Submit to IJMS Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

New Advances in Osteoarthritis

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 49054

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Gabriela Loots

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95340, USA
Interests: bone and cartilage biology; osteoarthritis; post-traumatic osteoarthritis; Wnt signaling; cancer metastasis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease and the leading cause of disability as we age due to stiffness, pain, biomechanical failure, and impaired joint movement. Despite its high prevalence and burden on the healthcare system, no suitable treatments currently exist that can halt disease progression, promote cartilage repair and regeneration, or cure the disease. Furthermore, no specific diagnostic biomarkers have been identified for OA that can identify the disease at its earliest stages. With the substantial progress in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and animal models of OA, in the last decade, OA has evolved as a disease where systemic inflammation and the immune system significantly modify the disease, classifying it also as an inflammatory disease. Thus, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) are rapidly evolving, and attention is shifting to new targets that include transcription factors, growth factors, and receptors. To help to promote advancements in the field of OA research and disseminate new discoveries and information relevant to OA diagnosis, treatment, and care, we seek manuscripts that present novel basic, pre-clinical, and clinical research in the OA field that includes not only positive but also negative results. The rapid review and fast-tracked publication of your work will help to advance our knowledge and understanding of OA toward improving patient care.

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

Osteoarthritis
Post traumatic osteoarthritis
Joint Inflammation
Cartilage and chondrocyte function
Growth factors and other secreted molecules that influence cartilage anabolism and catabolism
Cartilage–bone interaction
Cartilage regeneration and repair
Synovium

Dr. Gabriela Loots
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

osteoarthritis
post traumatic osteoarthritis
joint Inflammation
cartilage and chondrocyte function
cartilage anabolism and catabolism
cartilage–bone interaction
cartilage regeneration and repair
synovium

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (12 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

14 pages, 3002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Semaphorin 3A-Neuropilin-1 Signaling Modulates MMP13 Expression in Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes

by Sabine Stöckl, Johanna Reichart, Magdalena Zborilova, Brian Johnstone and Susanne Grässel

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(22), 14180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232214180 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 1834

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex disorder of diarthrodial joints caused by multiple risk factors and is characterized by articular cartilage destruction as well as changes in other articular tissues. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), known to be a chemo-repellent for sensory nerve fibers, has recently been implicated in cartilage OA pathophysiology. We demonstrated that the expression of SEMA3A and its receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP1) are synchronously upregulated in chondrocytes isolated from knee cartilage of OA patients compared to non-OA control chondrocytes. In addition, we observed that during in vitro passaging of OA chondrocytes, the Nrp-1 level increases, whereas the Sema3A level decreases. In this study, we aimed to uncover how Sema3A-Nrp-1 signaling affects metabolism and viability of OA chondrocytes via siRNA-mediated inhibition of Nrp-1 expression. We observed a decreased proliferation rate and an increase in adhesion and senescence after Nrp-1 silencing. Moreover, MMP13 gene expression was reduced by approximately 75% in NRP1 knockdown OA chondrocytes, whereas MMP13 expression was induced by Sema3A treatment in control (nt siRNA) OA chondrocytes, accompanied by an impaired AKT phosphorylation. These findings suggest a potential catabolic function of Sema3A signaling in OA chondrocytes by inducing MMP13 expression and by compromising pro-survival AKT activation. We propose that targeting the Sema3A-Nrp-1 signaling axis might be an opportunity to interfere with OA pathogenesis and progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased Synovial CD14 mRNA Expression and Proportion of CD14^high Subsets in Early-Stage Hip Osteoarthritis: Propensity Matched Score Analysis

by Yoshihisa Ohashi, Kentaro Uchida, Kensuke Fukushima, Masashi Satoh, Tomohisa Koyama, Maho Tsuchiya, Hiroki Saito, Katsufumi Uchiyama, Naonobu Takahira, Gen Inoue and Masashi Takaso

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 13622; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232113622 - 7 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2187

