthrotic changes.

A new method for computing the uniaxial modulus of articular cartilages using modified inhomogeneous triphasic model

It is well known that subtle changes in structure and tissue composition of articular cartilage can lead to its degeneration. The present paper puts forward a modified layered inhomogeneous triphasic model with four parameters based on the inhomogeneous triphasic model proposed by Narmoneva et al. Incorporating a piecewise fitting optimization criterion, the new model was used to obtain the uniaxial modulus Ha, and predict swelling pattern for the articular cartilage based on ultrasound-measured swelling strain data. The results show that the new method can be used to provide more accurate estimation on the uniaxial modulus than the inhomogeneous triphasic model with three parameters and the homogeneous mode, and predict effectively the swell- ing strains of highly nonuniform distribution of degenerated articular cartilages. This study can provide supplementary information for exploring mechanical and material properties of the cartilage, and thus be helpful for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis-related diseases.

Effects of Structural Changes in Subchondral Bone on Articular Cartilage in a Beagle Dog Model

Objective Using MR T2-mapping and histopathologic score for articular cartilage to evaluate the effect of structural changes in subchondral bone on articular cartilage. Methods Twenty-four male Beagle dogs were randomly divided into a subchondral bone defect group （n = 12） and a bone cement group （n = 12）. Models of subchondral bone defectin the medial tibial plateau and subchondral bone filled with bone cement were constructed. In all dogs, the left knee joint was used as the experimental sideand the right knee as the sham side. The T2 value for articular cartilage at the medial tibial plateau was measured at postoperative weeks 4, 8, 16, and 24. The articular cartilage specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and evaluated using the Mankin score. Results There was a statistically significant difference （P 〈 0.05） in Mankin score between the bone defect group and the cement group at postoperative weeks 16 and 24. There was a statistically significant difference in the T2 values between the bone defect group and its sham group （P 〈 0.05） from week 8, and between the cement group and its sham group （P 〈 0.05） from week 16. There was significant difference in T2 values between the two experimental groups at postoperative week 24 （P 〈 0.01）. The T2 value for articular cartilage was positively correlated with the Mankin score （ρ = 0.758, P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion Structural changes in subchondral bone can lead to degeneration of the adjacent articular cartilage. Defects in subchondral bone cause more severe degeneration of cartilage than subchondral bone filled with cement. The T2 value for articular cartilage increases with the extent of degeneration. MR T2-mapping images and the T2 value for articular cartilage can indicate earlycartilage degeneration.

Nanoparticle–Cartilage Interaction: Pathology-Based Intra-articular Drug Delivery for Osteoarthritis Therapy

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent chronic and debilitating joint disease,resulting in huge medical and socioeconomic burdens.Intra-articular administration of agents is clinically used for pain management.However,the effectiveness is inapparent caused by the rapid clearance of agents.To overcome this issue,nanoparticles as delivery systems hold considerable promise for local control of the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic agents.Given the therapeutic programs are inseparable from pathological progress of osteoarthritis,an ideal delivery system should allow the release of therapeutic agents upon specific features of disorders.In this review,we firstly introduce the pathological features of osteoarthritis and the design concept for accurate localization within cartilage for sustained drug release.Then,we review the interactions of nanoparticles with cartilage microenvironment and the rational design.Furthermore,we highlight advances in the therapeutic schemes according to the pathology signals.Finally,armed with an updated understanding of the pathological mechanisms,we place an emphasis on the development of“smart”bioresponsive and multiple modality nanoparticles on the near horizon to interact with the pathological signals.We anticipate that the exploration of nanoparticles by balancing the efficacy,safety,and complexity will lay down a solid foundation tangible for clinical translation.

Study on the Microstructure of Human Articular Cartilage/Bone Interface

For improving the theory of gradient microstructure of cartilage/bone interface, human distal femurs were studied. Scanning Electron Microscope （SEM）, histological sections and MicroCT were used to observe, measure and model the micro- structure of cartilage/bone interface. The results showed that the cartilage/bone interface is in a hierarchical structure which is composed of four different tissue layers. The interlocking of hyaline cartilage and calcified cartilage and that of calcified car- tilage and subchondral bone are in the manner of＂protrusion-pore＂ with average diameter of 17.0 gm and 34.1 lam respectively. In addition, the cancellous bone under the cartilage is also formed by four layer hierarchical structure, and the adjacent layers are connected by bone trabecula in the shape of H, I and Y, forming a complex interwoven network structure. Finally, the simplified structure model of the cartilage/bone interface was proposed according to the natural articular cartilage/bone interface. The simplified model is a 4-layer gradient biomimetic structure, which corresponds to four different tissues of natural cartilage/bone interface. The results of this work would be beneficial to the design of bionic scaffold for the tissue engineering of articular cartilage/bone.

