CARTILAGE最新文献

{"title":"Isolation and Characterization of Meniscus Progenitor Cells From Rat, Rabbit, Goat, and Human.","authors":"Wan-Ting Yan, Jing-Song Wang, Shu-Yang Guo, Jia-Hao Zhu, Zheng-Zheng Zhang","doi":"10.1177/19476035241266579","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035241266579","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveMeniscus progenitor cells (MPCs) have been identified as promising candidates for meniscus regeneration, and it is crucial for us to understand meniscus injury repair mechanism at the cellular level. In this study, we investigate the biological properties of MPCs isolated from different species using the differential adhesion to fibronectin (DAF) technique. We aim to characterize MPCs in different species and evaluate the feasibility of these models for future meniscal investigation.DesignMPCs were isolated from freshly digested meniscus from rat, rabbit, goat, and human cells using DAF. Biological properties, including proliferation, colony-forming, multilineage differentiation, and migration abilities, were compared in MPCs and their corresponding mixed meniscus cell (MCs) population in each species.ResultsMPCs were successfully isolated by the DAF technique in all species. Rat MPCs appeared cobblestone-like, rabbit MPCs were more polygonal, goat MPCs had a spindle-shaped morphology, human MPCs appear more fibroblast-like. Compared with MCs, isolated MPCs showed progenitor cell characteristics, including multilineage differentiation ability and MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) markers (CD166, CD90, CD44, Stro-1) expression. They also highly expressed fibronectin receptors CD49e and CD49c. MPCs also showed greater proliferation capacity and retained colony-forming ability. Except for goat MPCs showed greater migration abilities than MCs, no significant differences were found in the migration ability between MPCs and MCs in other species.ConclusionOur study shows that DAF is an effective method for isolating MPCs from rat, rabbit, goat, and human. MPCs in these species demonstrated similar characteristics, including greater proliferation ability and better chondrogenic potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"538-550"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11569696/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141757358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cheilectomy, Osteotomy, Microfracture, and Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (COMM): A Novel Combined Procedure for Treating Hallux Rigidus.","authors":"Daran Huang, Wenxian Png, Inderjeet Singh Rikhraj, Eric Wei Liang Cher","doi":"10.1177/19476035251325094","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251325094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundHallux rigidus (HR) is a degenerative joint disorder of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ), causing joint pain and stiffness. Surgical treatments, including cheilectomy, microfracture (MF) and dorsal oblique osteotomy (DOO), have been well described in current literature. However, the addition of matrix-induced chondrogenesis (MIC) via scaffold implantation with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) is novel and hypothesized to significantly improve cartilage healing.ObjectivesThis study aimed to (1) describe the COMM procedure-a novel combination of cheilectomy, DOO, MF, and MIC, as well as to (2) evaluate its early clinical outcomes in a series of 12 HR cases.Study Design & MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 11 patients (12 feet) with HR treated with the COMM procedure in our hospital from May 2022 to June 2023 by 3 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons. All the patients have completed their 1-year clinical review, where we evaluated their Numeric Pain Rating (NPR), European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores (Physical Function [SF-PF] and Mental Health [SF-MH]), as well as satisfaction. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared to determine the effect of treatment.ResultsThere was statistically significant improvement in all scores (<i>P</i> < 0.05). EFAS Foot and/or Ankle and Sports scores improved from 9.3 to 20.0 and 3.8 to 9.4, respectively. SF-PF and SF-MH scores improved from 47.9% to 67.9% and 54.0% to 66.0%, respectively. Mean NPR at rest and during activity improved from 4.8 to 0.2 and 7.6 to 2.5, respectively. The mean postoperative satisfaction was 8.0, with 10 representing maximal satisfaction.ConclusionsDespite being a small series, our study has shown good clinical outcomes and promising satisfaction rates among all patients who have undergone our COMM procedure.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"420-426"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12098316/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144118977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Treatment of Large Cartilage Defects in the Knee by Hydrogel-Based Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: A 5-Year Follow-Up of a Prospective, Multicenter, Single-Arm Phase III Trial.","authors":"P Niemeyer, M Hanus, J Belickas, T László, R Gudas, M Fiodorovas, A Cebatorius, M Pastucha, K Izadpanah, J Prokeš, K Sisák, M Mohyla, C Farkas, O Kessler, S Kybal, R Spiro, S Trattnig, A Köhler, A Kirner, C Gaissmaier","doi":"10.1177/19476035251334737","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251334737","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo evaluate efficacy and safety at 5 years after treatment with hydrogel-based autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) for large cartilage defects in the knee.DesignProspective, multicenter, single-arm, Phase III clinical trial. ACI was performed in 100 patients with focal full-thickness cartilage defects ranging from 4 to 12 cm² in size. The primary outcome measure was the responder rate (defined as improvement by ≥10 