Abstract

The pathophysiology of early-stage hip osteoarthritis (EOA) is not fully understood. Although a previous study in an age-unmatched cohort reported that the number of macrophages was increased in knee EOA compared to late OA (LOA), it remained unclear whether increased macrophages in EOA accurately reflect EOA pathology. We investigated the differences in CD14 expression levels between EOA and LOA using age-unmatched and -matched cohorts. Synovial tissues were obtained from 34 EOA (Tönnis grades 0 and 1) and 80 LOA (Tönnis grades 2 and 3) patients. To correct for differences in demographics between patients with LOA and EOA, we also created propensity score-matched cohorts (16 EOA and 16 LOA). CD14 expression and its association with pain was estimated in LOA and EOA before and after propensity matching. We performed flow cytometry on tissues from the 16 patients, with 8 from each group, to assess for CD14+ subsets in the cells. The CD14 expression in EOA was higher than that in LOA both before and after propensity matching. The proportion of CD14^high subsets in EOA was higher than that in LOA. The CD14 expression was associated with pain in EOA before matching. However, no difference was observed between the pain and CD14 expression after matching in EOA. The increased CD14 expression and the proportion of CD14^high subsets may be important features associated with hip EOA pathology. To accurately compare early and late OA, the analysis of a propensity score-matched cohort is necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Synovial Cytokine Profile Associated with Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Undergoing Corrective Osteotomy with Platelet-Rich Plasma or Stromal Vascular Fraction Post-Treatments

by Aleksey Prizov, Elena Tchetina, Ilya Eremin, Nikolay Zagorodniy, Andrey Pulin, Evgeniy Belyak, Evgeniy Goncharov, Konstantin Kotenko, Ivan Smyshlyaev, Svetlana Glukhova and Aleksandr Lila

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 12835; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232112835 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2152

Abstract

Functional outcomes and synovial fluid (SF) cytokine concentrations in response to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stromal vascular fraction (SVF) post-treatments following open wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in 20 patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were examined. Six weeks after surgery, the knees of 10 patients were injected with autologous PRP (PRP subgroup), while another 10 patients were injected with autologous SVF (SVF subgroup) and monitored for 1.5 years. Pain assessment (VAS score) and functional activity (KOOS, KSS, Outerbridge, and Koshino scores) were applied. PRP subgroup performed better compared with the SVF subgroup according to KOOS, KSS, and VAS scores, while the SVF subgroup demonstrated better results according to Outerbridge and Koshino testing and produced more pronounced cartilage regeneration in the medial condyle and slowed down cartilage destruction in its lateral counterpart. SF was collected before and one week after PRP or SVF injections and tested for concentrations of 41 cytokines (Multiplex Assay). In the PRP subgroup, a significant decrease in IL-6 and CXCL10 synovial concentrations was accompanied by an increase in IL-15, sCD40L, and PDGF-AB/BB amounts. The SVF subgroup demonstrated a significant decrease in synovial TNFα, FLT-3L, MIP-1β, RANTES, and VEGF concentrations while SF concentrations of MCP-1 and FGF2 increased. Both post-treatments have a potential for increased tissue regeneration, presumably due to the downregulation of inflammation and augmentation of synovial growth factor concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AcidoCEST-UTE MRI Reveals an Acidic Microenvironment in Knee Osteoarthritis

by Alecio F. Lombardi, Yajun Ma, Hyungseok Jang, Saeed Jerban, Qingbo Tang, Adam C. Searleman, Robert Scott Meyer, Jiang Du and Eric Y. Chang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(8), 4466; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23084466 - 18 Apr 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5018 | Correction

Abstract

A relationship between an acidic pH in the joints, osteoarthritis (OA), and pain has been previously demonstrated. Acidosis Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (acidoCEST) indirectly measures the extracellular pH through the assessment of the exchange of protons between amide groups on iodinated contrast agents and bulk water. It is possible to estimate the extracellular pH in the osteoarthritic joint using acidoCEST MRI. However, conventional MR sequences cannot image deep layers of cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, and other musculoskeletal tissues that present with short echo time and fast signal decay. Ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI, on the other hand, has been used successfully to image those joint tissues. Here, our goal is to compare the pH measured in the knee joints of volunteers without OA and patients with severe OA using acidoCEST-UTE MRI. Patients without knee OA and patients with severe OA were examined using acidoCEST-UTE MRI and the mean pH of cartilage, meniscus, and fluid was calculated. Additionally, the relationship between the pH measurements and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was investigated. AcidoCEST-UTE MRI can detect significant differences in the pH of knee cartilage, meniscus, and fluid between joints without and with OA, with OA showing lower pH values. In addition, symptoms and knee-joint function become worse at lower pH measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Novel Osteoarthritis-Associated Genes in Human Cartilage Using a Systematic Meta-Analysis and a Multi-Source Integrated Network

by Emily Shorter, Roberto Avelar, Margarita Zachariou, George M. Spyrou, Priyanka Raina, Aibek Smagul, Yalda Ashraf Kharaz, Mandy Peffers, Kasia Goljanek-Whysall, João Pedro de Magalhães and Blandine Poulet