The study on the mechanical characteristics of articular cartilage in simulated microgravity

The microgravity environment of a long-term space flight may induce acute changes in an astronaut＇s musculo-skeletal systems. This study explores the effects of simulated microgravity on the mechanical characteristics of articular cartilage. Six rats underwent tail suspension for 14 days and six additional rats were kept under normal earth gravity as controls. Swelling strains were measured using high-frequency ultrasound in all cartilage samples subject to osmotic loading. Site-specific swelling strain data were used in a triphasic theoretical model of cartilage swelling to determine the uniaxial modulus of the cartilage solid matrix. No severe surface irregularities were found in the cartilage samples obtained from the control or tail-suspended groups. For the tail-suspended group, the thickness of the cartilage at a specified site, as determined by ultrasound echo, showed a minor decrease. The uniaxial modulus of articular cartilage at the specified site decreased significantly, from （6.31 ± 3.37） MPa to （5.05 ± 2.98）MPa （p 〈 0.05）. The histology- stained image of a cartilage sample also showed a reduced number of chondrocytes and decreased degree of matrix staining. These results demonstrated that the 14 d simulated microgravity induced significant effects on the mechanical characteristics of articular cartilage. This study is the first attempt to explore the effects of simulated microgravity on the mechanical characteristics of articular cartilage using an osmotic loading method and a triphasic model. The conclusions may provide reference information for manned space flights and a better understanding of the effects of microgravity on the skeletal system.

Elevated levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with knee articular cartilage injury

BACKGROUND Inflammatory cytokines play a vital role in the occurrence of osteoarticular injury and inflammation. Whether inflammation-associated factors interleukin-1β(IL- 1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are involved in the pathogenesis of keen articular cartilage injury remains poorly understood. AIM To measure the levels of inflammatory factors [IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF] in patients with knee articular cartilage injury. METHODS Fifty-five patients with knee articular cartilage injury were selected as patient groups, who were divided into three grades [mild (n = 20), moderate (n = 19) and severe (n = 16)] according to disease severity and X-ray examinations. Meanwhile, 30 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination were selected as the control group. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF were measured by ELISA and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Compared with the control group, patient groups displayed significantly higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF, and the extent of increase was directly proportional to the severity of injury (P < 0.05). In addition, the number of cells with positive staining of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF in the synovial membrane were significantly increased, along with increased disease severity (P < 0.05). After treatment, the scores of visual analogue scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster University of Orthopaedic Index in patient groups were 2.26 ± 1.13 and 15.56 ± 7.12 points, respectively, which were significantly lower than those before treatment (6.98 ± 1.32 and 49.48 ± 8.96). Correlation analysis suggested that IL-1β and TNF-α were positively correlated with VEGF. CONCLUSION IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF levels are increased in patients with knee articular cartilage injury, and are associated with the disease severity, indicating they might play an important role in the occurrence and development of knee articular cartilage injury. Furthermore, therapeutically targeting them might be a novel approach for the treatment of keen articular cartilage injury.

The Frictional Coefficient of Bovine Knee Articular Cartilage

The normal displacement of articular cartilage was measured under load and in sliding, and the coefficient of friction during sliding was measured using a UMT-2 Multi-Specimen Test System. The maximum normal displacement under load and the start-up frictional coefficient have similar tendency of variation with loading time. The sliding speed does not significantly influence the frictional coefficient of articular cartilage.

Serum Metabonomics of Articular Cartilage Destruction Induced by T-2 Toxin in Wistar Rats

The molecular pathogenesis of T-2 toxin-induced cartilage destruction has not been fully unraveled yet. The aim of this study was to detect changes in serum metabolites in a rat anomaly model with articular cartilage destruction. Thirty healthy male Wistar rats were fed a diet containing T-2 toxin （300 ng/kg chow） for 3 months. Histopathological changes in femorotibial cartilage were characterized in terms of chondrocyte degeneration/necrosis and superficial cartilage defect, and the endogenous metabolite profile of serum was determined by UPLC/Q-TOF MS. Treated rats showed extensive areas of chondrocyte necrosis and superficial cartilage defect in the articular cartilage. In addition, 8 metabolites were found to change significantly in these rats compared to the control group, including lyso PE （18：0/0：0）, lyso PC（14：0）, lyso PC[18：4 （6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z）], lyso PC[（16：1（9Z）], lyso PC（16：0）, L-valine, hippuric acid, and asparaginyl-glycine. These 8 metabolites associated with cartilage injury are mainly involved in phospholipid and amino acid metabolic pathways.