points) at 2 years using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).ResultsThe preoperative overall KOOS was 39.8 points and continuously increased to 84.7 points at 5 years (mean increase 44.1 points, 95% CI = 40.4-47.9, <i>P</i> < 0.0001). The primary study endpoint (i.e., a KOOS responder rate of >40%) was descriptively met at each assessment timepoint from 3 months to 5 years (Month 3: 75.5%, 95% CI = 65.6-83.8; Year 2: 93.0%, 95% CI = 86.1-97.1, Year 5: 92.8%, 95% CI = 85.7-97.0). International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective and objective scores and quality of life assessments (EQ-5D-5L) supported the results seen for the KOOS. The overall treatment failure rate at 5 years was 1%. All treatment-related adverse events were of mild or moderate intensity and mostly occurred within the first year after treatment.ConclusionsHydrogel-based ACI has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with large knee cartilage defects with sustained efficacy up to 5 years as demonstrated by consistent and clinically relevant improvements in all investigated efficacy variables. No remarkable adverse events or safety issues were noted.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"347-357"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037527/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143981432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Five-Year Clinical and MRI-Based Outcomes After Cartilage Repair With or Without ACL Reconstruction: Worse Clinical Outcome after ACL Reconstruction Does not Affect Cartilage Repair Tissue Quality.","authors":"Felix R M Koenig, Veronika Vetchy, Gregor Wollner, Maximilian Kern, Marcus Raudner, Veronika Janacova, Vladimir Juras, Pavol Szomolanyi, Markus M Schreiner, Siegfried Trattnig","doi":"10.1177/19476035251362433","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251362433","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesCartilage repair (CR) surgery and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) are common joint procedures, particularly in younger patients. However, the impact of prior or concurrent ACL-R on the outcomes of CR remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate whether ACL-R affects the structural quality and clinical outcomes of CR tissue.MethodsIn this retrospective multicenter study, 71 patients undergoing CR were followed up with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical evaluations at 3, 12, and 60 months. Of these, 22 patients underwent ACL-R before or during CR. Morphological assessment was performed using Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) 2.0 scores; compositional analysis included T2 mapping (<i>n</i> = 45). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) were assessed at all time points. Statistical tests included the Mann-Whitney <i>U</i>-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and simulation-based power analysis.ResultsMOCART 2.0 scores and T2 mapping values showed no significant group differences at any time point. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in PROMs from baseline to 60 months. However, at 60 months, the ACL-R group had significantly lower PROMs than the non-ACL-R group.ConclusionAlthough long-term clinical outcomes were worse in patients with ACL-R, all PROMs improved significantly from baseline to 60 months in both groups. MRI showed no significant differences in focal CR tissue quality, suggesting structural success regardless of ACL-R. While ACL-R patients remain at higher risk of joint degeneration, they can still experience mid-term clinical benefit from CR. These findings support its use in ACL-R patients when joint function is properly restored and expectations are managed.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"368-377"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12334413/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144798279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cartilage Organoids from Articular Chondroprogenitor Cells and Their Potential to Produce Neo-Hyaline Cartilage.","authors":"Daphne M A Menssen, Jeske C A Feenstra, Rob P A Janssen, Florencia Abinzano, Keita Ito","doi":"10.1177/19476035241313179","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035241313179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionThe use of autologous human primary articular chondrocytes (hPACs) for repairing damaged cartilage is the golden standard; however, their 2-dimensional (2D) expansion induces dedifferentiation, making it challenging to create hyaline cartilage. Spinner flasks are efficient for generating cartilage organoids, allowing hPACs to proliferate without dedifferentiation; however, porcine notochordal cell-derived matrix (NCM) is needed for aggregation, limiting clinical application. Human articular chondroprogenitor cells (hACPCs) can be expanded many fold while maintaining chondrogenic potential. Therefore, the scalable production of hACPC cartilage organoids without NCM in spinner flasks was investigated in this study.MethodshPAC organoids with NCM and hACPC organoids using bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP-9) were produced in spinner flasks in 14 days. Thereafter, approximately 20 organoids were fused in low adhesive wells for 21 days. Organoids underwent mechanical testing, and both organoids and fused constructs were evaluated using biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsThe hACPCs self-assembled and synthesized abundant extracellular matrix once stimulated with BMP-9. The hPAC and hACPC organoids showed similar mechanical properties, but hACPC organoids and fused constructs showed a more uniform matrix and cell distribution.ConclusionThe hACPC organoids fused into a neo-hyaline cartilage-like tissue, demonstrating their potential for improved, scalable cartilage tissue repair.