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(8), 4395; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23084395 - 15 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4208

Abstract

Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disorder, is characterised by deterioration of the articular cartilage. Many studies have identified potential therapeutic targets, yet no effective treatment has been determined. The aim of this study was to identify and rank osteoarthritis-associated genes and micro-RNAs to prioritise those most integral to the disease. A systematic meta-analysis of differentially expressed mRNA and micro-RNAs in human osteoarthritic cartilage was conducted. Ingenuity pathway analysis identified cellular senescence as an enriched pathway, confirmed by a significant overlap (p < 0.01) with cellular senescence drivers (CellAge Database). A co-expression network was built using genes from the meta-analysis as seed nodes and combined with micro-RNA targets and SNP datasets to construct a multi-source information network. This accumulated and connected 1689 genes which were ranked based on node and edge aggregated scores. These bioinformatic analyses were confirmed at the protein level by mass spectrometry of the different zones of human osteoarthritic cartilage (superficial, middle, and deep) compared to normal controls. This analysis, and subsequent experimental confirmation, revealed five novel osteoarthritis-associated proteins (PPIB, ASS1, LHDB, TPI1, and ARPC4-TTLL3). Focusing future studies on these novel targets may lead to new therapies for osteoarthritis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chaenomeles Fructus (CF), the Fruit of Chaenomeles sinensis Alleviates IL-1β Induced Cartilage Degradation in Rat Articular Chondrocytes

by Changhwan Yeo, Chae Ryeong Ahn, Jai-Eun Kim, Young Woo Kim, Jinbong Park, Kwang Seok Ahn, In Jin Ha, Yoon Jae Lee, Seung Ho Baek and In-Hyuk Ha

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(8), 4360; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23084360 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2417

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes persistent pain, joint dysfunction, and physical disability. It is the most prevalent type of degenerative arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. OA is currently treated with a focus on pain relief, inflammation control, and artificial joint surgery. Hence, a therapeutic agent capable of preventing or delaying the progression of OA is needed. OA is strongly associated with the degeneration of the articular cartilage and changes in the ECM, which are primarily associated with a decrease in proteoglycan and collagen. In the progress of articular cartilage degradation, catabolic enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), are activated by IL-1β stimulation. Given the tight relationship between IL-1β and ECM (extra-cellular matrix) degradation, this study examined the effects of Chaenomeles Fructus (CF) on IL-1β-induced OA in rat chondrocytes. The CF treatment reduced IL-1β-induced MMP3/13 and ADAMTS-5 production at the mRNA and protein levels. Similarly, CF enhanced col2a and aggrecan accumulation and chondrocyte proliferation. CF inhibited NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) activation, nuclear translocation induced by IL-1β, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ERK phosphorylation. CF demonstrated anti-OA and articular regeneration effects on rat chondrocytes, thus, suggesting that CF is a viable and fundamental therapeutic option for OA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interleukin-1 Induces the Release of Lubricating Phospholipids from Human Osteoarthritic Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes

by Vishnu Thottakkattumana Parameswaran, Christiane Hild, Gerrit Eichner, Bernd Ishaque, Markus Rickert and Juergen Steinmeyer

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(5), 2409; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23052409 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2589