Osteoarthritis and Articular Cartilage: Biomechanics and Novel Treatment Paradigms

Background: Osteoarthritis is a widespread highly painful disabling age-related disease with no known cure. Although novel strategies for ameliorating osteoarthritic damage abound, it is likely that none will be successful over time if the entire spectrum of the disease and the effects of joint biomechanics on joint tissues are not carefully considered. Objectives: 1) To detail the structure of healthy articular cartilage, the key tissue affected by osteoarthritis. 2) To detail what aspects of cartilage damage best characterize osteoarthritis. 3) To consider the role of biomechanical factors in developing solutions to treat osteoarthritic joint damage. Methods: Literature sources from 1980 onwards that have contributed to our knowledge of the topics relevant to this paper were accessed and retrieved. The data were categorized into four predominant themes and conclusions about the state of our knowledge and future directives were formulated. Conclusions: Osteoarthritis prevalence remains high, and a cure appears elusive. A rich body of data has helped us to better understand the key tissue involved, and suggests a repair process might be feasible, if the basic collective information on the role of biomechanics in mediating or moderating articular cartilage integrity and function is forthcoming.

Functionalized Hydrogels for Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Articular cartilage(AC)is an avascular and flexible connective tissue located on the bone surface in the diarthrodial joints.AC defects are common in the knees of young and physically active individuals.Because of the lack of suitable tissue-engineered artificial matrices,current therapies for AC defects,espe-cially full-thickness AC defects and osteochondral interfaces,fail to replace or regenerate damaged carti-lage adequately.With rapid research and development advancements in AC tissue engineering(ACTE),functionalized hydrogels have emerged as promising cartilage matrix substitutes because of their favor-able biomechanical properties,water content,swelling ability,cytocompatibility,biodegradability,and lubricating behaviors.They can be rationally designed and conveniently tuned to simulate the extracel-lular matrix of cartilage.This article briefly introduces the composition,structure,and function of AC and its defects,followed by a comprehensive review of the exquisite(bio)design and(bio)fabrication of func-tionalized hydrogels for AC repair.Finally,we summarize the challenges encountered in functionalized hydrogel-based strategies for ACTE both in vivo and in vitro and the future directions for clinical translation.

An analytical poroelastic model for laboratorial mechanical testing of the articular cartilage (AC)

The articular cartilage （AC） can be seen as a biphasic poroelastic material. The cartilage deformation under compression mainly leads to an interstitial fluid flow in the porous solid phase. In this paper, an analytical poroelastic model for the AC under laboratorial mechanical testing is developed. The solutions of interstitial fluid pressure and velocity are obtained. The results show the following facts. （i） Both the pressure and fluid velocity amplitudes are proportional to the strain loading amplitude. （ii） Both the amplitudes of pore fluid pressure and velocity in the AC depend more on the loading amplitude than on the frequency. Thus, in order to obtain the considerable fluid stimulus for the AC cell responses, the most effective way is to increase the loading amplitude rather than the frequency. （iii） Both the interstitiM fluid pressure and velocity are strongly affected by permeability variations. This model can be used in experimental tests of the parameters of AC or other poroelastic materials, and in research of mechanotransduction and injury mechanism involved interstitial fluid flow.

Direct Visualisation of the Depth-Dependent Mechanical Properties of Full-Thickness Articular Cartilage

Objective: The structural anisotropy of articular cartilage controls its deformation response. As proteoglycans and collagen vary with depth, simple uniaxial compression results in inhomogeneous deformation with distinct depth-dependent mechanical properties. Investigations into depth-dependent mechanical properties of articular cartilage have previously required tissue modification after specimen isolation. Such modifications include histological processes, freezing, subchondral bone removal, and fluorescent staining that may alter the tissue, limiting in vivo applicability. Design: Using a custom tissue-sectioning device, 0.1 mm thick unfixed, unstained, osetochondral samples were obtained. A customized apparatus loaded samples to 12.5%, 24%, and 29% compression in under a microscope with 10× magnification. Equilibrium load was measured after stress relaxation. Intra-tissue displacement was measured by tracing groups of cells between the different compression levels using a digital imaging program. Cell distance from the subchondral bone was measured to identify intratissue displacement and calculate strain. Results: The results reveal that stress levels and intratissue displacement increased with greater tissue compression (p p in vivo conditions and may provide an important method for analyzing the coordinated changes in cartilage composition and function due to ageing and disease.