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"631-643"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11808691/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143381696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the Femoral Condyle Radius of Curvature at the Chondral Surface Shows Significant Correlation With the Anterior-Posterior Length.","authors":"Saeed Jerban, Suzanne M Tabbaa, Paul E Caldwell, Kristofer J Jones, William Bugbee, Dennis C Crawford, Eric Y Chang","doi":"10.1177/19476035251314109","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251314109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAccurate donor-recipient matching of the femoral condyle radius of curvature (ROC) in osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation may aid in minimizing articular surface incongruities. Matching linear femorotibial dimensions, such as the femoral condyle anterior-posterior length (APL), femoral condyle width (lateral-medial length, LML), femoral hemicondyle width (HCW), and tibial plateau width (TPW), can provide similar results if they correlate well with ROC. This study investigates the relationship between femorotibial dimensions and ROC at the cartilage surface using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsDeidentified MRI images of 63 patients (35 men, 33 ± 10 years old, and 28 women, 27 ± 8 years old) were analyzed. Axial images were used for APL, LML, and TPW (TPW-Ax) measurements, while coronal images were used for HCW and TPW (TPW-Cor) measurements. Cartilage was segmented in true sagittal images at the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and lateral femoral condyle (LFC) to calculate their specific cartilage surface ROCs. Linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between the femorotibial dimensions and ROC.ResultsCartilage ROC was significantly correlated with all the linear femorotibial dimensions at the MFC (<i>P</i> < 0.01, <i>R</i>² = 0.78, 0.69, 0.67, 0.59, and 0.37 for ROC correlations with APL, LML, TPW-Ax, TPW-Cor, and HCW, respectively), and the LFC (<i>P</i> < 0.01, <i>R</i>² = 0.81, 0.61, 0.56, 0.54, and 0.41 for ROC correlations with APL, LML, TPW-Ax, TPW-Cor, and HCW, respectively).ConclusionsThe APL was the most predictive femorotibial dimension of the cartilage surface ROC. Donor-recipient APL matching in OCA transplantation may provide a similar level of matching to that achievable by direct ROC measurements. The APL matching may help reduce cartilage incongruities, particularly for patients with large osteochondral lesions, in which the ROC measurement cannot be accurately determined.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"853-861"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11780605/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143063869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mean Cartilage Attenuation Measured <i>In Situ</i> in an Osteoarthritis Mouse Model Using Contrast-Enhanced Micro-Computed Tomography is Indicative of Cartilage Degeneration.","authors":"Jemima E Schadow, Emma C Boersma, Rachel A Davey, Kathryn S Stok","doi":"10.1177/19476035251323373","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251323373","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo develop and validate an <i>in vivo</i> image acquisition protocol for assessment of cartilage degeneration in an osteoarthritis (OA) mouse model using contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (CECT).DesignThree-, four-, seven-, and 10-month-old male STR/ort OA (<i>n</i> = 8) and healthy control CBA/1 (<i>n</i> = 8) mice were imaged using synchrotron-radiation micro-computed tomography. Mean attenuation of cartilage and mean attenuation difference between cartilage and contrast agent (mean Δ attenuation), to control for flux, were calculated and correlated to previously published cartilage parameters measured in the same mice. In a second experiment, C57Bl/6 mice underwent destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM) surgery or sham surgery. At 0 (<i>n</i> = 8 DMM), and 4 weeks (<i>n</i> = 10 DMM, <i>n</i> = 6 sham) post-surgery, mice were imaged using CECT. Mean attenuation and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score of cartilage were calculated, and mean attenuation and OARSI score were correlated.ResultsMean Δ attenuation of medial cartilage was lower in STR/ort OA mice compared to healthy control CBA/1 at 3-, 4-, 7-, and 10-months of age. Medial mean Δ attenuation was positively correlated to cartilage volume and thickness and negatively correlated with surface-to-volume ratio and Collins score. The mean attenuation and OARSI score of cartilage in DMM OA mice was higher than in sham controls in the medial tibia. Mean attenuation was positively correlated with OARSI score in the medial tibia.ConclusionsAn <i>in vivo</i> CECT imaging method was developed and validated. Mean attenuation is sensitive to cartilage degeneration in OA mouse models when imaged against a contrast agent as a background and using <i>in vivo</i> compatible image acquisition parameters.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"738-747"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11948269/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Socioeconomic Area Deprivation is Related to Poorer Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI).","authors":"Salam T Ismael, Helen S McCarthy, Karina Wright, Mike Williams, Andrew Barnett, Peter Gallacher, Paul Jermin, Sally Roberts, Jan Herman Kuiper","doi":"10.1177/19476035251360503","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251360503","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo determine the association between socioeconomic deprivation and short-term patient-reported clinical outcomes following autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI).DesignAll patients receiving knee ACI between 1996 and 2020 in our center were identified. Socioeconomic deprivation of their residential area was quantified