Abstract

(1) Background: Synovial fluid (SF) from knee joints with osteoarthritis (OA) has increased levels of phospholipids (PL). We have reported earlier that TGF-ß and IGF-1 stimulate fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) to synthesize increased amounts of PLs. The current study examined whether IL-1ß induces the release of PLs in FLS and the underlying mechanism. (2) Methods: Cultured human OA FLS were treated with IL-1ß alone and with pathway inhibitors or with synthetic liver X receptor (LXR) agonists. Cholesterol hydroxylases, ABC transporters, apolipoproteins (APO), LXR, sterol regulatory binding proteins (SREBPs), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) were analyzed by RT-PCR, Western blot, and ELISA. The release of radiolabeled PLs from FLS was determined, and statistical analysis was performed using R (N = 5–9). (3) Results: Like synthetic LXR agonists, IL-1ß induced a 1.4-fold greater release of PLs from FLS. Simultaneously, IL-1ß upregulated the level of the PL transporter ABCA1 and of cholesterol hydroxylases CH25H and CYP7B1. IL-1ß and T0901317 stimulated the expression of SREBP1c, whereas only T0901317 enhanced SREBP2, HMGCR, APOE, LXRα, and ABCG1 additionally. (4) Conclusions: IL-1ß partially controls PL levels in OA-SF by affecting the release of PLs from FLS. Our data show that IL-1ß upregulates cholesterol hydroxylases and thus the formation of oxysterols, which, as natural agonists of LXR, increase the level of active ABCA1, in turn enhancing the release of PLs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extracellular Vesicles Allow Epigenetic Mechanotransduction between Chondrocytes and Osteoblasts

by Xiaobin Shang, Kai Oliver Böker, Shahed Taheri, Wolfgang Lehmann and Arndt F. Schilling

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(24), 13282; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222413282 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3410

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can be transported in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and are qualified as possible messengers for cell–cell communication. In the context of osteoarthritis (OA), miR-221-3p has been shown to have a mechanosensitive and a paracrine function inside cartilage. However, the question remains if EVs with miR-221-3p can act as molecular mechanotransducers between cells of different tissues. Here, we studied the effect of EV-mediated transport in the communication between chondrocytes and osteoblasts in vitro in a rat model. In silico analysis (Targetscan, miRWalk, miRDB) revealed putative targets of miRNA-221-3p (CDKN1B/p27, TIMP-3, Tcf7l2/TCF4, ARNT). Indeed, transfection of miRNA-221-3p in chondrocytes and osteoblasts resulted in regulation of these targets. Coculture experiments of transfected chondrocytes with untransfected osteoblasts not only showed regulation of these target genes in osteoblasts but also inhibition of their bone formation capacity. Direct treatment with chondrocyte-derived EVs validated that chondrocyte-produced extracellular miR-221-3p was responsible for this effect. Altogether, our study provides a novel perspective on a possible communication pathway of a mechanically induced epigenetic signal through EVs. This may be important for processes at the interface of bone and cartilage, such as OA development, physiologic joint homeostasis, growth or fracture healing, as well as for other tissue interfaces with differing biomechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

23 pages, 1187 KiB

Open AccessReview

Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: Pathogenic Mechanisms Involving the Cartilage and Subchondral Bone, and Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Joint Regeneration

by Anca Cardoneanu, Luana Andreea Macovei, Alexandra Maria Burlui, Ioana Ruxandra Mihai, Ioana Bratoiu, Ioana Irina Rezus, Patricia Richter, Bogdan-Ionel Tamba and Elena Rezus

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010171 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 7145

Abstract

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a specialized synovial joint that is crucial for the movement and function of the jaw. TMJ osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) is the result of disc dislocation, trauma, functional overburden, and developmental anomalies. TMJ OA affects all joint structures, including the articular cartilage, synovium, subchondral bone, capsule, ligaments, periarticular muscles, and sensory nerves that innervate the tissues. The present review aimed to illustrate the main pathomechanisms involving cartilage and bone changes in TMJ OA and some therapeutic options that have shown potential restorative properties regarding these joint structures in vivo. Chondrocyte loss, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and subchondral bone remodeling are important factors in TMJ OA. The subchondral bone actively participates in TMJ OA through an abnormal bone remodeling initially characterized by a loss of bone mass, followed by reparative mechanisms that lead to stiffness and thickening of the condylar osteochondral interface. In recent years, such therapies as intraarticular platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and mesenchymal stem cell-based treatment (MSCs) have shown promising results with respect to the regeneration of joint structures or the protection against further damage in TMJ OA. Nevertheless, PRP and MSCs are more frequently associated with cartilage and/or bone repair than HA. According to recent findings, the latter could enhance the restorative potential of other therapies (PRP, MSCs) when used in combination, rather than repair TMJ structures by itself. TMJ OA is a complex disease in which degenerative changes in the cartilage and bone develop through intricate mechanisms. The regenerative potential of such therapies as PRP, MSCs, and HA regarding the cartilage and subchondral bone (alone or in various combinations) in TMJ OA remains a matter of further research, with studies sometimes obtaining discrepant results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 6205 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mendelian Randomization Studies of Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Review and Meta-Analysis

