Restoration of the Phenotype of Dedifferentiated Rabbit Chondrocytes by Sesquiterpene Farnesol

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of articular cartilage. The phenotype and metabolism behavior of chondrocytes plays crucial roles in maintaining articular cartilage function. Chondrocytes dedifferentiate and lose their cartilage phenotype after successive subcultures or inflammation and synthesize collagen I and X (COL I and COL X). Farnesol, a sesquiterpene compound, has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes collagen synthesis. However, its potent restoration effects on differentiated chondrocytes have seldom been evaluated. The presented study investigated farnesol’s effect on phenotype restoration by examining collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis from dedifferentiated chondrocytes. The results indicated that chondrocytes gradually dedifferentiated through cellular morphology change, reduced expressions of COL II and SOX9, increased the expression of COL X and diminished GAG synthesis during four passages of subcultures. Pure farnesol and hyaluronan-encapsulated farnesol nanoparticles promote COL II synthesis. GAG synthesis significantly increased 2.5-fold after a farnesol treatment of dedifferentiated chondrocytes, indicating the restoration of chondrocyte functions. In addition, farnesol drastically increased the synthesis of COL II (2.5-fold) and GAG (15-fold) on interleukin-1β-induced dedifferentiated chondrocytes. A significant reduction of COL I, COL X and proinflammatory cytokine prostaglandin E2 was observed. In summary, farnesol may serve as a therapeutic agent in OA treatment.

Triamcinolone Acetonide-Loaded Nanoparticles Encapsulated By CD90+ MCSs-Derived Microvesicles Drive Anti-Inflammatory Properties and Promote Cartilage Regeneration After Osteoarthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent human degenerative joint disorder that has long plagued patients. Glucocorticoid injection into the intra-articular (IA) cavity provides potential short-term analgesia and anti-inflammation, but long-term IA causes loss of cartilage content. Synovial mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reportedly promote cartilage proliferation and increase cartilage content. Methods: The CD90+ MCSs-derived micro-vesicle (CD90@MV)-coated nanoparticle (CD90@NP) was developed. CD90+ MCSs were extracted from human synovial tissue. Cytochalasin B (CB) relaxed the interaction between the cytoskeleton and the cell membranes of CD90+ MCSs, stimulating CD90@MV secretion. The poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticle was coated with CD90@MV, and a model glucocorticoid, triamcinolone acetonide (TA), was encapsulated in CD90@NP (T-CD90@NP). Results: CD90@MV membrane proteins were similar to CD90+ MCSs, indicating that the CD90@MV bio-activity is similar to the cartilage proliferation-inducing CD90+ MCSs. The CD90@NP binding to injury cartilage primary cells was significantly stronger than the erythrocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles (RNP). In the rabbit OA model, long-term IA of T-CD90@NP showed significantly enhanced repair of damaged cartilage than TA and CD90+ MCSs treatments. In the rat OA model, short-term IA of T-CD90@NP showed effective anti-inflammatory ability similar to TA treatment. Moreover, long-term IA of T-CD90@NP induced cartilage to restart the cell cycle and reduced cartilage apoptosis. T-CD90@NP promotes regeneration of chondrocytes, reduces apoptosis via the FOXO pathway, and influences type 2 macrophage polarization to regulate inflammation through IL-10. Conclusion: This study confirms that T-CD90@NP promotes chondrocyte proliferation and anti-inflammation, improving the clinical glucocorticoid treatment plan.

Study of oral glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane and their combination in osteoarthritis of the knee

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most common degenerative joint disorder that results in disability and increased morbidity. Conventional treatment of OA with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often leads to serious adverse side effects that may increase morbidity and mortality. Glucosamine and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which may supplement NSAIDs. Hence this study was aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of these drugs in the management of knee OAMethods: 76 (63.33%) female and 44 (36.67%) male patients of OA of the knees were divided equally into four groups depending upon the therapy with Glucosamine or MSM or their combination (study groups) or none of them (control group) for 12 weeks. After the written consent, a detail Clinical History& Examination, Biochemical investigations, X-rays of chest and knees and ECG were done. The outcome of the treatment was assessed by Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index and for any adverse drug effects.Results: After 12 weeks of study there was significant decrease in mean WOMAC pain scores (27.29-39.13) and total aggregate scores (23.53-37.14%) in study groups (p<0.01-p<0.001) as compared to control group (14.28 % and 8.82% respectively). Besides the relief of pain and improvement in physical functions were superior in patients treated with combination therapy. Conclusions: This study showed Glucosamine & MSM are effective in the management of OA of knee and are safe health supplement to NSAIDs while their combination was more superior and effective.

Masseter Muscle Activity in Orthodontically Treated Patients with a History of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: An Electromyographic Study

The present study aimed to evaluate the surface electromyography (sEMG) activity of the masseter muscles in patients with a history of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) who received orthodontic treatment. In total, 22 participants aged 18–35 years old were included in this study. They were divided into the control group (patients without a history of TMJD [n = 11]) and the test group (those with a history of TMJD [n = 11]). Each participant underwent sEMG of the right and left masseter muscles at 5-s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Results showed that the TMJD group had a lower sEMG activity of masseter muscles at MVC than the non-TMJD group. However, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05, t-test). The Spearman’s correlation coefficient test revealed a weak negative correlation between muscle activity on sEMG and history of TMJD (p > 0.05). In conclusion, orthodontically treated patients in TMJD group have reduced masseter muscle activity during MVC, compare to the non-TMJD group.

A Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Rocabado Approach and Conventional Physiotherapy on Pain, ROM and QOL in Patients with TMJ Dysfunction

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction (TMD) are considered to be a subclass of the musculoskeletal disorders, so requires physiotherapy treatment. Till now very few studies have been done show the effectiveness of Rocabado approach and conventional physiotherapy, so the research aims to compare the effects of same in patients having mild to moderate Temporomandibular joint disorder. Methods: Subjects (n = 60) with TMJ dysfunction were selected for a comparative study. The participants were randomized into (1) Group A, and (2) Group B. Participants of Group A received Rocabado approach while Group B received the conventional physiotherapy along with home exercises for a period of 8 days immediately following baseline assessment. Discussion: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of Rocabado approach and TENS in the patients having mild to moderate Temporomandibular joint disorder. To conclude, we can say that that the current study found evidence to justify the application of Rocabado’s technique to TMJ mobility. It helps patients with TMJ problems having mild to moderate dysfunction to improve their discomfort, mouth opening and quality of life.

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy with dilated cardiomyopathy preceding skeletal muscle symptoms

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a slowly progressive skeletal muscle and joint disorder associated with cardiac complications. Dilated cardiomyopathy was the initial manifestation of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy in an 8-year-old girl. Despite normal muscle and myocardial biopsies, genetic testing revealed LMNA mutations. As Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is associated with minimal skeletal muscle weakness, cardiac complications can facilitate its diagnosis.