using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). Patient-reported 1-year Lysholm and Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) scores were used as outcome measures in the analyses. After transformation to ensure normal distributions (where required), linear multivariable regression was used to analyze the relationship between IMD and 1-year Lysholm score, adjusting for demographic characteristics (age, sex, body mass index [BMI], and smoking) and baseline Lysholm.ResultsThree hundred and ninety-one patients with a mean age of 50 years (range = 16-84; 266 male) were identified. Median BMI was 27 (17-47), with 138 patients overweight and 105 obese. Seventy-seven patients lived in upper and 41 in lower quintile deprivation areas. The mean baseline Lysholm score was 49.8 ± 17.3 SD, improving to 66.5 ± 21.3 SD at 1 year. Mean 1-year Lysholm scores were significantly lower with increasing area deprivation scores, adjusted for demographic factors. Specifically, areas with high unemployment levels, being female, or having a lower baseline Lysholm were associated with poorer outcomes, but age, BMI, smoking, or higher income deprivation were not.ConclusionThis study demonstrates poorer functional outcomes following ACI in patients from more deprived areas, indicating future studies should consider neighborhood deprivation as a confounding factor. Furthermore, targeting patients from areas with higher deprivation with additional interventions/community support may improve their outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"378-387"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12411465/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144990882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ZC3H13 Promotes NSUN4-Mediated Chondrocyte Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Pyroptosis in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis.","authors":"Yu Chen, Haotian Ren","doi":"10.1177/19476035251339410","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251339410","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTemporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) seriously influences the quality of life of patients. Chondrocyte mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis play an important role in the development of osteoarthritis, but their role in TMJOA pathogenesis is elusive. We aimed to probe into the role and mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis in TMJOA.DesignTMJOA rat models were established by unilateral anterior crossbite operation. Pathological changes in cartilage tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The biological function and mechanism of ZC3H13 in mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis were determined by cell experiments.ResultsWe discovered that mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis occurred in cartilage tissues of TMJOA rats. The expression of ZC3H13 was observably upregulated in TMJOA rats. Further cell experiments showed that interference of ZC3H13 restrained mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis of chondrocytes. RNA sequencing revealed that NSUN4 expression was significantly increased in chondrocytes after ZC3H13 knockdown. Silencing of ZC3H13 remarkably diminished the level of NSUN4 N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis of chondrocytes were notably increased after NSUN4 knockdown.ConclusionOur study revealed that ZC3H13-mediated NSUN4 repressed TMJOA progression by modulating chondrocyte mitochondrial dysfunction and pyroptosis in an m6A-dependent manner, which may offer a potential strategy for TMJOA treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"748-761"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12119525/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144157110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plasma Amino Acids Reflect Cartilage Loss, Osteoarthritis Pain, Functional Disability, and Mental Health in a Longitudinal Study with Total Knee Replacement.","authors":"Anne-Mari Mustonen, Laura Säisänen, Lauri Karttunen, Petro Julkunen, Amir Esrafilian, Jusa Reijonen, Jussi Mäki, Heikki Kröger, Jari Arokoski, Petteri Nieminen","doi":"10.1177/19476035251360189","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251360189","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveBiofluid amino acids (AAs) are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a disease continuum of both mechanical and inflammatory aspects. Our aim was to identify AAs that would associate with cartilage degradation, subjectively and objectively assessed joint pain and function, and psychological well-being.DesignFasting blood was sampled from 8 healthy controls at baseline, and from 8 end-stage KOA patients before total knee arthroplasty and 1 year post-operatively. Plasma AA profiles were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography, and the obtained results were analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistical tests, and with pathway analysis by MetaboAnalyst.ResultsCystine, <i>β</i>-alanine, and hydroxylysine emerged as potential biomarkers distinguishing KOA patients from controls, and several metabolic pathways were disturbed in baseline KOA. Total knee arthroplasty reduced pain and improved joint function, but the effects on plasma AA metabolism were less obvious. There were significant associations between systemic AA levels and articular cartilage thickness, KOA pain, physical performance, corticospinal excitability, and mental health, independent of age and body adiposity.ConclusionThe results suggest that AA metabolism could play a role in KOA pathophysiology and motivate further studies investigating the potential of AAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"522-537"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339497/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144815817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}