by Justin Ho, Christopher Chi Hang Mak, Vivek Sharma, Kendrick To and Wasim Khan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 11906; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911906 - 7 Oct 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 11767

Abstract

Risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA) often exert effects over protracted time-courses. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies therefore have an advantage over conventional observational studies when studying the causal effect of long-term lifestyle-related risk factors on OA. However, given the heterogeneous design of existing MR studies on OA, the reported causal estimates of these effects remain inconsistent, thus obscuring the true extent of the biological effects of OA lifestyle-risk factors. We conducted a PRISMA systematic review and specifically included MR studies that investigated the causal effect between lifestyle-related risk factors and OA, where causal estimates for various lifestyle factors were pooled for meta-analysis. Quality of studies was assessed according to STROBE-MR guidelines. A total of 1576 studies were evaluated and 23 were included. Overall, the studies included were of high quality and had a low risk of bias. Our meta-analysis demonstrates the positive causal effect of BMI (OR_{IVW-random effects} 1.49 [1.23–1.80]) and negative causal effects of serum calcium (OR_{IVW-random effects} 0.69 [0.57–0.83]) and LDL levels (OR_{IVW-random effects} 0.93 [0.90–0.96]) on OA. Despite the heterogeneous designs and estimates of causal effects provided by various MR studies, our meta-analysis suggests that lifestyle-related risk factors in the form of BMI, serum calcium, and LDL have true biological effects on the development of OA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1159 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bone Health in Children with Rheumatic Disorders: Focus on Molecular Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Management

by Francesca Di Marcello, Giulia Di Donato, Debora Mariarita d’Angelo, Luciana Breda and Francesco Chiarelli

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(10), 5725; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23105725 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3886

Abstract

Bone is an extremely dynamic and adaptive tissue, whose metabolism and homeostasis is influenced by many different hormonal, mechanical, nutritional, immunological and pharmacological stimuli. Genetic factors significantly affect bone health, through their influence on bone cells function, cartilage quality, calcium and vitamin D homeostasis, sex hormone metabolism and pubertal timing. In addition, optimal nutrition and physical activity contribute to bone mass acquisition in the growing age. All these factors influence the attainment of peak bone mass, a critical determinant of bone health and fracture risk in adulthood. Secondary osteoporosis is an important issue of clinical care in children with acute and chronic diseases. Systemic autoimmune disorders, like juvenile idiopathic arthritis, can affect the skeletal system, causing reduced bone mineral density and high risk of fragility fractures during childhood. In these patients, multiple factors contribute to reduce bone strength, including systemic inflammation with elevated cytokines, reduced physical activity, malabsorption and nutritional deficiency, inadequate daily calcium and vitamin D intake, use of glucocorticoids, poor growth and pubertal delay. In juvenile arthritis, osteoporosis is more prominent at the femoral neck and radius compared to the lumbar spine. Nevertheless, vertebral fractures are an important, often asymptomatic manifestation, especially in glucocorticoid-treated patients. A standardized diagnostic approach to the musculoskeletal system, including prophylaxis, therapy and follow up, is therefore mandatory in at risk children. Here we discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in skeletal homeostasis and the influence of inflammation and chronic disease on bone metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

1 pages, 686 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Lombardi et al. AcidoCEST-UTE MRI Reveals an Acidic Microenvironment in Knee Osteoarthritis. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 4466

by Alecio F. Lombardi, Yajun Ma, Hyungseok Jang, Saeed Jerban, Qingbo Tang, Adam C. Searleman, Robert Scott Meyer, Jiang Du and Eric Y. Chang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 12346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512346 - 2 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1003

Abstract

In the original publication, there was a mistake in Figure 1 as published [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Osteoarthritis)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

New Advances in Osteoarthritis

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI